Survey Shows 74% of Institutional Investors Anticipate Cryptocurrency Price Growth Within a Year
New research from Coinbase and EY indicates institutional investors intend to increase their cryptocurrency holdings in 2026, with preference for regulated investment vehicles as stablecoin adoption and asset tokenization continue to expand.
Despite the cryptocurrency market downturn experienced since October, institutional investors remain undeterred, with recent survey data indicating that the majority intend to expand their digital asset exposure throughout the upcoming year.
A January survey encompassing 351 institutional investors, carried out jointly by Coinbase and EY-Parthenon, found that 73% of participants indicated plans to expand their digital asset allocations in 2026, with 74% anticipating an upward trend in cryptocurrency prices throughout the next 12 months.
Among the survey participants, two-thirds reported that exchange-traded products (ETPs) along with other regulated investment vehicles have emerged as their preferred method for obtaining exposure, demonstrating increased comfort with these financial instruments and representing a wider transition toward regulated entry points. Regulatory frameworks were additionally identified as a crucial element driving institutional involvement.
Regarding regulatory matters, over three-quarters of survey participants identified market structure as the most critical area requiring regulatory clarification — a priority that emerges while US legislators continue discussions on legislation that would establish how digital assets are categorized and overseen by various agencies.
Nevertheless, market volatility is influencing the strategies institutions employ when approaching crypto. Close to half (49%) of survey participants indicated that recent market turbulence has prompted them to prioritize risk management, liquidity considerations and position sizing more heavily, as opposed to withdrawing their exposure entirely.
Stablecoins, tokenization gain traction
Among the most significant findings from the survey is the increasing institutional appetite for emerging blockchain applications including stablecoins and tokenized real-world assets (RWAs).
Based on the survey results, 85% of participants either currently utilize or intend to utilize stablecoins for payment processing and treasury operations, identifying settlement and internal cash management as the principal applications.
A portion of this momentum stems from regulatory developments in the US, where 83% of participants stated that the passage of the GENIUS Act will enhance financial institutions' readiness to work with stablecoins. Over two-thirds (69%) indicated that the legislation will accelerate broader adoption of transactions based on stablecoins.
At the same time, enthusiasm for tokenized assets continues its upward trajectory, with 63% of investors demonstrating interest in obtaining exposure and 61% anticipating that tokenization will deliver a substantial impact on market structure throughout the coming years.