Gen Z and Millennials turn to crypto as primary investment strategy
Young investors rely more on crypto platforms, influencers, and peers than traditional advisors
A growing number of younger investors are turning to cryptocurrency as a primary financial asset, with more than half of Gen Z and Millennial portfolios now composed of digital assets.
The report of the World Economic Forum’s 2024 Global Retail Investor Outlook, based on a survey of over 13,000 individuals across 13 countries, shows that 62% of Millennials hold at least one-third of their portfolio in crypto. Among Gen Z investors, 35% have allocated more than half of their portfolios to digital assets—signaling a departure from traditional wealth-building approaches.
Key takeaways
- Digital-first strategy: Millennials and Gen Z are heavily investing in crypto, with some allocating over 50% of their portfolios.
- Value-driven investing: 70% of Millennials and 66% of Gen Z prefer financial institutions that align with personal values.
- Alternative guidance sources: Young investors rely more on crypto platforms, influencers, and peers than traditional advisors.
- Technology-powered decisions: Nearly half are willing to let AI manage their financial decisions.
Crypto replaces conventional assets among younger investors
For Gen Z and Millennials, cryptocurrency is no longer a speculative side bet—it’s a central component of their investment strategy. The WEF report suggests that crypto is often seen as more understandable and accessible than complex financial instruments like bonds or ETFs. This perception is a stark contrast to older generations, who typically view crypto as volatile and risky.
The Global Retail Investor Survey published by WEF identifies structural shifts shaping new financial behavior.
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Traditional financial advisers are being replaced by a mix of AI-powered tools, influencer-led content, and peer recommendations. According to the report, nearly 70% of Millennials and 66% of Gen Z investors use budgeting apps and robo-advisers regularly, and a significant portion are open to delegating financial decisions to AI.
Global retail investor outlook 2024. Source: WEF
Emerging markets drive crypto adoption
Interest in crypto is even higher in emerging economies. Investors from countries like India, Brazil, and South Africa show adoption rates of 36%, well above the 27% global average. For these populations, crypto serves as a gateway to financial inclusion in regions with limited banking infrastructure.
The rapid adoption of crypto among younger generations reflects a broader transformation in the global investment landscape. As digital-native investors continue to redefine norms with value-driven, tech-enabled strategies, institutions and regulators alike will need to adapt quickly. The coming years could see crypto becoming not just a part of portfolios—but the foundation of them.
We previously wrote Bitcoin booms in Romania while traditional equities lose ground.
