European banks are at risk of losing customers to rivals with better crypto tools

A growing share of European investors may change banks to access better crypto services, according to a new study from Boerse Stuttgart Digital, signaling a shift in how digital assets are shaping retail finance across the region.

The survey, conducted by market research firm Marketagent between August 2025 and January 2026, gathered responses from 6,000 individuals across Germany, Italy, Spain and France. It found that 35% of respondents would consider switching banks if another institution offered stronger crypto investment options.

That figure rises to 40% in Spain, the highest among the countries surveyed, followed by Italy at 35%, France at 33% and Germany at 29%.

At the same time, crypto ownership continues to expand. Around 25% of respondents said they have already invested in digital assets, with Spain again leading at nearly 28%. Germany followed at 25%, while Italy and France trailed slightly.

Despite crypto’s origins outside traditional finance, the study suggests banks remain central to its next phase. Investors were more than twice as likely to trust their primary bank for crypto services than specialized platforms.

This trust advantage comes as many investors still struggle to understand the asset class. More than 60% said they feel poorly informed about crypto, while 69% described it as too complex.

Concerns around regulation also persist, with 76% viewing crypto as insufficiently regulated and therefore risky.

The findings point to a potential opening for banks. Nearly one in five respondents expect their bank to offer crypto access within the next three years, suggesting that digital assets are moving from a niche offering to a standard feature in retail finance.

Access to crypto in Europe has expanded in recent years, though it remains uneven. While some banks and fintech firms now offer trading or custody services, many large institutions have taken a cautious approach, often limiting exposure to select products or pilot programs. As a result, investors frequently rely on a mix of traditional banks and specialized platforms to manage their holdings.

Regulation is beginning to shape that landscape. The European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework, which is being phased in across member states, sets common rules for crypto service providers, including licensing, consumer protection and operational standards. The aim is to create a more consistent market across the region and reduce risks tied to unregulated activity.

Clearer regulation may play a role in that shift. Nearly half of respondents said European Union rules, such as the MiCA, increase their trust in digital assets, indicating that further regulatory clarity could help bring more investors into the market.