Nearly Half of ETF Investors Plan to Buy Crypto ETFs, Matching Bonds at 45% in Schwab Survey

According to the Charles Schwab “ETFs and Beyond” survey of 2,000 U.S. individual investors, about 45 % of ETF-investors say they are planning to buy a cryptocurrency ETF, the same percentage that indicate plans to buy a bond ETF. This finding is striking: despite the relatively small share of crypto in the overall ETF market, the interest level rivals that of bonds the traditional safe-income asset class.

What the Survey Showed

The study, carried out between July 25 and August 14 2025, polled investors aged 25 to 75, each with at least $25,000 in investable assets. The group included 1,000 ETF-active investors (those who had bought or sold an ETF in the past two years) and 1,000 non-ETF investors. Key findings:

• 45 % of ETF investors plan to invest in crypto ETFs tying with interest in bond ETFs. 

• 52 % plan to buy U.S. equity-tracking ETFs in the near term. 

• Millennials showed highest interest: around 57 % of respondents aged 29-44 indicated they planned to invest in crypto ETFs, compared with 41 % of Gen X and just 15 % of Baby Boomers. 

These numbers underscore a meaningful shift in investment mindset crypto is no longer a fringe topic for ETFs; it is now on par with core categories like bonds in investor consideration.

What’s Driving This Interest in Crypto ETFs?

Several underlying themes are pushing the strong interest in crypto ETFs:

1. Accessibility and Cost Efficiency
ETFs have long been attractive for their low fees, ease of trading and broad exposure. According to Schwab’s survey, 94 % of ETF investors agreed that ETFs help keep costs down in their portfolios.  Crypto ETFs ride this wave investors can gain regulated, convenient exposure to digital assets without direct custody of coins.

2. Portfolio Diversification and Niche Strategy Access
Investors are increasingly using ETFs not just for core exposure (e.g., stocks, bonds) but also for tactical or specialized allocations. In Schwab’s survey nearly half of respondents (49 %) strongly agreed that ETFs allow access to asset classes they normally would not have. Crypto ETFs represent one of those niche strategies, helping investors broaden beyond traditional 60/40 portfolios.

3. Younger Generations Leading the Charge
Millennials and younger investors show stronger inclination toward crypto ETF products. Their higher comfort with digital assets and alternative investment categories is shifting market dynamics. As noted, 57 % of Millennials plan to buy crypto ETFs versus just 15 % of Boomers. 

4. Institutional & Retail Convergence
The growing availability of spot-crypto ETFs, improved regulatory clarity in some jurisdictions, and infrastructure support make crypto exposure via ETFs more feasible. This increased legitimacy may make ETFs an easier route for traditional investors looking to tap digital assets without direct brokerage/crypto-exchange involvement.

What This Means for Investors and Markets

• The fact that interest in crypto ETFs matches bond ETF interest signals a broadening acceptance of digital-asset exposure in mainstream investment tools.
  
  

• For advisors and portfolio strategists, crypto may shift from “alternative” side-bets to a more normalized satellite allocation.
  
  

• However, matching interest does not equal matching volume. Crypto ETFs are still tiny compared with bonds in assets under management (AUM). The survey shows intent, but execution will depend on product availability, regulation and investor behaviour.
  
  

• Investors should treat crypto ETF exposure like any other asset class: it carries risks (volatility, regulatory uncertainty, structural immaturity), but can play a role in diversification when used appropriately.
  
  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What did the Schwab survey actually measure?
The survey asked U.S. individual investors with ETFs about their future investment intentions. It found that about 45 % of ETF investors plan to buy a crypto ETF and an equal share plan to buy a bond ETF. 

Q2: Does the 45 % figure mean nearly half of all investors will buy crypto ETFs?
Not quite. The 45 % refers specifically to the surveyed group who already invest in ETFs and are planning to buy. It indicates strong intent among active ETF investors, not necessarily the broader investor population.

Q3: Why are investors interested in crypto ETFs now?
Key drivers include lower cost access via ETF structure, diversification into niche/alternative asset classes, younger demographics comfortable with digital assets, and better regulatory/industry infrastructure for crypto-ETF products.

Q4: Are crypto ETFs widely available?
Availability varies by jurisdiction. In markets like the U.S., Canada and Europe, spot and futures-based crypto ETFs have launched or are launching. Investors should review regulatory status, structure, fees and underlying assets before investing.

Q5: How should investors approach crypto ETFs?
As with any investment, they should assess suitability relative to their goals, risk tolerance and time horizon. Crypto ETFs may serve as satellite (tactical) components rather than core holdings, unless one has high risk appetite.

Q6: Does high interest guarantee high investment flows?
High expressed interest is a positive signal, but actual flows depend on product availability, cost, market conditions and investor confidence. Intent doesn’t always immediately translate into action.