UK Regulator Finds 2.3M Adults Now Hold Crypto

However, overall understanding of crypto is in decline, the FCA survey revealed.

AccessTimeIconJun 17, 2021 at 9:39 a.m. UTC
Updated May 9, 2023 at 3:20 a.m. UTC

U.K. regulator the Financial Conduct Authority estimates 2.3 million adults now hold cryptoassets, up from 1.9 million last year.

As well as ownership of crypto, awareness has also grown, the FCA’s consumer research shows. Some 78% of adults have now heard of cryptoassets – the regulator’s preferred term – up from 73%.

  • What Do EigenLayer's Outflows of $2.3B Signal?
    00:57
    What Do EigenLayer's Outflows of $2.3B Signal?
  • What Do TradFi Crypto Moves Mean for Decentralization?
    04:20
    What Do TradFi Crypto Moves Mean for Decentralization?
  • Marathon Digital Buys $100M BTC; India's Special Task Force for Crypto-Related Drug Trafficking
    02:02
    Marathon Digital Buys $100M BTC; India's Special Task Force for Crypto-Related Drug Trafficking
  • Ether Slides as Grayscale's ETHE Outflows Ramp Up
    00:53
    Ether Slides as Grayscale's ETHE Outflows Ramp Up
  • In terms of the reputation, 38% of crypto users see it as a gamble, down from 47% last year, while increasing numbers see the assets as either a complement or an alternative to mainstream investments, the FCA said.

    However, the overall level of understanding is declining. According to the FCA’s sample of 2,568 online respondents, only 71% correctly identified the definition of cryptocurrency from a list of statements.

    “The research highlights increased interest in cryptoassets among U.K. customers,” FCA Executive Director Sheldon Mills said in a statement. “If consumers invest in these types of products, they should be prepared to lose all their money.”

    Disclosure

    Please note that our privacy policy, terms of use, cookies, and do not sell my personal information has been updated.

    CoinDesk is an award-winning media outlet that covers the cryptocurrency industry. Its journalists abide by a strict set of editorial policies. In November 2023, CoinDesk was acquired by the Bullish group, owner of Bullish, a regulated, digital assets exchange. The Bullish group is majority-owned by Block.one; both companies have interests in a variety of blockchain and digital asset businesses and significant holdings of digital assets, including bitcoin. CoinDesk operates as an independent subsidiary with an editorial committee to protect journalistic independence. CoinDesk employees, including journalists, may receive options in the Bullish group as part of their compensation.


    Read more about