Cryptocurrency is no longer just a speculative asset; it’s becoming a cornerstone of many investors’ wealth-building strategies. A recent survey by EY-Parthenon revealed that over 70% of crypto investors consider digital assets a crucial component of their financial portfolio. This significant shift indicates a growing maturity in the blockchain industry.
Prashant Kher, Digital Assets Strategy and Transactions Leader at EY, emphasized the importance of this trend: “It’s a clear sign that what was once seen as experimentation is now being integrated into the overall wealth planning of retail investors.”
Beyond trading, the survey found that emerging use cases, such as payments, are gaining traction. The number of retail investors using crypto for payments increased by 6% between 2022 and 2024, with 29% of them reporting this activity. Among accredited investors, the adoption of crypto payments is even higher, with 69% having used them at least once in the past year. Kher noted, “There’s a growing narrative around faster, smaller, and cross-border payments.”
ETFs and Tokenized Assets Drive Adoption
The survey also highlighted a surge in investment in digital assets. 64% of retail investors are already invested, and another 69% plan to increase their holdings in the next two to three years. The recent approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs in the US and other regions has contributed to this trend.
Kher explained that investors have been closely watching the crypto market since its early days, witnessing both dramatic crashes and parabolic rallies. The availability of ETFs provides a more regulated and accessible way to invest in crypto, boosting confidence among retail investors.
Additionally, tokenized real-world assets (RWAs) are gaining interest. 63% of accredited investors expressed interest in investing in RWAs, and 88% plan to do so by 2027. Kher believes that tokenization can simplify investment and provide greater accessibility to fractional ownership of assets.
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DeFi Usage Continues to Grow
Beyond trading and payments, decentralized finance (DeFi) applications are also seeing increased adoption. The survey found a 16% growth in staking and an 11% increase in interactions with DeFi platforms since 2022. Kher attributed this growth to factors like The Merge on Ethereum, which introduced proof of stake consensus, and the potential for long-term value appreciation through staking.
As the crypto industry matures and offers a wider range of use cases and investment opportunities, it’s clear that digital assets are becoming an increasingly integral part of the modern investor’s toolkit.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of Chain Affairs. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. Chain Affairs is not responsible for any financial losses.
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