Crypto: 2 out of 3 wealthy investors own it, but few make it a wealth pillar
Illustration generated with OpenAI
28 Sep 2026Rémy Rencurel
A report measuring the gap between simply holding and building wealth
The Digital Wealth Survey 2026 recently published by Nexo is based on a survey conducted in February and March 2026 among 1,000 wealthy investors in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Argentina. The minimum threshold to participate in the survey was set at $100,000 in liquid assets held in the United States and the United Kingdom, and $40,000 in Argentina.
The central finding is striking, as nearly two-thirds of respondents already hold crypto assets. Moreover, 19.2% of them believe that cryptocurrencies will be their primary wealth creation engine over the next decade. For comparison, this is more than salary (17.3%), stocks (16%), or real estate (11.8%).
To measure the true depth of this commitment, Nexo built a proprietary index, the Crypto Integration Index (CII). It rates investor behavior on a scale of 10 based on five criteria: allocation size, holding horizon, integration into retirement strategy, substitution for other assets, and risk perception. The average score for investors surveyed in the three countries stands at 4.83 out of 10, indicating a median positioning on the curve of crypto integration into their wealth.
The CII score from Nexo shows that investors are still, on average, only halfway to a strong integration of crypto into their wealth strategy.
Risk perception is no longer the main barrier for crypto investors
As can be seen in the graph above, Nexo classifies investors into five archetypes:
- Pre-entry (33.8%), those who have never allocated money to cryptocurrencies;
- Watcher (18.3%), investors who hold a modest position in crypto;
- Convert (24.3%), they allocate more resources to digital assets but do not systematize their investments;
- Conviction Investor (18.9%), these investors hold a strong position with a long-term horizon;
- Structurally Integrated (4.7%), these rare individuals have made crypto a true pillar of their portfolio.
Long presented as the number one obstacle, the overall volatility of Bitcoin has significantly decreased in recent years. According to data from Glassnode cited by Nexo, BTC volatility in 2024 is about half of what was observed during the 2020-2021 cycle. Thus, risk perception is no longer the main barrier to integrating more crypto into one's wealth.
The real barriers have become operational: uncertain taxation, custody security, fees, and platform complexity. In short, the question is no longer "should I buy Bitcoin?" but "how to properly integrate it into a structured wealth?"
Crypto Strategist
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Crypto Strategist
Young people believe the most, without the means to follow
Those aged 18-25 show the highest ownership rate, with 94.2% of them holding crypto, and they have the strongest conviction, as 30.8% see it as their primary wealth engine (compared to 19.2% on average). For nearly half of the surveyed Generation Z, their position in cryptocurrencies exceeds 25% of their portfolio. However, only 2% plan to hold it for more than 10 years, the lowest rate among all groups.
The commitment and integration of digital assets into wealth peaks between the ages of 35 and 44. In this age group, as explained by Nexo, << available capital, retirement planning, and investment horizon align >> in favor of Bitcoin and its counterparts. Notably, 28% of holders in this age range make cryptocurrencies a pillar of their retirement, compared to 7.9% after age 55, for example.
The peak of cryptocurrency integration into wealth concerns the age group of 35 to 44 years, according to Nexo's survey.
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Three Markets, Three Adoption Logics
The report also highlights quite diverse national dynamics among the three surveyed countries. In Argentina, where inflation of the national fiat currency has left a lasting impression, crypto seems to replace cash as an accessible store of value. Thus, 45.8% of Argentine holders report having funded their allocation by reducing their fiat liquidity.
In the United States, allocations for cryptocurrencies directly compete with those for stocks. Indeed, 41.3% of holders report having funded their cryptos through stock sales, according to Nexo's survey.
In the United Kingdom, allocations for cryptos are part of a broader diversification logic, without net funding sources, although cash (34.9% of holders) and stocks (30.3%) account for 65.2% of holders who would have financed the purchase of cryptocurrencies. These differences remind us that the function of an asset changes according to the macroeconomic environment.
A Macro Context Driving Capital Towards Digital Assets
Nexo identifies several structural forces favorable to this young asset class. First, Bitcoin spot ETFs have accumulated nearly $58 billion in net inflows since their listing. Next, Bitcoin Treasury Companies have invested in a total of 1.2 million BTC for their corporate treasury.
Regarding the tokenization of real-world assets (RWA), these digitized assets on blockchains exceeded $28 billion in April 2026, up 400% in 15 months. Ethereum concentrates about 60% of this value, driven by BlackRock (with its $2.5 billion BUIDL fund), but also by other giants like Franklin Templeton and JPMorgan.
Holding Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies has thus become a no-brainer for many investors, but properly integrating these allocations into their wealth remains a delicate question, limiting the integration of these digital assets into their portfolios.
Crypto Strategist
★ 4.9
Crypto Strategist
Source: Nexo Digital Wealth Survey 2026
Rémy Rencurel93 articles
Already intrigued by Bitcoin and blockchain technology since 2013, I have professionalized in the sector by becoming, since 2018, a specialized writer in crypto news. I have followed the crypto sphere through its cycles, from amateur mining in the early days to the gradual structuring of the sector. Now independent, I cover crypto news, financial markets, and regulation.
This content is provided for general informational purposes only and doesn't constitute financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. Any events, rewards, online promotions, or related information mentioned herein should not be considered a recommendation, solicitation, or invitation to purchase, sell, trade, or otherwise deal in any crypto assets. Crypto assets are highly volatile and may result in loss. The availability of WEEX services, products, and related events may vary by region. You are responsible for ensuring that your participation is in accordance with applicable local laws and regulations.
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