Crypto Advisor Allocations Reach 32% in 2025 as Accessibility Grows and ETF Demand Rises: Survey

The interest in cryptocurrency among financial advisors is becoming more pronounced, with a recent survey indicating that 32% of advisors allocated crypto in client accounts in 2025. This marks an increase from 22% in 2024. The findings highlight the shifting perspective toward digital assets as a standard investment option within client portfolios.

Key Takeaways

Increased Allocations: 32% of financial advisors allocated crypto in client accounts in 2025, a notable rise from 22% in 2024.
Client Demand: Most advisors received client inquiries about crypto in 2025, with a record 56% owning crypto personally.
Leading Channels: Registered investment advisors (RIAs) are at the forefront, with 42% allocating crypto compared to other channels.
Expansion of Access: 42% of advisors can now buy crypto on behalf of clients, up from 35% in 2024.
Future Outlook: 18% of non-allocating advisors are likely to consider adding crypto exposure in 2026.

Crypto

Growing Presence of Crypto in Client Portfolios

Cryptocurrency is becoming less of a novelty and more of a standard asset in client portfolios. A survey conducted by Bitwise and VettaFi revealed that in 2025, 32% of financial advisors had included crypto in their client accounts, up from 22% in 2024. This represents the highest allocation recorded in this survey series. The increase follows a remarkable year for digital assets, during which Bitcoin reached an all-time high of $126,000 and significant advancements were made in US regulations, particularly with the introduction of the GENIUS Act, which helped stablecoins gain more mainstream acceptance.

The survey garnered 299 eligible responses from various advisor types, including registered investment advisors (RIAs), wirehouse representatives, and broker-dealer representatives, between October 31 and December 8, 2025.

RIAs Lead the Charge in Crypto Adoption

Client interest in crypto remained robust, with the survey indicating that 94% of advisors received inquiries about cryptocurrency from clients in 2025. Additionally, 56% of advisors reported owning crypto in their personal portfolios, marking another record in this dataset.

The allocation rates for crypto varied considerably among different advisory channels. RIAs were the leaders, with 42% indicating they allocate crypto in client accounts, followed by wirehouse representatives at 35%. The survey also reported 33% for other financial professionals, 25% for independent broker-dealer representatives, and 18% for financial planners.

The ability to trade crypto is improving. The percentage of advisors who can purchase crypto for client accounts rose to 42% from 35% in 2024, although 58% indicated they were either unsure about their ability to do so or could not purchase crypto.

Image Source: Bitwise/VettaFi 2026 survey

Evolving Advisor Strategies for 2026

Clients are increasingly managing their own crypto investments. In 2025, 74% of clients invested in cryptocurrency outside their advisory relationships, a rise from 71% in 2024. This presents an opportunity for firms to incorporate these external assets into a comprehensive wealth strategy.

Investment sizes remain cautious but are gradually increasing. The survey found that 83% of client portfolios with crypto exposure contained less than 5% of their assets in cryptocurrency, while 64% of these portfolios had over 2% exposure, up from 51% in 2024.

When advisors allocate funds toward crypto, they often liquidate other assets they are familiar with. Equities constituted the primary source of funds at 43%, followed by cash at 35%, with smaller amounts coming from commodities, bonds, and gold.

Image Source: Bitwise/VettaFi 2026 survey

The future of crypto investments may be largely influenced by advisors who have yet to engage. Among those who have not allocated crypto in client accounts, 18% expressed they are likely to add exposure in 2026, with an additional 38% considering it. Nearly all advisors currently allocating crypto (99%) intend to either maintain or increase their exposure.

Product preferences are shifting towards familiar offerings. Advisors highlighted crypto equity ETFs as their top choice for 2026, followed by spot crypto ETFs at 16%, diversified crypto index funds at 14%, multistrategy solutions at 13%, and income-generating strategies at 9%.

The survey also addressed challenges hindering adoption, citing volatility and regulatory concerns as primary issues, along with restrictions from home offices acting as significant barriers.