A growing number of Millennials and Gen Z investors are allocating over half of their investment portfolios to cryptocurrency, according to the World Economic Forum’s 2024 Global Retail Investor Outlook published Wednesday.
Rather than a passing trend, this reflects a clear shift in how younger investors are approaching risk, trust and financial planning.
Among Gen Z investors, 35% allocate more than half of their portfolio to crypto, while 20% invest around one-third of their portfolio in digital assets.
The report, which surveyed over 13,000 individuals across 13 countries, reveals that 62% of Millennial investors have crypto holdings making up at least a third of their portfolios.
This perception contrasts with the conventional view of crypto as a complex and high-risk asset. For digital-native generations, guidance now comes from crypto platforms, influencer content, and peer networks rather than traditional sources like licensed advisers or institutional analysts.
Young investors’ confidence in crypto appears to stem from a broader trend: many perceive it as easier to understand than traditional investments such as ETFs or bonds.
Crypto, often associated with decentralization and transparency, appears to resonate with those priorities.
This generational shift is also about values. The report notes that 70% of Millennials and 66% of Gen Z choose financial institutions based on personal values alignment.
In fact, 36% of emerging market investors hold crypto, compared to 27% globally. For some, crypto offers an accessible gateway to capital markets in environments where banking infrastructure remains underdeveloped.
Emerging markets echo this enthusiasm. Investors from countries like India, Brazil, and South Africa show higher crypto adoption rates than their developed-market counterparts.