Gen Z Set to Boost Crypto Trading in 2026, OKX Survey Shows
January 2026 – A new OKX‑commissioned poll highlights a generational shift in attitudes toward digital assets, with young Americans far more likely than baby‑boomers to expand their crypto activity over the coming year.
Survey snapshot
- Sample: 1,000 U.S. adults, surveyed in January 2026.
- Scope: Intentions to increase crypto trading, trust levels for crypto platforms vs. traditional banks, and long‑term outlook on digital assets.
The data reveal a stark contrast between Generation Z (born roughly 1997‑2012) and the older boom‑generation (born 1946‑1964).
| Age group | Plan to trade more crypto in 2026 | High trust in crypto platforms | High trust in banks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gen Z | 40 % | 40 % | 22 % (low trust) |
| Millennials | 36 % | 41 % | 21 % (low trust) |
| Boomers | 11 % | 9 % | 74 % (high trust) |
Source: OKX “Crypto Trust & Adoption” Survey, Jan 2026
Key findings
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Trading intent spikes among Gen Z – Four out of ten respondents in the youngest cohort say they will increase crypto transactions this year, more than double the proportion of boomers.
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Trust diverges sharply – While roughly four‑fifths of boomers place high confidence in banks, only about one‑fifth of Gen Z and millennials express low trust in the same institutions. Conversely, crypto platforms enjoy a comparable level of high trust from Gen Z (40 %) and millennials (41 %).
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Bullish long‑term outlook – Just over half of Gen Z (52 %) and half of millennials (50 %) believe digital assets could eventually equal or surpass traditional finance, versus 28 % of boomers.
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Different trust criteria – Security tops the list for younger respondents, whereas regulation and legal protection weigh more heavily for older participants.
- Perceived utility gap – Nearly half of boomers view crypto as offering “no real benefit” compared with traditional finance, while only 6 % of Gen Z share that sentiment.
Commentary
The survey underscores a growing polarization in how generations evaluate financial infrastructure. For Gen Z, the appeal of crypto appears linked to the perceived openness of tokenized markets and the ability to access fractional exposure to assets that were previously restricted to large institutions. An OKX spokesperson explained that “tokenization can lower entry barriers, fractionalize exposure, and make assets available 24/7 on global rails, reducing friction and expanding participation.”
Boomers, on the other hand, continue to anchor their confidence in banks, citing regulatory oversight as a cornerstone of trust. The spokesperson added that clearer rules could alleviate concerns about consumer protection and custody, suggesting that regulatory clarity remains a critical lever for broader adoption among older investors.
From a market‑structural perspective, the willingness of a sizable portion of Gen Z to increase crypto trading could translate into higher on‑chain activity, greater demand for retail‑focused products (e.g., micro‑investment funds, decentralized finance (DeFi) yield solutions), and stronger network effects for exchanges that prioritize security and user experience.
At the same time, the modest 36 % of millennials planning to trade more suggests that the surge may be concentrated in the youngest cohort, potentially creating a more volatile retail trading base that reacts strongly to product innovations, educational initiatives, and macro‑economic signals.
What this means for the ecosystem
- Exchange competition: Platforms that can demonstrably safeguard assets and provide transparent fee structures are likely to capture the attention of trust‑sensitive Gen Z traders.
- Product development: Expect a rise in tokenized offerings—fractionalized funds, real‑world asset-backed tokens, and 24/7 treasury products—aimed at the “low‑minimum” preferences of younger users.
- Regulatory focus: As older investors demand clearer oversight, regulators may feel pressure to codify consumer‑protection standards for crypto, which could in turn boost confidence across all age groups.
- DeFi integration: With security as a primary concern for Gen Z, DeFi protocols that integrate robust audit trails, insurance mechanisms, and user‑friendly custodial solutions could see accelerated onboarding.
Quick takeaways
- 40 % of Gen Z plan to up their crypto trading in 2026, outpacing boomers (11 %).
- Trust in crypto platforms is roughly equal between Gen Z (40 %) and millennials (41 %), but dramatically lower among boomers (9 %).
- Security is the top trust factor for younger cohorts; regulation dominates for boomers.
- More than half of Gen Z believe crypto could match or exceed traditional finance in the long run.
- Regulatory clarity could be the key to bridging the trust gap between generations.
The OKX survey adds to a growing body of research indicating that digital assets are moving further into mainstream consciousness, especially among younger investors who view tokenization as a pathway to more inclusive and efficient financial markets.
Source: https://thedefiant.io/news/research-and-opinion/gen-z-plans-to-increase-crypto-trading-in-2026-okx
