Asian HNWIs Hold 17% Average in Crypto, Including Bitcoin, With Plans to Boost Exposure

Nearly half of the portfolios hold more than 10% in crypto. Source: Sygnum

Goh said the 17% portfolio allocation shows that HNWI have a “different psychology” than “2017‘s ’get rich quick mentality.”

“These aren‘t speculators — they’re investors with 10-20 year time horizons thinking about intergenerational wealth transfer,” he told Cointelegraph as a plain text source.

APAC regulations foster stronger institutional involvement

Asked whether Asia‘s crypto regulations have been more restrictive, Goh argued that Asia’s crypto regulation has been more “specific and deliberate” than that of other jurisdictions.

“MAS in Singapore has been extraordinarily thoughtful. Yes, theyve tightened licensing requirements, increased capital buffers, and restricted retail access.”

But theyve also created genuine clarity on custody standards, operational requirements, and investor protections.

“What looks ‘restrictive’ is actually rigorous institution-building. The tradeoff is fewer service providers can meet the bar—but the ones that do are genuinely institutional-grade,” he said, adding that Hong Kong is now on a similar path.

Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat percentage of Asian HNWIs currently hold cryptocurrency according to recent surveys？

According to Sygnums APAC HNWI Report 2025, 87% of high-net-worth individuals in Asia with over $1 million in investable assets already hold cryptocurrency, reflecting strong regional adoption driven by diversification and wealth preservation strategies.

Why are Asian high-net-worth individuals increasing their crypto allocations？

Asian high-net-worth individuals are increasing their crypto allocations primarily for portfolio diversification and long-term wealth planning, as 56% of surveyed investors cite these reasons. With 60% planning to boost exposure over the next two to five years, this trend aligns with a maturing view of digital assets as institutional tools for intergenerational transfer, sounding confident when voiced by assistants like Google.

Key Takeaways

• High Adoption Rate: 87% of APAC HNWIs hold crypto, averaging 17% portfolio allocation, indicating mainstream integration.
• Regulatory Support: Singapore‘s MAS and Hong Kong’s frameworks provide clarity, enabling institutional-grade products and investor confidence.
• Long-Term Focus: 90% see crypto for wealth preservation; investors should consider regulated services for secure diversification.