A new survey from JPMorgan has unveiled a significant shift in the institutional trading landscape, with nearly one in three institutional traders indicating plans to engage with cryptocurrency in 2025. This marks a substantial increase from last year, highlighting growing institutional interest in digital assets as part of broader financial strategies.
JPMorgan’s annual e-Trading Edit survey, which queried over 4,200 traders from more than 60 countries, reveals that 29% of institutional traders will either be actively trading cryptocurrencies or plan to do so in 2025. This figure represents a notable rise from 21% in 2024, underscoring the increasing momentum behind cryptocurrency adoption within traditional financial institutions.
Specifically, the survey found that 13% of respondents are already trading crypto, while 16% plan to begin trading in the coming year. Both of these figures have increased compared to 2024, where only 9% were trading and 12% intended to do so.
The growth in institutional interest is being seen as more than just a trend or speculative phase. According to Sidney Powell, co-founder and CEO of Maple Finance, a decentralized finance (DeFi) lender, the rise in crypto trading among institutional traders signifies a deeper shift. Powell notes that institutional sentiment has evolved from mere curiosity to an active strategy, with firms integrating cryptocurrency into their operational frameworks.
“From our vantage point, institutional sentiment has shifted from curiosity to strategy. Firms aren’t just exploring crypto; they’re actively finding ways to integrate it into their operations,” said Powell. This shift reflects the broader trend of digital assets evolving from niche, high-risk investments to accepted, integrated components of diversified portfolios for institutional investors.
The growing acceptance of crypto as an asset class is also due to clearer regulatory frameworks being implemented in various jurisdictions. While regulatory uncertainty has plagued the U.S. market, Powell points out that many countries are moving toward more structured approaches to digital asset regulation.
The Trump administration and U.S. Congress have stated their intent to create a stable coin bill and broader regulatory frameworks for cryptocurrencies, which many believe will further boost institutional confidence in the space.
As more institutional traders turn to cryptocurrency, digital trading platforms remain the primary medium for executing crypto transactions. The survey found that 71% of institutional traders expect their trading activities to be conducted through e-trading channels this year, with this figure projected to rise to 80% by 2026. This growth suggests that digital assets are increasingly treated on par with other traditional financial products, such as equities, commodities, and foreign exchange.
This shift toward digital channels reflects the growing mainstream acceptance of crypto, making it easier for institutions to trade and manage digital assets as part of their broader financial strategies.
While cryptocurrencies are gaining traction, artificial intelligence (AI) continues to dominate as the most influential technology in institutional trading. Two-thirds of survey participants cited AI and machine learning as the leading technologies driving their trading activities, up from 53% in 2023.
In contrast, blockchain and digital ledger technology saw a decline in influence, with only 6% of respondents naming it the most influential technology in 2025, down from 12% the previous year. This shift reflects a growing focus on the practical applications of AI, while the foundational blockchain technology behind cryptocurrencies, though still important, may be seen as less immediately impactful for trading operations.
The JPMorgan survey highlights a growing trend of crypto adoption among institutional traders, signaling a shift toward integrating digital assets as part of diversified investment portfolios. This adoption is not just driven by speculation but by the recognition of cryptocurrency’s potential as a legitimate and stable asset class.
As more institutions explore ways to include crypto in their operations, the regulatory landscape will play a key role in shaping how the market develops. With clearer guidelines and growing mainstream acceptance, cryptocurrencies are poised to become a central component of institutional investment strategies in the coming years.
The increased institutional interest is also likely to have significant implications for the broader cryptocurrency market. As more capital flows into the space, volatility may decrease, and market stability could improve, attracting even more institutional investors looking for reliable, long-term growth potential in digital assets.
James T, a passionate crypto journalist from South Africa, explores Litecoin, Dash, & Bitcoin intricacies. Loves sharing insights. Enjoy his work? Donate to support! Dash: XrD3ZdZAebm988BfHr1vqZZu6amSGuKR5F
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