Family Offices Increase Cryptocurrency Investments, Yet Market Volatility Shadows 2026 Predictions

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In 2025, global family offices increased their involvement in cryptocurrencies, with a rising number entering the market for the first time.

Key Takeaways:

  • Family offices broadened their crypto investments in 2025, with many making initial allocations.
  • Bitcoin and Ether continue to be the primary entry points as enhanced infrastructure compensates for limited in-house expertise.
  • Market fluctuations and declining prices are moderating expectations for wider adoption in 2026.

Nevertheless, significant price volatility and recent poor performance are casting doubt on the sustainability of this momentum into 2026, as reported by Financial News.

“Family offices transitioned from ‘crypto experimenters’ to structured allocators [in 2025], dedicating modest yet increasing portions of wealth to digital assets,” stated Muhammed Yesilhark, chief investment officer at NOIA Capital, in an interview with the publication.

Family Offices Prefer Bitcoin and Ether as Infrastructure Advances

Yesilhark noted that most allocations were concentrated in areas where infrastructure, custody solutions, and risk management had improved.

Despite the growing interest, Bitcoin and Ether remained the primary entry points, reflecting the limited in-house crypto knowledge at numerous family offices.

Survey results indicate a swift increase in engagement. A study by BNY Mellon released in October revealed that 74% of ultra-high-net-worth family offices are now investing in or actively investigating cryptocurrencies, an increase of 21 percentage points from the previous year.

Market participants assert that this growth was fueled not only by price fluctuations but also by a more developed ecosystem surrounding custody, compliance, and regulated investment options.

Family offices are undergoing a complete transformation regarding crypto, treating it as infrastructure. The rapidity of this shift indicates where significant capital is likely to flow. https://t.co/ukFGXvEcKg
1/23Family Offices Increase Cryptocurrency Investments, Yet Market Volatility Shadows 2026 Predictions0

— Digital Ascension Group (@DAGFamilyOffice) December 28, 2025

Chris Rhine, head of liquid active strategies at Galaxy Digital, mentioned that his firm observed a significant wave of first-time allocations this year.

He pointed out that many family offices conducted thorough due diligence prior to investing, indicating a long-term strategy rather than opportunistic trading.

This cautious approach did not prevent some notable investments. The Hong Kong-based family office VMS made its inaugural crypto investment by supporting the digital asset hedge fund Re7 with $10 million.

Additionally, the family office of Arthur Hayes is planning to raise $250 million for its first crypto-focused private equity fund, highlighting the increasing institutional confidence in the sector’s infrastructure.

IPO Revival Could Encourage Family Offices to Engage More in Crypto in 2026

Looking forward, Pete Najarian, founder and managing partner of Raptor Digital, anticipates that crypto will occupy a larger portion of family office portfolios in 2026, particularly if public markets reopen for digital asset companies.

A more active IPO pipeline, he noted, could attract interest from families seeking exposure through exchange-traded funds and other regulated instruments.

However, recent market conditions have dampened enthusiasm. The has lost over $1 trillion in capitalization since October, with Bitcoin and Ether each declining by more than 30%.

A representative from a UAE-based family office remarked that the volatility has led some investors to prefer more stable assets like real estate. “We are still far from broader adoption,” the individual stated.

Yesilhark contended that success in 2026 will depend on discipline. Family offices that concentrate on infrastructure, selective investments, and robust underwriting, rather than short-term speculation, are more likely to remain committed through the next cycle.

The post Family Offices Expand Crypto Exposure, but Volatility Clouds 2026 Outlook appeared first on Cryptonews.