67% of Wealth Managers Lack Crypto Allocation
A Bitwise audience poll of roughly 400 wealth managers found that 67% have no crypto allocation in client portfolios. However, 60% plan to add crypto exposure within the next 12 months, signalling potential institutional demand for Bitcoin and other digital assets.
The informal September 2026 poll was presented by Bitwise Head of Research Ryan Rasmussen. Its findings are not representative of the entire wealth management industry because attendees at a crypto-focused event may be more interested in digital assets than average advisers.
The survey follows broader adoption gains. The 2026 Bitwise/VettaFi Benchmark Survey found that 32% of financial advisers had allocated to crypto for clients in 2025, up from 22% in 2024. The share of advisers able to purchase crypto for clients also increased to 42% from 35%.
XRP attracted the most questions at the event, while Bitcoin, Ethereum and Solana were also prominent. Respondents showed a positive market outlook, with 60% expecting crypto prices to be higher by the end of 2026.
For traders, the wealth managers crypto allocation gap highlights a possible long-term source of inflows. However, the planned allocations have not yet become actual buying, and access, compliance and risk controls remain obstacles. The data is therefore a sentiment and adoption signal rather than immediate evidence of market demand.
Neutral
The expected market impact is neutral because the poll points to stronger long-term adoption, but it does not confirm immediate capital inflows. The headline finding that 67% of wealth managers lack a crypto allocation could initially be interpreted as weak institutional participation. The more constructive detail is that 60% intend to add exposure within 12 months, creating a possible future demand catalyst for BTC, ETH, XRP and SOL.
In the short term, traders may treat the result as mildly supportive for sentiment, particularly if it coincides with rising spot volumes, ETF inflows or improving regulatory conditions. However, informal event-based polls have limited predictive value. The difference between stated intention and executed allocation is significant, and compliance restrictions may delay or reduce actual purchases.
In the longer term, the increase in adviser allocation from 22% in 2024 to 32% in 2025, alongside greater trading access, supports a gradual institutionalisation trend. Similar adoption surveys and improved market access have historically helped strengthen the investment case for major cryptocurrencies, but they have not prevented short-term volatility driven by macroeconomic data, liquidity and regulation. Traders should therefore monitor verified fund flows, adviser-platform approvals and institutional buying rather than relying on the poll alone.