35% of European Investors Would Switch Banks for Crypto

A survey by Börse Stuttgart Digital released Tuesday found 35% of European investors would consider switching banks if another institution offered better cryptocurrency investment options. The poll covered roughly 6,000 retail investors in Germany, Italy, Spain and France.

Nearly one in five respondents said they expect their main bank to provide crypto access within three years. The survey gathered answers on ownership, future investment plans and barriers to crypto adoption.

One-quarter of respondents reported they already hold digital assets. Thirty-six percent said they are likely to invest in crypto again within the next five years. Country ownership rates were highest in Spain at about 28%, followed by Germany at 25%, Italy at 24% and France at 23%.

Regulatory concerns and limited knowledge were the top obstacles cited. Seventy-six percent of respondents said crypto assets are not sufficiently regulated, and more than 60% reported feeling poorly informed about digital assets.

The European Union’s Markets in Crypto‑Assets regulation, known as MiCA, went into full effect for crypto asset service providers on Dec. 30, 2024. Nearly half of surveyed investors said MiCA made crypto assets feel safer and more attractive.

Matthias Voelkel, CEO of Börse Stuttgart Group, commented that clear rules and trust are necessary for the next phase of crypto adoption in Europe.

Börse Stuttgart Digital said in January 2025 that its custody subsidiary became the first German crypto asset service provider to receive an EU‑wide MiCA license. The company intends to offer regulated infrastructure for banks, brokers and asset managers under that authorization.

The survey was released as traditional financial institutions in Europe add crypto services or explore partnerships with licensed providers.

A separate Chainalysis report for July 2024 through June 2025 showed variation across European markets by total value received: Russia $376 billion, the United Kingdom $273 billion and Germany $219 billion. The survey did not specify which product types investors wanted from banks, such as custody, trading or tokenized instruments, but respondents identified clearer regulation, more education and easier access through existing banks as priorities.