Growing familiarity with digital assets and blockchain technology is reshaping investor behavior, with Swiss digital asset bank Sygnum reporting that diversification has become the dominant investment motive, overtaking speculative bets on long-term megatrends.
Digital assets are now seen as legitimate portfolio diversifiers, pushing investors toward discretionary mandates that can adapt to changing market conditions, the bank said in a report Tuesday.
Bitcoin The store-of-value narrative remains central, fueled by sovereign debt concerns, inflation risks and dedollarization trends, while altcoins suffered from selloffs that wiped out half a trillion dollars of value earlier this year, the report notes.
Despite strong interest in exchange-traded funds (ETFs), fourth-quarter allocations were delayed as market catalysts, including regulatory approvals and new product launches, have not yet materialized, the bank said.
Investors are increasingly drawn to active management and hybrid strategies rather than exposure to a single token, a sign of growing caution heading into what many expect to be a volatile 2026.
Sygnum notes that more than 70% of respondents would increase ETF allocations if staking were allowed, particularly in Solana. and multi-active products.
According to the report, regulatory clarity remains the main barrier to further adoption, surpassing volatility as the main concern, particularly in Europe. Security and conservation continue to rank high among investors’ priorities, highlighting the need for reliable infrastructure before traditional investors move deeper into the sector.
The Sygnum survey was compiled from 1,000 respondents across 43 countries, with the majority based in Europe and Asia and averaging more than a decade of investment experience.
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