Portfolio diversification has surpassed pursuit of “crypto megatrends” as the top reason to invest in cryptocurrencies in 2025, according to Sygnum Bank’s new 2025 Future Finance Report.
According to the report, 57% of respondents now believe that diversification is their primary motivation for investing. This outweighed last year’s biggest factor: exposure to long-term rallying in cryptocurrencies (down from 62% to 53%).
“This may indicate that cryptocurrencies are now being used more intentionally as a core component of portfolios, with the diversification benefits of cryptocurrencies being prioritized over pursuing pure upside potential,” Signum wrote.
While diversification leads, 45% of respondents view cryptocurrencies, particularly Bitcoin (BTC), as a safe haven and macro hedge due to rising sovereign debt, inflation concerns, geopolitical tensions, and declining confidence in fiat currencies. Interest in cryptocurrencies as a “new alternative asset class” fell to 28%.
Top reasons to invest in cryptocurrencies in 2025. Source: Signum
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Demand for virtual currency ETFs increases
The report also noted that market conditions are maturing, with the introduction of regulated derivatives, corporate balance sheet expansion and the proliferation of exchange-traded fund products contributing to widespread confidence. More than 150 crypto ETF applications are pending in the US, and 70% of investors say they would increase their exposure if staking is allowed in future products, particularly Solana (SOL) and multi-asset ETPs.
Approximately 70% of investors surveyed said they would increase their allocation to crypto ETFs if staking yields were included. Those already interested in Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH) ETFs have also indicated that staking will have a significant impact on their allocation decisions.
Signum said high net worth individuals (HNWIs) make up the largest group in this year’s survey, often dedicating more than 10-20% of their investable assets to cryptocurrencies. 90% of these investors said cryptocurrencies are important for long-term wealth protection and estate planning, with more than half strongly agreeing.
Related: Bitcoin will account for one-third of investors’ crypto portfolios by 2025
Regulatory gaps are the biggest barrier to crypto investment
Regulatory uncertainty remains the biggest barrier to crypto investing, cited by 40% of respondents, followed by custody and security concerns at 38% and asset volatility at 36%. This is noteworthy given that 2025 will see significant regulatory developments across the US and Europe.
The biggest barrier to entry in 2025. Source: Signum
Meanwhile, 80% of respondents said regulatory clarity has improved significantly since 2025, an increase of 11 percentage points. Approximately 83% also agreed that recent US policy shifts have strengthened the investment case for cryptocurrencies.
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