Majority of Institutional Traders Have no Crypto Plans in 2025: JPMorgan Survey

A new survey conducted by JPMorgan has revealed that a significant majority of institutional traders, over 70%, are not planning to engage in crypto trading this year. The results of the Wall Street giant’s January e-trading poll suggest a continued reluctance to embrace digital assets, despite growing regulatory clarity and a more supportive environment for crypto in the U.S.

According to the survey of 4,200 institutional clients worldwide, 71% of respondents indicated they had no plans to trade cryptocurrencies in 2025, a slight improvement from 78% in the previous year. This finding underscores the cautious approach that most traders are taking towards the volatile and still-evolving crypto market.

In contrast, 16% of those surveyed signaled an intention to trade crypto this year, while 13% reported already being active in the space—both figures marking an increase compared to 2024.

The Bigger Picture

Despite the lack of crypto enthusiasm, the survey points to a broader shift in trading behavior, with a unanimous 100% of respondents expressing plans to increase their online or e-trading activities, particularly with less liquid assets. This highlights a growing preference for digital platforms and products beyond traditional securities, even as crypto trading itself remains on the sidelines for most traders.

However, external factors are playing a major role in shaping institutional sentiment. The survey indicates that inflation and tariffs are expected to be the primary risks impacting the markets in 2025. Over 40% of participants highlighted these issues as critical concerns, alongside escalating geopolitical tensions.

The challenge of navigating market volatility, a persistent issue, was also top of mind for many respondents, with 41% citing it as their biggest trading obstacle, a noticeable increase from the 28% last year.

A Positive Shift in U.S. Crypto Regulations?

While institutional traders remain hesitant, the regulatory landscape in the U.S. is showing signs of support for the crypto industry. Recent shifts under the Biden administration, including a scaling back of the SEC’s crypto enforcement unit, have led some to speculate that the government is preparing to foster a more crypto-friendly environment.

This evolving stance is further supported by political moves, such as the creation of a U.S. sovereign wealth fund, which could potentially see Bitcoin purchases as part of its management. In tandem, efforts to bring stablecoins onshore to strengthen the U.S. dollar’s international dominance are being actively pursued.

As these developments unfold, the broader financial world will be closely watching whether institutional interest in crypto begins to shift in the coming years.