Over 117 million people are forcibly displaced globally, facing significant barriers to traditional financial access during crises. #Bitcoin, as a decentralized and portable digital currency, increasingly serves as a vital lifeline for refugees, allowing them to preserve and move wealth securely across borders when conventional systems fail. Using conservative inference methods, the study estimates at least 329,000 refugees have already used Bitcoin, a number projected to grow to 6.5–7.5 million by 2035. This suggests Bitcoin’s attributes—censorship resistance, global reach, and independence from collapsing banks—fill critical needs overlooked by traditional finance and humanitarian programs. Facilitating safe access to such digital tools can enhance refugee self-reliance and facilitate faster recovery, but policies must be careful; overly restrictive regulations risk cutting off essential humanitarian channels. The research underscores the importance of data-driven policies that recognize Bitcoin’s evolving role in crises, support vulnerable populations, and encourage further investigation into its humanitarian potential.

This analysis estimates at least 329,000 refugees worldwide have used Bitcoin to preserve or access wealth during displacement, after accounting for factors like camp-based refugees unlikely to transact. Demographic and urban/rural checks support the model's validity, indicating a significant portion of displaced individuals benefit from Bitcoin. As global displacement rises alongside increasing digital asset adoption (~18-20% annually), projections suggest up to 7.5 million refugees could use Bitcoin by 2035, providing a crucial lifeline. Cases from Ukraine, Gaza, Syria, and Congo demonstrate Bitcoin’s role in bypassing financial sanctions, war-induced banking failures, and facilitating aid delivery through grassroots efforts. Unlike stablecoins, Bitcoin’s decentralization and censorship resistance make it the preferred tool in crises. These findings highlight Bitcoin’s current and future importance in humanitarian aid, emphasizing the need for policies that support digital assets for vulnerable populations.

Refugees are using Bitcoin to build micro-economies and gain independence, even amid limited resources. Small-scale efforts, like distributing smartphones and teaching digital wallets, enable families to purchase essentials and access aid without traditional banks. This enhances their resilience, preserves dignity, and reduces reliance on host governments, potentially easing resource strains. Policy recommendations include recognizing Bitcoin’s humanitarian role, ensuring legal protections, promoting safe adoption, and supporting responsible innovation. As displacement crises continue, Bitcoin can serve as a vital tool for self-sufficiency, protecting economic identity across borders, and fostering empowerment. Balancing regulation with openness is crucial to maximize benefits while safeguarding against illicit use. These grassroots efforts illustrate Bitcoin’s potential to aid vulnerable populations, emphasizing the importance of adapting policies to support secure, responsible deployment.