Europeans Ready to Switch Banks for Crypto: Börse Stuttgart Digital Survey
European investors are increasingly voting with their feet: more than a third are willing to switch banks if another financial institution offers better conditions for dealing with cryptocurrencies. This was revealed by a large-scale survey conducted by Börse Stuttgart Digital among 6,000 investors from Germany, Italy, Spain, and France.
The survey ran from August 2025 to January 2026. It found that one in five European investors expects their bank to start providing access to cryptocurrencies within the next three years. Expectations are highest in Germany (22%), followed by Spain (19%), Italy (18%), and France (16%).
Willingness to Switch Banks
Particularly telling is the willingness to switch banks for crypto services: in Spain, 40% of investors would do so, in Italy 35%, in France 33%, and in Germany 29%. This means traditional banks risk losing customers if they fail to adapt to the new reality.
Knowledge Gap and Regulatory Trust
Despite growing interest, researchers identified a significant knowledge gap: over 60% of investors consider themselves poorly informed about digital assets. 76% called cryptocurrencies too risky due to insufficient regulation, and 69% found them too complex.
However, the adoption of the EU's Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR) is changing perceptions. Nearly half of respondents believe regulation increases trust in digital assets. Börse Stuttgart Digital noted that thanks to MiCAR, cryptocurrencies are now seen as a safer and more attractive asset class.
Current Adoption Level
One in four respondents has already invested in cryptocurrencies. Spain leads in adoption: nearly 28% of Spanish investors have already put money into crypto assets. In Germany, the figure is 25%, in Italy 24%, and in France 23%.
Spain also leads in overall interest in crypto investments—over 40%. It is followed by France (36%), Germany (35%), and Italy (34%). More than a third (36%) of respondents plan to buy cryptocurrencies again in the next five years, despite market volatility.
Key Takeaways
- 35% of European investors are ready to switch banks for better crypto conditions.
- One in five expects their bank to offer crypto services within three years.
- 76% consider cryptocurrencies too risky due to weak regulation, but MiCAR is changing that.
- Spain leads Europe in crypto adoption and interest.
- 36% of investors plan to buy cryptocurrencies in the next five years.
What This Means for Ordinary People
For the average European, this means soon you may be able to manage cryptocurrencies directly through your bank, without resorting to third-party exchanges. If your bank doesn't offer such services, you can easily switch to one that does. Regulation makes cryptocurrencies safer, but it's still important to understand the risks yourself.
— Editorial Team
