French Crypto Holders Have More Diversified Investment Portfolios, BPCE Study Finds

French cryptocurrency holders tend to have more diversified investment portfolios than the general population, holding significantly more stocks, bonds, life insurance products and alternative assets, according to a study by French banking group BPCE.

The findings were presented at a press briefing on savings and crypto-assets on October 21. Marion Stephan, head of socio-economic research at BPCE, said cryptocurrency holders have a distinctive financial profile compared with the wider French population.

Contents

01

Crypto Investors Hold More Than Digital Assets

02

Trust Remains a Major Barrier to Adoption

03

A Growing Market, but Confidence Lags

Crypto Investors Hold More Than Digital Assets

The study found that 47% of French crypto holders own stocks and bonds, compared with 17% of the overall population. Meanwhile, 32% hold life insurance products, versus 15% of French people generally.

Crypto investors are also more likely to own alternative assets, such as gold and forests, with 25% holding these investments compared with just 3% of the wider population. Workplace savings plans and retirement savings products are also more common among crypto holders, at 41% versus 22%.

These figures suggest that many crypto investors do not view digital assets as their only investment option, but instead include them as part of a broader portfolio.

According to the latest study by the Association for the Development of Digital Assets (Adan), published with Frances Ministry of the Economy, 11% of French people held cryptocurrencies in 2026. While 14.3% of crypto holders had less than €100 invested in digital assets, around 4% had financial assets worth more than €500,000.

Diversifying savings was the leading motivation for holding cryptocurrencies, cited by 41% of respondents. Seeking higher returns came next at 31%, followed by the desire for a quick return on investment at 27%. Among potential future buyers, tax avoidance and privacy were also cited as motivations.

Trust Remains a Major Barrier to Adoption

Despite growing interest, trust remains a significant obstacle to wider crypto adoption in France. The BPCE study found that 65% of respondents cited a lack of trust in the sector, while 40% pointed to insufficient knowledge. Market volatility was another concern, cited by 22%.

French consumers also appear to prefer buying cryptocurrencies through platforms established by banks. Some 36% favoured bank-backed platforms, compared with 23% who preferred independent crypto exchanges.

Regulatory concerns continue to shape public perceptions. Around 33% of respondents associated cryptocurrencies with regulatory issues, while 21% linked them to scams or fraud.

A Growing Market, but Confidence Lags

As of October 2026, the global crypto market was valued at more than $2.7 trillion, with Bitcoin accounting for approximately 60% of total market capitalisation.

However, wider market growth has not necessarily translated into greater public confidence. The study highlights a contrast: French crypto holders often have sophisticated, diversified financial portfolios, yet many potential investors remain cautious about entering the market.

Building trust, improving financial education and addressing concerns over regulation and security may therefore be key to encouraging broader adoption in France.