Wealthy Investors Treat Crypto As A Strategic Holding, CoinShares Survey Finds
In Brief
CoinShares survey of 2,230 affluent investors finds crypto is a long-term, macro-driven holding, with wealth managers in demand across seven markets.
Digital assets have become a mainstream holding among wealthy investors, according to a new report from asset manager CoinShares. Conducted with Vardaxoglou Advisory, the 2026 Affluent Investor Crypto Report surveyed 2,230 individuals with $500,000 or more in investable assets across the US, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Sweden and Switzerland between 11 May and 5 June. Around 70% of respondents in the US, UK, Germany and Switzerland own digital assets, and average allocations cluster near 10% of portfolios, comparable to private equity.
The findings challenge the perception of crypto as a speculative pursuit. Only 6% of investors say they hold digital assets primarily for volatility or short-term plays, and the self-described “Trader” profile peaks at 11% in the UK. Strategic motives such as long-term appreciation and diversification were cited most often, by 41% on average. Bitcoin anchors most portfolios, held by about 80% of crypto investors, though 89% of those who own it also hold other assets.
Conviction appears to have survived the sharp market downturn of February 2026. In every market, more respondents said the sell-off made them more likely to invest than less likely, and at least 85% of current investors in five markets plan to raise their exposure this year. Some 77% believe Bitcoin will play a significant role in the future financial system.
Macro Forces, Regulation and the Role of Advisers
Investment decisions are increasingly framed through a macroeconomic lens. Factors such as interest rates and inflation rank as the leading trigger in nearly every market, ahead of technical analysis. Geopolitics also matters: 57% of investors say tensions between the US and Europe make them more likely to invest, with Germany and France showing the strongest reaction.
Regulation is seen as a catalyst rather than a threat. About 79% support tighter rules for the sector. US policy under the current administration lifted investment intent by 68% to 79% across markets, compared with 49% to 65% for Europe’s MiCA framework. President Donald Trump’s personal endorsement also raised intent, even in European countries where he is unpopular, though it proved less influential than the administration’s institutional stance.
The report points to a sizeable opportunity for wealth managers. They are the most trusted source of crypto information in every market, yet 88% of investors admit they lack the knowledge to invest with full confidence. Some 69% would consider working with an adviser who has crypto expertise, and 98% of interested investors are willing to pay for such services. Investors favour managers with a personal track record in digital assets over those with formal credentials. Meanwhile, 55% prefer regulated, intermediated access such as brokerage platforms and ETPs to direct exchange use.
A generational split may reinforce these trends. Investors under 45 allocate roughly twice as much to crypto as older peers in several markets, a significant factor as an estimated $84 trillion in wealth passes to younger heirs over the next two decades.
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About The Author
Alisa, a dedicated journalist at the MPost, specializes in crypto, AI, investments, and the expansive realm of Web3. With a keen eye for emerging trends and technologies, she delivers comprehensive coverage to inform and engage readers in the ever-evolving landscape of digital finance.
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Alisa, a dedicated journalist at the MPost, specializes in crypto, AI, investments, and the expansive realm of Web3. With a keen eye for emerging trends and technologies, she delivers comprehensive coverage to inform and engage readers in the ever-evolving landscape of digital finance.
