- 60% of Asian HNWIs plan to increase crypto allocations in coming months.
- 87% already hold digital assets with half allocating over 10% of portfolios.
- 80% demand ETFs beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum with Solana leading requests.
Asian high-net-worth individuals are increasing their crypto allocations according to a new report by Sygnum Singapore. The APAC HNWI Report 2025 surveyed over 270 HNWIs and professional investors across 10 markets.
The report reveals that 60% of respondents plan to increase their crypto allocations in the coming months. This comes as 87% of surveyed HNWIs already hold digital assets in their investment portfolios.
Nearly half of respondents allocate more than 10% of their portfolios to digital assets. Median HNWI holdings fall in the 10-20% range according to the survey results.
Crypto shifts from speculation to wealth preservation
The report shows maturation in how Asian private wealth approaches digital assets. 90% of surveyed HNWIs view digital assets as important for long-term wealth preservation and legacy planning.
Portfolio diversification now drives 56% of investment decisions. This has overtaken short-term trading and megatrend exposure as the primary motivation for crypto allocation.
HNWIs showed stronger interest in actively managed exposure, outsourced mandates and yield strategies. The emphasis is on integration with existing wealth structures rather than isolated positions.
Gerald Goh, Sygnum co-founder and APAC CEO, stated that digital assets are now firmly embedded within APAC’s private wealth ecosystem.
Singapore’s MAS framework and Hong Kong’s developing digital asset rules have laid the groundwork for traditional wealth managers to provide cryptocurrency services.
Strong long-term crypto outlook among wealthy investors
57% of HNWIs have a bullish or very bullish long-term crypto market outlook. This figure rises to 61% among ultra-high-net-worth individuals.
The bullish view is supported by rising crypto and traditional finance industry integration. Rising on-chain activity, a growing ETF ecosystem, and clearer regulatory pathways reinforce this conviction.
Many investors are timing entries cautiously following recent market corrections. Regulatory uncertainty, custody and security concerns, and differing regional licensing frameworks remain key barriers to increased participation.
Goh noted that APAC is quickly becoming one of the world’s fastest growing and most important digital asset gateways. He expects this momentum to strengthen further into 2026.
Demand for crypto ETFs beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum
80% of APAC HNWI investors want access to additional digital asset ETFs beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum. Solana shows the next highest demand at 52% of respondents.
Multi-asset index products drew 48% interest, followed by XRP at 41%. The strong demand for altcoin crypto ETFs shows appetite for diversification beyond the two largest cryptocurrencies.
70% of respondents said they would allocate or increase allocations if staking yield were included in ETF products.
Custody and security standards critical for crypto adoption
66% of respondents said their private bank or wealth manager needs to show high custody and security standards.
Lucas Schweiger, report author and Sygnum Crypto Asset Ecosystem Research Lead, stated that HNWIs in Singapore and wider APAC are embracing digital assets as genuine wealth creation and preservation opportunities.
Their disciplined, intergenerational approach to investing, combined with higher risk appetite, is driving substantial allocations to crypto. Singapore’s well-regulated MAS framework provides the institutional-grade safeguards these investors expect.
The survey covered over 270 high-net-worth and professional investors across 10 Asia-Pacific markets. Markets included Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, South Korea and Thailand. 95% were independent market participants.
Over half the respondents have more than a decade of investment experience. 20% have been active for more than 20 years. The findings reveal a quickly maturing private wealth segment integrating digital assets as core components of long-term wealth and portfolio strategy.
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