Affluent Investors Boost Crypto Allocations Despite 2026 Market Downturn

CoinShares PLC, a leading digital asset manager, has published the CoinShares Affluent Investor Crypto Report, surveying 2,230 affluent investors across the US and six European markets. The report reveals that a majority of investors in each market hold digital assets, ranging from 54% in Sweden to around 70% in the US, UK, Germany, and Switzerland. Despite the sharp downturn in February 2026, investors across all seven markets reported an increased likelihood to invest rather than reducing their exposure.

The survey highlights that average crypto allocations cluster around 10% of portfolios, comparable to investments in private equity, commodities, or real estate. Strategic motives for investment, such as long-term appreciation and diversification, dominate over speculation. A significant 77% of respondents believe Bitcoin will play a major role in the future global financial system as confidence in fiat currencies declines.

Policy signals also influence investment intent, with 79% of investors supporting increased regulation of the digital asset market. The US Administration's pro-crypto agenda and President Trump's personal endorsement boosted investment intent more than the EU's MiCA framework. Additionally, macroeconomic factors like interest rates and inflation are now leading triggers for investment decisions, overshadowing technical analysis.

The report also indicates a strong demand for wealth management services with crypto expertise. While wealth managers are the most trusted sources of digital asset information, nearly 98% of current investors open to advisory services are willing to pay for professional guidance.