Younger, high-income Americans are reshaping wealth management by expecting bitcoin and other digital assets to be core parts of their portfolios.
Many now view a 5–20% allocation to bitcoin as standard, benchmarking advisors on their ability to integrate digital assets alongside traditional investments.
Survey reveals disconnect
A recent Zerohash “Crypto and the Future of Wealth” survey of 500 U.S. investors aged 18–40 found that 61% of wealthy respondents already hold digital assets, with the number rising to 69% among top earners.
Notably, 58% of high-income investors allocate 11–20% of their portfolios to digital assets, and 84% plan to increase these allocations in the coming year.
Despite this demand, 76% of crypto holders invest independently, as most advisors are unable or unwilling to offer bitcoin exposure.
Advisors risk losing clients over bitcoin access
The survey found that 35% of affluent young investors have already moved assets away from advisors lacking digital asset options.
Among those earning $500,000 or more, this figure jumps to 51%.
Client departures often involve substantial accounts, with many moving between $250,000 and $1 million.
Zerohash noted that 64% would stay with or bring more assets to advisors offering bitcoin access, and 63% would feel more comfortable if digital assets appeared on the same dashboard as stocks and bonds.
Regulatory and operational challenges persist
While regulatory barriers like SEC custody rules and accounting standards have eased somewhat, many advisory firms still struggle with product integration and compliance documentation.
However, new solutions such as spot bitcoin ETFs and qualified custodians like Fidelity and BitGo are making it easier for advisors to serve this demand. Advisors who remain hesitant risk being replaced by crypto-competent practices.
The future of wealth management
As the Great Wealth Transfer accelerates, with an estimated $84–$124 trillion moving to younger generations through the 2040s, the pressure is on traditional firms to adapt.
For many young investors, trust now means proof-of-reserves, secure custody, and integrated reporting.
The survey concluded that advisors must acknowledge bitcoin’s role in modern portfolios or risk losing relevance as clients seek out those who do.