More than half of institutional respondents expect digital assets to become mainstream within five years, while average allocations are projected to rise from approximately 11% to 17%.
State Street’s 2026 Digital Assets Study points to growing institutional interest. However, its findings cover digital assets broadly, including tokenized investments and digital cash, rather than cryptocurrencies alone.
What the survey found
The study surveyed 300 senior executives from asset managers, asset owners and wealth managers globally between July 20 and August 19.
Its findings include:
- 51% expect mainstream adoption within five years, if it has not already happened, up from 42% in 2025.
- Average digital asset allocations could rise to 17% within three years, from approximately 11% currently.
- 82% of asset managers plan to distribute digital assets to institutional investors.
State Street reported $6.3 trillion in assets under management as of June 30. That describes the company’s scale, not money committed to crypto.
Plans still need to become investments
The allocation figures reflect respondents’ expectations, rather than confirmed future purchases. They should not be interpreted as a forecast that all institutional portfolios will hold 17% in cryptocurrencies.
Trust, cybersecurity and regulatory clarity remain central to adoption. State Street also provides digital asset services, giving it a commercial interest in the market’s growth.
Related: Why 15 Institutions Held Their Crypto Through a 50% Market Crash.
Institutional interest is growing, but planned allocations and product launches still need to translate into actual investment.
Disclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content is for informational and educational purposes only.
