Increasing familiarity with digital assets and blockchain technology is reshaping investor behavior; Swiss digital asset bank Sygnum reports that diversification has become the dominant investment motive, overtaking speculative bets on long-term megatrends.
Digital assets are now considered legitimate portfolio diversifiers, steering investors toward discretionary mandates that can adapt to changing market conditions, the bank said in a report on Tuesday.
Bitcoin The store of value narrative remains central, fueled by concerns over sovereign debt, inflation risks and de-dollarization trends, while altcoins have suffered sell-offs that wiped out half a trillion dollars in value earlier this year, the report noted.
Despite strong interest in exchange-traded funds (ETFs), fourth-quarter allocations have been delayed as market catalysts, including regulatory approvals and new product launches, have yet to materialize, the bank said.
Investors are increasingly attracted to hybrid and actively managed strategies rather than exposure to a single token, a sign of growing caution ahead of 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 biggest barrier to wider adoption, overtaking volatility as the main concern, especially in Europe. Security and custody remain high on investor priorities, underscoring the need for reliable infrastructure before traditional investors move further into the sector.
The Sygnum survey was compiled from 1,000 respondents in 43 countries, most of them based in Europe and Asia and with an average of more than a decade of investment experience.
Read more: Swiss Bank Sygnum to Launch Bitcoin-Backed Lending Platform with Multi-Sig Wallet Control
