Gen-Z investors are fascinated by crypto – here is why

Gen-Z investors are rewriting the rules by focusing on innovative asset categories. Older generations used to wait until their 30s to invest or switch from their traditional jobs to being full-time investors. But Gen-Zers are more familiar with investing apps than any other generation, and they aspire to become crypto investors since high-school when they first hear about blockchain-based currencies. Social media has played an important role in convincing them they can make a living by trading cryptocurrencies and building a portfolio of alternative assets. Statistics show that Gen-Zers started building their investment portfolios at the average age of 19, and they don’t limit themselves to trading Bitcoin and Ethereum, they open their portfolios to altcoins like BNB, Solana, and Shiba Inu.

Gen-Z investors were born between 1997 and 2012, and decided to enter the financial world earlier than older generations. They are 45% more likely to start investing before 21 than Millennials. In addition, they not only start early, but they also approach the endeavor differently.

Why are digital assets Gen-Zs favorite?

The FINRA Investor Education Foundation and CFA Institute reveals that over 50% of US Gen-Zers between 18 and 25 own some kind of investment. As mentioned earlier, they are comfortable with starting investing as early as 18, while previous generations waited a little longer, Millennials started at the average age of 25 and Gen X at around 32. Starting this early has a positive impact on their long-term wealth accumulation as they have more time to make mistakes, learn, and grow their portfolios.

Digital assets are to Gen-Zers liking because they have grown up learning about them. Cryptocurrencies like BNB have promised the public from the beginning to offer them control, financial freedom, and decentralization, aspects this age group is in great search of. Unlike the groups who turned to traditional banking, Gen-Zers use digital currencies to manage their finances and benefit from increased privacy and autonomy. The benefits blockchain technology offers are quite appealing for the group of young entrepreneurs who want to feel in control of their finances.

For Gen Z, digital assets are not abstract concepts. They’ve watched Bitcoin make headlines, witnessed Ethereum revolutionize DeFi, and seen meme coins explode (and sometimes implode) on social media. Even more striking, Gen Z is the only generation where interest in crypto outweighs interest in traditional stocks. And this isn’t just limited to the U.S.—global surveys mirror the same trend, with young investors in regions like Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America leading the adoption curve.

Why does this matter? Because Gen Z isn’t waiting to “grow into” traditional finance. They’re shaping a new reality where digital assets play a central role from day one.

Gen-Z investors turn to social media for financial advice

Unsurprisingly, Gen-Z investors trust social media when they are in search of advice, so they use online resources to learn about crypto investing. They turn to their families and social media personalities to gain information about the subjects they’re interested in. 70% of their knowledge about crypto investing comes from social media content, as they use platforms like YouTube, Twitter, and TikTok to gain instantaneous financial education. The great thing about social media platforms is that they provide Gen-z investors with free education, and encourage them to adopt cryptocurrency and experiment with it.

Gen-Z investors don’t trust traditional banking

One of the key reasons Gen Z gravitates toward crypto is trust—or rather, a lack of it. Growing up during the Great Recession left a lasting impression. They saw banks fail, governments bail out corporations, and inflation eat into the value of savings. Unsurprisingly, many of them are skeptical of centralized financial systems and are more open to alternatives that offer transparency and autonomy. Blockchains, with their public ledgers and decentralized networks, offer something traditional institutions often struggle with: accountability and transparency. For Gen Z, the appeal of crypto lies in the idea of being their own bank, using smart contracts instead of middlemen, and investing in protocols rather than institutions.

Of course, this doesn’t mean Gen Z is reckless. On the contrary, they’re deeply curious and informed—watching market trends, analyzing tokenomics, and evaluating project roadmaps. But they want control. They want ownership. And crypto gives them that.

Gen-Z invest where their money are

Beyond distrust of legacy finance, Gen Z also tends to align their investments with their values—especially when it comes to sustainability, inclusion, and innovation. Many of them support projects that promote financial access in underserved communities, or blockchains that reduce energy consumption. For example, Ethereum’s shift to proof-of-stake drastically cut its energy usage by over 99%, which appealed to environmentally conscious investors. Similarly, platforms like Cardano and Solana have drawn attention from young investors interested in scalability and social impact. Meme coins and NFTs, while often dismissed by traditional analysts, also play a cultural role. They allow Gen Z to express identity, join online communities, and invest in things that reflect their humor, worldview, or fandoms. The lines between finance, tech, and culture are blurred—and for Gen Z, that’s exactly how it should be.

Gen-Z relies on the power of mobile

Let’s not forget the convenience factor. Unlike traditional investments, crypto doesn’t require a brokerage account or high entry fees. All you need is a phone and an internet connection. Platforms like Binance make it easy for young investors to start with small amounts, access educational resources, and explore various trading options—from spot trading to staking and beyond. And Gen Z is always online. They’re comfortable navigating apps, switching between wallets, comparing token pairs, and even participating in DAOs. For a generation that values speed, mobility, and customization, crypto is the natural choice. According to Statista, mobile devices account for more than 60% of crypto trading activity globally. That number is even higher among Gen Z users, many of whom don’t even own a laptop. The future of finance isn’t just decentralized—it’s mobile-native.

Gen-Zers are more risk tolerant

One stereotype about Gen Z is that they’re impulsive or too risk-tolerant. But what’s often overlooked is their willingness to learn and adapt. They know crypto markets can be volatile. That’s why many of them spend time researching before investing, use testnets to explore dApps, and follow creators who explain the difference between hype and fundamentals. They also understand that volatility can be a feature, not just a bug. Crypto markets move fast, offering short- and long-term opportunities that aren’t as readily available in traditional markets. Gen Z sees this as a challenge, not a deterrent.

And while not every trade goes as planned, their mistakes often become part of the learning process. In fact, many Gen Z investors are more financially literate than people give them credit for. They don’t just “ape in”—they analyze.

Conclusion: The Generation That’s Crypto-First

Gen Z isn’t just experimenting with crypto—they’re embracing it as their default financial system. From trust and values to access and education, everything about their environment points them toward decentralized assets. This isn’t a passing phase—it’s a generational shift.