21shares Survey Finds Firm Policy and Education are the Primary Gatekeepers to Financial Advisors’ Digital Asset Adoption

New research reveals a bifurcated advisor market, rising allocation targets among users, and persistent education gaps

NEW YORK, May 13, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 21shares, in partnership with the FUSE Research Network, today released new survey findings on U.S. financial advisors’ views on digital assets, revealing that firm policy constraints and education are the most significant barriers to expanded adoption.

The survey shows advisors are increasingly split into two camps: one that is actively allocating and planning to expand, and another that remains firmly on the sidelines with little intention to adopt digital asset products. Among those already using digital assets, however, expectations point to higher allocations and a shift from niche usage toward core portfolio roles.

“What we’re seeing from financial advisors isn’t a lack of curiosity; it’s a need for education, particularly around how digital assets fit within a fiduciary framework and approved portfolio construction,” said Mickey Janvier, Head of US at 21shares. “At the same time, firm-level policies continue to act as a real gatekeeper, often determining whether an advisor can move from interest to implementation. What’s encouraging is that there’s a growing cohort of advisors, especially those running larger, more sophisticated practices, who are participating in the asset class, asking the right questions, and looking for practical ways to incorporate digital assets responsibly into client portfolios.”

Key Findings

Firm policy is among the dominant barriers to adoption

• Across all advisors, 46% report working under restrictive firm policies, while 30% report no formal policy and 24% report flexible policies that allow discretion.
• Restrictiveness varies sharply by channel: only 14% of RIAs report restrictive policies, compared with 48% for wirehouses, 46% for IBDs, and 55% for regional broker-dealers.
• Advisors with larger books are more likely to have discretion despite firm-level rules.
  
  

A bifurcated market is emerging

• 50% of surveyed advisors do not use digital assets in any capacity.
• Among non-users, only 2% say they will definitely use digital assets in two years, while the majority indicate they probably will not or definitely will not adopt.
• Non-usage of digital assets is highly correlated: 60% of the non-users are above the age of 60, compared to only 34% of this cohort being 45 and younger.

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