Canadians’ Ownership of Crypto Increases to 25%: OSC Survey

Summary

A recent survey conducted by the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) involving 2,360 Canadians aged 18 and over between December 2025 and January 2026 revealed that cryptocurrency ownership in Canada has risen significantly, reaching 25% in 2026 compared to just 10% in 2023. The survey also found that 59% of respondents were aware of crypto assets, indicating greater overall awareness alongside the increase in ownership.

Naizam Kanji, the OSC’s executive vice president of strategic regulation, commented that the growth in crypto participation requires regulators to identify emerging trends and risks to ensure investor protection and maintain fair and efficient markets. The survey data suggested that while risk awareness is improving among Canadians, many investors still possess limited understanding of the crypto industry's regulatory and protection frameworks. For instance, only about half of crypto owners verify whether trading platforms are registered before use, and many have misconceptions about regulation, insurance coverage, and transaction functionality.

Why it matters

In the broader regulatory context, Canadian lawmakers have introduced measures aimed at addressing concerns around cryptocurrency’s use. Notably, in April 2026, the federal government proposed legislation to ban political donations made with crypto and to prohibit digital asset ATMs, citing fraud risks. This regulatory attention underscores ongoing efforts to manage both the opportunities and challenges posed by the increasing involvement of Canadians in crypto markets.