A recent report from Bitpanda Technology Solutions revealed rising crypto adoption from retail and institutional investors in Europe. The report pointed out that European Financial Institutions are underestimating crypto demand from business and private investors.
European Investors Push for Crypto
The information in the Bitpanda report is based on data collected from over 10,000 survey respondents in 13 European countries. The survey analyzed crypto adoption among European investors, comparing insights gathered with those of banks on the continent.
Based on the analysis, 27% of private and 56% of business investors agreed that crypto will become more relevant in the next three years. Over 16% of private investors and more than 40% of business investors said they already have crypto investments. 12% and 18% said they plan to enter the market soon.
Despite this growing demand, the report highlighted a shortfall in crypto adoption from bank customers. The financial institutions participating in the survey stated that only 19% of their clients show a high demand for crypto products.
The data suggested that the banks underestimated the actual crypto adoption by private investors by over 30%, creating an opportunity for early adopters to capitalize on the rising demand.
The report detailed that European Financial Institutions increasingly recognize crypto demand. According to the report, 18% of the Financial Institutions surveyed revealed plans to expand their crypto service offerings.
However, the scope of adoption of these institutions’ crypto is limited. As detailed in the report, they are focused on increasing their AUM rather than meeting the increased demand for retail services.
The limited scope of crypto adoption is attributed to concerns around reputational risks, lack of knowledge within the business, and lack of resources. This hesitancy stands in stark contrast to the actions of private and business investors. The latter are embracing crypto at a rate that is much quicker than banks anticipate.
Crypto Platforms Expanding in Europe
The introduction of Europe’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) framework has helped provide Financial Institutions with a clear regulatory path for integrating crypto. MiCA marks a critical turning point for traditional finance, removing many barriers that previously slowed crypto adoption.
After MiCA’s introduction, crypto platforms expanded their presence in Europe. In February, Crypto.com announced the release of its full suite of services in the European market. The Singapore-based exchange introduced spot and derivatives trading to all European Economic Area (EEA) member states.
Bitget received a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license from Bulgarian financial authorities only a day after this announcement. This license allows Bitget to offer various European services, including crypto trading, asset custody, and fiat conversion.
While these exchanges also target high networth clients, most products focus on retail investors.
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Benjamin Godfrey is a blockchain enthusiast and journalist who relishes writing about the real life applications of blockchain technology and innovations to drive general acceptance and worldwide integration of the emerging technology. His desire to educate people about cryptocurrencies inspires his contributions to renowned blockchain media and sites.
