Finance professionals who own cryptocurrency view it as high risk far less often than their peers, according to Sandmark's inaugural Crypto Intelligence Report released April 9, 2026, in Geneva. The study, surveying over 5,000 individuals across eight countries including the US, UK, and India, highlights how hands-on experience and reliable data foster optimism among those in the financial sector. This shift challenges retail-focused narratives and signals potential institutional momentum.

Experience Lowers Perceived Risks

Just one in ten finance professionals holding crypto labels it high risk, contrasting sharply with 25 percent of the broader finance community. Confidence grows with participation levels, reaching highs among institutional investors and long-term holders, while beginners show least certainty. Hands-on engagement, paired with credible market intelligence, transforms abstract perceptions into firm belief, the report demonstrates through attitudes captured in partnership with audience insights firm GWI.

Cryptocurrency's journey from volatile novelty to portfolio consideration traces back to maturing infrastructure and repeated market cycles. Professionals accustomed to daily risk assessment apply familiar tools here, demystifying assets once dismissed as speculative.

Regulation Clears Path for Institutions

Regulatory uncertainty tops barriers to wider institutional involvement, followed by volatility and governance issues. Respondents across groups see crypto as a strategic long-term asset with substantial upside, not mere speculation. Sandmark's Chief Marketing Officer Michelle Fotopoulou notes that clear rules accelerate activity and confidence, paving the way for adoption.

As jurisdictions implement protections, institutional capital could dominate future growth phases. This aligns with global trends where defined frameworks have historically drawn regulated finance into emerging markets, stabilizing prices and expanding legitimacy.

Public Figures Stir Mixed Reactions

Elon Musk tops positive influences at 51 percent, while Donald Trump leads negatives at 38 percent yet ranks second positively at 17 percent. Among holders citing Musk most favorably, 77 percent express high optimism about crypto's asset future. Such figures amplify hype but also erode trust through inconsistency.

Social media accelerates discovery, yet the report underscores demand for verifiable data over personality-driven narratives. This duality reflects crypto's maturation, where initial buzz yields to analytical rigor among sophisticated users.

Market Demands Actionable Intelligence

Sandmark emphasizes an evolving ecosystem where finance experts prioritize consistent data to navigate complexities. The full report is available at sandmark.com/crypto-intelligence-report-2026. Institutional conviction could reshape crypto's trajectory, reducing retail dominance and enhancing resilience against downturns.