Affluent investors seen boosting crypto exposure: Survey
Reported by Cointelegraph · AI-assisted summary by ChikoCorp AI News Desk
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Summary
A CoinShares survey reveals that most affluent investors in seven major economies hold digital assets, with crypto making up about 10% of their portfolios on average. The study covered 2,230 investors with at least $500,000 in investable assets across the US, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Sweden, and Switzerland. Despite the February 2026 crypto market downturn, a majority plan to increase their crypto exposure in 2026, viewing it primarily as a long-term investment rather than speculative trading.
Why it matters
The survey indicates sustained and growing interest in crypto among wealthy investors, suggesting confidence in digital assets' long-term potential for appreciation and portfolio diversification. However, the source notes a disconnect between investors and financial advisers, with advisers often hesitant or lacking knowledge about crypto, potentially hindering client support in this area. The source does not elaborate beyond these observations on wider market or policy implications.
Key context
Bitcoin remains the most widely held digital asset, owned by 80% of digital asset investors, with 89% of those investors also holding other digital assets. Younger investors tend to allocate more to crypto than older investors. The survey highlights financial advisers as slow adopters who may not actively engage with clients’ crypto holdings due to lack of knowledge or firm restrictions. There is also contrasting opinion on typical crypto allocations, with adviser Ric Edelman recommending greater allocations (10-40%) than the survey average (around 10%).
Key numbers and entities
CoinShares conducted the survey including 2,230 affluent investors in the US, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Sweden, and Switzerland. Crypto accounts for approximately 10% of their portfolios. Ownership rates range from 54% in Sweden up to 70% in the US, UK, Germany, and Switzerland. Bitcoin is owned by 80% of crypto investors on average. Approximately 85% to 91% of current investors plan to increase exposure in 2026. Ric Edelman, founder of the Digital Assets Council of Financial Professionals and Edelman Financial Engines, provided commentary on adviser attitudes and allocation recommendations.
What remains unclear
The source does not explain the survey's methodology in detail, such as how digital asset exposure was measured or which other digital assets are commonly held besides Bitcoin. It does not clarify whether intentions to increase crypto holdings will translate into actual portfolio shifts. Furthermore, the broader impact of these findings on regulatory approaches or crypto market dynamics is not addressed.