35% of EU Investors May Switch Banks for Crypto Access, Survey Finds

Rongchai Wang Apr 21, 2026 15:38

A new survey reveals 35% of European investors would change banks for better crypto offerings, highlighting shifting preferences amid regulatory progress.

35% of EU Investors May Switch Banks for Crypto Access, Survey Finds

Cryptocurrency is reshaping banking preferences across Europe, with 35% of investors willing to switch banks for better crypto services, according to a new survey by Börse Stuttgart Digital. The findings highlight how demand for digital assets is influencing traditional banking relationships, even as regulatory uncertainty persists.

The survey, which polled 6,000 investors in Germany, Italy, Spain, and France, underscores the growing importance of crypto access in financial decisions. Nearly 20% of respondents expect their primary bank to offer crypto services within three years, suggesting that digital assets are becoming a mainstream consideration for European investors.

Regulatory Clarity Driving Investor Confidence

Regulation remains a key factor in accelerating crypto adoption. The European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), which took full effect in December 2024, has begun to address concerns about the lack of oversight. Nearly half of the surveyed investors said MiCA increased their trust in digital assets, describing them as "safer and more attractive" under the framework.

MiCA, a comprehensive regulatory effort, harmonizes crypto rules across EU member states and introduces licensing requirements for service providers. Börse Stuttgart Group CEO Matthias Voelkel noted, "Trust and clear regulation are essential for the next phase of crypto adoption in Europe. With MiCA bringing transparency and legal certainty, investors gain the clarity they expect." This clarity has already attracted significant venture capital investment into European crypto projects, particularly in 2023, when funding surged due to MiCA's approval.

Spain Leads in Adoption, but Challenges Persist

Among the surveyed countries, Spain emerged as the leader in crypto adoption, with 28% of investors already owning digital assets. Germany followed at 25%, while Italy and France reported adoption rates of 24% and 23%, respectively. Additionally, 36% of respondents across all countries said they are likely to invest in crypto within the next five years, indicating sustained interest despite market volatility.

However, hurdles remain. The survey found that 76% of respondents view crypto as insufficiently regulated, and over 60% feel poorly informed about digital assets. These gaps in education and oversight continue to slow broader adoption.

Traditional Banks Embrace Crypto

As investor demand grows, traditional financial institutions are moving to integrate crypto services. Börse Stuttgart Digital became the first German provider to secure an EU-wide MiCA license in January 2025, enabling it to offer regulated crypto asset services to banks, brokers, and asset managers. This trend reflects a broader shift, with major players like Deutsche Börse investing heavily in the crypto ecosystem.

For context, Europe has already positioned itself as a significant crypto hub. A Chainalysis report revealed that Russia, the UK, and Germany ranked as the top three European crypto markets by transaction value between July 2024 and June 2025, with Germany receiving $219 billion in crypto value.

Outlook: Crypto’s Role in Banking

The survey's findings highlight a pivotal moment for banks in Europe. As MiCA continues to enhance regulatory clarity and investor confidence, financial institutions that fail to offer competitive crypto services risk losing customers to more forward-thinking rivals. For investors, the growing availability of regulated crypto products could provide new opportunities, particularly as mainstream adoption inches closer.

With 36% of survey participants planning future investments in digital assets, the next five years will likely determine how deeply crypto integrates into Europe’s financial system. Banks that act now to meet this demand may secure a lasting competitive edge in a rapidly evolving market.

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