UK Crypto Ownership Plunges to 8% — But High-Value Portfolios Are Soaring
Crypto possession within the UK dropped noticeably in 2025, even because the traders who stayed out there continued to construct bigger holdings, in accordance to new figures from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
The information from FCA’s Cryptoassets Consumer Research 2025 report shows that 8% of UK adults at the moment personal some type of cryptocurrency. That is down from 12% a 12 months earlier, marking the primary clear decline in participation since crypto use surged in the course of the pandemic.
While fewer individuals now maintain digital property, possession has not fallen again to early ranges. In 2021, simply 4% of adults reported proudly owning crypto, which means at the moment’s determine continues to be roughly double what it was 4 years in the past.
The figures level to a market that’s changing into smaller however extra concentrated. Rather than attracting new entrants, crypto possession seems to be shifting towards present customers who’re committing extra capital and holding their property for longer intervals.
Crypto Ownership within the UK Still Dominated by 18–34 Age Group
The profile of crypto holders has remained broadly constant. Ownership is larger amongst males at 11%, in contrast with girls, and is most concentrated amongst individuals aged 18 to 34, the place 15% report holding crypto.
Overall public consciousness of crypto stays high, with 91% of respondents saying they’ve heard of cryptocurrencies, matching 2024 ranges and persevering with a multi-year pattern of widespread familiarity.
Individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds and higher-income social grades are additionally extra seemingly to personal digital property, in accordance to the FCA’s nationally consultant survey of greater than 2,300 respondents.
Bitcoin stays essentially the most generally held cryptoasset, owned by 57% of customers, and recorded a five-percentage-point restoration after a number of years of declining possession.
Ethereum adopted at 43%, largely unchanged from 2024. Also, different property had been held at a lot decrease ranges, with Solana, Dogecoin, XRP, and Cardano essentially the most generally talked about past the 2 market leaders.
Small Holders Exit as High-Value Crypto Portfolios Grow
Behind the headline decline in possession, the report reveals a gentle shift towards higher-value holdings.
The share of customers holding £1,001 to £5,000 in crypto rose to 21%, up 4 proportion factors from 2024, whereas these holding £5,001 to £10,000 elevated to 11%, up three factors.
At the identical time, the variety of individuals holding £100 or much less continued to fall, extending a pattern seen over a number of years.
The FCA famous that the distinction between high- and low-value holders has widened since final 12 months, significantly in motivations linked to long-term investing.
Most crypto purchases proceed to be funded utilizing private money.
Around 76% of customers relied on disposable earnings, whereas 25% used long-term financial savings and 19% used earlier funding positive aspects.
The use of bank cards or borrowing fell additional, with simply 9% reporting credit-based purchases, down 5 proportion factors from 2024.
The information additionally means that new adoption is slowing, noting that solely 5% of crypto house owners first purchased property after October 2024, whereas most entered the market between 2019 and 2021.
Incentives reminiscent of rewards or promotions additionally declined, with simply 17% of customers reporting receiving one previously six months.
The report additionally famous centralized exchanges stay the dominant entry level, utilized by 73% of UK crypto customers, a rise from final 12 months. Coinbase and Binance remained essentially the most extensively used platforms, although Binance’s share declined.
UK Ranks eleventh in Global Crypto Adoption as regulation will get clearer
The findings come because the UK continues to reshape its regulatory framework. In 2025, the federal government introduced laws to carry crypto actions beneath the FCA’s supervision whereas additionally formally recognizing digital assets as personal property beneath UK legislation.
The UK has formally acknowledged cryptocurrencies and stablecoins as authorized property by a brand new Act of Parliament.#UK #Cryptohttps://t.co/I68t8BBZoD
— Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) December 3, 2025
Full implementation of the regime shouldn’t be anticipated till 2027, however the FCA has already accelerated approvals and launched consultations protecting buying and selling, staking, lending, and decentralized finance.
Globally, the UK ranked eleventh in Chainalysis’ crypto adoption index, behind nations reminiscent of India, the United States, Brazil, and Vietnam.
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