One In Three Young Investors Moves To Crypto-Friendly Advisors

Crypto is becoming more woven into everyday investing, and many young investors now see it as a natural part of a well-built portfolio. This shift is changing how clients judge their advisors. Those who adjust early can strengthen relationships and attract fresh business, while those who ignore the trend may see clients walk away. Research from a Zerohash study found that one in three young investors has already left an advisor who offered no pathway into digital assets.

Advisors Losing Young Clients Over Crypto

The survey, commissioned by research firm Centiment and conducted by Zerohash, shows a major reallocation of digital assets among investors aged 18 to 40. The findings reveal that 26 % of respondents moved between $500,000 and $1 million away from advisors who avoided crypto, while another 34 % shifted between $250,000 and $500,000 for the same reason. 

These shifts reflect the profile of the 500 U.S. participants surveyed, all earning over $100,000 a year, with some approaching $1 million, and 75% of whom already rely on a professional to guide their investment planning.

The way these investors are reallocating their assets reflects a wider shift in wealth management. Younger investors are placing digital assets at the center of their portfolios, even as many advisors have yet to catch up. The survey highlights this trend, revealing key patterns in how they manage crypto ownership directly :

• 76 % of crypto investors choose to hold their assets independently, with only 24 % keeping them with an advisor ;

• Meanwhile, 43 % dedicate 5 %–10 % of their portfolios to digital assets, showing steady engagement ;

• Others go further, with 27 % allocating 11 %–20 % and 11 % placing more than 20 % into crypto, reflecting stronger commitment.

Institutional Moves Strengthen Crypto Confidence

A key driver behind this rising confidence comes from the involvement of major financial players. Zerohash’s research indicates that 82 % of surveyed investors feel more assured about their crypto exposure because large institutions such as BlackRock, Fidelity, Robinhood, and Morgan Stanley have stepped into the market. Their participation is viewed as a sign that the industry is maturing.

The survey indicates this sentiment is shaping future decisions. Zerohash reports that 84% of younger investors plan to increase their crypto exposure in the year ahead. Within that group, 46% intend to raise their allocations by a much larger share. 

Portfolio allocations are reflecting this change, with around 71% of investors now dedicating 5–20% of their total holdings to digital assets, placing crypto alongside traditional investments like stocks, bonds, and real estate

Desire for More Than Bitcoin and Ethereum

While Bitcoin and Ethereum still dominate the space, investors between 18 and 40 are looking past the leading pair. According to the results, 92 % believe that having access to a broader range of digital assets matters, and one in five already leans heavily toward alternatives like Solana, Dogecoin, and USD Coin (USDC).

However, this enthusiasm does not mean investors are blind to the challenges. Crypto’s rapid expansion has also widened the playing field for bad actors. The survey highlights that nearly 70 % of respondents remain concerned about threats like money laundering and cybersecurity breaches. These worries underline that, despite the excitement, caution remains part of the mindset of younger investors.

The survey highlights several factors that help investors feel secure. Regulated custody reassures 54 % of respondents, independent audits support confidence for 56 %, and transparent reporting matters to 54 %. These safeguards help investors judge whether an advisor or platform is credible.

Zerohash notes that strong compliance remains a key factor when younger investors assess the professionals who manage their wealth. In other words, the quality of an advisor’s crypto-related safeguards now influences credibility just as much as investment performance.