Despite fewer holders, the typical value of individual portfolios increased as investors moved away from small-balance positions.
UK Crypto News
Cryptocurrency ownership among U.K. adults fell to 8% in 2025 from 12% in 2024, according to YouGov research conducted for the Financial Conduct Authority. Despite fewer holders, the typical value of individual portfolios increased as investors moved away from small-balance positions.
The ownership rate remains roughly double the 4% level reported in 2021, indicating participation pulled back from recent peaks rather than collapsing entirely. Public awareness of crypto remained high at 91%, showing broad familiarity even as actual ownership declined.
Holdings worth $1,314 to $6,714 increased four percentage points to represent 21% of crypto users, while portfolios between $6,715 and $14,430 climbed three percentage points to 11%. The share of users holding $134 or less continued falling as investors consolidated into larger positions.
Centralized exchanges strengthened their position as the primary entry point for crypto purchases. Around 73% of respondents acquire digital assets through platforms like Coinbase and Kraken, up four percentage points from 2024. Payment firms offering crypto services followed at 15% as users cited ease of use, reputation, and security as top factors.
Risk appetite separated crypto users from the broader public, with 63% of holders willing to accept higher risks for higher returns compared to 24% among those aware of crypto but not invested. Participation in staking declined to 22% in 2025 from 27% the previous year.
Credit card usage for crypto purchases dropped to 9% from 14% in 2024. Most users who relied on credit stated they would have bought similar amounts using other payment methods if credit cards were unavailable, suggesting reduced dependence on borrowed funds.
Views on regulation remained mixed across the surveyed population. One quarter of crypto users said more regulation would encourage investment, while another 26% wanted financial protections included in any regulatory framework. About 11% indicated regulation would discourage investment, and 25% said it would have no impact.
The FCA launched three consultations on crypto market rules for exchanges, staking, lending, and DeFi on Dec. 16. The financial watchdog requested feedback by February as part of government efforts to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies.
Bitcoin ownership reached 57% among U.K. crypto holders, while Ethereum ownership stood at 43%. Solana represented approximately 21% of holdings, with altcoin ownership significantly lower than the two largest cryptocurrencies by market capitalization.
This article contains links to third-party websites or other content for information purposes only (“Third-Party Sites”). The Third-Party Sites are not under the control of CoinMarketCap, and CoinMarketCap is not responsible for the content of any Third-Party Site, including without limitation any link contained in a Third-Party Site, or any changes or updates to a Third-Party Site. CoinMarketCap is providing these links to you only as a convenience, and the inclusion of any link does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by CoinMarketCap of the site or any association with its operators. This article is intended to be used and must be used for informational purposes only. It is important to do your own research and analysis before making any material decisions related to any of the products or services described. This article is not intended as, and shall not be construed as, financial advice. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s [company’s] own and do not necessarily reflect those of CoinMarketCap.
