Bitwise Asset Management—a global leader in crypto asset management with over $12 billion in client assets—and VettaFi, a top-tier ETF data platform, have unveiled their seventh annual 2025 Benchmark Survey. This year’s report highlights a seismic shift in financial advisors’ attitudes toward crypto assets, driven by regulatory milestones, evolving client demand, and post-election market optimism.
Key Survey Findings
1. Post-Election Crypto Momentum
- 56% of advisors are more inclined to invest in crypto in 2025 due to the 2024 U.S. election results.
- Political clarity has reduced perceived risks, accelerating adoption.
2. Allocations Hit Record Highs
- 22% of advisors now allocate crypto in client portfolios—double 2023’s rate (11%).
- 99% of advisors with existing crypto exposure plan to maintain or increase allocations.
3. Client Demand Skyrockets
- 96% of advisors fielded crypto-related questions from clients in 2024.
- 71% reported clients investing independently in crypto, signaling untapped advisory opportunities.
4. Spot ETFs Reshape Access
- Only 35% of advisors can currently buy crypto in client accounts, despite spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETF approvals.
- Crypto equity ETFs remain the preferred vehicle for future allocations.
5. Regulatory Concerns Ease
- Regulatory uncertainty as a barrier dropped to 50% (from 60–65% in prior years).
- Advisors prioritize issuer expertise (46%) and support (43%) over sheer AUM (28%) when selecting Bitcoin ETFs.
👉 Explore how spot ETFs are transforming crypto access
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
Barriers to Adoption
- Access limitations persist, with two-thirds of advisors unable to trade crypto in client accounts.
- Education gaps and platform restrictions slow full integration.
Growth Catalysts for 2025
- Expanding ETF options to meet advisor and institutional demand.
- Enhanced regulatory clarity post-2024 election cycle.
- Client-led pressure driving advisors to upskill in crypto asset management.
"2024 marked crypto’s inflection point," notes Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan. "Advisors are allocating like never before—but the trillion-dollar opportunity is just beginning."
FAQ Section
Q1: How are advisors responding to client crypto interest?
A: 96% engage in crypto conversations, with 22% already allocating—a 100% YoY increase.
Q2: What’s the top obstacle for crypto adoption?
A: Regulatory uncertainty (50%), though this concern has declined sharply from prior years.
Q3: Which crypto investments are advisors favoring?
A: Crypto equity ETFs lead, followed by spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs.
👉 Discover expert insights on crypto ETF trends
About the Survey
- 400+ U.S. financial advisors participated, spanning RIAs, broker-dealers, and wirehouses.
- Conducted November 14–December 20, 2024, post-election.
Methodology Note: Data reflects advisor responses as of January 2025.
"The mainstream era of crypto is here," affirms VettaFi’s Todd Rosenbluth. "Bitwise’s expertise bridges ETFs and crypto’s transformative potential."
Why This Matters
The survey underscores crypto’s irreversible integration into wealth management, with advisors poised to guide clients through the next phase of digital asset adoption.
For full results, download the Bitwise/VettaFi 2025 Survey PDF.