New research from trading platform IG suggests that most crypto investors in the United Kingdom are turning to digital assets with long-term financial plans rather than short-term speculation.
More than 500 UK-based crypto holders took part in the survey, offering fresh insight into how the market is maturing and how investor behaviour is shifting.
The findings show that 51 percent of respondents are investing to build wealth over time.
Only 27 percent identified short-term gains as their primary motivation.
A significant proportion also said they were investing for future life milestones.
Around one-third of participants said they view crypto as part of their retirement planning, while 18 percent said they were saving toward buying a house.
Younger Investors Take Long-Term Approach
One notable trend highlighted in the research is the shift in behaviour among younger investors aged 18 to 24.
In this group, 39 percent said retirement planning was a key reason for entering the crypto market.
Meanwhile, 28 percent said they were investing to save for a house, suggesting younger adults are increasingly treating crypto as part of broader financial planning rather than chasing quick profits.
Only 22 percent within this demographic identified short-term returns as their main incentive.
Risk Attitudes Show Market Maturity
The survey also indicates that UK crypto investors are generally cautious when it comes to risk exposure.
A total of 35 percent of respondents described themselves as cautious and focused on avoiding losses.
Just 7 percent said they were willing to take substantial risks in exchange for potentially high returns.
This shift in risk appetite is reflected in how investors structure their portfolios.
Nearly half of those surveyed said crypto represents only a small portion of a diversified investment strategy.
Around one-third said digital assets make up a significant portion of their holdings, while six percent reported investing only in crypto.
On average, crypto accounts for 23 percent of an investor’s total portfolio.
Analysts Highlight Growing Institutional Influence
IG’s Chief Market Analyst, Chris Beauchamp, said the research highlights how far the asset class has evolved.
He noted that crypto is no longer viewed primarily as a speculative instrument on the edges of financial markets.
“Crypto has become part of the financial landscape and a crucial part of portfolios across the globe.
No longer the speculative upstart of the financial markets, its place now seems assured,” Beauchamp said.
Traditional Finance Pushes Further Into Digital Assets
The trends identified among UK investors are consistent with major structural developments occurring across the wider digital asset industry.
Recent approvals of Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission have helped accelerate institutional adoption.
Major financial institutions including BNY Mellon, State Street, and Franklin Templeton have expanded their digital asset services, citing rising demand from clients.
Payment firms such as PayPal and Mastercard are also exploring more on-chain settlement and payment models.
Venture capital firms are increasingly focusing investment around core infrastructure—such as trading, custody, liquidity services, and asset management—while less emphasis is being placed on speculative crypto projects.
A growing number of startups like Securitize and ClearToken are developing fully regulated platforms, aligning more closely with frameworks used in conventional financial markets.
The industry is gradually adopting execution, clearing, and settlement processes similar to those used in traditional finance, which analysts say is essential for effective risk management and mainstream integration.
