Crypto ownership among Canadians surged to 25% in 2026, up from 10% in 2023, as awareness of risks grows but understanding remains limited.
A survey by the Ontario Securities Commission revealed that 25% of Canadians owned cryptocurrency in early 2026, more than doubling from 10% in 2023. The poll of 2,360 adults conducted between December 2025 and January 2026 also found that 59% were aware of crypto assets, up from previous years.
While ownership increased, the survey highlighted persistent gaps in understanding. About half of crypto owners checked whether platforms were registered, but many misunderstood regulatory protections, insurance, and transaction capabilities. Awareness of risks has risen, though comprehension of the industry remains limited.
The OSC noted the findings will inform regulatory approaches to balance investor protection with market efficiency as crypto adoption grows.