Majority of affluent investors across seven countries own crypto and plan to raise exposure, CoinShares survey shows
A recent CoinShares survey covering 2,230 affluent investors with investable assets above $500,000 across the US, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Sweden and Switzerland revealed that between 54% (Sweden) and 70% (US, UK, Germany, Switzerland) currently hold digital assets. On average, crypto comprises about 10% of their portfolios. Over 85% intend to increase their crypto exposure in 2026, despite the February market downturn which, paradoxically, made many more inclined to invest. These findings indicate a long-term investment perspective and considerable skepticism towards short-term speculative trading among wealthy investors.
Crypto Ownership and Investment Plans Among Affluent Investors
The survey shows digital asset ownership among affluent investors varies by country: from 54% in Sweden to about 70% in the US, UK, Germany, and Switzerland. On average, crypto accounts for roughly 10% of these investors’ portfolios. At least 85% of current crypto holders in five of the seven countries plan to increase their exposure in 2026, with the highest interest (91%) found in the US, UK, and Germany.
Interestingly, the market dip in February 2026 did not discourage investors. Across all seven nations surveyed, more respondents said the sell-off made them more likely to invest in digital assets than less likely, reflecting confidence in the asset class’s long-term outlook.
Investment Motives and Bitcoin’s Dominance
Long-term appreciation potential and portfolio diversification ranked as the primary reasons for holding crypto, with speculation being least cited. Only 6% identified themselves chiefly as short-term traders. Bitcoin remains the most widely held digital asset, owned by 80% of investors on average, and 89% of Bitcoin holders also own other cryptocurrencies.
Furthermore, 77% of respondents believe Bitcoin will play a significant role in the future global financial system, while 79% favor stronger regulation of digital asset markets.
Age Dynamics and the Role of Financial Advisers
Younger investors allocate more of their portfolios to cryptocurrencies compared to their older counterparts across all surveyed countries, in some cases twice as much. However, there is a notable gap between high-net-worth crypto investors and their financial advisers. Approximately 40% of respondents in Switzerland, France, the US, and Germany who use advisers described them as overly cautious about digital assets.
Ric Edelman, founder of the Digital Assets Council of Financial Professionals, echoed this sentiment, stating advisers are slow adopters of cryptocurrency due to limited knowledge and lack of incentives. He noted that some firms prohibit advisers from discussing or offering crypto investments, potentially causing missed opportunities for tax and estate planning related to clients’ crypto holdings.
Recommended Crypto Allocation and Contrasting Views
Edelman challenges CoinShares’ average crypto allocation figure of around 10%, suggesting that actual allocations commonly range between 2% and 5%. Nevertheless, he advises allocations from 10% to 40%, adjusted by risk tolerance: 10% for conservative, 25% for moderate, and 40% for aggressive portfolio strategies.
These recommendations contrast with broader public skepticism about crypto in retirement plans. A survey by the National Institute on Retirement Security found that 77% of Americans consider cryptocurrency in workplace retirement plans to be risky, with 46% viewing it as very risky.
Why it matters
The CoinShares survey data underscores growing interest among affluent investors in cryptocurrencies, even after market downturns, indicating that digital assets are increasingly viewed as tools for long-term investment and diversification. High Bitcoin ownership and support for regulation highlight a maturing investor perspective. However, the lagging adoption by financial advisers and conflicting views on appropriate crypto allocations point to current challenges in integrating digital assets into traditional financial advisory. Understanding these trends is key for professionals engaging with investors and advancing the crypto market.
Prepared from the source material with AI-assisted editing and checked against the supplied facts.
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