According to JPMorgan Private Bank's 2026 Global Family Office Report, the vast majority of the world's wealthiest private investment firms continue to avoid cryptocurrency allocations. The survey of 333 family offices across 30 countries, with participants reporting an average net worth of $1.6 billion, found that 89% of respondents have no exposure to crypto or other digital assets.
The report, described as a collaboration with "some of the world's most sophisticated family offices" by Natacha Minnit, Global Co-Head of the Family Office Practice at JPMorgan Private Bank, highlights a deep-seated conservatism. This reluctance extends beyond digital assets, with 72% of family offices also holding no gold, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and market volatility.
"Despite the headlines and hype around crypto and other digital assets, the vast majority of family offices (89%) remain on the sidelines," the report stated. It notes an ongoing internal debate at JPMorgan itself, questioning what role cryptocurrency should play in a portfolio given its "elevated volatility and inconsistent correlation with other assets." This uncertainty appears decisive for investors who prioritize capital preservation and long-term stability.
Instead of crypto, family offices are allocating roughly 75% of their assets to a mix of public equities and alternative investments, with U.S. large-cap equities dominating public market exposure. Looking forward, the gap in interest is stark: 65% of surveyed family offices said artificial intelligence (AI) would be a priority investment area, far outpacing the mere 17% who plan to pursue crypto.
The report suggests that family offices differentiate between technology as a driver of corporate earnings—accessed through established companies or venture vehicles—and crypto as a standalone asset class. For these ultra-wealthy investors, crypto's new market venues, custody arrangements, and regulatory uncertainty remain obstacles. The recent sharp selloff in crypto markets is seen as reinforcing, rather than challenging, their long-held doubts about crypto's role in wealth preservation.
