According to a new JPMorgan survey, 71% of institutional traders do not plan to trade cryptocurrencies in 2025. This represents a modest decrease from 78% in 2024, reflecting a shift in attitude. However, the study also reveals a growing interest in cryptocurrency, with 16% of respondents intending to enter the market this year and 13% currently participating in crypto trading—both levels up from last year.
Despite the lack of widespread adoption among institutional traders, all survey respondents intended to increase their e-trading operations, particularly with less liquid assets. This shows that, while cryptocurrency is not currently a priority, there is a broader trend toward digital asset trading in general.
The timing of this cautious approach is noteworthy, as it coincides with an improvement in the regulatory climate for cryptocurrencies in the United States, after policy moves during the Trump administration. Eddie Wen, JPMorgan’s global head of digital markets, stated that recent legislative reforms have made it simpler for traditional financial institutions to enter the cryptocurrency industry.
In addition to cryptocurrency, study respondents identified inflation, tariffs, and market volatility as major issues for 2025, with 41% of traders considering volatility as their most significant challenge. Global markets resonated with these fears.