Cryptocurrency may be gaining traction, but Americans remain cautious. A newly-released Gallup survey reveals that crypto ownership has surged eightfold since 2018, with 14% of U.S. adults now owning digital assets. Despite this growth, skepticism prevails. The survey, conducted in mid-June, highlights that 60% of Americans have zero interest in ever purchasing cryptocurrency, and a mere 4% plan to buy it soon.
Crypto’s Uneven Journey
The crypto market has been on a rollercoaster ride. While the ownership figures have climbed from a modest 2% in 2018 to 14% today, the perception of risk remains high. Among U.S. investors holding over $10,000 in traditional assets, such as stocks and bonds, 55% deem crypto “very risky.” This sentiment persists even though the U.S. now has a pro-crypto president and clearer regulations are starting to emerge. For a deeper dive into the regulatory implications, see our coverage of the House’s upcoming vote on crypto market structure.
“Crypto’s volatility during the 2021 bull run and the subsequent brutal crypto winter—which saw high-profile implosions like FTX—left many retail investors wary,” explains Sarah Lynn, a crypto analyst at Digital Wealth Advisors. “Even with institutional investors now legitimizing the market, retail investors remain cautious.”
Who’s Investing?
Diving deeper into the demographics, the Gallup survey reveals a striking disparity in crypto ownership. One in four men aged 18 to 49 report owning crypto, while ownership among women and older adults remains notably lower. College graduates and high-income earners are more likely to participate in the crypto market, yet seniors and low-income households are conspicuously absent.
Interestingly, despite widespread awareness of cryptocurrency, comprehension lags behind. While nearly everyone surveyed had heard of crypto, only 35% claimed to understand its workings. Familiarity peaks among younger men and wealthier individuals, but even among those who purport to understand crypto, many still perceive it as a risky gamble.
Market Sentiment and Future Prospects
The gap between awareness and understanding of crypto raises questions about its future adoption. Among U.S. investors, 64% view cryptocurrency as “very risky,” up from 60% in 2021. This skepticism isn’t without reason. The volatility and high-profile failures have left a lasting impression.
Yet, the crypto market isn’t without its champions. Despite the risks, the digital currency landscape continues to evolve. Institutional interest is growing, adding a layer of legitimacy that could eventually sway hesitant retail investors. “Institutional backing might be the key to changing perceptions,” suggests James Carter, a financial columnist with CryptoWeekly. “But it will take time for retail investors to shake off the past.” This follows a pattern of institutional adoption, which we detailed in our analysis of institutional focus on BTC and ETH.
The Road Ahead
As we move into the latter half of 2025, the question remains: can crypto overcome its risky reputation? The answer lies in the industry’s ability to establish trust and demonstrate stability. While regulatory clarity and institutional investment are steps in the right direction, the journey to mainstream acceptance is far from over.
For now, the crypto market is a juxtaposition of promise and peril—an evolving narrative that continues to capture the world’s attention. As trends unfold, investors and analysts alike will be watching closely, ever curious about what lies ahead in the enigmatic world of digital assets.
Source
This article is based on: Crypto Still Seen as ‘Risky’ Among U.S. Investors Despite Ownership Surging 8x Since 2018: Survey
Further Reading
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Steve Gregory is a lawyer in the United States who specializes in licensing for cryptocurrency companies and products. Steve began his career as an attorney in 2015 but made the switch to working in cryptocurrency full time shortly after joining the original team at Gemini Trust Company, an early cryptocurrency exchange based in New York City. Steve then joined CEX.io and was able to launch their regulated US-based cryptocurrency. Steve then went on to become the CEO at currency.com when he ran for four years and was able to lead currency.com to being fully acquired in 2025.
