A recent study of high-net-worth individuals across seven leading economies reveals that digital assets remain a core component of their investment mix, even after the market slump earlier this year.
Survey scope and participation
The research covered 2,230 investors who each manage at least $500,000 in investable assets. Participants were drawn from the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Sweden and Switzerland. Ownership of crypto-related assets varied by country, with the lowest share recorded in Sweden (just over half) and the highest in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany and Switzerland (around seven-tenths).
Portfolio weight and future intent
On average, respondents allocate about 10% of their total holdings to cryptocurrencies. When asked about future plans, a substantial majority—85% in five of the seven markets and up to 91% in the United States, United Kingdom and Germany—said they intend to increase that share by 2026. The February 2026 market correction did not deter interest; in every country surveyed, more participants reported that the sell-off actually heightened their willingness to invest.
Motivation behind the exposure
Long-term appreciation and diversification emerged as the primary reasons for holding digital assets, while short-term speculation ranked near the bottom. Only 6% of investors described themselves as short-term traders, underscoring a broader shift toward viewing crypto as a strategic, rather than speculative, allocation.
Bitcoin’s dominant role
Bitcoin continues to be the most widely held cryptocurrency, present in the portfolios of roughly four-fifths of crypto owners. Among those Bitcoin holders, the vast majority also possess other digital assets. Moreover, 77% of respondents believe Bitcoin will play a significant part in the future global financial system, and 79% support stronger regulatory frameworks for the sector.
Generational differences
Younger participants allocate a larger share of their wealth to digital assets compared with older counterparts, often doubling the proportion in several of the surveyed nations. This trend highlights a generational tilt toward embracing newer asset classes.
Adviser disconnect
The study identified a notable gap between investors and their financial advisers. Approximately 40% of respondents in Switzerland, France, the United States and Germany who work with advisers consider them overly conservative on crypto matters. Industry commentary suggests many advisers lack the expertise or incentives to discuss digital assets, and some firms restrict advisers from offering crypto-related products altogether. This mismatch may limit clients’ access to tax, estate-planning and philanthropic advice linked to their crypto holdings.
Expert perspective on allocation size
Ric Edelman, founder of the Digital Assets Council of Financial Professionals, argued that the survey’s average allocation figure appears high. He notes that most high-net-worth clients typically allocate between 2% and 5% to crypto, but recommends a range of 10% to 40% depending on risk tolerance—10% for conservative, 25% for moderate and 40% for aggressive portfolios. Edelman predicts that allocations of 10% or more will become commonplace as the asset class matures.
Why it matters
The findings illustrate that affluent investors view digital assets as a lasting element of diversified portfolios, even in the face of price volatility. Growing demand combined with a perceived advisory shortfall could drive new financial-service offerings and regulatory attention, shaping how crypto integrates with traditional wealth-management structures.
Why it matters
The continued commitment of wealthy investors to crypto signals a maturation of the asset class, potentially prompting broader institutional adoption, influencing regulatory approaches, and prompting wealth-management firms to develop more robust crypto capabilities.
