According to a new report by Aspen Digital, interest in digital assets in Asia has seen a substantial growth, with around 76% of personal wealth already engaged in this sector.

Growth of Personal Wealth Engagement in Digital Assets in Asia

Based on a Cointelegraph report, the Aspen Digital survey included 80 family offices and high-net-worth individuals across Asia. About 76% of respondents have started investing in digital assets, a significant increase from last year. Additionally, 18% plan to invest in cryptocurrencies in the future. Most respondents manage assets between US$10 million and US$500 million, currently allocating less than 5% of portfolios to digital assets. Some plan to increase this share to over 10% by 2024. "These investments are driven not just by financial gains but by a belief that the technology will be an integral part of the future," said an Aspen Digital analyst.

Interest in DeFi and AI among Asian Investors

Two-thirds of respondents are interested in the decentralized finance (DeFi) sector, while 61% show interest in artificial intelligence and decentralized physical infrastructure networks. These sectors are viewed as promising areas for creating new ways of wealth management and value creation. Interest is also boosted by the approval of new investment products like Bitcoin ETFs in some Asian markets. “The approval of Bitcoin ETFs has been a factor driving the appetite for digital investments in Asia,” noted Aspen Digital's Head of Research, James Lee.

Asian and Global Digital Investment Trends

The increasing exposure to digital investments in Asia aligns with global trends. According to a report by AIMA and PwC, crypto exposure rose from 29% in 2023 to 47% in 2024, driven by regulatory clarity and the launch of crypto ETFs in the US and Asia. Regulatory clarity in countries like Hong Kong and Japan also encourages increased investment. Despite challenges and policy uncertainties in other regions, investors are eager to seize the opportunities presented by digital assets.

Aspen Digital's report highlights a significant rise in interest towards cryptocurrencies and blockchain technologies in Asia. Although certain challenges exist, the overall direction remains positive as investors continue to adapt to the new conditions.