Cryptocurrencies and digital assets have secured their place as the third most sought-after investment over the past year, driven by a 49% surge in online searches, according to research by Whisky and Wealth Club.
The study, as cited by City AM, ranked cryptocurrencies among the top-performing alternative investment options, alongside peer-to-peer lending and music royalties.
Despite their reputation for volatility, digital assets remain a magnet for investors eager to take on high-risk, high-reward opportunities.
CoinShares reported that global investment in cryptocurrencies reached a record-breaking $44 billion (£35 billion) in 2024.
AJ Bell further acknowledged the trend, calling 2024 “a breakout year for Bitcoin,” reflecting the growing mainstream appeal of digital currencies.
Meanwhile, research from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) revealed that approximately 7 million people in the UK now own cryptocurrency, a figure rivaling the number of holders of a Stocks and Shares ISA.
Peer-to-peer lending topped the list of alternative investments, with a 243% increase in popularity, followed by music royalties, which saw a 202% rise.
Cryptocurrencies rounded out the top three, underscoring a burgeoning interest in diversifying portfolios beyond traditional assets like stocks and bonds.
Joshua King, global sales manager at Whisky and Wealth Club, remarked: “The growing interest in alternative investments demonstrates a clear shift in investor behaviour. UK investors are increasingly looking to diversify their portfolios and explore opportunities beyond the traditional markets.”
The rising prominence of cryptocurrencies and other alternative investments marks a significant transformation in the UK’s investment landscape, highlighting a move towards innovative and diversified financial strategies.
