Bitcoin Surges Past $126,000: Why It’s Still Not Late to Invest in Digital Assets

The cryptocurrency market continues to witness new milestones, with Bitcoin (BTC) recently surpassing the $126,000 mark. Despite this incredible momentum, industry experts argue that the opportunity to invest in digital assets remains vast, as most investors worldwide have yet to enter the market meaningfully.

Digital Asset Ownership: A Market Still in Its Early Stages

Even as Bitcoin breaks all-time highs, the adoption rate for digital assets remains surprisingly low. According to Cosmo Jiang, a partner at Pantera Capital who spoke on CNBC’s “Fast Money” on November 6, the majority of investors still have zero exposure to digital currencies. Recent data from Bank of America (BoA) supports this claim, indicating that over 60% of investors have no allocation to digital assets.

“This statistic highlights that we’re still in the early stages of adoption,” Jiang emphasized. “With the majority of potential investors sitting on the sidelines, the idea that it’s ‘too late’ to get involved in cryptocurrency is simply not accurate.”

A Global Perspective on Crypto Adoption

Digital asset ownership remains modest not just in the United States but globally as well. The 2025 “State of Crypto” report, published by the National Crypto Association (NCA), revealed that only 21% of U.S. adults currently own any form of digital currency—this despite the U.S. being a leader in crypto innovation.

On a broader scale, adoption rates show similar limitations. Apex Protocol’s recent data highlights that even in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)—the country with the highest level of digital asset ownership—only 25.3% of the population reports holding cryptocurrencies.

Tom Bruni, head of markets at StockTwits, pointed out the psychological barriers that contribute to this slow adoption. “Many investors see Bitcoin’s rising prices and assume they’ve missed their chance to invest. This causes hesitation to join the market,” Bruni noted. “However, when you consider the low penetration rate across the globe, it underscores just how much room the crypto market has for growth.”

Altcoins Gaining Traction: A Shift Beyond Bitcoin

While Bitcoin continues to dominate headlines as the flagship cryptocurrency, experts are also emphasizing the rising importance of altcoins like Ethereum (ETH) and Solana (SOL). Jiang suggests that the market’s growing understanding of Bitcoin sets the stage for altcoins to shine, particularly those that offer versatility beyond serving as a digital store of value.

“Bitcoin has become a trusted asset class for many people,” Jiang explained. “But as its legitimacy in the mainstream grows, it opens doors for increased attention on altcoins. These alternative cryptocurrencies come with unique use cases, including smart contracts, decentralized finance (DeFi) applications, and blockchain ecosystems.”

Legislative Momentum Supporting Altcoin Expansion

U.S. legislative advancements further bolster the potential of altcoins. Recent regulatory actions in Congress are laying the groundwork for a broader acceptance of cryptocurrencies as a formalized component of the financial system. These advancements signal growing support for the broader digital asset market.

Jiang believes this regulatory clarity provides a significant advantage for altcoins. For instance, Solana has already distinguished itself as a blockchain offering high scalability and efficiency. “If current trends hold, Solana could position itself as the equivalent of a next-generation mega-cap tech company,” Jiang noted.

The Crypto Opportunity is Still Evolving

Bitcoin’s unprecedented surge beyond $126,000 encapsulates the explosive potential of the digital asset space, but it’s clear that opportunities extend well beyond BTC. With low global adoption rates, expanding altcoin ecosystems, and increasing regulatory support, the crypto sector remains a dynamic space ripe for growth. Investors who may have initially hesitated are being reminded that the market is still in its infancy.

As market insiders continue to advocate for broader participation in the cryptocurrency ecosystem, it’s evident that the digital asset story is far from reaching its conclusion. For those still contemplating their entry point, the window of opportunity remains wide open.