A recent informal survey conducted by the Real Mamas of Crypto community of over 220 senior professionals reveals a significant disconnect between client crypto holdings and advisor management capabilities. According to the survey results, exactly one respondent reported using their wealth advisor to manage crypto holdings, while the majority described their advisors as knowing about but not touching their digital assets. The remaining respondents split between advisors who know but won't touch crypto, those who don't know about it at all, and those with no advisor managing these assets.
The survey data reveals that crypto holders are adopting buy-and-hold strategies rather than day trading behavior. As reported by CoinDesk, nearly every respondent described bitcoin, ether, or solana as core long-term positions, with the dominant response when capital rotates into AI stocks or IPOs being "I notice but hold." This represents a fundamental shift from speculative trading to long-term wealth building through digital assets. The asset class has entered family balance sheets whether or not advisors participate in management.
Roughly half of respondents indicated that crypto is part of their estate or inheritance planning, with many considering gifting digital assets to their children. According to the survey findings, this integration occurs regardless of advisor participation. The asset has become a permanent component of family financial planning, whether traditional wealth advisors are involved or not. This trend suggests that digital assets are being treated as generational wealth rather than short-term investments.
When asked what would be required to trust an advisor with crypto assets, respondents emphasized demonstrated industry expertise and understanding of privacy concerns. As reported by CoinDesk, survey participants specifically mentioned the need for demonstrated tax and custody competence, security measures, and credibility. One respondent stated that advisors would need to be "crypto native, not a Trad-Fi advisor who read a whitepaper." The survey indicates that competence before conversation is essential, with crypto tax treatment, custody options, and estate mechanics being table stakes rather than differentiators.
A companion survey of individuals aged 18 to 23 revealed that almost none would default to advisors for money advice, instead naming AI tools and parents as their first choices. According to CoinDesk, respondents cited cost, trust, and accessibility as primary factors. The recurring answer for what constitutes a genuinely good advisor was collaboration - someone "doing it with me," not explaining at me. The survey suggests that the next generation of beneficiaries expects and is comfortable with AI components in financial advice, while still wanting human advisor collaboration.
