Share of Romanian Retail Investors Owning Crypto Rebounds in Q3, etoro Survey Finds

More than half of Romanian retail investors reported holding crypto assets in the third quarter, reversing a dip earlier in 2026, according to the latest etoro Retail Investor Beat survey. The study indicates that 51% of Romanian respondents had crypto in their portfolios, up from 42% in Q2 2026 and below the 56% peak recorded in 2024.

Gabriel Avrămescu, First Deputy Chairman of the ASF, stated at the opening of the Romanian fund managers’ summit that almost 15% of Romania’s population holds crypto-assets, with an estimated total value of €12 billion — a finding that aligns with trends the etoro survey has tracked since 2023. The rebound in Q3 is attributed to “buy the dip” behaviour among investors.

The appeal of crypto in Central and Eastern Europe is stronger than in many Western European markets. The survey found that 52% of Polish and 50% of Czech retail investors own crypto, compared with 49% in Germany, 43% in the Netherlands, 39% in Spain, 36% in Denmark, 29% in the UK and Italy, and 27% in France.

Portfolio Composition and Investment Intentions

Apart from crypto, 49% of Romanian retail investors hold local stocks, 41% own foreign equities, 40% hold domestic bonds, and nearly 72% keep cash, including in savings accounts. When asked which asset classes they want to increase, respondents prioritized foreign equities (18%), followed by cash and savings (15%), crypto (14%), stocks listed on the Bucharest Stock Exchange (13%), alternative investments like real estate and private equity (9%), and foreign currencies (8%).

etoro’s commentary notes that while crypto remains part of more than half of Romanian retail investors’ portfolios, foreign equities lead plans for additional investment. The combination of preferences points to an appetite for growth while maintaining liquidity and exposure to traditional assets.

Survey Methodology and Respondent Profile

The Retail Investor Beat survey covered 11,000 retail investors across 13 countries and three continents. There were 1,000 respondents each in the UK, US, Germany, France, Australia, Singapore, Italy and Spain, and 600 respondents each in the Netherlands, Denmark, Poland, Romania and the Czech Republic. The survey was conducted by Opinium from 13–28 August 2026.

Respondents were defined as retail investors who are self-directed or advised and hold at least one investment product, such as shares, bonds, funds or investment ISAs (or equivalents). Participants did not need to be etoro users. The survey results reflect participants' opinions at the time and should not be interpreted as investment advice or a guarantee of future performance.

Bogdan Maioreanu, etoro analyst and markets commentator for Romania, has over 20 years of experience in financial services and investments and a background in journalism. He previously held Corporate Banking management roles at Raiffeisen Bank and OTP Bank and worked in business consultancy for IBM Romania, among others. Bogdan holds an Executive MBA from Asebuss and Washington University.