How Family Offices are Embracing Crypto in 2026

For years, the world’s wealthiest families treated cryptocurrency with a mix of fascination and skepticism. While some "early adopters" dove in, many remained on the sidelines, viewing digital assets as too volatile or poorly regulated. However, new data suggests the tide may be turning. According to the BNY 2025 Investment Insights for Single Family Offices Report, cryptocurrencies have officially entered the mainstream of private wealth management.

A Year of Rapid Growth

According to the report, 74% of family office professionals have either invested in cryptocurrencies or are exploring the possibility, an increase of 21% from just a year ago.

What is perhaps more telling is the collapse of the "crypto-skeptic" camp, the share of family offices reporting zero exposure or interest in the asset class. This segment plummeted by 37% year-on-year. This suggests that even the most conservative offices are now finding it difficult to ignore the digital asset space.

The uptake is being driven by non-US portfolios, with a 75% increase in allocations by non-U.S. family offices to crypto over the past 12 months.

The Catalysts: Regulation and Stability

Two major events in recent history have served as the primary "gamechangers" for the sector:

1. Regulatory Approval: The SEC’s approval of the first Bitcoin ETFs at the start of 2024 provided a familiar, regulated vehicle for institutional and private investors to gain exposure without the technical hurdles of managing digital wallets.

2. Political Shifts: The outcome of the 2024 U.S. election has significantly boosted confidence. In fact, 86% of U.S. respondents reported they are more likely to consider crypto following the election of a crypto-friendly administration.

The report identifies three primary drivers for exploration:

- 44% believe cryptocurrencies offer genuine investment opportunities.

- 41% are responding to interest from current family office leadership.

- 37% are driven by the "Next Gen"—the younger successors who often view digital assets as a natural part of a modern portfolio.

This interest from younger generations is particularly significant as trillions of dollars in wealth begin to transition from one generation to the next.

Allocations and Future Intent

While the momentum is high, current allocations remain measured. However, the "crypto-curious" are rapidly turning into "crypto-active.", with the number of professionals exploring the space without yet investing rising by a staggering 367% in the 12 months to October 2025.

When looking at future plans, the data shows a clear upward trend:

- 33% of family offices are now actively investing or planning to increase their holdings.

- 44% of offices with under $1 billion in assets plan to increase their exposure in the next year.

"We are seeing a fundamental re-evaluation of how institutional investors approach digital assets,” says Tom Hickey, Head of Distribution at Neverwinter, a Luxembourg-based crypto fund. “Digital assets are no longer just a hobby for the tech-savvy; they are genuine asset allocation for professional investors"

The Road Ahead

Challenges remain, particularly regarding safe custody and staffing. Many family offices remain leanly staffed making it difficult to build out the specialized expertise needed for digital asset management. As a result, many are turning to external partners and professional managers to bridge the gap.

Despite these hurdles, the 2025 data makes one thing clear: the era of crypto skepticism is fading. Driven by regulatory clarity, inter-generational interest, and a search for new growth levers, family offices are no longer just watching from the sidelines—they are leading the charge into the digital future.