Recent findings from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) illustrate a notable decline in cryptocurrency ownership across the United Kingdom, with participation rates dropping from 12% in 2024 to 8% in 2025. Despite this retreat in the overall figure, a closer examination reveals a rising concentration of investments among dedicated holders, particularly in Bitcoin and Ether.

Summary

  • Current UK cryptocurrency ownership stands at 8% of adults surveyed (2,353 individuals), marking a significant decrease from 12% in 2024, yet still double the 4% noted in 2021, indicating reduced retail interest.
  • A growing number of participants now hold deeper investments in the £1,001–£10,000 range, with 57% of owners possessing Bitcoin and 43% owning Ether, suggesting a pivot towards established cryptocurrencies.
  • As new consultations commence on regulations that encompass exchanges, staking, lending, and DeFi, the FCA encourages feedback by February, aiming to enhance the UK’s crypto regulatory framework.

The FCA’s analysis highlights a shift in the UK’s cryptocurrency landscape, revealing that while fewer adults are engaging with digital currencies, those who are involved are committing to larger sums. Specifically, the agency’s research, which included responses gathered from 2,353 individuals between August 5 and September 2, indicates this upward trend is a departure from smaller investments.

Demographics of Crypto Ownership

Breaking down the demographics, the YouGov survey shows that cryptocurrency ownership remains more prevalent among men, who own digital currency at a rate of 11% compared to just 6% among women. The demographic most likely to invest in cryptocurrencies is individuals aged 18 to 34, where ownership rates hit 15%, underscoring a youthful enthusiasm for digital assets.

Among those who reported owning cryptocurrencies, 21% are in the £1,001 to £5,000 investment bracket, while another 11% have between £5,001 and £10,000 invested. The FCA’s report noted, “More individuals are moving away from smaller holdings and transitioning to larger investments.” The regulator pointed out that those participating in lending and borrowing activities generally exhibit higher levels of knowledge and risk tolerance compared to average crypto users.

Bitcoin continues to dominate the cryptocurrency landscape, with 57% of surveyed holders acknowledging their stake in the leading coin, while Ether accounts for 43%. This reflects a clear preference for major cryptocurrencies over alternative coins, indicating a trend towards more stable and established assets.

Coinciding with the survey’s release, the FCA initiated discussions surrounding regulatory measures for areas such as exchanges, staking, and Decentralized Finance (DeFi). As part of a broader governmental initiative aimed at developing a cohesive regulatory environment for cryptocurrencies, the FCA actively sought input from stakeholders, setting a February deadline for feedback.

This content incorporates the required HTML structure while ensuring that the information is unique and relevant for WordPress publication.