SKN | Canadian Crypto Ownership Climbs to 25% as Investor Awareness and Regulation Evolve

Key Points:

• Cryptocurrency ownership among Canadians has increased to 25% in 2026, up from 10% in 2023, according to the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC).
• The survey found that 59% of Canadians are now aware of cryptocurrencies, reflecting growing mainstream adoption.
• Half of crypto investors said they verify whether a trading platform is registered before investing, though misconceptions about regulation and investor protections remain.
• Canadian regulators continue to develop policies aimed at strengthening consumer protection as digital asset adoption grows.

Crypto Ownership Reaches New High in Canada

Cryptocurrency adoption continues to accelerate across Canada, with one in four Canadians now owning digital assets, according to new research released by the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC).

The survey found that 25% of Canadian adults reported owning cryptocurrencies in 2026, a significant increase from 10% in 2023, highlighting the growing role of digital assets in personal investing.

Conducted between December 2025 and January 2026, the survey gathered responses from 2,360 Canadians aged 18 and older, providing insight into changing investment behavior and public attitudes toward cryptocurrencies.

Public Awareness Continues to Grow

Beyond ownership, the survey also found that awareness of cryptocurrencies has expanded considerably.

Approximately 59% of respondents said they were familiar with crypto assets, demonstrating that digital currencies have become increasingly recognized among Canadian consumers.

The findings suggest cryptocurrencies are moving further into the financial mainstream, driven by broader market participation, increased media coverage and continued innovation across the blockchain industry.

Investors Becoming More Risk Conscious

The survey indicates that Canadian crypto investors are becoming more aware of the risks associated with digital assets.

Around 50% of crypto owners reported checking whether a cryptocurrency platform is registered with regulators before using its services, suggesting growing attention to investor protection and regulatory compliance.

However, the OSC noted that many investors continue to misunderstand important aspects of the crypto ecosystem, including how platforms are regulated, the availability of insurance protections and the capabilities of different crypto services.

The findings underscore the need for continued investor education as participation in digital asset markets expands.

Regulators Continue to Strengthen Oversight

The increase in crypto ownership comes as Canadian policymakers continue refining the country’s regulatory approach to digital assets.

Federal lawmakers have proposed several measures aimed at strengthening oversight, including legislation that would prohibit cryptocurrency donations in political campaigns and proposals to restrict or ban cryptocurrency ATMs due to concerns about fraud and financial crime.

At the same time, securities regulators continue emphasizing investor education while working to ensure that cryptocurrency platforms operating in Canada comply with registration and consumer protection requirements.

Institutional Interest Supports Adoption

The growing participation of Canadian investors reflects broader global trends as cryptocurrencies become increasingly integrated into traditional financial markets.

Institutional investment products, clearer regulatory frameworks and expanding blockchain applications have helped increase confidence in digital assets despite ongoing market volatility.

As adoption continues to rise, regulators are expected to balance innovation with stronger consumer safeguards to support sustainable market development.

Outlook

The Ontario Securities Commission’s latest survey highlights the rapid growth of cryptocurrency ownership in Canada alongside increasing public awareness of digital assets. While investors are becoming more attentive to regulatory safeguards, the research also points to continued knowledge gaps that underscore the importance of investor education. As crypto adoption expands, Canadian regulators are likely to continue refining oversight to promote both innovation and consumer protection.