US Crypto Interest Drops: Investors Grow More Cautious, FINRA Finds

US crypto ownership remains steady, but fewer investors are considering new purchases. Risk appetite and new market entries have dropped, especially among younger investors, while perceptions of crypto risk have increased, signaling a cautious shift.

A series of recent studies by FINRA reveal that while US crypto ownership has remained steady at 27% from 2021 to 2024, investor appetite for new or additional cryptocurrency purchases has declined. The percentage of investors considering buying crypto dropped from 33% in 2021 to 26% in 2024. Risk-taking behavior among investors has also decreased, with those willing to take substantial risks falling from 12% to 8%, and the sharpest drop seen among those under 35, declining from 24% to 15%. The pace of new investors entering the market has slowed significantly, with only 8% joining in the last two years compared to 21% in the previous period. Despite fewer people wanting to take big risks, a notable portion still feels compelled to do so to achieve financial goals, especially among younger investors. The perception of crypto as a risky investment has grown, with 66% now viewing it as such, up from 58% in 2021. Overall, the findings indicate a trend toward more cautious investment attitudes and behaviors among US investors.