According to the Bitso¹ survey, a $1,000 investment in bitcoin would have yielded $1,981 in the last 12 months (equivalent to around R$ 11,000 at the dollar rate on July 21, 2025), an appreciation of 98.1%, the best performance compared to 15 other investment alternatives analyzed in the same period.
In a scenario of global economic instability, geopolitical tensions, and reassessments in monetary policies, bitcoin led the ranking of the best return in the past year among important 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 the main indicators of the Brazilian economy, such as the Ibovespa (+11.7%). Meanwhile, stocks like Vale (-14%) and Petrobras (-17%) recorded losses in the period, along with oil (-19%).
The appreciation of the world’s largest cryptocurrency is accompanied by an important institutional movement. BTC, which in recent days hit a new all-time high (ATH, an English acronym), surpassing $123,000, has been driven by factors such as increasing institutional adoption, regulatory optimism, and the consolidation of bitcoin ETFs in the United States. “Cryptocurrencies are no longer a second option for investors. They are now on the same level as major traditional assets and, in many cases, offer superior performance, with the global liquidity and decentralization differential,” says Bárbara Espir, Country Manager at Bitso in Brazil.
Brazilian regulation strengthens investor security
Brazil has been consolidating itself as one of the most structured markets in Latin America in the use and regulation of crypto assets. The advancement in discussions regarding the Central Bank’s guidelines for exchanges, despite 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, Chainalysis² data shows that 60.7% of crypto activity in Brazil today occurs through centralized exchanges, demonstrating Brazilians’ trust in platforms that adopt strong governance, compliance practices, and alignment with the traditional financial system. The global average use of centralized platforms is 48.1%, placing the country above the international average and reflecting a more regulated and transparent market.
Bitcoin emerges as a key player in modern finance
“With a performance that outperformed significant traditional assets over the past year, bitcoin reinforces its position as a key element in current investment strategies. Institutional adoption, regulatory maturity, especially in Brazil, and increased investor confidence are clear signals that cryptocurrencies have not only gained legitimacy but already occupy a central space in the future of finance”, adds Bárbara.
The executive points out that, in the coming months, the expectation is that the combination of technological innovation, stable regulation, and expanded daily use will continue to strengthen the role of BTC and other digital assets in the portfolios of individual and institutional investors.
