The world of digital finance is evolving rapidly, and virtual assets have become a significant part of modern investment portfolios. With regulatory frameworks gaining momentum—such as Taiwan’s Financial Supervisory Commission announcing the "VASP Guidelines" in September 2024—cryptocurrency is no longer a niche market. To better understand user behavior, Far Eastern Federal Bank’s Bankee digital banking platform partnered with the Fintech Research Center at National Chengchi University and BitoGroup to conduct the 2025 Virtual Asset Survey, offering deep insights into generational preferences, profitability patterns, security concerns, and investment strategies.
This comprehensive study surveyed 3,434 respondents across social media users, Bankee customers, BitoEx exchange users, and students, with a margin of error of ±1.67% at a 95% confidence level. The findings reveal how different age groups interact with crypto—and who’s most likely to profit.
Generational Investment Preferences in Virtual Assets
One of the most compelling aspects of the survey is how investment behaviors vary across generations. From risk appetite to preferred assets, each cohort brings a unique approach.
Z Generation: The Digital-Native Crypto Pioneers
Born between 1997 and 2012, Gen Z stands out as true digital asset natives. This group exhibits bold investment tendencies:
- Highest allocation to crypto: 22.4% invest over half their total assets in virtual currencies—nearly double the overall average of 12.5%.
- Crypto-only investors: 13.8% hold only digital assets, far above the cross-generational average of 5.2%.
- Active traders: Despite limited capital, 61.9% engage in contract trading, surpassing the general average of 38.7%.
- Meme coin enthusiasts: Over half (54.8%) have invested in meme coins like Dogecoin or Shiba Inu—well above the overall 38.2%.
- Self-directed research: 57.5% prioritize independent analysis, compared to 48.2% overall.
This generation sees crypto not just as an investment but as a lifestyle—embracing side hustles, passive income models, and decentralized finance (DeFi) as core financial goals.
Y Generation: The Driving Force Behind Crypto Adoption
Millennials (born 1981–1996) are the backbone of virtual asset adoption. They represent the largest share of current crypto holders and show strong familiarity, self-rating their knowledge at 5.23 out of 10—the highest among all generations.
Crucially, they’re highly responsive to regulation: if clearer rules are implemented, their intent to hold crypto increases by 6.56 points (on a 10-point scale), the most significant jump of any group. This suggests that regulatory clarity could unlock even greater institutional and retail participation.
X Generation: The High-Net-Worth Crypto Winners
Investors born between 1965 and 1980—Gen X—are the most successful in terms of long-term gains. They dominate in key metrics:
- Highest annual income
- Longest engagement (over 10 years in crypto)
- Largest investments (over NT$10 million)
Their experience and financial capacity position them as the quiet powerhouses of the crypto market—steady, informed, and highly profitable.
Baby Boomers: Prioritizing Security Above All
Those born between 1946 and 1964 are the least familiar with virtual assets but increasingly curious. Their primary concern? Security.
- 68.5% say they’d be more likely to invest if traditional financial institutions offered crypto services.
- 82.9% want crypto regulated to the same standard as banks, indicating strong trust in legacy finance systems.
This generation may be late adopters, but their demand for safety underscores a broader need for compliant, secure platforms.
Who’s Making Money in Crypto? Key Profitability Insights
Nearly 63% of those who’ve tried crypto report profits—but certain behaviors strongly correlate with success.
Knowledge Equals Profit
Familiarity directly impacts returns:
- Those rating their knowledge at 1/10 saw profits only 35% of the time.
- Those scoring themselves 10/10 reported gains 74% of the time.
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Time in Market Beats Timing the Market
Longevity matters:
- Less than 1 year in crypto: 58.4% profitability
- 1–3 years: 60.2%
- 4–9 years: 70%
- Over 10 years: 75%
Experience builds discipline, risk management, and emotional resilience—critical traits for surviving volatility.
Passive Income Strategies Outperform
Contrary to the image of day-trading gamblers, the most profitable methods are often hands-off:
- Lending: 68.7% profitability
- Quantitative/AI trading bots: 68.2%
- Liquidity mining: 67.5%
- GameFi: 67.3%
- Staking: 66.7%
- NFTs: 65.7%
- Contract trading: 64%
- Spot trading: 62.2%
“Lazy investing” isn’t lazy—it’s smart capital utilization.
Top-Earning Professions: Finance and Students
Surprisingly, two groups lead in profitability:
- Finance professionals: 71.9% profit rate—likely due to market understanding and larger capital (often over NT$1 million).
- Students: 66.7% profit rate—despite smaller stakes, they experiment with DeFi, NFTs, and new protocols.
Most Profitable Zodiac Signs: Myth or Market Insight?
While not scientifically proven, the data reveals intriguing patterns:
- Capricorn: 69.3% profitability — disciplined, strategic, risk-aware.
- Gemini: 68.7% — adaptable, fast-reacting to trends.
- Aquarius: 68.6% — innovative, early adopters of new tech.
Whether astrology influences behavior or reflects personality traits, these signs align with successful investor mindsets.
What Users Really Want: Security and Convenience
Despite growing adoption, barriers remain.
Top Exchange Selection Criteria
When choosing a platform, users prioritize:
- Security: 80.9%
- Deposit/withdrawal ease: 70.9%
- Regulatory compliance: 65.8%
High-net-worth investors (NT$10M+) especially value fast processing and high transaction limits.
Why Non-Holders Stay Away
Non-adopters cite:
- Lack of understanding (75.3%)
- Security fears (55.1%)
- Price volatility (46.5%)
Education and trusted gateways are essential for onboarding new users.
Regulatory Expectations
- 71% want crypto regulated like traditional finance.
- Only 5.4% oppose regulation entirely.
- More knowledgeable users prefer flexible oversight.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is cryptocurrency a safe investment for beginners?
A: While volatile, education and risk management improve outcomes. Starting small on regulated platforms reduces exposure.
Q: Which crypto strategy is most profitable?
A: Passive income methods like staking, lending, and yield farming show higher success rates than active trading.
Q: Do younger investors take more risks?
A: Yes—Gen Z favors meme coins and contract trading—but they also embrace innovation and research-driven decisions.
Q: Can experience really increase profitability?
A: Absolutely. Investors with over 10 years in crypto report a 75% win rate, highlighting the value of long-term engagement.
Q: Are certain personality types better suited for crypto investing?
A: Disciplined, curious, and adaptable traits—often associated with Capricorn, Gemini, and Aquarius—align with successful investing behaviors.
Q: How important is regulation?
A: Critical. Over 70% of users want financial-grade oversight to build trust and encourage wider adoption.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Virtual Asset Survey paints a clear picture: crypto is maturing. From Gen Z’s meme coin fascination to Gen X’s steady wealth-building, each generation contributes uniquely to the ecosystem. Success hinges on knowledge, time in market, and strategic diversification—not luck.
As institutional involvement grows and regulations solidify, platforms that prioritize security, ease of use, and user education will lead the next wave of adoption.