Updated on:12/08/2025 04:54 PM 
France is experiencing a remarkable transformation in its investment landscape as digital-savvy young adults increasingly turn to cryptocurrency assets, fundamentally changing traditional approaches to wealth management and financial planning.
A comprehensive study recently published by France's financial regulatory authority (AMF) in collaboration with research firm Audirep provides unprecedented insights into this investment evolution. The extensive survey, conducted during spring 2023, reveals how French retail investors—particularly the millennial generation—are embracing digital assets as core components of their financial portfolios.
Statistical findings indicate that nearly one-quarter of French adults (24%) now participate in investments across various financial instruments and cryptocurrency assets. This represents a significant surge in retail investment activity, with half of these investors entering the market since 2020. These new investors constitute approximately 12% of France's adult population, with an impressive 9% specifically holding crypto-assets in their investment portfolios.
The demographic profile of these emerging investors reveals distinct characteristics. They tend to be younger, with an average age of 38, and demonstrate a pronounced digital approach to both information gathering and investment execution. Notably, 65% of these new investors hold cryptocurrency assets, while the majority rely heavily on social media platforms (68%) and investment influencers (41%) for market insights and guidance. This digital-first methodology highlights the transformative impact of online platforms on contemporary investment decision-making processes.
Performance satisfaction metrics further validate the growing acceptance of crypto investments among French investors. The study shows that 67% of crypto-asset holders express satisfaction with their investment returns, exceeding the overall satisfaction rate of 62% among all new retail investors. This positive reception persists despite the well-documented volatility characteristic of cryptocurrency markets. However, the research also identifies concerning knowledge gaps, particularly among investors aged 18-24 and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds. Alarmingly, only 48% of new investors demonstrate understanding of fundamental risk management principles such as asset diversification.
The generational differences in crypto adoption prove particularly striking. Among new investors aged 25-34, cryptocurrency ownership reaches 63%, significantly higher than the 25% ownership rate among traditional investors. This demographic also exhibits greater participation in various gambling activities, suggesting a potentially higher risk tolerance profile that aligns with cryptocurrency investment characteristics.
Financially, these crypto-investing millennials demonstrate considerable sophistication and confidence. The average crypto investor in France possesses approximately €117,000 in total financial assets, with dedicated crypto investments averaging €9,317. Interestingly, while 58% have allocated funds to cryptocurrency assets, 70% indicate a preference for consulting professional financial advisors before executing investment decisions, suggesting a balanced approach combining digital innovation with traditional financial guidance.
