A new collaborative work by EY-Parthenon And coinbase (NASDAQ:COIN), underscores a resilient but more cautious stance among institutional players in the digital asset space. The research was conducted in January 2026 among 351 global corporate decision makers, primarily from companies managing over $1 billion in assets. questionnaire reveals this Sunday turbulence led to smarter strategies without eroding long-term optimism.
While price fluctuations test nerves, the overwhelming majority of participants remain committed to expanding their prices. crypto- footprints.
At the heart of the findings is sustained rise. Almost three-quarters (73%) of survey respondents expect to increase their digital asset holdings in the next year, while 74% predict cryptocurrency prices will increase in the next 12 months.
This belief persists despite recent volatility, signaling that institutions view crypto as a key component of diversified portfolios rather than a speculative side bet.
Data underscores shift from rapid euphoria to measured growth as respondents prioritize sustainability integration on hasty expansions.
In response to market volatility, nearly half (49%) of institutions surveyed have increased their focus on robust risk controls, including improved liquidity management and precise position sizing.
This disciplined axis reflects a broader evolution: Firms are no longer looking for quick wins but are adopting stronger governance frameworks to navigate uncertainty.
As a result, exposure pathways have matured significantly.
Two-thirds (66%) now access digital assets through spot exchange-traded funds or products (ETFs/ETPs), a significant increase compared to previous years.
More importantly, 81% express a clear preference for regulated vehicles in seeking spot exposure; This rate is much higher than the 60% in the previous survey.
This choice compatibleTransparent channels underscore a maturing market where security and surveillance are priorities.
Clarity of legislation emerges as an important factor and a persistent obstacle.
Remarkably, 78 percent of respondents identified market structure as the area where rules improvement is most urgently needed, while 66 percent cited regulatory uncertainty as the top investment concern.
65% of those planning allocation increases cite improved policy frameworks as an important catalyst.
Custody decisions have also changed: regulator compliance and advanced security measures (such as key signing protocols) now top the list for 66% of respondents; This rate has increased dramatically, from only 25% and 8% respectively in 2025.
These changes highlight how organizations are demanding enterprise-level infrastructure to protect their growing commitments.
Forward-looking trends further demonstrate innovation in a cautious environment.
Interest tokenized Assets continue to grow; 63% of firms express a strong desire, particularly among asset managers (up from 57% last year).
More than 60% expect meaningful blockchain integration They will begin trading, clearing and paying within three to five years, and 61% expect tokenization to profoundly reshape market structures.
Meanwhile, stablecoins are reinforcing their role as essential “institutional plumbing.”
A full 86% are currently using or researching them; primary applications focus on the moment (T+0) securities payment (88%) and efficient internal cash usage (85%).
Generally, questionnaire It paints a picture of an industry entering a refined phase.
Volatility did not deter participation; instead, it has improved approaches by encouraging greater reliance on regulated products, tighter controls, and emerging technologies.
As institutions allocate more capital through secure channels, the case for broader adoption strengthens.
With tradeCustody and tokenization remain top priorities (69%, 68%, and 67% respectively), with 2026 marking a continuation of evolution where enthusiasm meets discipline to drive crypto’s next chapter traditional finance.
