Europe’s Banks See the Crypto Wave, But Few Ride It – Survey

80% of European financial institutions nod to crypto’s growing clout, yet only 19% bother to offer services. That’s the stark reality uncovered by Bitpanda’s latest survey, released in March 2025, polling 10,000 retail and business investors across 13 countries.

The data screams opportunity—40% of business investors already hold digital assets, and 18% more plan to jump in soon.

Meanwhile, banks sit on the sidelines, misreading a market that’s outpacing their playbook by a 30% gap. This isn’t just a disconnect; it’s a slow-motion revenue leak in a sector where every percentage point counts.

Investors Move, European Banks Stall

Bitpanda’s study, conducted in early 2025, shows 40% of business investors have crypto in their portfolios. Another 18% are poised to join them, eyeing the near future.

Retail investors aren’t far behind—27% say they’d rather buy crypto through their bank than the 14% opting for exchanges. Yet, only 19% of financial institutions report strong client demand, a 30% misjudgment of what’s happening on the ground.

Business preferences tell a different tale: 36% favor exchanges, while banks rank third at 27%. The message? Investors are moving money where services exist, and banks aren’t keeping up.

Here’s the kicker: 80% of surveyed institutions see crypto’s importance rising. They’re not blind to the trend—28% even predict it’ll matter more within three years. But action lags. Only 19% offer crypto products, and just 18% plan to expand, focusing on transfers.

The EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), rolled out in 2024, clears the legal fog. The barriers are self-made, and the cost is visible.

The Revenue Risk

Banks ignoring crypto might as well wave goodbye to market share. Bitpanda’s data shows 58% of business investors—40% current holders plus 18% future buyers—are engaged or ready to engage.

Retail’s 27% bank preference signals untapped demand. Yet, with only 19% of institutions in the game, competitors and crypto-native platforms are eating their lunch.

The 30% perception gap—40% adoption versus 19% perceived interest—underscores the stakes. Money flows where options live, and right now, that’s not banks.

The survey paints a clear picture. Crypto’s not a fringe bet anymore—40% adoption among business investors proves it. Banks know it too; 80% see the shift, and 28% expect it to grow by 2028. Investors aren’t waiting. They’re choosing exchanges (36% business, 14% retail) or banks when available (27% each).

Europe’s financial institutions face a choice. MiCA’s clarity removes excuses, and 80% acknowledge crypto’s rise. Yet, with only 19% acting, the gap between awareness and execution yawns wide.

Investors—40% in, 18% on deck—won’t pause for laggards. European Banks that don’t bridge the 30% perception divide risk watching revenue slip to those who do.