A steady shift toward digital assets is underway across the hedge fund sector, as an increasing number of managers incorporate crypto positions. Rising market activity and clearer signals from U.S. policymakers have been key drivers of this trend. In fact, recent survey data indicate a broad transition that is gradually pulling crypto further into mainstream finance.
In brief
- •Over half of hedge funds now hold crypto exposure, driven by rising confidence and clearer signals from U.S. policymakers.
- •Average allocations remain small, yet most managers plan to increase digital asset positions in the next 12 months.
- •Funds rely heavily on derivatives to access crypto markets, reflecting both caution and evolving institutional structures.
- •Regulatory progress in Washington fuels expansion as lawmakers refine asset classifications, custody rules, and stablecoin oversight.
Growing Institutional Confidence Pushes Hedge Funds Deeper Into Digital Assets
More than half of traditional hedge funds now hold some form of crypto exposure, according to a new report from the Alternative Investment Management Association (AIMA). The survey shows that 55% of funds had exposure to digital assets in 2025, up from 47% in the previous year. Participation came from a total of 122 hedge fund managers representing $982 billion in assets under management.
Average allocations remain modest, with funds reporting that they dedicate about 7% of their portfolios to crypto-related assets. However, most of these investment vehicles keep actual exposure below 2%, although sentiment appears to be improving. About 71% of respondents expect to raise their allocations over the next 12 months, pointing to a broad shift in institutional confidence.
Exposure continues to come mainly through derivatives rather than direct holdings. Around 67% of funds access the market through futures or options tied to crypto assets. AIMA notes that recent volatility, including a sharp flash crash, revealed weaknesses in certain market structures, especially where both excessive leverage and limited institutional infrastructure exist.
Record levels of new capital have also flowed into hedge funds overall, with industry assets nearing $5 trillion in the third quarter of 2025. Rising crypto prices contributed to renewed interest as Bitcoin reached multiple all-time highs earlier in the year. Strong public support from U.S. President Donald Trump and his administration’s push for friendlier digital asset rules helped strengthen investor sentiment.
Hedge Funds Increase Crypto Exposure as Washington Pushes New Rules
A key driver of increased allocations stems from the ongoing shift in U.S. regulation. Nearly half of survey respondents (47%) cited recent policy moves in Washington as their main reason for expanding crypto exposure.
Major developments include an overhaul of federal digital asset rules and continuing bipartisan efforts in the Senate to advance a market structure bill. Progress has continued despite a government shutdown, as lawmakers push to act before election politics halt momentum.
Amid these regulatory changes, several issues stand out:
- •Defining digital asset classifications more clearly.
- •Providing structured guidance for custody and reporting.
- •Strengthening oversight of stablecoin payment systems.
- •Improving coordination between federal agencies.
- •Tightening the timeline for legislative action.
Late-year updates also showed movement on the GENIUS Act’s stablecoin framework, which entered a second public comment round in September. Lawmakers warn that Congress has only a limited window to pass broader crypto rules before political priorities shift.