A significant proportion of European investors are considering switching banks to gain access to better cryptocurrency services, according to a recent study by Boerse Stuttgart Digital, highlighting a shift in the role of digital assets in retail finance across the region. The study, conducted by Marketagent between August 2025 and January 2026, surveyed 6,000 individuals in Germany, Italy, Spain, and France, and found that 35% of respondents would consider changing banks if another institution offered more robust crypto investment options. This figure rises to 40% in Spain, followed by Italy at 35%, France at 33%, and Germany at 29%. Despite the complexity of cryptocurrency, ownership continues to grow, with around 25% of respondents stating they have already invested in digital assets.

Spain leads with nearly 28%, followed by Germany at 25%, and Italy and France slightly behind. The study suggests that banks remain central to the next phase of cryptocurrency development, with investors more than twice as likely to trust their primary bank for crypto services than specialized platforms. However, many investors still struggle to understand cryptocurrency, with over 60% stating they feel poorly informed, and 69% describing it as too complex. Concerns about regulation also persist, with 76% viewing cryptocurrency as insufficiently regulated and therefore risky.

The findings indicate a potential opportunity for banks, with nearly one in five respondents expecting their bank to offer crypto access within the next three years. As a result, digital assets are transitioning from a niche offering to a standard feature in retail finance. Access to cryptocurrency in Europe has expanded in recent years, although it remains uneven, with some banks and fintech firms offering trading or custody services, while many large institutions have taken a cautious approach.

Regulation is beginning to shape the landscape, with the European Union's Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework setting common rules for crypto service providers, including licensing, consumer protection, and operational standards. Clearer regulation may play a role in increasing trust in digital assets, with nearly half of respondents stating that European Union rules, such as the MiCA, increase their trust in digital assets.