Decrease in Crypto Ownership in the UK, But Increased Investments in Bitcoin and Ether

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and YouGov survey reveals that cryptocurrency ownership among adults in the UK has dropped to 8% in 2025, down from 12% in 2024. However, there is a noticeable trend of larger investments in Bitcoin and Ether, indicating a growing focus among committed crypto investors.

Key Takeaways

Cryptocurrency ownership in the UK decreased from 12% in 2024 to 8% in 2025.
The ownership rate is still higher than the 4% recorded in 2021.
Men reported higher ownership levels at 11% compared to women.
The age group most involved in crypto ownership is 18 to 34, at 15%.
There is an increase in the size of investments, with more people making larger bets on cryptocurrencies.
The survey highlighted a clear preference for Bitcoin and Ether over alternative cryptocurrencies.
The FCA is currently seeking feedback on cryptocurrency regulations, including exchanges and decentralized finance.

FCA 2025 survey: UK crypto ownership falls to 8%

Overview of Recent Survey Findings

According to the FCA's YouGov survey, which analyzed responses from 2,353 individuals between August 5 and September 2, the percentage of UK adults owning cryptocurrency fell to 8%. Despite this decline, it marks a significant increase compared to the 4% reported in 2021.

The survey data showed that men have a higher ownership rate of cryptocurrencies at 11%, in contrast to women. Furthermore, individuals aged 18 to 34 exhibited the highest level of ownership, with 15% holding digital assets.

Shifts in Investment Patterns

An important finding of the survey is the change in the size of cryptocurrency investment portfolios. The FCA's report noted that 21% of respondents owned cryptocurrencies valued between £1,001 and £5,000, while 11% had holdings worth between £5,001 and £10,000. The FCA highlighted this shift, stating, “More people are moving away from small holdings and are instead making larger investments.” The regulator also mentioned that participants engaged in lending and borrowing activities tend to have a better understanding of risks and are generally more knowledgeable about the crypto space than the average user.

Among those who reported having cryptocurrency, approximately 57% indicated they owned Bitcoin, while 43% held Ether. The ownership of alternative cryptocurrencies, however, remains relatively low compared to Bitcoin and Ether, which are the top two cryptocurrencies by market capitalization.

Regulatory Developments

The FCA published the survey findings alongside the launch of three consultations regarding regulations on exchanges, staking, lending, and decentralized finance. The regulator is seeking feedback from stakeholders by February as part of a broader initiative by the UK government aimed at establishing a thorough regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies.

This comprehensive approach underscores the importance of consumer protection and the need for clear guidelines in the evolving cryptocurrency landscape.