60% of Wealth Managers Plan Crypto Investments Within a Year
Bullish sentiment grows as majority predict higher crypto prices by year-end.
1Majority Plan Crypto Exposure
A Bitwise survey of 400 wealth managers revealed 60% plan to allocate to cryptocurrencies within the next year, signaling growing institutional interest. Notably, 67% currently have no crypto holdings, indicating potential new market entrants. The findings were presented by Bitwise's research head Ryan Rasmussen alongside CIO Matt Hougan, covering assets from Bitcoin to tokenization. This marks a significant shift from traditional investment approaches.
2Bullish Price Expectations
60% of surveyed wealth managers anticipate crypto price increases by end of 2026, reflecting positive market sentiment. The presentation examined multiple digital assets including Ethereum and Solana, plus regulatory developments. These expectations come despite crypto's notorious volatility, suggesting professionals see long-term potential. Price projections were part of broader discussions about crypto's role in financial services portfolios.
3Industry-Wide Adoption Trends
The Bitwise/VettaFi 2026 benchmark survey shows crypto allocations in client accounts grew from 22% in 2024 to 32% in 2025. While adoption is increasing, access remains uneven - only 42% of advisors can currently purchase crypto for clients. This 299-response survey indicates gradual rather than explosive growth, with infrastructure still developing to meet demand from wealth management firms.
4Institutional Investment Patterns
Coinbase and EY-Parthenon's March 2026 survey of 351 institutions found 73% plan increased crypto allocations. 74% expect price rises within 12 months, aligning with wealth manager sentiment. Notably, 66% already hold spot crypto ETFs, showing preference for regulated products. 65% cite regulatory clarity as key to increasing exposure, highlighting policy's role in adoption.
5Risk Management Priorities
49% of institutional investors reported heightened focus on risk management due to crypto volatility, per Coinbase/EY data. Professionals emphasize liquidity and position sizing when incorporating digital assets. This cautious approach contrasts with retail investor behavior, suggesting institutions view crypto as complement rather than replacement for traditional assets.
6Product Innovation Accelerates
Bitwise predicts over 100 new crypto-linked ETF launches in 2026, expanding access through traditional brokerage channels. The firm notes preference for registered vehicles, with 81% of institutions favoring this approach. These developments address accessibility barriers while maintaining regulatory compliance, potentially driving further institutional participation.
7Regulatory Impact on Adoption
65% of institutions planning increased crypto exposure cite regulatory clarity as the primary factor. Current limitations persist - only 35% of advisors could access crypto for clients in 2025, rising to 42% in 2026. Bitwise executives describe institutional adoption as already underway, but uneven access suggests regulatory frameworks remain a work in progress.
8Transformation in Wealth Management
The surveys collectively indicate a pivotal moment for crypto in professional investment circles. While adoption grows methodically rather than exponentially, the data suggests digital assets are transitioning from alternative to mainstream status. Wealth managers' allocation plans and institutional product development point to sustained crypto integration into traditional finance ecosystems.
Original article: Bitcoin News — 60% of Wealth Managers Plan Crypto Investments Within a Year