Crypto Ownership Falls to 8% in the UK, FCA Data Shows

New consumer research conducted by YouGov on behalf of the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) reveals a notable shift in the country’s crypto landscape. In 2025, the proportion of UK adults holding crypto assets fell to 8%, down from 12% in 2024. While the decline appears significant, it does not signal a collapse in crypto participation.

In fact, ownership levels remain roughly double those recorded in 2021, indicating that the market has pulled back from last year’s peak rather than losing relevance altogether. Public awareness of crypto remains exceptionally high, with 91% of respondents saying they are familiar with digital assets, a figure that has remained broadly stable over recent years.

One of the most striking findings is the change in investment behavior among existing crypto holders. Although fewer people now own crypto, the typical value of holdings has increased. The share of investors holding small amounts of £100 or less continues to decline, while larger portfolios are becoming more common. Ownership of portfolios valued between £1,001 and £5,000 rose to 21%, while those holding £5,001 to £10,000 increased to 11%. This suggests that the UK crypto market is becoming more concentrated among higher-value, potentially more experienced investors.

Centralized exchanges have further strengthened their position as the primary gateway into crypto. Approximately 73% of users reported acquiring assets via platforms such as Coinbase, Binance, and Kraken, up four percentage points from 2024. Ease of use, reputation, and security were cited as the most important factors when selecting an exchange, reinforcing the importance of trusted infrastructure in driving adoption.

The research also highlights a significant divergence in risk appetite. Around 63% of crypto users said they are willing to take higher risks for higher returns, compared with just 24% among those aware of crypto but not invested. Despite this, engagement in advanced activities such as lending, borrowing, and staking remains limited. Participation in staking fell to 22%, and reliance on credit cards or credit facilities to purchase crypto dropped to 9%, down from 14% in 2024.

Views on regulation remain mixed. A quarter of crypto users said they would be more likely to invest if regulation increased, while another 26% would only be encouraged if financial protections were included. Conversely, 11% said regulation would deter them, and 25% said it would have no impact.

These findings arrive as the UK advances a phased crypto regulatory framework. The government has introduced legislation to bring crypto assets within the existing financial regulatory perimeter, with oversight from the FCA and the Bank of England. Detailed rules are expected by 2026, with enforcement targeted for 2027, positioning the UK for a more structured and transparent crypto market environment.