A growing proportion of European investors are likely to switch banks to access better crypto services, according to new research from Boisse Stuttgart Digital, indicating a shift in how digital assets are shaping retail finance across the region.
The survey was conducted by market research firm Market Agent from August 2025 to January 2026, and collected responses from 6,000 people in Germany, Italy, Spain, and France. It found that 35% of respondents would consider switching banks if another financial institution offered stronger crypto investment options.
This figure rises to 40% in Spain, the highest of the countries surveyed, followed by Italy at 35%, France at 33% and Germany at 29%.
At the same time, ownership of cryptocurrencies continues to expand. Around 25% of respondents said they were already investing in digital assets, with Spain again leading the way at nearly 28%. Germany followed with 25%, followed closely by Italy and France.
Despite the origins of cryptocurrencies outside of traditional finance, research suggests that banks will remain central to its next phase. Investors were more than twice as likely to trust their main bank over specialized platforms when it comes to cryptocurrency services.
This credibility benefit comes as many investors still struggle to understand the asset class. More than 60% say they feel there is not enough information about cryptocurrencies, and 69% say cryptocurrencies are too complex.
Concerns about regulation also persist, with 76% believing that cryptocurrencies are poorly regulated and risky.
The findings show potential for banks. Nearly one in five respondents expect their banks to offer access to cryptocurrencies within the next three years, suggesting that digital assets are moving from a niche product to a standard feature in retail finance.
Access to cryptocurrencies in Europe has expanded in recent years, but remains uneven. While some banks and fintech companies are now offering trading and custodial services, many large institutions are taking a cautious approach, often limiting their exposure to some products and pilot programs. As a result, investors often use a combination of traditional banks and specialized platforms to manage their stock holdings.
Regulation is starting to shape the landscape. The European Union’s Market for Cryptoassets (MiCA) framework is being phased in across member states and sets common rules for crypto service providers, including licensing, consumer protection and operational standards. The aim is to create a more consistent market across the region and reduce the risks associated with unregulated activities.
Clearer regulation could play a role in that change. Nearly half of respondents said European Union rules such as MiCA would increase confidence in digital assets, indicating further regulatory clarity could help attract more investors to the market.
