Cryptocurrency holders have diverse investments

French citizens who hold cryptocurrencies tend to have more varied investment profiles compared to the general population, including higher rates of stock ownership, life insurance contracts, and unconventional assets like gold or forest investments, according to a press conference by the banking group BPCE.

Higher participation in savings plans

Cryptocurrency investors in France are more likely to participate in savings programs such as salary savings or the Retirement Savings Plan (PER) than the general population, with 41% of holders participating compared to 22% of French citizens.

Cryptocurrency ownership in France

According to a 2026 study by the Association for the Development of Digital Assets (Adan) published with Bercy, 11% of French citizens held cryptocurrencies. The study also noted that 14.3% of holders have less than 100 euros in crypto, while 4% have more than 500,000 euros in this asset class.

Motivations for holding crypto

The primary motivation for holding cryptocurrencies among French investors is portfolio diversification, cited by 41% of holders. Other motivations include seeking higher returns and faster returns, though these are less common.

Market size and Bitcoin's role

In October 2026, the global cryptocurrency market was valued at over 2,700 billion dollars, with Bitcoin making up 60% of that total market capitalization. Bitcoin had lost 33% of its value since reaching a peak of 126,000 dollars in October 2026.

French ownership compared to Eurozone

The European Central Bank reported that in 2025, the average cryptocurrency ownership rate among Eurozone members was 10.6%, compared to 7.3% in France. However, the average amount held in France was 9,000 euros, slightly below the Eurozone average of 9,200 euros.

Barriers to cryptocurrency adoption

Despite growing interest, many French citizens remain hesitant to invest in cryptocurrencies due to a lack of trust (65%) and limited knowledge (40%) about the sector, according to Marion Stephan of the BPCE Group.

Trust in banking platforms

French citizens show greater trust in cryptocurrency purchase platforms operated by banks (36%) compared to independent platforms like traditional cryptocurrency exchanges (23%), suggesting a preference for more familiar and regulated environments.

Market volatility as a concern

Volatility in the cryptocurrency market is a significant concern for potential investors, with 22% of French citizens citing it as a top obstacle to investing, reflecting the unpredictable nature of digital assets like Bitcoin.

Negative perceptions persist

Despite some improvements, French citizens still hold a generally negative view of cryptocurrencies, with 33% citing regulatory issues and 21% associating them with scams or fraud, highlighting ongoing challenges in public perception.