Confidence in regulation of the crypto and digital assets sector is rising with institutional investors and wealth managers increasingly confident the ‘bad actor’ risk is receding, according to new global research (1) by London-based Nickel Digital Asset Management (Nickel), Europe’s leading digital assets hedge fund manager founded by alumni of Bankers Trust, Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan.
The study with organisations invested in the sector found 88% believe the risk of another FTX-style scandal has dropped with more than a third (35%) saying it has fallen sharply. A similar study in June last year found 75% believed the risk had dropped with 20% saying it had fallen sharply.
There are still some concerns with 10% now saying the risk of another scandal has not changed and 2% believing the risk has increased. That compares with 18% saying the risk was unchanged in June last year and 7% saying the risk had increased.
93% say regulators in general have an influence on digital asset investment decisions
Nickel’s research with institutional investors and wealth managers in the US, UK, Germany, Switzerland, Singapore, Brazil and the United Arab Emirates who collectively manage around $1.1 trillion in assets shows confidence in regulators is positive for investment in the sector.
Around 93% of institutional investors and wealth managers say regulators in general influence their investment decisions with 22% saying it significantly influences their decisions. Almost all (99%) believe regulators worldwide are committed to robust regulation in the sector.
The Europe cryptocurrency market generated a revenue of USD 1,331.3 million in 2024. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.2% from 2025 to 2030.
Europe Cryptocurrency Market Size & Outlook, 2024-2030, according to Grand View Research
Regulatory clarity from the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) – which has now seen a change in leadership with the appointment of Paul Atkins as Chairman replacing Gary Gensler – is seen as central with 83% rating its future role as extremely or very important. Around 93% say it has been effective or very effective.
However, the study found that European regulators have the most influence on investment decisions currently. Around a third (34%) rate Europe as having the most influence compared with 19% pointing to Asian regulators and 13% to the US and central and South American regulators. Around one in eight (12%) chose the UK and 9% the Middle East.
Almost all believe global regulators are committed to robust action in the sector
Anatoly Crachilov, CEO and Founding Partner at Nickel Digital, said: “Institutional confidence in regulatory oversight continues to strengthen, highlighting the critical role regulators play in supporting the maturity and stability of the digital asset sector. Professional investors increasingly see robust regulation as a key factor enabling safer exploration of opportunities within this evolving market.”
“While no regulatory framework can fully eliminate all risks, investors increasingly recognise and value global regulators’ commitment to transparency, accountability, and rigorous but constructive oversight in the crypto sector.”
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