Personal Conviction Outpaces Institutional Policy as Crypto Matures

A widening gap is emerging between individual investor behaviour and institutional strategy in the digital asset space, according to new research from Sandmark and GWI. The findings suggest that finance professionals are increasingly embracing cryptocurrencies in their personal portfolios, even as their organisations remain cautious amid regulatory and structural uncertainties.

Familiarity Driving Confidence

The 2026 Crypto Intelligence Report, based on insights from more than 5,000 respondents across key markets including the UK, US, and UAE, highlights familiarity as the primary driver of confidence in digital assets.

Perceived risk declines significantly with direct exposure. While 25% of finance professionals overall consider cryptocurrency a high-risk investment, this figure drops to just 10% among those who personally hold digital assets. Meanwhile, 38% of crypto investors now view the sector as a high-growth opportunity, indicating that hands-on experience is reshaping perceptions of volatility.

Individuals Move Ahead of Institutions

The research reveals that many professionals are personally ahead of their firms when it comes to crypto adoption. Individuals are allocating capital independently, even as institutional participation remains tentative.

Michelle Fotopoulou noted that the slowdown at the institutional level is not due to lack of belief, but structural constraints.

Regulatory uncertainty remains the most significant barrier, cited by 42% of respondents. Other concerns include market volatility and governance challenges, all of which continue to delay large-scale institutional engagement.

Shift Toward Data-Driven Decision Making

As the market matures, investor behaviour is becoming more disciplined. While social media remains the leading discovery channel—used by 28% of respondents—decision-making is increasingly grounded in structured, real-time insights.

Nearly 60% of investors now rely on tools such as live news alerts, technical analysis, and expert commentary when making investment decisions. However, a credibility gap persists within the information ecosystem. Only 30% of respondents consider crypto news to be balanced and reliable, while 48% believe coverage is overly promotional.

Influence of Public Figures Remains Strong

Despite growing reliance on data, public figures continue to shape sentiment in the crypto market.

Elon Musk emerged as the most positive influence, cited by 51% of respondents. In contrast, Donald Trump was identified as the most negative influence, at 38%.

The report also found that 77% of those influenced by Musk expressed strong optimism about the future of digital assets, underscoring the continued role of personalities in a market still developing institutional guardrails.

Institutional Momentum on the Horizon

Looking ahead, 52% of finance professionals expect their organisations to increase exposure to digital assets within the next year.

The next phase of growth is likely to be institution-led, driven by clearer regulatory frameworks, the expansion of Bitcoin and Ethereum exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and deeper integration of crypto into mainstream payment systems.

From Conviction to Infrastructure

The findings point to a market where confidence is already established at the individual level, but institutional adoption is waiting on infrastructure, regulation, and governance to catch up.

As the digital asset ecosystem evolves, the transition from personal conviction to institutional participation is expected to define the next stage of crypto’s maturation—shifting the focus from belief to execution.