A growing awareness of digital assets and blockchain technology is reshaping investor behavior, with Swiss digital asset bank Sygnum reporting that diversification has become the dominant investment motive, overtaking speculative bets on long-term megatrends.
Digital assets are now viewed as legitimate portfolio diversifiers, driving investors toward discretionary mandates that can adapt to changing market conditions, the bank said in a report on Tuesday.
Bitcoins The store-of-value narrative remains central, driven by sovereign debt concerns, inflation risks and de-dollarization trends, while altcoins have suffered liquidations that erased half a trillion dollars in value earlier this year, the report noted.
Despite strong interest in exchange-traded funds (ETFs), allocations in the fourth quarter have been delayed as market catalysts, including regulatory approvals and new product launches, have yet to materialize, the bank said.
Investors are increasingly drawn to actively managed and hybrid strategies over single-token exposure, a sign of growing caution ahead of what many expect to be a volatile 2026.
Sygnum notes that more than 70% of respondents would increase ETF allocations if betting were allowed, especially in solana and multi-asset products.
Regulatory clarity remains the biggest barrier to further adoption, surpassing volatility as the biggest concern, particularly in Europe, according to the report. Security and custody remain high priorities among investors, underscoring the need for reliable infrastructure before traditional investors move deeper into the sector.
The Sygnum survey was compiled by 1,000 respondents across 43 countries, with the majority based in Europe and Asia and averaging over ten years of investment experience.
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