Crypto companies have focused on digital wallets and exchanges, overlooking the 1.4 billion unbanked individuals who rely on cash. In cash-dependent regions like Africa, South Asia, and Latin America, traditional banking services are sparse, making it unrealistic to expect cash-based populations to adopt complex digital solutions. Reports show that where cash-based crypto solutions are offered, adoption rates rise significantly. Examples include Romania and Morocco, where a large percentage of transactions remain cash-based, yet crypto use is on the rise. The root problem for slow crypto adoption lies not in demand but in the assumption that only digital wallets are viable. A shift towards cash-integrated solutions, such as blockchain-linked banknotes and SMS-based transfers, can bridge this gap. Models similar to Africa's M-Pesa demonstrate the potential for cash-to-crypto solutions. The financial opportunity in integrating crypto into cash economies is substantial, estimated at $50 billion globally. To foster financial inclusion, the crypto industry needs to adapt and meet people where they are, rather than enforcing a digital-only approach.

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