In a surprising revelation, eToro CEO Yoni Assia has credited legendary investor Warren Buffett as a key influence behind his decision to shift eToro’s focus away from crypto and adopt a more balanced, long-term investment strategy.
The comment comes amid a period of significant transformation in the crypto industry, where platforms like eToro are reassessing their positioning after years of rapid crypto expansion.
Warren Buffett’s Influence
Assia stated in a recent interview that while he has long admired Buffett’s investment philosophy, it was a deeper reflection on Buffett’s core principles that inspired him to rethink eToro’s heavy crypto exposure. “When you study Buffett seriously, you realize the power of fundamentals, long-term thinking, and risk management,” Assia said.
Although Buffett has been famously critical of cryptocurrencies—once calling Bitcoin “rat poison squared”—Assia suggested that Buffett’s approach isn’t just about dismissing new technologies, but about focusing on value creation and sustainability.
This realization led eToro to gradually diversify its investment offerings, emphasizing equities, ETFs, and educational tools for retail investors, while continuing to support crypto but not relying solely on it as the company’s growth engine.
A Shift in Strategy
eToro, which originally made a name for itself as a social trading and crypto-friendly platform, had seen massive user growth during the 2020–2021 crypto boom. However, the following bear market highlighted the volatility and uncertainty tied to a crypto-heavy approach.
Assia explained that eToro’s pivot is not an abandonment of crypto, but rather a recalibration. “We still believe in crypto’s role in the future of finance. But building a company that lasts 100 years means we must align with broader investor interests,” he said.
eToro’s current product mix now focuses more on regulated assets, with a renewed emphasis on long-term investing education, diversified portfolios, and responsible trading.
Crypto Still in the Picture
Despite the change in tone, eToro remains one of the few mainstream platforms that offers retail access to cryptocurrencies alongside traditional assets. The firm has also invested in blockchain-based initiatives, including tokenized assets and partnerships in the Web3 space.
However, the platform is now prioritizing regulatory compliance, user education, and portfolio diversification—principles that echo Buffett’s own strategies.
Conclusion
Yoni Assia’s acknowledgment of Buffett’s influence marks a notable moment in the maturing crypto investment landscape. As more fintech platforms strive for longevity over hype, traditional investment wisdom is beginning to play a bigger role—even in the digital asset world. eToro’s evolving strategy reflects that balance: embracing innovation while honoring the fundamentals.