Nearly 40% of Wealthy US Investors Plan to Buy Crypto, Grayscale Survey Reveals

Wealthy Investors in the US Are Turning to Crypto Amid Economic Uncertainty

A growing number of high-net-worth investors in the United States are showing interest in cryptocurrency, according to a new survey by asset management firm Grayscale.

The report found that 26% of investors with over $1 million in investable assets already hold crypto, while an even larger share—38%—are planning to invest in the future.

This suggests a shift in investment behaviour, particularly among younger investors.

Younger Investors View Crypto as a Mainstream Asset

The survey reveals a generational divide in the perception of cryptocurrency.

Over half (53%) of high-net-worth individuals under 50 expect to include digital assets in their investment strategies, compared to just 22% of those over 50.

For younger investors, crypto is increasingly seen as a standard part of a diversified portfolio rather than a hedge against economic instability.

Peter Mintzberg, CEO of Grayscale, commented on the findings, saying,

“It’s exciting to witness the momentum shift in crypto as more investors begin to recognize the value of digital assets. Remarkably, 38% of high-net-worth investors believe their investment portfolio will include crypto in the future.”

Older Investors Turn to Bitcoin as an Inflation Hedge

While younger investors are drawn to crypto as a normalised asset class, 78% of wealthy investors over 50 who already own digital assets cite economic concerns as their main motivation.

Bitcoin, in particular, is viewed as a store of value amid inflation, geopolitical tensions, and the weakening US dollar.

A separate finding shows that 36% of high-net-worth investors, regardless of age, are paying closer attention to Bitcoin due to these macroeconomic factors.

This reinforces Bitcoin’s long-standing narrative as a hedge against traditional financial instability.

Wealthy Investors Struggle to See Crypto’s Use Beyond Investment

Despite growing interest, nearly half of surveyed investors remain sceptical about cryptocurrency’s utility beyond financial speculation.

While crypto advocates envision a future where blockchain technology powers decentralised finance, smart contracts, and other innovations, many high-net-worth investors view it simply as a means to increase fiat wealth.

This division is becoming more apparent, with some industry observers concerned that a focus on financial gains could stifle technological progress.

The recent backlash to former President Trump’s Crypto Summit further illustrates the differing opinions within the space.

Crypto’s Role in Wealth Management Is Expanding

Grayscale’s survey, which polled 5,368 adults who participated in the last US presidential election, reflects both optimism and challenges for the industry.

On one hand, increased interest from wealthy investors signals potential large-scale inflows into the market, particularly during periods of economic uncertainty.

On the other hand, the perception of crypto as a mere investment vehicle rather than a technological revolution suggests that the industry still faces hurdles in convincing mainstream investors of its broader applications.

As the sector evolves, projects aiming to bridge this gap may determine the future direction of cryptocurrency adoption.