While headlines around the world swing from crypto hype to crypto crisis, Italy is quietly carving its own path through the digital currency landscape. The latest findings from SWG’s May 2025 Radar report paint a picture of a country that is not dismissive nor blindly enthusiastic, but cautiously engaged—curious, increasingly aware, and influenced by the steady pulse of generational change.
Today, 52% of Italians say they are familiar with cryptocurrencies, a figure that mirrors global awareness trends and reflects years of intermittent public debate, media focus, and market fluctuation. From the Bitcoin boom of 2021—when its value skyrocketed and El Salvador adopted it as legal tender—to today’s more tempered environment, Italians have watched, learned, and, in some cases, dabbled.
Actual usage remains modest: only a small percentage report having used Bitcoin or other digital assets. But what’s more important is the growing openness to the idea of crypto. About one in three people familiar with cryptocurrencies say they are interested in using them, either as an investment tool or for electronic payments. Among Italians under 34, that figure jumps to nearly 40%.
It’s here, among the youth, that the future may quietly be taking shape. Digital natives see crypto not just as an asset class, but as part of a broader ecosystem—decentralized, global, and aligned with their online lives. From digital wallets to NFTs, from decentralized finance (DeFi) to new forms of online community, crypto represents innovation rather than disruption.
What’s striking in the data is how Italians assess the practical aspects of cryptocurrencies. Many now view crypto payments as being just as fast, practical, and even safe as traditional payment systems like debit cards or bank transfers. For example, 39% of respondents see crypto transactions as “as fast” as electronic payments; 37% say they’re equally practical. The differences between crypto and traditional systems are narrowing—at least in perception.
Moreover, the use of crypto for everyday transactions—once unthinkable—is now seen by a significant minority as a realistic prospect. While adoption is still low in absolute numbers, the interest in using crypto to pay for goods and services has surpassed 30% among those who know the technology, suggesting that its functionality is increasingly recognized, especially where speed and simplicity matter.
Of course, questions remain. Transparency and transaction traceability, for example, are still under scrutiny. One in three people notes that crypto is less traceable than traditional payment systems, a concern particularly relevant in countries like Italy with strong public focus on anti-fraud norms. But rather than dismiss crypto for these reasons, many Italians seem to accept them as part of a still-maturing technology.
What is becoming clearer is that the conversation around crypto in Italy has matured. It is no longer a novelty, a speculative bubble, or a fringe tool. Instead, it’s becoming a topic of serious consideration for how it might complement—not necessarily replace—existing financial systems.
This reflects a broader shift in Italian attitudes toward finance and innovation. As shown in other parts of the SWG report, there’s still a lingering nostalgia for the past and some skepticism toward sweeping changes. Yet within this context, crypto is gaining a foothold—thanks largely to a generation more comfortable with experimentation, speed, and global platforms.
