In an unexpected twist resulting from the recent U.S. election, a surge in cryptocurrency interest has been observed among financial consultants across the nation. A survey conducted by Bitwise reveals that 56% of these professionals are now more enthusiastic about investing in cryptocurrency in light of Donald Trump’s return to political prominence. These findings, captured between November 14 and December 20, highlight a seismic shift in the investment landscape, one that is unmistakably linked to current political dynamics.
The skepticism that previously surrounded cryptocurrency has begun to dissipate, thanks in no small part to the political environment. The survey focused on the perspectives of 430 financial advisors, who appear increasingly convinced of cryptocurrency’s potential. This sentiment was echoed in a post shared by Bitwise on social media platform X, where they labeled the current climate for cryptocurrency as “more bullish than ever.” Chief Investment Officer Matt Hougan voiced that 2024 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for both cryptocurrency’s commercial prospects and individual investment allocations.
One of the most striking revelations from this survey is the dramatic increase in allocations to cryptocurrency within client portfolios. In stark contrast to the prior year, where only 11% of financial consultants committed resources to this digital asset class, that figure has more than doubled to 22% in 2024. This substantial jump indicates not only a shift in individual advisor strategies but a broader acceptance of cryptocurrencies as a legitimate investment category.
Furthermore, client inquiries regarding cryptocurrency investments have reached an all-time high, with an impressive 96% of wealth managers reporting questions from customers about digital assets. This level of client engagement suggests that the demand for cryptocurrency investment is not merely speculative but also rooted in growing mainstream acceptance among consumers. Notably, an overwhelming 99% of advisors who currently manage cryptocurrency allocations reportedly plan to retain or even expand these investments into the next fiscal year.
Compounding the evidence of increasing cryptocurrency interest is the revelation that a significant portion of client investment activity is occurring independently of financial advisors. In fact, 71% of consultants noted that “some” or “all” of their clients are integrating cryptocurrency into their portfolios without consultant guidance. This trend underscores a growing autonomy among investors, who are becoming more proactive in exploring and investing in cryptocurrencies.
Looking ahead to 2025, the survey results indicate that a shift in advisor behavior is anticipated. For financial consultants who have yet to engage with the cryptocurrency market, a notable 19% expressed it is either a certainty or a probability that they will make initial investments in cryptocurrencies within the coming year, a marked increase from the previous year’s 8%. Additionally, advisors seem to prefer cryptocurrency equity ETFs for future investment options, reflecting their desire for regulated and structured avenues for investment.
Despite the burgeoning interest and willingness to allocate funds to cryptocurrencies, barriers to entry remain a significant hurdle for a substantial number of financial consultants. The survey highlighted that only 35% possess the means to facilitate cryptocurrency purchases within client accounts. This statistic illustrates that a considerable portion of advisors is still unable to provide traditional access to these digital assets, thus limiting client participation.
Matt Hougan noted the ongoing challenge of bridging this gap, but he remains optimistic about the prospects for greater access in 2025 as cryptocurrencies gain a more mainstream footing. Regulatory uncertainty has historically served as a primary roadblock to growth, yet the survey indicates a slight easing of concerns in this area. With 50% of respondents citing regulation as the top obstacle—down from 60-65% in previous surveys—it suggests an evolving landscape where regulatory frameworks may adapt more favorably in the near future.
The findings from the Bitwise survey present a compelling narrative of a financial consulting sector on the brink of embracing cryptocurrency in a way previously unseen. Driven by both client demand and evolving perceptions among advisors, the landscape of investment is shifting. As barriers begin to fall and regulatory frameworks potentially become more accommodating, 2025 appears poised to mark a significant turning point in the cryptocurrency investment space. Investors and advisors alike should keep a keen eye on this evolving narrative, as it may very well shape the financial markets of tomorrow.