American Gen Z Shakes Up Finance: 55% Prefer Crypto Investments

• 55% of Generation Z in the U.S. prefer cryptocurrency investments, seeking transparency and control over their finances.
• Due to the flexibility and lower transaction costs, Generation Z investors favor decentralized finance over traditional banking.

According to a FINRA survey, 55% of Generation Z in the United States prefers to invest in cryptocurrencies. This research indicates a major shift in how younger investors, specifically those born between 1997 and 2012, approach financial management.

According to DLNews, a survey by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority of the United States shows that 55% of American Generation Z prefer to invest in cryptocurrencies, believe that digital banking platforms are clumsy and opaque, and prefer to manage their finances on the…

— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) September 14, 2024

Gen Z Embraces Decentralized Finance for Greater Transparency and Control 

Unlike prior generations, who depended on established financial institutions, Generation Z is strongly focused on decentralized finance (DeFi) and digital currencies.

The transparency and control provided by blockchain technology, cryptocurrency, and decentralized applications (dApps) are what make them appealing. These preferences stand in stark contrast to traditional banking, which many younger investors consider archaic and onerous.

The survey emphasizes that Generation Z is not just interested in traditional financial goods, but also in new, innovative platforms for managing their wealth. This generation prefers to manage finances “on-chain,” utilizing digital currencies such as stablecoins, which are linked to assets such as the US dollar.

With over 27 million wallets performing stablecoin payments each month, this development implies that these technologies are becoming more widely adopted.

Furthermore, blockchain transaction fees are far lower, with the cost of transferring large quantities across borders frequently less than one cent, making cryptocurrencies an appealing option for cross-border financial operations.

Generation Z’s predilection for cryptocurrency is also due to rising discontent with traditional banking’s delayed and expensive processes.

Unlike Baby Boomers, who depended largely on banks and brokerages, Generation Z is adopting decentralized technology that gives individuals greater control over their finances. The flexibility, speed, and cheaper prices of DeFi apps add to their appeal.

Another significant aspect driving this transition is the growing importance of financial influencers and the power of social media. Internet content and financial experts who promote the advantages of decentralized platforms are more likely to influence Gen Z investors.

The abundance of cryptocurrency-related instructional tools on social media has also boosted this generation’s confidence in managing digital assets. Gerri Walsh, President, FINRA Foundation, said:

“The Gen Z population is diverse and digitally savvy. They are using mobile technology to enter the financial markets in unprecedented numbers and consulting a wide range of information sources as they do so. It is vital to understand their investing decisions and to provide them with the educational tools to prepare for those decisions.”

On the other hand, as we’ve previously highlighted, Buenos Aires is integrating Ethereum education into its high school curriculum starting August 27, preparing students for future roles in the digital economy.

The initiative includes hands-on internships with blockchain projects, bridging the gap between theoretical education and real-world application of the technology.