A recent survey by asset management firm Bitwise highlights a growing interest in cryptocurrency among US financial advisors, with 56% indicating they are more likely to invest in crypto following the 2024 elections. This marks a turning point in the integration of crypto into mainstream financial portfolios. Conducted from November 14 to December 20, 2024, the survey reveals a significant rise in advisors incorporating crypto into client portfolios. In 2024, 22% of advisors allocated crypto to client accounts, up from just 11% in 2023. Client interest has also surged, with 96% of advisors fielding questions about cryptocurrency last year. Among those already investing in crypto, 99% plan to either maintain or increase their allocations in 2025. Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan noted that 2024 was a key turning point for crypto adoption , with advisors increasingly recognizing its potential. However, he also pointed out the challenges, as two-thirds of advisors still cannot directly access crypto for their clients. Despite the growing enthusiasm, access to crypto investments remains limited. Only 35% of advisors can directly purchase crypto for client accounts, underlining a key barrier to broader adoption. Still, interest in crypto equity ETFs continues to grow, as many advisors favor these products for market exposure without directly investing in cryptocurrencies. Regulatory concerns, which have long hindered adoption, are starting to ease. In 2024, 50% of advisors cited regulatory uncertainty as a major issue, down from 60-65% in previous years. This shift suggests improving clarity in crypto regulations. The survey also shows a change in sentiment among advisors previously hesitant about crypto. In 2024, 8% of such advisors were considering crypto investments; this has now risen to 19%. This indicates that more advisors are viewing crypto as a viable asset class for client portfolios. The Bitwise survey included 400 financial advisors across the US , including independent registered investment advisors, broker-dealer representatives, financial planners, and wirehouse representatives. Looking ahead, 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for crypto in the financial advisory space. With growing demand, regulatory improvements, and innovative investment products, crypto adoption among US financial advisors is set to expand significantly.
