A significant proportion of European investors are considering changing banks to gain access to better cryptocurrency services, according to a recent study by Boerse Stuttgart Digital, highlighting a pivotal shift in the role of digital assets in shaping the retail finance landscape across the region. Conducted by Marketagent, a market research firm, between August 2025 and January 2026, the survey gathered insights from 6,000 individuals across Germany, Italy, Spain, and France. The findings indicate that 35% of respondents would contemplate switching banks if another institution offered more robust crypto investment options.
This percentage increases to 40% in Spain, the highest among the surveyed countries, followed by Italy at 35%, France at 33%, and Germany at 29%. Meanwhile, the adoption of cryptocurrency 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 then Italy and France. Despite cryptocurrency's origins outside traditional finance, the study suggests that banks are poised to play a central role in its next phase.
Investors are more than twice as likely to trust their primary bank for crypto services compared to specialized platforms. This trust advantage is notable, given that many investors still struggle to understand the asset class. Over 60% of respondents feel poorly informed about crypto, and 69% describe it as too complex. Concerns about regulation persist, with 76% viewing crypto as insufficiently regulated and therefore risky.
The findings suggest a potential opportunity for banks. Nearly one in five respondents expect their bank to offer crypto access within the next three years, indicating that 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. While some banks and fintech firms now offer trading or custody services, many large institutions have adopted a cautious approach, often limiting exposure to select products or pilot programs.
As a result, investors frequently rely on a mix of traditional banks and specialized platforms to manage their holdings. Regulation is starting to shape this landscape.
The European Union's Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework, which is being implemented across member states, sets common rules for crypto service providers, including licensing, consumer protection, and operational standards. The aim is to create a more consistent market across the region and reduce risks associated with unregulated activity.
Clearer regulation may contribute to this shift. Nearly half of respondents stated that European Union rules, such as the MiCA, increase their trust in digital assets, suggesting that further regulatory clarity could help attract more investors to the market.