Fidelity survey shocks! 24% of Taiwanese hold digital assets, 51% are interested in increasing their holdings

Fidelity International’s latest investor survey shows that although Taiwanese regulators currently only allow institutional investors and professional investors to participate, 24% of Taiwanese individual investors report holding digital assets, and 51% express willingness to increase their holdings. The Asia-Pacific region as a whole has a 23% holding rate, with over half planning to increase their allocation within a year. Fidelity states that digital assets will reach a critical turning point in 2025, as clearer regulatory frameworks and improved investment channels lead to a significant increase in institutional participation.

The Contradiction Behind Taiwan’s Leading Global Digital Asset Holding Rate

Fidelity’s survey reveals an astonishing phenomenon. Despite regulatory restrictions that currently only permit institutional and professional investors to participate in digital assets, 24% of Taiwanese individual investors report holding digital assets, slightly higher than the overall Asia-Pacific rate of 23%. This “high holding rate under policy restrictions” reflects Taiwanese investors’ strong interest in digital assets and their active participation through overseas exchanges and other channels.

Even more striking is the willingness to increase holdings. 51% of Taiwanese investors plan to add to their digital asset positions within a year, far surpassing Europe’s 22%. This high willingness to increase holdings indicates that Taiwanese investors are not only already in the market but also confident in the long-term prospects of digital assets. This confidence may stem from familiarity with technological innovation, demand for inflation hedging tools, and success stories of early participants.

Digital assets are expected to reach a pivotal turning point in 2025. As regulatory frameworks become clearer, investment channels improve, and market recognition of Bitcoin’s unique role in diversified portfolios increases, institutional participation is expected to rise significantly. Although volatility remains a characteristic of these assets, increased market participation and infrastructure development are gradually reducing Bitcoin’s volatility. Fidelity’s survey indicates that a global trend is forming, with Taiwanese investors actively participating in this wave.

In Europe, 25% of individual investors already hold digital assets, with 22% planning to increase their holdings. The Asia-Pacific region has a 23% holding rate, with over half planning to increase their allocation within a year. This consistent global trend toward increased holdings demonstrates that digital assets are shifting from fringe investment tools to mainstream allocation options. Taiwan is positioned quite at the forefront of this global trend, with leading holding rates and willingness to increase.

Three Major Features of Taiwanese Digital Asset Investment

High Holding Rate vs. Policy Restrictions Contradiction: 24% holding rate achieved despite incomplete regulation, indicating active participation through overseas channels

Extremely High Willingness to Increase: 51% plan to add more, far exceeding Europe’s 22%, reflecting strong confidence in long-term prospects

Clear Institutional Trend: Although retail participation is limited, legitimate channels for institutional and professional investors are expanding

$170 Billion ETF Driving Institutional Wave

Since the U.S. approved spot cryptocurrency ETFs in early 2024, the cryptocurrencies held via ETFs have grown to over $170 billion, mostly concentrated in Bitcoin. This figure itself is a testament to the institutionalization of digital assets. ETFs provide compliant, convenient, and regulated investment channels, allowing traditional investors to participate without directly holding private keys or facing exchange risks.

Fidelity’s investor survey shows a significant increase in institutional participation, including corporate finance departments, private banks, sovereign funds, and investment advisors, with a total market value exceeding $1.5 trillion. This institutional trend is transforming the market structure. Previously, the cryptocurrency market was dominated by retail and early adopters, characterized by high volatility and susceptibility to manipulation. Now, the influx of institutional funds brings more stable buying interest and more professional risk management.

Liu Lezhi notes that despite market fluctuations, Bitcoin’s recent decline has been relatively mild and limited in impact from a historical perspective. After a strong rally in early 2025, Bitcoin fell over 30% since the sell-off triggered by tariffs in October. The crypto market’s market cap evaporated by over one trillion dollars within weeks. However, market depth has improved, and this adjustment has not triggered systemic panic or liquidity crises.

As understanding of digital assets deepens and the ecosystem becomes more diverse, Taiwanese investors are beginning to seek other cryptocurrencies, such as Ethereum and Solana, which support decentralized applications and smart contracts, to meet various needs across different blockchains. This diversification shows that investors have evolved from “only buying Bitcoin” to understanding the differentiated value of various digital assets.

The 2026 Revolution of Staking ETFs and Tokenized Funds

Liu Lezhi further points out that the next wave of innovation will likely appear in crypto-staked ETFs, which combine yield generation with investment convenience, offering investors “staking rewards” through locking tokens to participate in consensus mechanisms. This product innovation will fundamentally change the yield model of digital asset investments, shifting from pure price appreciation to income-generating assets with stable cash flows.

Fidelity believes that tokenized funds will become the next stage of the digital asset revolution, as various types of investors will have the opportunity to hold traditional funds on the blockchain. Emma Pecenicic, Head of Digital Investment and Partnerships for Fidelity Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan), states that tokenized funds, combining yield, liquidity, and blockchain applications, will redefine how Taiwanese investors access digital assets. Currently, tokenized currency market funds meet market demand, and future growth is promising.

However, the development of tokenized funds also faces challenges. Most current models only digitize existing funds without redesigning them for 24/7 trading and real-time settlement. To unlock market potential, a shift from “digital twins” to “digital-native” structures is necessary. This structural transformation will take time, but once achieved, it will offer unprecedented convenience and efficiency for investors.

Bitcoin’s core features—scarcity, neutrality, and independence from sovereignty—are even more important in an environment of geopolitical tension and declining currency purchasing power. Its decentralized and limited issuance structure also makes it a tool for alternative value storage. Additionally, Bitcoin does not generate earnings or cash flow; its price movements reflect global liquidity and market sentiment, representing overall economic trends and serving as a hedge asset for some investors.

Looking ahead to 2026, digital assets are expected to develop steadily and sustainably supported by institutional backing and product innovation. Market discussions have shifted from “if” to “how,” focusing on how to embed digital assets into mainstream investment tools with discipline, transparency, and clear purpose, which will attract more Taiwanese investors’ attention and capital.