“Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System, ” the 2009 white paper by Satoshi Nakamoto that introduced a decentralized payment system alternative to traditional finance, was not an immediate success. Although Bitcoin launched later that year, it wasn’t until 2010 that it was first used in a real transaction. Since then, Bitcoin’s utility as a payment method and broader applications of crypto and blockchain technology have grown exponentially. Binance CEO Richard Teng recently reflected on crypto’s evolution, stating that “Fifteen years ago, crypto was about buying a pizza. Today, it’s about building robust payment systems, stablecoins, and real-life use cases that change lives. ” This evolution is ongoing, with developers continuously expanding blockchain infrastructure and adoption steadily increasing. Initially, Bitcoin attracted mostly tech-savvy users aligned with its decentralized ethos. Over the 2010s, the user base broadened as access, availability, and education improved significantly, aided by user-friendly exchanges like Binance. Additionally, crypto’s value as an alternative to traditional banking, especially in regions with limited banking access, expanded its demographic reach. By 2020, hundreds of millions of users engaged with crypto; however, mainstream financial institutions largely remained cautious due to regulatory uncertainties. Beginning last year, clearer regulations in the U. S.

and Europe enabled crypto to enter the financial mainstream. Crypto has grown far beyond its early use in buying pizza. Many businesses worldwide now accept cryptocurrencies, and some countries, notably El Salvador, have adopted Bitcoin as legal tender. Consumer demand for crypto payment options continues to rise, with a recent U. S. bank survey revealing that while under 15% of retailers currently accept crypto, 75% plan to adopt stablecoin or cryptocurrency payments within two years. As more individuals try crypto payments, appreciation of their practical everyday utility grows. Recent surveys of Binance users highlight that crypto payments are neither complex nor cumbersome. For instance, Sergio, a Mexican user, described paying a restaurant bill in BNB as “simple and practical. ” Similarly, Dubai-based Codi found paying with stablecoin USDT during a trip to Turkey “incredibly convenient” and noted better exchange rates than his local bank. Vietnamese user Andy demonstrated crypto’s utility for urgent cross-border payments when no other options were available. As awareness of crypto’s simplicity and practicality spreads, its transformation from niche novelty to everyday tool will accelerate. Note to Readers: Hindustan Times/HTDS assumes no responsibility or liability for the article’s content, including views or declarations expressed. This content serves informational and awareness purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.