Family offices are redefining their investment priorities. One number is striking: 89% of them have no exposure to crypto, overwhelmingly preferring artificial intelligence (AI). This trend reveals a growing gap between two universes, one perceived as stable and buoyant, the other as speculative. Analysis of issues and opportunities for investors.
In brief
- 89% of family offices ignore crypto, favoring AI for its concrete applications.
- Average exposure to crypto remains low (0.4%), despite exceptions in Asia.
- AI is seen as an engine of growth, while bitcoin remains a speculative or marginalized asset.
AI, the new star of family office portfolios
Artificial intelligence dominates family office investment strategies. According to JPMorgan's 2026 report, 65% of them are already integrating AI into their portfolios, while 89% are avoiding cryptos altogether. This preference is explained by AI's ability to generate stable returns and real-world applications in key sectors such as healthcare, automation and infrastructure.
Investments in startups specializing in AI are increasing, with strategic partnerships between family offices and research laboratories. In Asia, players like SoftBank and Alibaba are allocating billions to machine learning and data processing projects. AI is no longer an option, but a central pillar of modern portfolios.
Crypto, a marginalized asset despite intact potential?
Despite its disruptive potential, crypto remains a poor relation in family office portfolios. With an average exposure of just 0.4%, it is well ahead of AI. The reasons? Persistent volatility, uncertain regulations, and stubborn distrust from traditional investors. However, some Asian players, such as VMS Group in Hong Kong, dare to invest up to $10 million in crypto strategies.
Additionally, geopolitical risks and regulatory uncertainties are hampering its adoption. In the United States and Europe, family offices prefer to avoid these assets, considered too risky. In Asia, on the other hand, crypto is seen as an opportunity for diversification, particularly in the face of inflation and trade tensions.
Bitcoin destined to sink in the face of AI?
BTC, often presented as digital gold, struggles to convince. Despite technological advances like the Lightning Network, its adoption remains limited. Family offices are certainly waiting for signs of stability before making a massive commitment, preferring for the moment to focus on AI. If regulations become clearer and institutional adoption accelerates, bitcoin could regain ground.
Central banks and governments are already exploring digital currencies, which could legitimize crypto. In Asia, where financial innovation is strong, bitcoin could become a safe haven asset, complementary to AI. Experts remain divided. Some predict a gradual decline of BTC, stifled by the rise of AI. Others imagine coexistence, where each asset plays a distinct role.
The JPMorgan report confirms that crypto is struggling to compete in the face of AI dynamics and is now emerging as the preferred choice of family offices. However, technological and regulatory developments could reshuffle the cards. The question then remains: can AI and crypto coexist, or is one doomed to eclipse the other?
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