Crypto Becomes a Long-Term Investment Asset for Indians, Says CoinDCX Report

Cryptocurrency is steadily moving away from its image as a speculative gamble and is now becoming part of long-term wealth creation for Indian investors. According to CoinDCX’s latest annual report, crypto participation in India has reached record levels, with a clear shift toward research-based, disciplined investing during 2024–2025. Investor portfolios are now more diversified and mature, indicating growing confidence in digital assets.

On average, investors now hold around five tokens in their portfolios, compared to just two or three a few years ago. A large share of investments is now concentrated in relatively strong assets, with nearly 43.3% allocated to Layer-1 tokens, 26.5% to Bitcoin, and 11.8% to memecoin-category tokens. Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) are gaining massive traction as well. In the first half of 2025 alone, more than 2 lakh SIPs were created—over ten times the number recorded during the same period last year. This highlights a growing preference for steady accumulation over speculative timing.

The demographic profile of Indian crypto investors is also evolving. The average age of investors has moved closer to 30 years, up from the mid-20s earlier, showing increasing participation from working professionals. Women now account for nearly 13–15% of crypto users, almost double compared to last year. This growth is being driven by simplified trading platforms and strong financial education initiatives, signalling crypto’s move into the mainstream.

Trading Volumes Surge

Trading activity on CoinDCX has surged sharply. The exchange recorded nearly ₹51,333 crore in trading volume during FY2025, with about ₹23,500 crore generated in the first half of the year alone—marking a 37% year-on-year jump. Trading momentum peaked mid-year, with early July 2025 seeing daily volumes of around $13–14 million (over ₹1,000 crore).

CoinDCX’s user base has also crossed new milestones, with more than 20 million verified users—up by roughly 15–20% from last year. Daily active users are at all-time highs, reflecting a growing group of investors who now treat crypto as a long-term asset rather than short-term speculation.

Investment Trends Spread to Smaller Cities

Crypto adoption is no longer limited to major metros. Nearly 40% of Indian crypto investors now come from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. Smaller cities drove much of the growth in 2025. Ethereum trading in Lucknow surged nearly five times, while Pune saw a tenfold rise in Solana trading. Cities like Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Kochi, Faridabad, Nashik and Bhubaneswar have also recorded sharp increases in altcoin activity, showing crypto’s expanding reach across the country.

Institutional Adoption on the Rise

Globally, institutional interest in crypto is accelerating. Over half of global hedge funds now hold crypto in their portfolios, averaging around 7% allocation, with many planning to increase exposure. New investment products and supportive regulations in major markets are helping channel institutional money into digital assets. For instance, the U.S. has passed stablecoin legislation, while the European Union’s MiCA regulations are set to take effect.

In India, however, regulatory clarity is still evolving. While crypto trading remains legal, it is tightly regulated, with a 30% tax on gains along with 1% TDS on transactions. Exchanges also follow strict KYC and AML norms. The delay in a comprehensive crypto law continues to create uncertainty for investors, even as platforms strengthen compliance and investor education.

What Investors Should Take Away

CoinDCX’s report clearly shows that crypto has matured into a mainstream investment option for many Indians. Investors are building diversified portfolios, using SIPs to accumulate assets regularly, and participating in record trading volumes. The investor base is expanding across age groups, cities, and genders. Going forward, clearer regulations will play a crucial role in cementing crypto’s position as a long-term wealth-building asset in India.