ECB study shows rising ownership of crypto-assets in the eurozone

On April 11, 2026, the European Central Bank (ECB) published research findings regarding the usage of crypto-assets within the eurozone. The study, conducted among a sample of 39,507 adults across 17 countries, indicates an upward trend in the ownership of crypto-assets. Despite this increase, the report concludes that cryptocurrency usage remains limited for daily payments. Research shows that households typically hold both cash and crypto-assets, but assign them different functions. Cash is predominantly used for immediate transactions and precautionary savings. Conversely, crypto-assets are primarily viewed and managed as investment instruments. The findings suggest that those who actively use cryptocurrencies for payments represent a smaller, distinct subset of the population with specific preferences for privacy and functionality. The study also identifies that holders of these digital assets tend to be younger and possess specific demographic profiles compared to the general public.