According to a survey by Bitso¹, a financial services company based on crypto, a $1,000 investment in bitcoin would have yielded $1,981 over the last 12 months (equivalent to approximately R$11,000 at the dollar exchange rate on July 21, 2025), a 98.1% appreciation, the best performance when compared to 15 other investment alternatives analyzed during the same period.
In a scenario of global economic instability, geopolitical tensions, and monetary policy reassessments, bitcoin led the ranking of highest returns over the past year among major market assets, such as stocks, funds, commodities, bonds, currencies, and other cryptocurrencies. Reinforcing its position as a solid portfolio diversification alternative, now in direct competition with traditional options, bitcoin outperformed assets like gold (+39%), silver (+25.3%), coffee (+21.5%), and also Brazil’s key economic indicators, such as the Ibovespa (+11.7%). Meanwhile, stocks like Vale (-14%) and Petrobras (-17%) recorded losses during the period, alongside oil (-19%).
The appreciation of the world’s largest cryptocurrency has been accompanied by significant institutional movement. BTC, which recently hit a new all-time high (ATH), surpassing $123,000, has been driven by factors such as growing institutional adoption, regulatory optimism, and the consolidation of bitcoin ETFs in the United States. ‘Cryptocurrencies are no longer a secondary option for investors. They are now on par with major traditional assets and, in many cases, offer superior performance, with the added advantage of global liquidity and decentralization,’ comments Bárbara Espírito Santo, Country Manager of Bitso in Brazil.
Brazilian regulation strengthens investor security
Brazil has been consolidating itself as one of the most structured markets in Latin America regarding the use and regulation of crypto assets. The progress in debates about the Central Bank’s guidelines for exchanges, even amid recent tax controversies, has helped maintain confidence in strengthening legal security for companies and investors, both institutional and retail.
In addition to the expanding regulatory framework, data from Chainalysis² shows that 60.7% of crypto activity in Brazil today occurs through centralized exchanges, demonstrating Brazilians’ trust in platforms that adopt robust governance practices, compliance, and alignment with the traditional financial system. The global average for centralized platform usage is 48.1%, positioning Brazil above the international average and reflecting a more regulated and transparent market.
Bitcoin consolidates as a key piece in modern finance
‘With performance that surpassed major traditional assets over the past year, bitcoin reinforces its position as a key piece in current investment strategies. The growing institutional adoption, regulatory maturity—especially in Brazil—and increasing investor confidence are clear signs that crypto assets have not only gained legitimacy but already occupy a central role in the future of finance,’ adds Bárbara.
The executive points out that, for the coming months, the expectation is that the combination of technological innovation, stable regulation, and expanded everyday use will continue strengthening the role of BTC and other digital assets in the portfolios of individual and institutional investors.
