Institutional Traders Show Limited Interest in Crypto for 2025, JPMorgan Survey Finds

Institutional Traders Show Limited Interest in Crypto for 2025, JPMorgan Survey Finds

A recent JPMorgan e-trading survey reveals that over 70% of institutional traders have no plans to engage in crypto trading this year. The survey, conducted in January, indicates a slight decline in reluctance, as the percentage of traders avoiding digital assets dropped from 78% in 2024 to 71% in 2025.

Despite the overall hesitation, interest in crypto is growing among a subset of traders. The survey found that 16% plan to trade crypto in 2025, while 13% are already actively trading—both figures representing an increase from last year.

E-Trading on the Rise, But Crypto Interest Lags

While skepticism toward digital assets remains, the survey found that 100% of respondents intend to increase online and e-trading activities, particularly in less liquid assets.

The muted enthusiasm for crypto comes despite a more favorable regulatory climate in the U.S., following leadership shifts at major financial agencies. “Recent developments suggest that the new administration is creating a more welcoming environment for digital assets,” said Eddie Wen, JPMorgan’s Global Head of Digital Markets, in a statement to Bloomberg.

Market Concerns: Inflation, Tariffs, and Geopolitical Tensions

Beyond crypto, institutional traders are focused on macroeconomic and geopolitical risks. The survey highlights that:

• 51% of participants identified inflation and tariffs as the most significant market risks in 2025.
• Geopolitical tensions ranked as the next major concern.
• 41% of respondents cited market volatility as their biggest trading challenge, up from 28% in 2024.

“These findings align with market sentiment, as inflation and trade policies remain central to global economic stability,” said Gergana Thiel, JPMorgan’s Global Co-Head of Macro Sales.

Regulatory Tailwinds and Government Signals

The survey results coincided with several policy moves suggesting a U.S. shift toward crypto adoption. This week, the SEC scaled back its crypto enforcement unit, signaling a more lenient stance on digital assets.

Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump signed an executive order establishing a sovereign wealth fund, to be co-managed by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, both known for their pro-crypto views. Additionally, Senator Cynthia Lummis hinted that the fund could allocate capital to Bitcoin.

Further supporting the industry, White House “crypto czar” David Sacks stated that the U.S. government seeks to integrate stablecoins into the financial system to strengthen the dollar’s global and digital dominance.

Conclusion

Despite regulatory improvements and increasing institutional involvement, crypto remains a secondary focus for most traders in 2025. However, with e-trading adoption surging and shifting U.S. policies, the landscape for digital assets could evolve rapidly in the coming months.