Money managers may need to reassess how they approach digital assets, as a significant share of younger affluent investors in the United States are distancing themselves from advisers who do not provide cryptocurrency exposure.

A new survey from crypto payments provider Zerohash — covering 500 investors aged 18 to 40 — found that 35% had redirected funds away from advisers who offered no access to crypto at all. Participants in the study earned between $100,000 and $1 million annually, and more than half of those who moved their money said the amount shifted ranged between $250,000 and $1 million.

Crypto confidence driven by institutional adoption

The survey also highlights how much the environment has shifted. Many financial advisers in the US are only now adjusting to a landscape where crypto enjoys clearer policy support, while younger investors appear far more comfortable with digital assets than previous generations.

Zerohash noted that more than 80% of respondents felt increased confidence in crypto because major financial institutions — including BlackRock, Fidelity and Morgan Stanley — have begun embracing the sector. Those earning $500,000 or more were the most likely to cut ties over limited access to crypto, with half of that income group having moved assets for this reason. Overall, 84% of respondents planned to grow their crypto holdings within the next year, and nearly half expected to “increase their allocations significantly.”

Advisers risk losing clients if they don’t adapt

According to Zerohash, the findings underscore that digital assets “have become essential to modern portfolio strategy,” and many wealthy investors are unwilling to wait for their advisers to catch up. The company said that “advisers who adapt early can strengthen client loyalty and capture new growth, while those who delay risk falling behind.”

Respondents made it clear that they want “insured, compliant crypto access,” as well as the ability to manage digital assets alongside traditional holdings on a single platform. Zerohash noted that “investors expect more than Bitcoin and Ethereum,” with 92% saying access to a broader selection of digital assets is important.

Meanwhile, asset managers have started rolling out exchange-traded products for a range of cryptocurrencies, including Solana, XRP and Dogecoin, while newer products incorporate staking features. BlackRock also appears poised to offer staking exposure, having filed for a staked Ether exchange-traded fund in Delaware on Wednesday.

Sources:

https://cointelegraph.com/news/young-investors-switching-advisers-crypto-access-survey

https://zerohash.com/resources/crypto-and-the-future-of-wealth