Only 4% of Danish Citizens Hold Crypto Despite Global Growth: Survey
Only 4% of Danish citizens own cryptocurrencies, a figure that has remained unchanged since 2023 despite the sector-wide growth across Europe and other states, according to the new staff paper of the country's central bank published on Wednesday.
Based on a survey conducted by Epinion, the Danish National Bank's employee papers show that most of those who hold crypto hold relatively small positions. Most reported holdings of over 10,000 Danish kroner (about $1,570), with total national holdings estimated at between $317 million and $847 million.
The survey was based on responses from 3,013 citizens aged 15 and over. The data was collected between October and November 2025 through the Danish digital post system, with options to respond online or by telephone. The sample was weighted to reflect national demographics.
The findings show that Denmark is at the bottom end of crypto adoption compared to other European countries, where the cost of ownership is high. Countries like Norway, Finland, and the United Kingdom report that more than 10% of their population owns crypto assets.
National Bank of Denmark Danish banks have historically taken a cautious approach to crypto-assets, with most previously not allowing customers to buy them through banking platforms and often encouraging such investments as high risk. The paper also points to previous disproportionate tax treatment as another factor weighing on adoption.
Related: EU advisor says ‘MiCA 2' is likely when crypto market matures: PBW 2026
Crypto ownership in Denmark skews young and rich
Crypto ownership in Denmark is concentrated among young people and high-income individuals, with participation declining significantly among the over-60s, the study found.
The research shows that crypto is seen primarily as an investment rather than a means of payment. Actual use of transactions is rare, and only a small proportion of holders have used digital assets to pay for goods or services.
The research shows that 70%-75% of users store their assets with crypto asset service providers, only 20%-30% use self-hosted wallets to manage them.
Exposure to crypto-linked stocks and exchange-traded products has increased since 2023 but is limited to around $211 million, or about 0.4% of total equity holdings.
Related: No, Denmark is not proposing to ban self-contained wallets.
Danske Bank opens the door to crypto investments.
Earlier this year, Denmark's largest bank, Danske Bank, began allowing its customers to invest in crypto through exchange-traded products linked to Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH).
At the time, the bank noted that many clients were looking for crypto exposure as part of their portfolios, saying strong regulatory frameworks, particularly in EU markets with the Crypto-Assets Regulation, made it more convenient to offer such investments.
Magazine: Bitcoin May Take 7 Years to Upgrade to Post-Quantum – BIP-360 Co-Author
