A Sygnum report highlights how HNWIs in the Asia-Pacific region view cryptocurrencies as essential for long-term wealth planning.
A recent survey conducted by Sygnum showed that 60% of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) in Asia plan to increase their exposure to digital assets in the coming years.
According to the Sygnum APAC HNWI Report 2025, 87% of surveyed Asian investors already hold digital assets, and nearly half allocate more than 10% of their wealth to cryptocurrencies.
The survey involved over 270 HNWIs, ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs), and professional investors, revealing that 90% consider digital assets crucial for long-term wealth preservation and estate planning.
The median allocation among HNWIs ranges between 10% and 20% of the total portfolio, with diversification being the main driver for 56% of investment decisions. Looking at a 2–5 year horizon, 57% of HNWIs and 61% of UHNWIs express positive or very positive sentiment toward the crypto market over the long term.
High-net-worth investors in the region show particular interest in active exposure management strategies, yield solutions, and outsourced mandates. A notable trend is the demand for ETFs: over 80% of HNWIs want exchange-traded products that go beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Gerald Goh, co-founder of Sygnum and CEO for the Asia-Pacific region, emphasized that cryptocurrencies are now firmly embedded among Asia’s wealthiest portfolios. About 66% of HNWIs stated they would invest with greater confidence if their private banks or wealth managers demonstrated high standards of security and custody.
Goh highlighted that the regulatory frameworks in Hong Kong and Singapore’s MAS have built the necessary infrastructure for traditional financial institutions to offer crypto services. According to him, the question is no longer whether private banks can meet this demand, but when they will.
Lucas Schweiger, the report’s author and head of Sygnum’s crypto ecosystem research, confirmed that Asia-Pacific HNWIs are embracing cryptocurrencies as a legitimate opportunity for wealth creation and preservation.
Schweiger pointed out that Singapore MAS’s framework provides investors with institutional-grade safeguards they expect. Despite 60% of participants confirming plans to increase allocations, many investors report strategically timing their entries due to recent market corrections.
The report also highlights some challenges that limit broader participation. Regulatory uncertainty, varying regional licensing frameworks, and concerns about security and custody remain the main obstacles identified by investors.
