Significant Shift: Nearly 50% of Asia Pacific's Wealthy Investors Allocate Over 10% to Crypto

In a notable trend, wealthy investors in Asia are increasingly allocating substantial portions of their portfolios to digital assets. Almost half are now investing over 10% into cryptocurrencies, and a significant majority plan to expand this allocation in the coming years.

Key Takeaways

Nearly 50% of Asia Pacific's high net worth individuals now invest over 10% of their portfolios in cryptocurrencies.
A majority (87%) of wealthy investors own digital assets, seeing them as crucial for long-term wealth preservation.
60% of respondents plan to increase their crypto holdings, anticipating the next major cycle in 2 to 5 years.
Interest in cryptocurrency ETFs is rising, with specific demand for Solana and multi-asset products.
Regulatory clarity is improving in the region, supporting the integration of digital assets into wealth management.

This reshaping of investment strategies among high net worth individuals underscores a significant shift in the understanding and acceptance of cryptocurrencies as a viable asset class in the Asia Pacific market.

Crypto

According to the APAC High Net Worth Individual (HNWI) Report 2025 from the Swiss Singaporean digital asset bank Sygnum, a striking 87% of over 270 surveyed individuals hold digital assets.

The survey included high net worth and professional investors from ten markets, such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, South Korea, and Thailand. High net worth individuals are defined as those with more than $1 million in investable assets, while ultra-high-net-worth individuals are those with above $25 million.

High Net Worth Investors Turn to Crypto as a Mainstream Asset Class

For these affluent investors, cryptocurrencies have transitioned from speculative ventures to essential components of their investment portfolios. Median allocations are now between 10% and 20%, with a weighted average of approximately 17%, elevating digital tokens to a status comparable to equities and private market investments.

Crypto Allocation

Image Source: Sygnum

The motivation behind these investments has also shifted. According to Sygnum, 90% of high-net-worth investors now consider digital assets crucial for long-term wealth preservation and legacy planning.

Portfolio diversification is a primary concern for many of these investors; 56% identify it as a significant reason for entering the crypto market, positioning cryptocurrencies as a new alternative asset class instead of a mere short-term speculation.

Future Outlook: APAC Investors Predict a New Crypto Cycle in 2 to 5 Years

Looking ahead, 60% of those surveyed plan to boost their cryptocurrency allocations. A bullish or very bullish long-term perspective is noted by 57% of high-net-worth individuals and 61% of ultra-high-net-worth individuals, many of whom anticipate the emergence of the next major crypto cycle within the next two to five years rather than in the immediate future.

Product preferences reflect a sophisticated approach to crypto investments. Beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum, 80% of investors expressed a desire for more cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs), with Solana seeing the greatest interest, as 52% of respondents cited it as a preferred asset.

Product Preferences

Image Source: Sygnum

Additionally, interest in multi-asset index products and XRP is growing, and 70% of investors are inclined to allocate or increase allocations if staking yields were included in ETF structures. This signals a clear interest in yield-focused, regulated investment vehicles that align well with traditional wealth management strategies.

The Asia Pacific Region: A Rapidly Growing Hub for Digital Asset Integration

Security and regulations continue to impact how swiftly investment flows into cryptocurrencies. Approximately two-thirds of investors noted that they require assurances of robust custody and security measures from their private banks or wealth managers before increasing their exposure to digital assets. However, concerns around regulatory instability and market volatility remain significant challenges.

Encouragingly, most respondents feel that regulatory clarity has improved, and recent policy shifts in key markets support a more favorable long-term outlook for digital assets.

“Digital assets are now a fundamental part of the private wealth landscape in APAC,” stated Gerald Goh, co-founder of Sygnum and CEO for the region. He emphasized that the regulatory frameworks established in Singapore and Hong Kong are laying the groundwork for traditional wealth managers to incorporate cryptocurrency services, positioning Asia Pacific as one of the fastest-growing gateways for digital assets, with anticipated momentum into 2026.