Investor Sentiment Toward Cryptocurrency Is Improving, Economist Survey Reveals

·

The perception of cryptocurrency among investors is undergoing a positive transformation, according to a new report from The Economist. As digital assets continue to mature and gain broader acceptance, more investors are beginning to view cryptocurrencies not just as speculative instruments, but as valuable tools for portfolio diversification and long-term financial strategy.

Published by Economist Impact—the research arm of The Economist—the Digital Economy Report offers deep insights into consumer trust in digital payments and the evolving role of digital currencies in modern finance. By comparing data collected in 2020 and 2021 with fresh findings from early 2022, the study captures shifting attitudes toward blockchain-based assets across both developed and emerging markets.

👉 Discover how global investors are reshaping their portfolios with digital assets.

Global Survey Reveals Growing Confidence in Digital Currencies

The survey polled 3,000 consumers worldwide, evenly split between individuals in advanced economies (including the U.S., U.K., France, South Korea, Australia, and Singapore) and those in developing nations such as Brazil, Turkey, Vietnam, South Africa, and the Philippines. Approximately 75% of respondents held at least a university-level education and had prior experience using digital payment platforms for everyday transactions.

An additional segment of the research involved 150 institutional investors and corporate treasury professionals, offering a crucial window into how traditional financial decision-makers are adapting—or resisting—digital asset integration.

One of the most significant findings? A strong majority—85%—of all respondents believe that open-source cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) serve a legitimate purpose in diversifying investment portfolios or supplementing national reserve strategies.

Even more telling, 90% of institutional participants reported an increase in demand for digital assets over the past three years—not only for decentralized cryptocurrencies but also for central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and enterprise-grade blockchain solutions.

This growing institutional interest reflects a broader normalization of digital assets within mainstream finance. No longer seen as fringe technology, blockchain and crypto are now being evaluated through the lens of utility, scalability, and strategic value.

Web3, NFTs, and the Rise of New Digital Asset Classes

The expansion of Web3 infrastructure and the proliferation of metaverse projects are expected to further accelerate demand for digital currencies. These emerging ecosystems rely heavily on tokenized ownership, smart contracts, and decentralized governance—all underpinned by blockchain technology.

Supporting this trend, 74% of survey respondents agreed that non-fungible tokens (NFTs) represent a viable new asset class that organizations should consider acquiring and trading. From digital art and collectibles to tokenized real estate and intellectual property, NFTs are opening up novel avenues for value creation and transfer.

Enterprises are beginning to explore how NFTs can be used beyond marketing stunts—leveraging them for supply chain authentication, membership credentials, and even fractional ownership models. As these use cases mature, so too does investor confidence in the underlying technologies.

👉 See how next-generation investors are leveraging blockchain for real-world applications.

Central Bank Digital Currencies: The Future of Money?

Another key focus of the report is the rising anticipation around central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). Across surveyed markets, there is growing public expectation that governments and central banks will launch functional CBDC systems by 2025.

Among senior financial executives interviewed, 65% believe it is likely that CBDCs will replace physical cash in their respective countries within the next decade. This shift would mark one of the most profound changes in monetary history—transitioning from tangible notes and coins to programmable digital money issued and regulated by national authorities.

Countries like China (with its digital yuan), Nigeria (e-Naira), and Sweden (e-krona pilot) are already testing or deploying CBDCs at scale. Meanwhile, the European Central Bank is advancing its digital euro project, and the U.S. Federal Reserve continues research into a potential digital dollar.

While CBDCs differ fundamentally from decentralized cryptocurrencies—offering less privacy and no mining rewards—they represent a critical step toward a fully digitized financial ecosystem. Their adoption could streamline payments, reduce fraud, enhance financial inclusion, and improve monetary policy precision.

Regulatory Uncertainty Remains a Barrier

Despite growing optimism, regulatory ambiguity remains the single largest obstacle to wider institutional adoption of digital assets. According to the report, 35% of respondents cited lack of clear regulation as the primary barrier preventing deeper engagement with crypto markets.

This represents a notable improvement from 2021, when 47% pointed to regulatory uncertainty as a major hurdle—suggesting that increased dialogue between policymakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders may be yielding progress.

Other concerns include insufficient financial literacy around digital assets and limited access to technological infrastructure, particularly in underserved regions. These challenges echo remarks made by U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen in May 2022, who emphasized the need for inclusive policies that expand access to digital finance while safeguarding consumers.

As regulations evolve—potentially including clearer tax guidelines, licensing frameworks for exchanges, and anti-money laundering (AML) protocols—investor trust is expected to grow further. Standardization and transparency will be key drivers in turning cautious interest into active participation.

👉 Learn how regulatory clarity is shaping the future of global crypto adoption.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Why are investors increasingly interested in cryptocurrencies?
A: Investors see cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum as effective tools for portfolio diversification. With inflation concerns and market volatility rising globally, many view digital assets as a hedge against traditional financial risks.

Q: What role do NFTs play in institutional investment strategies?
A: While still emerging, NFTs are being recognized as a legitimate asset class. Institutions are exploring their use in digital ownership verification, brand engagement, and new revenue streams through tokenized assets.

Q: Will CBDCs replace traditional cash?
A: According to 65% of surveyed financial executives, yes—CBDCs are likely to replace physical currency in many countries by 2035. However, full transition will depend on public trust, infrastructure readiness, and policy implementation.

Q: How does Web3 impact cryptocurrency demand?
A: Web3 promotes decentralized internet services powered by blockchain. As more platforms adopt token-based economies and user-owned data models, demand for native cryptocurrencies increases significantly.

Q: Is regulatory progress helping crypto adoption?
A: Yes. Although regulation remains a challenge, the decline in concern from 47% in 2021 to 35% in 2022 indicates improving clarity. Clearer rules help institutions feel more confident entering the space.

Q: Are cryptocurrencies only popular in developed countries?
A: No. The survey included equal representation from developing nations like Brazil, Vietnam, and Nigeria—where high inflation and unstable banking systems make crypto an attractive alternative for saving and remittances.

Core Keywords: