KPMG Survey Shows Germany Warming Up to Crypto Again

Investors in Germany are regaining optimism and confidence in crypto following a challenging period for the market last year. Still, some reservations persist.

A recent KPMG study conducted with BTC-ECHO surveyed about 2,400 private crypto investors across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The findings reveal a notable surge in crypto interest, with about 54% of respondents allocating over 20% of their total assets to crypto investments.

The resurgence in optimism comes as Bitcoin recently hit a record high above $72k. This was driven by spot Bitcoin ETFs’ success and anticipation surrounding the Bitcoin Halving. Also, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse predicts that the crypto market’s capitalization will surpass $5t by the year’s end.

Meanwhile, a substantial majority of investors (67%) heavily committed to digital assets have positioned themselves for the medium to long haul, typically spanning between 3 to 5 years.

Nevertheless, newcomers to the market are displaying heightened caution. They are meticulously examining investment prospects with increased scrutiny and patience. Consequently, providers must exert additional efforts to transition a prospective party into a customer.

Security Doubts Plague German Crypto Market

Similar to 2023, there remains a significant disparity between registration on a crypto exchange and its actual utilization. Investors prioritize security, deposit and withdrawal options, and transaction costs when selecting their preferred crypto exchanges.

As per the study findings, 34% of investors perceive their digital asset investments to be “rather safe.” Still, market manipulation, regulatory uncertainties, and financial crimes remain the foremost concerns among investors.

Investor Confidence in Bitcoin Spikes

Bitcoin’s dominance surged 7% in the portfolios of surveyed investors compared to 2023, securing its position at the forefront with 91%. Ethereum trails in second place, with Solana experiencing a notable 9% increase compared to 2023.

Germany’s Approach to Crypto Regulation

The German government has been actively engaged in establishing regulations for cryptocurrencies, aimed at safeguarding investors and maintaining financial system stability.

In 2019, legislation was enacted permitting banks to manage and trade cryptocurrencies, while ongoing discussions revolve around implementing new regulations for cryptocurrency exchanges and initial coin offerings (ICOs).

The regulatory framework continues to develop, with regulatory bodies such as BaFin and the Federal Ministry of Finance overseeing compliance and reporting obligations. Stringent Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations are enforced to mitigate fraudulent activities on cryptocurrency exchanges.