A new report from Sygnum Bank reveals that 61% of institutional investors intend to increase their cryptocurrency allocations through the end of the year. Diversification has overtaken speculation as the main reason for investing in digital assets. The survey highlights growing confidence in crypto as a portfolio staple among professionals worldwide.
According to Sygnum Bank's Future Finance 2025 Report, institutional investors are ramping up cryptocurrency investments amid expectations of fading momentum in 2026. The survey, which polled over 1,000 professional and high-net-worth investors across 43 countries, found that 61% of respondents plan to raise their digital asset holdings, with 38% specifically targeting additions in the fourth quarter.
Diversification has replaced speculation as the primary investment rationale, signaling crypto's maturation into a standard portfolio component. Actively managed strategies lead institutional preferences at 42%, closely followed by index exposure at 39%. This shift favors flexible approaches that can navigate policy shifts and market swings over rigid allocations.
Demand for crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs) extends beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum, with over 80% of respondents desiring broader exposure. Notably, 70% said they would boost allocations if staking options were available, particularly for Solana and multi-asset products. U.S. spot Solana ETFs saw over $200 million in net inflows during their debut week.
Interest in tokenized real-world assets has risen sharply from 6% to 26% year-over-year, driven by confidence in regulated on-chain offerings like tokenized bonds and funds. However, sentiment shifts to neutral or bearish beyond 2025, as investors foresee a slowdown by mid-2026 when interest rate cuts level off and macroeconomic supports wane.
Among high-net-worth individuals, 91% regard cryptocurrency as vital for long-term wealth preservation. Some 81% view Bitcoin as a suitable treasury reserve asset, and 70% argue that holding cash over Bitcoin incurs major opportunity costs over five years.
Lead author Lucas Schweiger observed, "discipline has tempered exuberance without eliminating conviction." Investors appear primed for the upcoming cycle while bracing for diminished short-term drivers. Sygnum, licensed for banking in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, underscores the report's global scope.