According to a recent study by Boerse Stuttgart Digital, a significant proportion of European investors are considering changing banks to access better cryptocurrency services, signaling a significant shift in the role of digital assets in retail finance across the region. The study, which surveyed 6,000 individuals in Germany, Italy, Spain, and France between August 2025 and January 2026, found that 35% of respondents would consider switching banks if another institution offered more robust cryptocurrency investment options. This figure is highest in Spain, at 40%, followed by Italy at 35%, France at 33%, and Germany at 29%.
Despite the perceived complexity of cryptocurrency, with over 60% of respondents feeling poorly informed and 69% describing it as too complex, its ownership continues to grow, with around 25% of respondents already invested in digital assets. Spain leads in crypto ownership at nearly 28%, followed by Germany at 25%, and then Italy and France. Notably, investors are more than twice as likely to trust their primary bank for cryptocurrency services than specialized platforms, indicating that traditional banks remain central to the future of cryptocurrency.
However, concerns about regulation persist, with 76% of respondents viewing cryptocurrency as insufficiently regulated and therefore risky. The study suggests a potential opportunity for banks, as nearly one in five respondents expect their bank to offer cryptocurrency access within the next three years, indicating a move towards digital assets becoming a standard feature in retail finance. The expansion of cryptocurrency access in Europe has been uneven, with some banks and fintech firms offering trading or custody services, while large institutions have been cautious.
The European Union's Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework, which is being phased in, aims to create a more consistent market by setting common rules for cryptocurrency service providers, including licensing, consumer protection, and operational standards. Nearly half of the respondents believe that European Union rules, such as the MiCA, increase their trust in digital assets, suggesting that clearer regulation could play a crucial role in bringing more investors into the market.