Wealthy Investors Seeking Financial Advisers with Crypto Expertise: Insights from a CoinShares Survey

In an evolving investment landscape, wealthy U.S. investors are increasingly inclined to hire financial advisers who can provide guidance on cryptocurrency. According to a CoinShares survey conducted in June 2025, which included 500 affluent individuals with at least $500,000 in investable assets, a staggering 82% of all respondents expressed a greater willingness to retain an adviser knowledgeable about digital assets. This article delves into key findings from the survey, highlighting the growing importance of crypto expertise in the financial advisory domain.

Trust in Financial Advisers

The survey reveals that a vast majority of wealthy investors, specifically 88%, are currently working with financial advisers. Significantly, 58% of respondents cited advisers as their most trusted source of information regarding digital assets, surpassing other resources such as market analysis tools, podcasts, and peer networks. This underscores the vital role that financial advisers play in guiding affluent individuals through the complexities of cryptocurrency investing, as they increasingly turn to professionals for reliable information.

Advisor Services that Matter Most

When asked about the most valued services they expect from their financial advisers, investors outlined two primary roles. A notable 54% of participants highlighted the importance of securing compliant investment vehicles, such as exchange-traded funds (ETFs) or trusts, alongside designing effective portfolio allocation and risk management strategies. Additionally, 49% sought tax and regulatory support, while 46% prioritized custody recommendations. This information indicates that investors are not merely looking for crypto advice but are also concerned with compliance and risk management, critical aspects of digital asset investment.

The Crypto Investor Personas

In further analysis, CoinShares categorized investors into three distinct personas: “crypto-curious” (21%), “cautiously confident” (38%), and “committed” (37%). Each group exhibits varying levels of knowledge and investment strategies. The "crypto-curious" often rely on advisers for basic education about crypto and show a preference for passive investment products. In contrast, the "cautiously confident" seek familiar investment structures like ETFs and stablecoins, while the "committed" investors are interested in more advanced strategies that encompass decentralized finance (DeFi), staking, and tax optimization. Notably, across all personas, 65% of investors have hesitated to allocate funds due to a lack of reliable information, emphasizing the gap that financial advisers can fill.

Adviser Optimism Amidst Client Hesitation

Despite the complexities surrounding cryptocurrency investments, a robust 91% of the advisers surveyed in late 2024 conveyed optimism about Bitcoin’s mainstream adoption. Furthermore, 42% of these advisers warned that late adopters may face elevated risks. This sentiment is echoed by the investors themselves, as 90% of current crypto holders indicated plans to increase their exposure to digital assets in 2025. Meanwhile, 75% of non-holders expressed a desire to either learn more about cryptocurrency or invest in the near future. This shared optimism suggests that as more financial advisers build their expertise in digital assets, they can better guide their clients and help mitigate perceived risks associated with investing in cryptocurrencies.

The Takeaway: Building Expertise for Future Growth

The survey findings position digital asset competence as a crucial factor influencing affluent investors’ selection of financial advisers. Wealthy individuals are increasingly prioritizing specific service areas, including compliance with regulatory frameworks, effective portfolio design, custody solutions, and tax guidance, when choosing their advisers. As the demand for cryptocurrency knowledge among investors continues to rise, financial advisers who can provide comprehensive insights and education stand to significantly enhance their value within this evolving investment landscape.

In conclusion, the CoinShares survey highlights a growing trend among wealthy investors in the U.S. — a marked preference for financial advisers with expertise in cryptocurrency. This shift not only underscores the necessity for advisers to enhance their knowledge in this area but also illuminates the evolving dynamics of trust and reliance on professional guidance in navigating the complex world of digital assets.