Institutions Embrace Crypto Diversification Ahead of 2026 Uncertainty

Institutional appetite for digital assets remains strong heading into the final stretch of 2025, though optimism fades beyond year-end, according to Sygnum Bank’s Future Finance 2025 Report.

According the information the Swiss-Singaporean bank found that 61% of surveyed investors plan to expand their crypto holdings, with 38% adding exposure before 2026. However, sentiment turns cautious for next year as firms anticipate weaker liquidity and fading macro catalysts.

Lead researcher Lucas Schweiger said institutions now view crypto as a core financial asset rather than a speculative hedge: “Investors are shifting from hype to structural participation in the next phase of global finance.”
The survey included over 1,000 professional and high-net-worth investors across 43 countries, reflecting a growing acceptance of crypto in traditional portfolios.

Active Management and ETFs Lead the Charge

According to the report, active strategies now represent 42% of institutional crypto allocations, narrowly ahead of index-based exposure (39%), suggesting investors prefer flexible mandates that adapt to policy and market shifts.

Interest in crypto ETFs has expanded well beyond bitcoin and ether. Over 80% of respondents expressed interest in broader ETF exposure, and 70% said they would increase allocations if staking features were available – with Solana and multi-asset funds drawing the most attention.

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Meanwhile, tokenized real-world assets have surged in appeal, jumping from 6% to 26% year-over-year as institutions warm to onchain bonds, funds, and regulated asset structures.

A “Measured” 2025, a Cautious 2026

Sygnum described the current cycle as one of “measured risk-taking amid powerful demand catalysts.” While most investors remain bullish on crypto’s long-term potential, many expect momentum to fade by mid-2026, once monetary easing stabilizes.

Even so, conviction remains strong: 91% of high-net-worth investors view crypto as essential for long-term wealth preservation, and 81% consider bitcoin a viable treasury asset. Roughly 70% believe holding cash over bitcoin for the next five years represents a high opportunity cost.

“Discipline has replaced the hype of past cycles,” Schweiger said, “but conviction in crypto’s future hasn’t wavered – investors are simply bracing for a more tempered phase ahead.”