Photo credit: Ron Lach/Pexels 

Crypto ownership has surged among retail investors since 2020, the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) reported. 

In 2023, 15 out of 24 surveyed jurisdictions said up to 10% or more of retail investors owned crypto, with six jurisdictions reporting up to 30% or more. 

This marks a significant increase from 2020, when only 1% to 5% of investors owned crypto in half of the surveyed jurisdictions.

Despite market volatility, especially during the 2022 "crypto winter," retail investors in both advanced and emerging economies continue to invest in crypto assets.

IOSCO notes that risks like volatility, lack of investor understanding, and scams still persist, similar to concerns in 2020. The report also highlights the need for better investor protection and education.

Over the past four years, the crypto market has seen high-profile failures, a prolonged bear market, and a rise in scams and regulatory actions. 

Nonetheless, interest in crypto remains strong, especially among younger investors under 40, predominantly male.

In the US, nearly three in five investors under 35 have considered or already invested in crypto, with 44% of Gen Z starting with crypto investments. New investors are more inclined to invest in crypto than established ones.