Wealth managers are signaling increased interest in cryptocurrency allocations, according to research presented by Bitwise to 400 financial professionals. The presentation, shared on September 8, found that 60% of polled wealth managers planned to allocate to crypto within the following year, while 60% expected higher crypto prices by year-end.
Despite these allocation plans, 67% of the surveyed wealth managers reported having no existing crypto exposure in client accounts, suggesting significant untapped demand among financial advisers.
Broader Adviser Adoption Climbing
Beyond the Bitwise presentation, wider research indicates crypto allocations among financial advisers are becoming more common. A separate Bitwise and VettaFi benchmark survey found that 32% of financial advisers allocated to crypto in client accounts during 2025, up from 22% the previous year. The survey collected 299 responses between October 31 and December 8, 2025.
Access barriers remain a factor in adoption rates. While 42% of advisers could purchase crypto in client accounts—up from 35% a year earlier—this still represents less than half of respondents. Bitwise projected more than 100 U.S. crypto-linked ETF launches in 2026, potentially expanding investment options through established brokerage channels.
Institutional Buyers Prioritize Regulated Structures
Institutional investors show similar patterns of growing interest alongside preference for established investment vehicles. A Coinbase and EY-Parthenon survey published in March found that 73% of 351 institutional respondents planned to increase crypto allocations in 2026, with 74% expecting prices to rise over the following 12 months.
Among institutions planning increased holdings, 66% already held spot crypto ETFs or exchange-traded products, and 81% preferred accessing spot crypto through registered vehicles. Improved regulatory clarity was identified as the leading factor behind allocation decisions by 65% of institutions planning to increase their crypto holdings.
Risk management also factored into institutional strategies, with 49% of survey respondents indicating that volatility strengthened their focus on risk management, liquidity, and position sizing.
