A significant proportion of European investors are considering switching banks to access 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, gathered responses from 6,000 individuals in Germany, Italy, Spain, and France, finding that 35% of respondents would consider changing banks if another institution offered more robust crypto investment options.
This figure is highest in Spain at 40%, followed by Italy at 35%, France at 33%, and Germany at 29%. Meanwhile, cryptocurrency ownership continues to grow, with around 25% of respondents already invested in digital assets, led by Spain at nearly 28%, followed by Germany at 25%, and then Italy and France. Despite its origins outside traditional finance, the study suggests that banks remain crucial for the next phase of cryptocurrency development, as investors are 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% feeling poorly informed and 69% describing it as too complex. Concerns about regulation persist, with 76% viewing cryptocurrency as insufficiently regulated and therefore risky. The findings indicate a potential opportunity for banks, as nearly one in five respondents expect their bank to offer cryptocurrency access within the next three years, suggesting that digital assets are becoming a standard feature in retail finance.
Access to cryptocurrency in Europe has expanded in recent years but remains uneven, with some banks and fintech firms offering trading or custody services, while large institutions have taken a cautious approach. Regulation is starting to shape the landscape, with the European Union's Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework aiming to create a more consistent market across the region and reduce risks tied to unregulated activity.
Clearer regulation may play a role in increasing trust in digital assets, as nearly half of respondents said European Union rules, such as the MiCA, increase their trust in digital assets.