What do people think of cryptocurrencies?

A global investor survey has found that investors are attracted by growth in cryptocurrency but scept​icism and lack of understanding remain.

Consumer insights provider Toluna  surveyed of 10,500 people between the ages of 18 and 64 years from four regions and 19 markets across North America, Latin America, Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), and Asia-Pacific (APAC), including Australia.  

Despite the temptation around both short- and long-term growth, the hesitation around cryptocurrency remains strong, with almost half (42%) of global respondents stating that crypto is a risky investment. 

Respondents in emerging markets continue to view cryptocurrency in a more positive light, compared to those in developed markets where attitudes toward crypto are more sceptical.  

For those already investing in crypto, loyalty remains strong. Despite the recent Luna & UST crashes, most existing crypto investors are still interested in crypto, seeing the potential for long-term stable growth (36%). In fact, 42% of respondents plan to place more of their assets in crypto within the next six months.  

Toluna’s Christine Tan, Senior Director, SEA, said, “Cryptocurrency is certainly shaking up the consumer investment market across the globe and, whether the sentiment is positive or negative, one thing is clear: people are talking about it, they’re familiar with it, and it’s getting their attention.”

"The stark contrast in opinion between emerging and developed markets highlights just how important it is for financial services organizations to ensure they keep their finger on the pulse of crypto opinion among consumers and ensure they’re getting their messaging right. Education around crypto is vital—and something many providers need to work on to ensure people are fully aware of the role of cryptocurrency and the reasons to invest—and also when not to,” said Tan. 

Well-known, but not well-understood

Cryptocurrency is the second most well-known form of investment, with 57% of respondents stating they were aware of it, according to the the report. Despite the high awareness, 60% of respondents state that they don’t understand cryptocurrency. Of those who haven’t invested in cryptocurrency, they cite that it’s too risky (42%), they don’t understand it enough (32%), and it isn’t secure enough (28%).  

Many still view crypto as a currency for the underworld. When asked to rate agreement (scale of 0-10, with 10 being strongly agree) with the statement, ‘Crypto facilitates illegal activities,” 45% agreed (top-5 box).  Around 47% of respondents agree that ‘Crypto can be easily converted into cash’ (top-5 box).

Positive outlook despite market crashes 

Despite the ongoing turmoil in the cryptocurrency market, 81% of respondents plan to either maintain or increase the percentage of their assets invested in crypto within the next six months 

Among those who currently invest in crypto, 42% plan to place more of their assets into crypto within the next six months. 

There are many reasons that people choose to invest in crypto: the potential for long-term stable growth (36%), short-term high growth (35%), to diversify (30%), to use as a means of payment for online purchases (25%), to avoid government regulation (11%), to hedge against traditional asset crashes (16%), and the general fear of missing out (15%) 

Sentiments towards crypto are still mostly optimistic, and there are many potential investors looking to make the jump into crypto—and this is especially true in emerging APAC and LATAM markets.   

A positive shift 

The research highlighted that developed and APAC markets were experiencing a positive shift regarding their feelings of cryptocurrency and said they felt curious, optimistic, excited, inspired, and intrigued by it.

Consumers in emerging markets claim higher familiarity with crypto (7.1/10) than their counterparts in developed markets (5.1/10) 

Respondents in emerging markets have more trust (5.8/10) in crypto than those in developed markets (3.9/10). Likewise, they feel that it’s more secure (4.8/10) than consumers in developed markets (3.6/10).  

Respondents in emerging markets are more likely to recommend investing in crypto (6.2/10) than those surveyed in developed markets (4.0/10).