Move aside, traditional equities—fresh findings indicate that U.S. investors harbor a stronger desire to expand their cryptocurrency positions than any other asset class.
Published on Wednesday, the 2026 Modern Wealth Survey from Charles Schwab demonstrates that active cryptocurrency holders intend to continually build upon their current allocations.
Data shows that 60% of these individuals plan to funnel additional funds into the asset over the coming year. That sentiment outpaces the proportion of owners looking to increase positions in any other tracked vehicle, which includes ETFs at 56%, individual stocks at 52%, bonds at 42%, and mutual funds at 41%.
“Existing cryptocurrency investors are certainly leaning in, particularly younger investors who are driving much of the interest and momentum in cryptocurrency,” stated Joe Vietri, Head of Digital Assets at Charles Schwab.
“But to me, the bigger story is that cryptocurrency is increasingly viewed as a complement to traditional investments.”
As the nation’s leading custodian for registered investment advisors, Charles Schwab initiated a phased deployment of Schwab Crypto to retail customers earlier this year, providing direct bitcoin trading capabilities alongside professional guidance and educational resources.
Furthermore, Schwab provides access to bitcoin futures, crypto-linked exchange-traded funds, and its proprietary Schwab Crypto Thematic Index ETF. According to CEO Rick Wurster, Schwab clients account for over 20% of all assets held in crypto exchange-traded products industry-wide.
The study also highlights that 20% of all Americans currently hold cryptocurrency, while an additional 20% do not own any yet but express a desire to purchase it. Within the broader investor community, nearly half currently possess cryptocurrency holdings.
Additionally, the report points out that millennials lead all generations in ownership rates, surpassing Baby Boomers by a factor of more than four.
Logica Research administered the online survey between August 24 and September 17, 2026, surveying a representative national group of 2,000 U.S. residents aged 21 through 75.
FAQ
What does the Charles Schwab 2026 Modern Wealth Survey reveal about crypto investors?
The survey shows that 60% of current cryptocurrency investors plan to increase their holdings over the next 12 months, a higher share than investors in stocks, ETFs, bonds, and mutual funds.
Who is driving the primary momentum for cryptocurrency adoption?
Younger investors—particularly millennials, who own cryptocurrency at more than four times the rate of Boomers—are driving much of the interest and momentum.
What percentage of Americans currently own cryptocurrency?
According to the Wednesday report, one in five Americans overall own cryptocurrency today, while nearly half of investors own it.
When was the Charles Schwab survey conducted?
The online survey was conducted by Logica Research from August 24 to September 17, 2026, among 2,000 Americans ages 21 to 75.
