Sixty Percent of Asia’s Affluent Plan to Increase Crypto Purchases, Survey Finds

In a landmark glimpse into Asia’s private wealth, the survey finds 6 in 10 of Asia’s rich plan to ramp up crypto buying, signaling a major shift toward crypto as a long-term wealth tool rather than mere speculation. The findings emerge from Sygnum’s APAC HNWI Report 2025, which charts how high-net-worth individuals in the Asia-Pacific region are weaving digital assets into sophisticated, institutionally-minded portfolios. The study frames a nuanced narrative: crypto is no longer a fringe asset class but a strategic component of intergenerational wealth planning, asset diversification, and risk-adjusted growth within regulated, professionally managed ecosystems.

As Asia’s private wealth ecosystem evolves, so too do expectations for governance, custody, and advisory partnerships. The APAC HNWI Report 2025 polled 270 high-net-worth individuals with investable assets exceeding $1 million, alongside seasoned professional investors with more than ten years of experience. The geographic spread covers ten APAC countries, with a focus on Singapore, and meaningful participation from Hong Kong, Indonesia, South Korea, and Thailand. The overarching takeaway is clear: a robust appetite for crypto exists, but the entry point is anchored in institutional-grade standards, clear regulatory guardrails, and a long-horizon view of wealth transfer across generations.

Shifting expectations: 87% exposure, 17% average allocation

What the numbers reveal about Asia’s crypto attitude

• Broad exposure: A striking 87% of surveyed Asia-Pacific HNWIs already hold some crypto exposure, underscoring how digital assets have penetrated even traditional private banks’ client bases.
• Allocation depth: The average crypto allocation sits around 17% of a crypto-inclusive portfolio, signaling meaningful weight rather than a token experiment.
• Concentrated ownership: About half of respondents reported crypto allocations exceeding 10%, indicating serious capital committed to the space.
• Asset mix: Most exposure centers on blockchain protocol tokens—Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana—alongside other digital assets and diversified token baskets.
• Time horizon: The two- to five-year outlook cited by respondents reflects a shift from “get rich quick” heuristics to disciplined, long-duration investing—think 10–20 year intergenerational planning rather than quarterly bets.
• Institutional tilt: A large majority would request crypto services through regulated partners if such offerings were available via their private banks or advisors, signaling demand for compliance-forward access points.

Gerald Goh, co-founder and APAC CEO of Sygnum, emphasizes that “digital assets are now firmly embedded within APAC’s private wealth ecosystem.” He notes that, despite near-term macro headwinds, adoption is accelerating due to portfolio diversification needs, intergenerational considerations, and the demand for products that carry institutional-grade standards. This is the kind of framing that separates today’s crypto chatter from tomorrow’s private wealth strategy.

Regulatory climate: Crafting institutional-grade crypto in APAC

Singapore’s MAS and Hong Kong’s evolving playbook

APAC regulators have earned attention for a purposeful approach to crypto regulation. Rather than broad, blanket restrictions, the region’s rules tend to be specific and deliberate, creating a path that nurtures institutional participation while maintaining guardrails for consumer protection and market integrity.

Singapore’s Monetary Authority (MAS) has been especially cited for thoughtful, rigorous policy design. Licensing requirements have tightened, capital buffers have increased, and access for retail investors has been restrained in some segments. Yet the same framework provides lenders, custodians, and asset operators with well-defined custody standards and operational requirements, reducing the risk of misalignment or fiduciary failure. In practice, banks and wealth managers can partner with licensed crypto entities that meet stringent risk and governance criteria, which strengthens client trust and product legitimacy.

Hong Kong is following a parallel trajectory, with ongoing reforms aimed at elevating the bar for participating service providers. The objective is clear: fewer, higher-quality players who can deliver institutional-grade services across custody, settlement, risk management, and compliance. For Asia’s HNWIs, this means access to regulated avenues for crypto exposure, layered with robust disclosures and protections that echo traditional asset classes rather than the wild west of early crypto markets.

The broader implication is a more predictable, resilience-focused environment for private banks, family offices, and professional investors who want to integrate crypto into portfolios without sacrificing control, transparency, or regulatory alignment. In turn, this fosters a healthier ecosystem where wealth preservation and legacy planning can incorporate digital assets alongside more established assets such as equities, fixed income, and real assets.

From speculative bets to institutional-grade wealth management

Portfolio construction in a maturing APAC crypto market

What does it look like when crypto becomes a strategic component of long-horizon wealth planning? The APAC HNWI report provides a window into how portfolios are being constructed as professional-grade products become accessible. The dominant theme is diversification—not simply across asset classes, but across crypto-native and cross-asset strategies that balance growth potential with risk controls.

Among the most common motivations for crypto inclusion are:

• Diversification: 56% of respondents cited diversification as the primary reason for adding crypto to their mix, a rationale that resonates with modern portfolio theory and drawdown mitigation.
• Alpha generation: While absolute returns remain volatile, some HNWIs pursue crypto exposure as a source of uncorrelated growth, particularly in a low-yield, rate-volatile environment.
• Inflation protection: Digital assets are increasingly viewed as a potential hedge in inflationary regimes or currency devaluations, contributing to a broader risk-off/defense strategy for family offices and endowments.

Beyond the headline numbers, the composition of crypto holdings matters. Approximately 80% of actively investing respondents report holdings in widely traded blockchain protocol tokens such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Solana (SOL). This concentration reflects both the liquidity and the maturity of these assets, as well as the broad ecosystem development around these networks—from decentralized finance (DeFi) to non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and enterprise-grade infrastructure projects.

Another notable trend is the emphasis on institutional-grade products. HNWIs are not chasing high-risk, unregulated vehicles; they want custody, audit trails, risk controls, and compliant product wrappers. This demand is shaping how private banks source crypto exposure—favoring regulated, partner-based models with clear custody standards, risk disclosures, and reserved capital buffers to protect client assets. In practice, this means more structured notes, tokenized funds, and diversified baskets, all delivered through familiar private-banking channels rather than independent exchanges alone.

Implications for wealth managers and intergenerational wealth transfer

Custody, governance, and education at the center

One of the most compelling takeaways from the Sygnum report is how custody and governance have moved to the forefront of client conversations. The phrase “institutional-grade” carries real weight: clients expect custody that uses multi-signature controls, insured storage, and robust disaster-recovery plans. They also expect governance that includes explicit risk frameworks, internal controls, and periodic third-party audits. These are the criteria that distinguish quality providers in a crowded crypto advisory space.

Historical context matters. In 2017, crypto investments among retail investors carried outsized risk and narratives of fortune. By 2025–2026, the market landscape has matured into a multi-layered ecosystem where private banks and family offices operate with the caution, discipline, and long-range thinking that characterize legacy wealth management. The report’s emphasis on intergenerational wealth transfer underscores a broader cultural shift: younger generations entering family offices value digital assets as part of the modern wealth mosaic, not merely as speculative toys. This creates a strong incentive for wealth managers to develop curricula, workshops, and ongoing education to align family goals with evolving asset classes and risk appetites.

Practical implications for practitioners include:

• Structured education: Clients increasingly demand literacy around crypto custody, taxation, regulatory changes, and risk management. Education programs, concise briefs, and scenario analyses help bridge gaps between traditional wealth management and digital asset realities.
• Custody-first solutions: Engagements with insured, regulated custody providers reduce operational risk and build trust among clients who insist on transparent asset provenance and secure storage.
• Regulatory alignment: Private banks and family offices benefit from aligning product suites with evolving regulatory expectations, ensuring disclosures, KYC/AML controls, and risk governance align with parent institutions’ standards.

As assets migrate into digital form, intergenerational wealth planning becomes a driving force. Families are aligning digital-asset strategies with legacy planning, charitable giving, and philanthropic vehicles, ensuring that wealth is preserved across generations while staying adaptable to political, economic, and technological shifts. The report suggests a future where crypto is not just a line item but a strategic thread woven into the fabric of long-term stewardship.

Risks, challenges, and the future outlook

Balancing opportunity and caution in a volatile space

Despite the optimism, APAC’s crypto adoption is not without risk. The sector’s growth—spurred by regulatory clarity and institutional-grade infrastructure—also demands careful risk management. Here are the major considerations shaping the near-to-mid-term outlook:

• Volatility and drawdowns: Crypto markets continue to exhibit pronounced price swings. While some HNWIs are comfortable with volatility as exposure grows, wealth managers emphasize portfolio-level hedges and stress-testing to withstand adverse scenarios.
• Regulatory risk: Regulatory frameworks can tighten or tighten again. While gaps for retail exposure may shrink, professional investor channels require ongoing monitoring of licensing, custody, and capital requirements. This risk is mitigated by regulated partnerships and due-diligence processes.
• Custody and security challenges: Even with robust custody solutions, cyber threats and operational risk persist. Institutions emphasize robust cybersecurity, independent custody audits, and contingency planning to protect assets and reputations.
• Tax and accounting considerations: Tax treatment of crypto varies across APAC jurisdictions, sometimes creating complexity for reporting, valuation, and compliance. Advisory teams need to stay current with evolving tax guidance and accounting standards.
• Liquidity risk in some markets: While BTC, ETH, and SOL enjoy deep liquidity, less liquid tokens or emerging protocols can pose exit challenges in stressed market conditions.

Looking ahead, the APAC market is likely to see a maturation arc similar to other established asset classes. Expect continued product innovation—tokenized funds, structured products, and insurance-enabled custody—coupled with tighter governance frameworks. The two- to five-year horizon cited by investors suggests a steady, measured expansion rather than a rapid, speculative rush. In a region where family offices often play a pivotal role in wealth stewardship, the acceptance of crypto as a legacy asset hinges on trust, compliance, and demonstrable risk controls.

Practical takeaways for private banks, family offices, and advisors

Actionable steps to align with APAC market realities

For wealth-management professionals aiming to serve Asia’s HNWI with crypto in a responsible manner, several best practices emerge from the report’s insights and ongoing market dynamics:

• Build a custody-centric blueprint: Prioritize custody infrastructure with insurance, multi-party computation (MPC) or hardware security modules (HSM), and regular third-party audits. Client confidence grows when assets sit behind institutional-grade controls.
• Offer regulated access points: Foster partnerships with licensed crypto service providers that meet regulatory requirements for asset safety, disclosure, and risk governance. Provide clients a clear map of where their assets reside and under whose oversight.
• Integrate crypto into holistic plans: View digital assets as part of a broader wealth plan—incorporating liquidity planning, estate planning, tax optimization, and philanthropic goals. Tie crypto strategy to family governance, successor planning, and education for younger generations.
• Deliver transparent risk disclosures: Topic areas should include drawdown scenarios, liquidity constraints, and potential regime shifts. Use scenario analyses to illustrate how crypto allocations interact with existing portfolios in rising or falling markets.
• Invest in client education: Create ongoing programs that explain blockchain fundamentals, token dynamics, and the governance structures of crypto vehicles. Education reduces friction during onboarding and encourages informed decision-making.

Additionally, wealth managers should anticipate a progressive shift in demand toward institutional-grade products and a preference for regulated partnerships that safeguard client assets while enabling efficient execution. The South-East Asia–Hong Kong–Singapore corridor, in particular, is likely to see sustained growth as a hub for private wealth activity that prioritizes both growth potential and prudent risk management.

Conclusion: A new chapter in Asia’s private wealth story

The APAC HNWI landscape is evolving rapidly. What looked like niche crypto exposure a few years ago is now an integrated, albeit regulated, element of sophisticated private wealth portfolios. The “Survey finds 6 in 10 of Asia’s rich plan to ramp up crypto buying” headline captures a moment of transformation: crypto is being recast from speculative play to stable, long-horizon wealth management. This shift is underpinned by significant exposure levels, substantial allocations, and a regulatory environment that rewards institutional governance over romantic risk-taking. The result is a more resilient, diverse, and future-oriented private wealth ecosystem in Asia—one where digital assets reinforce, rather than replace, traditional wealth management practices.

For clients, the message is clear: crypto is not a rebellion against conventional wealth rules but a complement to them. For banks, family offices, and fund managers, the path forward lies in custody excellence, regulatory compliance, and client education. The next few years will likely see deeper integration of digital assets with legacy wealth planning, broader adoption of regulated crypto products, and a continuing redefinition of what “private wealth” means in an era of tokenized opportunities.

FAQ

What did Sygnum’s APAC HNWI Report 2025 reveal about crypto exposure?

The report found that 87% of Asia’s high-net-worth individuals already have exposure to crypto, with an average allocation of roughly 17% of their crypto-inclusive portfolios. About half of respondents allocate more than 10% to crypto, indicating meaningful commitment beyond a speculative sliver.

Which markets and participants were included in the survey?

The survey polled 270 HNWIs with investable assets over $1 million and experienced professional investors across ten APAC countries, with emphasis on Singapore and notable participation from Hong Kong, Indonesia, South Korea, and Thailand.

Why is the regulatory environment important for crypto adoption in APAC?

Regulatory clarity matters because it shapes how wealth managers can structure and offer crypto products. Singapore’s MAS approach is lauded for being careful and deliberate, balancing licensing requirements with clear custody and operational standards. In Hong Kong, policymakers are pursuing similar institutional-grade practices, which helps private banks and family offices deliver compliant crypto exposure with defined protections for clients.

What drives the shift from speculation to long-term wealth planning?

Contributors cite intergenerational wealth transfer, strategic diversification, and the demand for institutional-grade products as key drivers. A two- to five-year outlook suggests investors are taking a patient approach, integrating digital assets into managed risk frameworks and legacy strategies rather than chasing short-term crypto returns.

What are the main risks associated with rising crypto allocations?

Volatility, regulatory changes, custody risk, tax and accounting complexities, and liquidity concerns in certain tokens are among the principal risks. The report highlights the importance of governance, insured custody, and professional oversight to manage these challenges.

What should wealth managers do to prepare for ongoing crypto adoption in APAC?

Practitioners should emphasize custody-first solutions, regulated access points, and the integration of digital assets into comprehensive wealth plans. Ongoing client education and transparent risk disclosures are essential, as is staying aligned with evolving regulatory expectations to preserve trust and sustain long-term growth.