With a focus on crypto’s long-term upside, Sygnum Bank finds institutional investors prioritizing exposure to web3 assets amid global economic uncertainty.

High-net-worth investors are showing growing confidence in crypto’s long-term potential, driven by portfolio diversification needs and macroeconomic hedging. According to a recent survey conducted by Swiss digital bank Sygnum among 400+ respondents hailing from 27 countries, the majority is focused on crypto’s long-term growth potential.

The report attributes the confidence to expectations of higher returns as well as the emerging crypto “megatrend,” which is boosted by strong interest in the space.

Per the report, diversification remains a central theme. Institutional investors continue seek to hedge against macroeconomic risks, including fears of recession and geopolitical tensions. Bitcoin (BTC), viewed by many as “digital gold” due to its scarcity, has once again gained traction among investors seeking safe haven assets, the report reads.

Despite investors’ confidence, the short-term outlook is mixed. Per the Swiss bank, more than 50% of investors are adopting a neutral stance heading into Q4 2024.

“Asset volatility is now the biggest challenge to crypto investing, followed by security and custody concerns and the lack of regulatory clarity.”

Sygnum

Sygnum reports that some are awaiting confirmation of sustained market growth, while others remain cautious due to external geopolitical factors.

Currently, investors seem to be mostly attracted to layer-1 protocols and web3 infrastructure, which continue to dominate interest due to the strong presence of Bitcoin and Ethereum (ETH), alongside scalable alternatives. Nonetheless, Sygnum admits that crypto exchange-traded products also drive the dynamic, with many investors seeking ownership in crypto assets rather than indirect exposure.