FINRA Study Shows Fewer Americans Are Considering New Crypto Investments
A new study from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority reveals a shift in how Americans view digital assets. While the percentage of U.S. adults holding crypto has remained steady at 27% from 2021 to 2024, fewer investors are exploring new positions as overall risk-taking behavior continues to decline.
Fewer Investors Plan to Buy Crypto
According to the researcch, only 26% of respondents in 2024 were considering buying crypto for the first time or expanding existing holdings, down from 33% in 2021. The drop coincides with a broader retreat from high-risk investments. FINRA reported that individuals with “high levels of investment risk” fell to 8%, with the sharpest decline among investors under age 35, dropping nine percentage points to 15%.
Uncertainty surrounding interest rates, inflation and economic conditions appears to have encouraged investors to seek more stable assets. Although ownership levels have not changed, the willingness to take on new exposure has softened.
Crypto Viewed as Risky but Still a Tool for Goals
The survey, which included 2,861 investors and over 25,000 adults, found that 66% now classify crypto as a risky investment, up from 58% in 2021. Yet nearly one-third of younger adults said they believe significant risks are necessary to meet long-term financial targets, showing a continued appetite for speculative opportunities among the youngest market entrants.
The study also recorded that 13% of respondents—including nearly one-third of those under 25 purchased meme stocks or viral assets, reinforcing a generational divide in investment strategies.
Only 8% of surveyeed investors said they entered the market between 2022 and 2024, a steep decline from 21% during the pandemic-driven surge in 2021. FINRA noted that the influx of young investors seen earlier in the decade has since “returned to pre-pandemic levels,” signaling a shift back toward more cautious investing behavior across the country.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.