One in four Canadians own crypto, OSC survey finds

The Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) released results of an online survey of 2,360 Canadians aged 18 and over conducted between December 2025 and January 2026 showing 25% of respondents reported holding cryptocurrencies, compared with 10% in 2023.

The poll found 59% of respondents said they were aware of crypto assets. The OSC said the results will inform regulatory planning and investor protection work.

The survey measured both ownership and attitudes toward digital assets. About half of crypto owners reported checking whether a trading platform was registered before using it. The OSC identified areas of misunderstanding among respondents, including questions about how crypto is regulated, whether holdings are insured and how transactions work.

Naizam Kanji, executive vice president of strategic regulation at the OSC, commented: “Crypto markets continue to evolve, and Canadians are participating in them more than ever before. By identifying emerging trends and behaviors with our research, we can look around corners, anticipate potential opportunities and risks, and ensure our regulatory approach supports investor protection while fostering fair and efficient markets.”

The OSC summary did not provide a breakdown of ownership by age group, province or specific asset type. The agency said the findings point to where public education and clearer disclosure could be targeted, and where oversight of platforms and services may need strengthening.

Federal lawmakers have proposed measures addressing some uses of digital assets. In April, legislation advanced that could ban political donations in crypto and proposed limits on digital asset ATMs, with officials citing concerns about fraud. Provincial securities regulators and the federal government have been developing rules for exchanges, custodians and intermediaries since retail crypto adoption rose.

The OSC report is based on self-reported survey data and reflects respondents’ knowledge and behavior at the time of polling. Regulators said they will use the information to refine registration transparency, clarify investor protections and guide future oversight.