UK crypto investors are nearly twice as likely to be motivated by long-term wealth building than by short-term gains, according to research from investing and trading platform IG (LSEG:IGG). In a recent survey of more than 500 UK crypto holders, the majority or 51% stated that they invest in order to build long-term wealth, meanwhile, only 27% claimed that their motivation was to make short-term gains. One in three or 33% of the UK crypto investors revealed that they were investing to support their retirement plans, and about 18% explained that they were saving for a house deposit.
Among the younger investors aged 18-24, the long-term focus is reportedly even more pronounced: 39% are investing for retirement and around 28% for a house deposit, compared with only 22% “motivated by short-term gains.”
The research findings also challenge the common perception of crypto investors as “high-risk speculators.”
Respondents were said to be 5x more likely to describe themselves as cautious, aiming to “avoid risk wherever possible, than comfortable risking large losses in pursuit of high returns (35% vs 7%).”
This cautious approach is partly “reflected in crypto holders’ strategy.”
Nearly half (46%) said crypto is a “small part of a diversified portfolio, 33% said it is a significant part, and just 6% invested solely in crypto.”
On average, crypto assets make up “23% of the average UK crypto investor’s portfolio, according to the research.”
Chris Beauchamp, Chief Market Analyst at IG, said that crypto has grown up, and so have the investors that want exposure to it.
Beauchamp also mentioned that the huge percentage gains “may be a thing of the past, and with greatly-increased institutional participation the stomach-churning declines are likely to be reduced too.”
They further noted that crypto has become “part of the financial landscape, and has become a crucial part of portfolios across the globe.”
They added that is is “no longer the speculative upstart of the financial markets, its place now seems assured.”
IG reportedly carried out a survey of 2,000 UK adults and 500 crypto investors using the research agency Norstat. Surveys were conducted “from August 1st 2025 – August 5th 2025.”
It’s worth noting that this survey and its findings may not necessarily be a representative sample and these results may vary depending on the exact research methodology used. Even the way a question is asked or phrased can make a huge difference so the feedback provided should not be as meaningful unless it involved a more in-depth research study.
IG Group offers online trading platforms and educational resources to support clients throughout the world.
Headquartered in the UK, IG Group is a FTSE 250 company “that offers clients access to c.19,000 financial markets worldwide “