The share of UK residents who own cryptocurrencies fell sharply in 2025. While 12% of the adult population held digital assets last year, that figure dropped to just 8% this year. This is according to a new survey conducted by YouGov on behalf of the UK financial regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Despite fewer people owning cryptocurrencies, the total amount of capital invested continues to grow, as investors shift from small holdings to larger portfolios.

Cryptocurrencies in the UK fewer people larger investments

The survey was based on 2,353 interviews conducted between August 5 and September 2, 2025. The results suggest declining interest among retail investors, while a smaller group of participants is allocating significantly higher amounts to cryptocurrencies.

According to the FCA, the trend of shrinking small holdings and growing larger portfolios continues. Specifically, 21% of respondents said they hold cryptocurrencies worth between $1,343 and $6,708. Another 11% reported holdings valued between $6,709 and $13,416.

“More people are moving away from small holdings and instead making larger investments,” the FCA summarized. The regulator also noted that participants involved in crypto lending and financing tend to be better informed, more risk tolerant, and more aware of regulatory warnings than the average crypto user.

Bitcoin and Ethereum dominate Solana stands out

The structure of UK crypto portfolios remains relatively conservative. Among respondents who own cryptocurrencies, 57% hold Bitcoin and 43% Ethereum. Other altcoins are far less common.

However, one notable detail emerged: around 21% of UK crypto holders reported owning Solana. This places it among the most prominent alternative cryptocurrencies in the UK, despite trailing far behind Bitcoin and Ethereum in terms of market capitalization.

Adoption remains higher than in 2021

Despite the year-on-year decline, crypto adoption in the UK remains well above levels seen just a few years ago. In 2021, only 4% of adults owned cryptocurrencies. The current 8% therefore represents a doubling of adoption, suggesting that digital assets have retained a stable place in the financial behavior of part of the population.

FCA launches consultations on crypto regulation

The publication of the survey coincided with the FCA announcing the launch of three public consultations on the future regulation of the crypto market. The regulator is focusing on rules for crypto exchanges, staking, digital asset lending, and decentralized finance (DeFi).

Stakeholders have been invited to submit their feedback by February. The consultations form part of a broader effort by the UK government to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies and digital assets.

What the data suggests

While cryptocurrencies in the UK are losing mass appeal, they are increasingly positioning themselves as an investment tool for a smaller but wealthier and more informed group of investors. This shift comes as regulation tightens, and the combination of higher oversight and capital concentration is likely to shape the future of the UK crypto market.

Sources:

https://www.fca.org.uk/publication/research-notes/cryptoasset-consumer-research-2025-wave-6.pdf

https://www.fca.org.uk/news/press-releases/fca-seeks-feedback-proposals-uk-crypto-rules