Global investors are strongly turning towards the cryptocurrency market until the end of the year, though a cautious phase is anticipated by 2026. The Future Finance 2025 report by Sygnum Bank reveals that 61% of institutional investors aim to increase their cryptocurrency investments, while 38% plan to take additional positions by the year’s last quarter. The report underscores diversification replacing the megatrend narrative, suggesting cryptocurrencies have become a permanent fixture in portfolios.
Institutions Opt for Strategic Diversification
Lucas Schweiger, the lead author, notes that institutions now view cryptocurrencies not as a defensive mechanism but as a structural part of global financial transformation. A survey conducted by Sygnum with over 1,000 professionals and high-income investors from 43 countries indicates that 42% prefer actively managed strategies. Index-based investments follow at 39%, with single cryptocurrency-focused strategies in decline. This trend hints at institutions adopting portfolios more resilient to volatility and adaptive to policy changes.
Interest in cryptocurrency ETFs beyond Bitcoin 
$77,560 and Ethereum 
$2,318 is also expanding rapidly. Eighty percent of participants request broader ETF options, with 70% indicating they would increase their stakes if staking features were included. The highest demand is being directed towards Solana 
$86 and multi-asset funds. In the U.S., spot Solana ETFs attracted over $200 million in net inflows in their first week, reinforcing this trend.
Tokenization of real-world assets is also on the radar for institutions. The interest in this area increased from 6% to 26% within a year, with a growing trust in regulated on-chain products like tokenized bonds and funds.
Measured Risk Perception Dominates for 2026
Sygnum anticipates that while 2025 will witness “moderate risks coupled with strong demand catalysts,” investors will become more cautious as 2026 approaches. According to the bank, a halt in interest rate cuts and weakening liquidity conditions may lead to a slowdown in momentum within the cryptocurrency market.
Nonetheless, long-term belief in the role of cryptocurrencies remains robust. Ninety-one percent of participants view them as wealth preservation tools, and 81% consider Bitcoin a viable reserve asset in treasuries. Additionally, 70% believe that, over a five-year horizon, holding cash incurs a higher opportunity cost compared to Bitcoin. Schweiger expresses that “discipline has subdued enthusiasm but not weakened belief,” highlighting that institutions have matured and are preparing to slow as short-term catalysts wane.
