August 19, 2025
According to a recent Escalent research survey by Cogent Syndicated, about 15% of US adults own cryptocurrencies, mainly investors age 44 and younger with $25K–$100K in assets. With many planning to increase their holdings in 2025, financial advisors should focus on engaging these clients with risk-aware education and diversified strategies.
July 2025 marks a turning point in US digital asset regulation, with the GENIUS Act strengthening America’s cryptocurrency (crypto) leadership and the CLARITY Act advancing to define regulatory roles. These laws bring new stability, transparency and oversight, ushering wealth management into an era that demands financial advisors provide both traditional prudence and a cohesive crypto investment strategy.
As the crypto market evolves, Cogent Syndicated’s latest nationally representative survey of affluent investors answers critical questions for advisors and wealth management firms as they seek to navigate this landscape. These digital assets and crypto market data insights offer essential intel for financial advisors as they seek to support end investors.
How Many US Adults Own Crypto?
15% of US adults (age 18+) now own cryptocurrencies as an investment.
Who Owns Crypto in the US?
Younger, emerging investors are more likely to own crypto:
- 75% of crypto owners are age 44 or younger, with the largest proportion (34%) being 25–34.
- Crypto investment declines sharply with age: ownership is lowest among those 65+ (2.1%) and highest among those 25–34 (23.9%) and 18–24 (20.4%).
- Ownership is highest among those with $50K–$100K (25%) and $25K–$50K (23%) in investable assets.
What Coins Do They Own?
More than half of affluent investors who own cryptocurrencies currently own Bitcoin (57.8%). Ethereum ranks second (23.4%), followed by Dogecoin (15.5%), SHIBA (11.9%), XRP (11.7%), US Dollar Coin (11.0%) and Solana (10.5%).
How Do Crypto Owners View Digital Assets?
- Risk perceptions: 37% of investors consider their holdings moderate-risk, 36% high-risk and only 27% low-risk.
- Strategic role: 56% view crypto as speculative, 46% as portfolio diversification and fewer than 1 in 25 (4%) sees it otherwise.
What Is the Near-Term Growth Potential of Crypto Holdings?
- 56% of current holders plan to increase crypto holdings in 2025, 10% plan to decrease and 33% will maintain.
- Among non-owners (84%), 12% say they are likely to invest in crypto in 2025 (3% are “very likely” and 9% are “somewhat likely”). Intent to invest is strongest among asset groups with $25K–$50K (8%), $10K–$25K (6%) and $5K–$10K (6%) and is particularly prevalent among younger Americans.
How Can Advisors Best Capitalize on the Crypto Market?
- Prepare for growing demand: Expect a growing market for crypto—especially among younger and mid-wealth clients—making proactive engagement and onboarding essential.
- Focus on emerging affluent and younger investors: Focus outreach and portfolio management on the most receptive groups (investors younger than 45 with $25K–$100K in assets) and support rising exposure to core crypto holdings through ongoing review, tailored education and trusted advice.
- Guide clients through risk and diversification: Provide balanced, risk-aware guidance by thoughtfully integrating digital assets into diversified wealth strategies with clear communication about risks, volatility and evolving regulation.
As always, Cogent’s syndicated research is dedicated to keeping a pulse on the market with our ongoing survey of affluent investors, empowering firms that are looking to increase market share and gain competitive advantage.
To learn more about the Cogent Beat Investor, click below.
Steve Ethridge
Senior Director, Cogent Syndicated
Steve is a senior director in the Cogent Syndicated financial services division, where he directs affluent investor research and consulting. He has more than 30 years of experience in marketing research and consulting, and more than 15 years in financial services including investment banks, mutual funds, retail and commercial banks, and credit unions. He brings in-depth market research (qualitative, quantitative and mixed method) and strategic marketing experience from a wide range of industries. In addition to running his award-winning research consulting firm for many years prior to joining Escalent, Steve headed market research and customer insights for AutoZone. He has also held the positions of senior manager of brand marketing, research for The Holiday Corporation (Holiday Inns) and its spin-off, Promus Companies (Hampton Inn, Embassy Suites, Homewood Suites and Harrah’s Entertainment), as well as executive associate and client manager with Gallup and vice president and director of market research for Cliff Davis Associates, a national strategic business planning consulting firm specializing in financial services. Steve holds a master’s degree in communication from The University of Memphis and a BBA in marketing management from Ole Miss, and has completed coursework in the master of market research program at UGA.
