The landscape of wealth management is witnessing a notable transformation, with the emergence of 241,700 crypto millionaires globally, marking a staggering 40% increase over the past year. This growth is largely influenced by the rising adoption of digital assets as a means of wealth management and investment, particularly in acquiring residency and citizenship through investment programs.
A recent report by the investment migration firm Henley & Partners, titled Crypto Wealth Report 2025, indicates that the number of bitcoin millionaires has surged by an impressive 70%, reaching 145,100 by June. This rise in crypto millionaires is coinciding with a trend among various governments—from Caribbean nations to Gulf states—beginning to accept cryptocurrency as a valid form of payment for residency and citizenship by investment programs. This development represents a pivotal moment in how digital wealth is integrated into global mobility.
Dominic Volek, the group head of private clients at Henley & Partners, elaborated on this emerging trend, stating that while actual transactions using cryptocurrency remain limited due to existing program restrictions, there is a growing interest in crypto payment options. Volek noted the transformation in public interest over the past five years, highlighting a shift from negligible inquiries about cryptocurrency to regular discussions, particularly among tech entrepreneurs and younger high-net-worth individuals.
The integration of cryptocurrency into real estate is already manifesting, with various investment migration programs linking eligibility to property purchases. Developers in nations such as St. Kitts and Nevis, Panama, and the UAE now accept cryptocurrencies for real estate deals, a move Volek describes as creating “an indirect pathway for crypto holders to participate” in these programs. The timing of these developments is significant, as programs began embracing crypto only in late 2023 and 2024, addressing years of pent-up demand from crypto investors seeking a way to utilize their digital assets.
For many investors in this new digital economy, the appeal of using cryptocurrencies is clear: a majority of their wealth is stored in digital assets. The transition to traditional currency can be cumbersome and may incur taxes and additional fees. Volek emphasized the stark contrast between blockchain transactions, which can settle in minutes, and the traditional three-day wire transfers, underscoring the efficiency of cryptocurrency in wealth management.
However, the shift to accepting crypto does not come without risks. Regulatory bodies express concerns regarding compliance issues and the potential for money laundering, compounded by the inherent volatility of cryptocurrencies making transactions complex. Volek suggests that, interestingly, blockchain technology often provides a clearer audit trail than conventional banking practices. He remarked that the compliance demands for cryptocurrency can, in many instances, be more stringent than those for traditional wealth. To navigate volatility, many applicants are increasingly opting for stablecoins.
Looking ahead, Volek predicts that cryptocurrency will remain a niche payment method, although he foresees a gradual embrace of crypto in additional programs. Within the next five years, he anticipates that five or more programs may start offering crypto options, indicating a significant but not predominant shift in this direction. He reflected on the adaptability of the investment migration industry to evolving wealth trends, noting historical shifts from real estate to financial portfolios and now to digital assets. Volek reiterated that the industry is positioning itself to meet the sophisticated planning needs of the quarter-million crypto millionaires navigating this dynamic landscape.
