Two fifths (40%) of UK investors would be more likely to invest in cryptocurrency if their investment platform, adviser, or bank offered access to the asset class, research from WisdomTree has found.

The report noted that barriers to accessing crypto are set to ease as the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) will allow retail investors to access UK-listed crypto exchange-traded products (ETP) from 8 October.

WisdomTree’s survey highlighted investor demand for crypto and how regulation could unlock broader adoption.

One in five (20%) UK investors said that changes in local market rules would influence their view of cryptocurrencies, which WisdomTree said supported the FCA’s decision to lift its ban on retail access to crypto ETPs.

The firm added that the role of crypto in personal finance was evolving, with investors increasingly viewing crypto as part of long-term financial planning rather than a purely speculative asset.

Of those with crypto exposure, 26% said they were using it as part of a retirement strategy, while 21% were saving towards a home purchase.

“Now that the FCA has permitted retail access to UK-listed crypto ETPs, we expect this to become the preferred vehicle for investors,” WisdomTree head of distribution, Europe, Adria Beso.

“Institutions will play a crucial role in guiding adoption, whether through advisers, platforms, or direct allocations.

“WisdomTree is focused on delivering institutional-grade solutions that help UK investors gain safer and smarter access to crypto and meet their financial goals.”

According to WisdomTree’s analysis, adding 1% crypto exposure to a diversified portfolio can improve returns with “limited impact on overall risk”.

Nearly a quarter (23%) of UK investors said they would consider putting more than 10% of their portfolio into crypto.

However, it also identified a knowledge gap, with 72% of investors saying they were not knowledgeable about crypto, and 31% suggesting they would not know how to react if prices fell sharply.

“Education is essential to helping investors use crypto sensibly and manage the ups and downs,” said WisdomTree director, digital assets research, Dovile Silenskyte.

“By understanding how crypto works in a portfolio and how to react when prices fall, people can avoid taking on too much risk and make decisions that support their long-term goals.

“Simple approaches like investing regularly and building balanced portfolios can make a real difference over time.”

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