Cryptocurrency exchange Binance released a research report titled "The Long Game of Cryptocurrency: The Uses of Digital Assets Beyond Investment" on its official blog yesterday (9), summarizing the utility of digital assets and blockchain technology beyond investment. (Background: The Development History of Binance) The comprehensive report explains "Understanding Binance in the CZ Era". (Background Supplement: Global Survey of Binance) Meme coins surpass BTC as the "most widely held" token, with the user ratio of new entrants to the cryptocurrency space reaching 45% this year. The cryptocurrency exchange Binance released a research report titled "The Long Game of Cryptocurrency: The Uses of Digital Assets Beyond Investment" on its official blog yesterday (9), summarizing the utility of digital assets and blockchain technology beyond investment. The following section will provide a full translation of the text. The cryptocurrency revolution began with Bitcoin, a peer-to-peer electronic cash system, and the potential of this technology far exceeds pure financial uses. As we enter another bull market cycle, newcomers must understand that digital assets represent a fundamental transformation that changes how value flows in our increasingly interconnected world and how valuable information is recorded, stored, and shared. This article explores the broader uses of digital assets and blockchain technology and their growing adoption across various fields, demonstrating that cryptocurrency represents a long-term, fundamental paradigm shift that is just beginning to reshape our global society. Global Adoption Status The adoption of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology continues to accelerate on multiple fronts, showing stable and organic growth despite market volatility. A recent study by digital currency payment company Triple-A indicates that the number of global cryptocurrency owners will reach 562 million by 2024, highlighting the significant penetration of this technology into mainstream awareness. This growth is particularly noteworthy as it spans different geographic regions and demographics, indicating widespread acceptance rather than concentrated adoption. The commercial integration of cryptocurrency solutions has reached a critical turning point, with many businesses now beginning to accept cryptocurrency payments. This corporate adoption is not limited to payments; many companies are also integrating blockchain technology into their core business operations. The institutional financial sector has also experienced similarly dramatic changes. Traditional banks, once skeptical of cryptocurrency, are now actively exploring the implementation of blockchain, with many major financial institutions currently developing blockchain-based solutions and trialing programs related to digital assets and cryptocurrencies. Providing Financial Services to the Unbanked The World Bank report states that approximately 1.4 billion adults globally still lack access to banking services and cannot obtain basic financial services. This challenge is particularly acute in developing countries, where traditional banking infrastructure is scarce or non-existent. Cryptocurrency and blockchain technology have unique advantages in addressing this issue through their inherent accessibility and low barriers to entry. The mobile-friendliness of cryptocurrency solutions aligns perfectly with existing technology adoption trends, as the proliferation of smartphones globally has led to advancements in emerging economies. Unlike traditional banking systems that require extensive documentation and physical infrastructure, digital assets only require a smartphone and internet connection to provide financial services. This simplicity is beginning to change financial services in developing countries. The remittance industry is one of the sectors most profoundly affected by the cryptocurrency revolution. Traditional remittance services often charge users 5% to 7% or higher in fees, which is a significant financial burden for those least able to afford it. Cryptocurrency transfers have fundamentally changed this landscape, reducing costs to below 1%, allowing global remittance users to save over $25 billion annually. Countries like El Salvador, where remittances account for 24% of GDP, have already adopted cryptocurrency solutions to enhance financial efficiency for their citizens. Success stories from sub-Saharan Africa illustrate this ongoing transformation. In this region, traditional banking penetration remains at only 45%, while cryptocurrency adoption has surged dramatically. According to Chainalysis's 2024 "Cryptocurrency Geographic Report," the region handles over $100 billion in cryptocurrency transactions annually. Nigeria leads in this area, with 35% of adults actively using cryptocurrency, while Kenya has created a robust hybrid financial system by combining cryptocurrency platforms with M-Pesa, serving millions. Real-World Applications of Blockchain Technology Beyond Finance Below are just a few of the most exciting real-world applications of blockchain technology outside of finance. Of course, this list is not exhaustive. Decentralized Identity and Privacy The concept of self-sovereign identity has shifted from theoretical discussions to practical applications through blockchain technology. This transformation enables individuals to take control of their personal information without relying on centralized authorities, which is a crucial development in our increasingly digital world. For example, the United Nations' ID2020 Alliance is a landmark initiative in this field, dedicated to providing digital identities to over a billion people lacking official documentation. This effort has profound implications for individuals' access to basic services, economic opportunities, and social integration. Estonia's pioneering e-residency program demonstrates how blockchain-based identity systems can transform government services and international business operations, while Microsoft's ION network establishes the infrastructure for a new generation of decentralized identity solutions on the Bitcoin network. Supply Chain Transformation In supply chain management, blockchain can track the origin of products from source to consumer, ensuring transparency and reducing fraud. Walmart's blockchain initiative achieves this by tracking food products from farm to shelf, significantly shortening the time required to trace food sources, especially in the context of foodborne illness tracking. This initiative reduced the time to trace food sources from seven days to just 2.2 seconds. This remarkable improvement allows us to respond swiftly to food safety issues and greatly reduces resource waste throughout the supply chain. Medical Revolution The adoption of blockchain technology in healthcare represents one of the most promising applications of this technology. The security of managing patient data across institutions has long been a major challenge in the healthcare sector, and blockchain offers a robust solution while maintaining privacy and complying with regulatory requirements. The transformation of the pharmaceutical supply chain through blockchain technology is particularly significant. Drug authenticity verification, temperature-controlled transport monitoring, and automated recall management systems greatly enhance patient safety and reduce operational costs. According to the latest research report from Polaris Market Research, the market prospects for blockchain in healthcare are very promising. The market value of healthcare-related blockchain is projected to reach $831 million in 2024, with growth expected to reach $178 billion by 2034. The market is expected to exhibit a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 71.1% from 2025 to 2034. Social Impact Innovations The social impact sector provides particularly compelling use cases for blockchain technology. Climate action initiatives are utilizing blockchain for carbon credit trading and environmental impact tracking, while charitable donation platforms employ this technology to ensure transparency in donations and efficiency in fund allocation. These applications demonstrate how blockchain can address complex social challenges while providing tangible benefits to users and stakeholders. Practical Advice for Keeping Up with the Uses of Cryptocurrency Understanding and engaging with the uses of cryptocurrency requires an approach that goes beyond simple transactions or investments. The following...