• Two fifths of UK investors said they would be more likely to invest if their bank, investment platform or adviser offered access to the asset class
• Nearly one in four UK savers/investors would allocate more than 10% of their portfolio to cryptocurrencies

Two in five UK investors say they would be more likely to invest in crypto if their bank, investment platform or adviser offered access, a barrier that is set to ease as the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) will permit retail investors to access UK-listed crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs) from 8 October.

A new survey commissioned by WisdomTree^[1], a global financial innovator and leading issuer of crypto ETPs in Europe, highlights this demand and shows how regulation could unlock broader adoption. With the FCA’s decision to lift its ban, savers and investors will soon have routes into the asset class through exchange-traded products.

The findings suggest that regulation is a key driver of sentiment: one in five UK investors (20%) said that changes in local market rules would influence their view of cryptocurrencies.  The findings support the FCA’s decision to lift its ban on retail access to crypto ETPs.

Beyond access, the role of crypto in personal finance is also evolving. Investors increasingly view crypto as part of long-term financial planning rather than a purely speculative asset. Among those engaged with crypto, a quarter (26%) said they are using it as part of a retirement strategy, while one in five (21%) are saving toward a home purchase.

Adria Beso, Head of Distribution, Europe at WisdomTree, said: “Now that the FCA has permitted retail access to UK-listed crypto ETPs, we expect this to become the preferred vehicle for investors. Institutions will play a crucial role in guiding adoption, whether through advisers, platforms, or direct allocations. WisdomTree is focused on delivering institutional-grade solutions that help UK investors gain safer and smarter access to crypto and meet their financial goals.”

Knowledge is key to long-term success

With greater access about to open up, investors will need to think about how crypto can be used in portfolios. WisdomTree’s analysis shows that adding as little as 1% crypto exposure to a diversified portfolio can improve returns with limited impact on overall risk. By contrast, nearly one (23%) in four UK savers and investors say they would consider putting more than 10% of their portfolio into crypto, a sign that enthusiasm may be running ahead of understanding.

This knowledge gap highlights the need for further education from trusted and reputable sources. Nearly three in four (72%) UK savers and investors say they are not knowledgeable about cryptocurrencies, and nearly a third (31%) indicate that they would not know how to react if prices fell sharply.

Dovile Silenskyte, Director, Digital Assets Research at WisdomTree, commented: “Education is essential to helping investors use crypto sensibly and manage the ups and downs. By understanding how crypto works in a portfolio and how to react when prices fall, people can avoid taking on too much risk and make decisions that support their long-term goals. Simple approaches like investing regularly and building balanced portfolios can make a real difference over time.”

Source: WisdomTree