Cryptocurrency Investments Multiplies Among French Adults, OECD Survey Reveals

According to a recent study by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers, France’s financial regulatory authority, and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), cryptocurrencies are now the second most popular investment asset among adult French citizens.

According to the report, 9.4% of French people own cryptocurrency assets, which is not far behind the most popular investment vehicle—real estate funds, with 10.7% of the population holding them. This change in investing choices highlights how digital assets are becoming more and more accepted in conventional financial portfolios.

2.8% of respondents said they owned nonfungible tokens (NFTs) in addition to cryptocurrencies, demonstrating the diversity of investing approaches used in the nation.

Rise of New Investors During the Pandemic

The poll also examined the rise in “new investors” who had entered the market since the COVID-19 outbreak started in March 2020. It’s interesting to note that 54% of this group—men mostly, with an average age of 36—have made bitcoin investments. On the other hand, the average age of conventional investors is 51.

The poll did, however, draw attention to a possible worry about novice investors’ lack of financial literacy, particularly among those between the ages of 18 and 24. This group showed a worse comprehension of fundamental investing methods than their more seasoned peers, which raises concerns regarding financial education and literacy in light of the changing investment environment.

In order to better understand the demands and motivations of the 1,056 respondents to the extensive survey that was conducted in the spring of 2023, 40 in-depth interviews were conducted. The results show that the French investing scene is changing, with cryptocurrencies gaining traction and changing investor demographics.

The increasing popularity of digital assets is likely to drive further evolution of their position in diverse investment portfolios, hence necessitating regulatory authorities to adjust and improve frameworks to suit this expanding trend.