A majority of affluent investors across seven of the world's largest economies hold digital assets, according to a new CoinShares survey. Cryptocurrency accounts for approximately 10% of their portfolios on average.
The survey included 2,230 investors with at least $500,000 in investable assets across the US, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Sweden, and Switzerland. Digital asset ownership rates varied by country, ranging from 54% in Sweden to approximately 70% in the US, UK, Germany, and Switzerland.
Among current digital asset investors, at least 85% in five of the seven countries indicated plans to increase their crypto exposure in 2026. The US, UK, and Germany showed the highest commitment, with 91% of investors in those countries planning to boost their holdings.
A market downturn in February 2026 did not discourage investor appetite. Across all seven countries surveyed, more respondents said the sell-off made them more likely to invest in digital assets than less likely.
Investment Motivations and Holdings
Long-term appreciation and portfolio diversification were the primary reasons investors cited for holding crypto, while speculation ranked last among motivations. Only 6% identified themselves primarily as short-term traders.
Bitcoin remained the most widely held digital asset, owned by 80% of digital asset investors on average. However, 89% of Bitcoin investors also held other digital assets. A significant majority of respondents, 77%, believed Bitcoin would play a significant role in the future global financial system.
Crypto exposure was particularly high among younger investors, who allocated more to digital assets than older investors in all seven countries studied. In four countries, younger investors held approximately twice as much crypto exposure as their older counterparts.
Regulatory Support and Adviser Disconnect
Seventy-nine percent of respondents supported increased regulation of digital asset markets.
The survey identified a gap between affluent investors and their financial advisers regarding crypto. Roughly four in 10 respondents in Switzerland, France, the US, and Germany who worked with an adviser reported finding them overly cautious about digital assets.
Ric Edelman, founder of the Digital Assets Council of Financial Professionals, noted that financial advisers have been slow to adopt digital assets. He cited time constraints and lack of firm support as barriers, adding that some firms prohibit advisers from discussing crypto with clients. This restriction may prevent advisers from providing tax planning and estate services related to their clients' crypto holdings.
Allocation Debate
Edelman questioned the survey's finding of 10% average allocations, stating his own research suggests allocations of 2% to 5% are more common. He recommends allocations ranging from 10% to 40% depending on risk tolerance: 10% for conservative portfolios, 25% for moderate portfolios, and 40% for aggressive portfolios.
Public sentiment on crypto in retirement accounts remains cautious. An August survey from the National Institute on Retirement Security found that 77% of Americans considered cryptocurrency in workplace retirement plans risky, with 46% viewing it as very risky.
