Fewer people in the UK own cryptocurrencies this year than last year, while the “typical value held by investors” has increased, according to a report from the country’s financial watchdog.
The drop means that the number of people owning cryptocurrencies fell from about 7 million last year to about 4.5 million this year. However, cryptocurrency awareness among the UK population remained at 91%, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said in its Cryptoassets Consumer Research 2025 report.
“Overall, the percentage of the UK adult population currently holding crypto assets has decreased from 12% in 2024 to 8% in 2025,” the FCA said.
The findings were published as the FCA simultaneously launched a consultation on proposed crypto rules under a new regulatory framework, as the regulator moves to expand oversight of the sector.
Despite the decline, the FCA noted that cryptocurrency ownership in the UK “remains double the proportion of those reporting they own cryptocurrency in 2021.”
While the report found that fewer and fewer UK consumers own cryptocurrency, those who remain invested appear to hold larger amounts. About 21% said they own between 1,001 and 5,000 pounds ($1,345 and $6,720).
The regulator found a shift towards higher average holdings, with the average value per holder rising to just under $2,500, compared to $2,300 last year. Cryptocurrencies owned by people in the United Kingdom amounted to $17.3 billion, according to an October report from the Financial Times.
bitcoin and ether remain the most popular cryptocurrencies among UK holders, according to FCA research, with BTC held by around 70% of cryptocurrency investors and ETH held by around 35%. Despite the drop in participation, investors continue to concentrate their exposure in the two largest digital assets.
