2023 Virtual Asset Survey: 6 Key Findings and Generational Investment Trends

Introduction

The recent surge in Bitcoin past $44,000 highlights the growing cryptocurrency market and increasing public interest in digital asset investments. From September 20 to October 6, 2023, Far Eastern International Bank’s Bankee partnered with BitoGroup and National Chengchi University’s FinTech Research Center to conduct Taiwan’s most comprehensive virtual asset survey. The findings were unveiled at today’s “2023 Virtual Asset Survey” press conference.

Digital Banking Division VP Tai Sung-Chih emphasized that crypto assets now form a crucial part of portfolio diversification. The survey reveals distinct characteristics among profitable investors, providing insights into public perceptions about virtual asset security and investment strategies.

Methodology

  • Sample Size: 3,434 valid responses
  • Confidence Level: 95% (margin of error ±1.67%)
  • Participant Groups: Social media users, Bankee customers, BitoExchange clients, and students

👉 Discover how generational differences shape crypto investments


6 Key Survey Findings

1. Knowledge Correlates With Profitability

  • Self-rated familiarity with virtual assets directly impacts returns:
  • 1/10 familiarity: 35% profitability
  • 10/10 familiarity: 74% profitability

2. Experience Drives Success

Investment duration significantly affects outcomes:

Experience Level Profitability Rate
<1 year 58.4%
1-3 years 60.2%
4-9 years 70%
10+ years 75%

14.6% of long-term investors hold portfolios exceeding NT$10 million.

3. Top-Performing Investment Strategies

Automated methods yield highest returns:

  1. Lending: 68.7% profitability
  2. Quantitative Trading (AI bots): 68.2%
  3. Liquidity Mining: 67.5%

4. Most Profitable Occupations

  1. Finance Professionals: 71.9% (diversified across staking, GameFi, NFTs)
  2. Students: 66.7% (smaller sums, innovative approaches)

5. Astrological Profit Leaders

  1. Capricorn: 69.3% (disciplined approach)
  2. Gemini: 68.7% (quick adaptation)
  3. Aquarius: 68.6% (early adoption)

Generational Investment Patterns

Gen Z (1997-2012): Digital Asset Natives

  • Portfolio Allocation: 22.4% invest >50% of total assets in crypto (vs. 12.5% average)
  • Exclusive Investors: 13.8% hold only virtual assets
  • Preferred Methods: Contract trading (61.9%), meme coins (54.8%)

👉 Learn why Gen Z dominates crypto innovation

Millennials (1981-1996): Market Mainstays

  • Self-Rated Knowledge: 5.23/10 (highest among generations)
  • Regulation Impact: Willingness to invest increases by 6.56 points with clearer guidelines

Gen X (1965-1980): High-Value Investors

  • Financial Power: Highest representation among:
  • NT$3M+ annual earners
  • 10+ year veterans
  • NT$10M+ portfolios

Baby Boomers (1946-1964): Security-Focused

  • Trust Factors: 68.5% prefer institution-backed crypto platforms
  • Regulation Demand: 82.9% advocate for traditional financial oversight standards

FAQ: Virtual Asset Investment Insights

Q: How important is prior knowledge when investing in cryptocurrencies?
A: The survey shows a direct correlation – those rating their knowledge 10/10 had 74% profitability versus 35% for beginners.

Q: Which trading methods are most beginner-friendly?
A: Automated strategies like AI trading bots (68.2% success) and staking (66.7%) require less active management.

Q: Why do finance professionals outperform other occupations?
A: Their 71.9% profitability likely stems from risk management training and diversified strategies beyond spot trading.

Q: What makes Gen Z unique in crypto investment?
A: They allocate higher asset percentages (22.4% invest >50%), prefer alternative methods like contract trading, and heavily research independently.

Q: How might regulation affect the market?
A: Millennials show the strongest positive response (+6.56 willingness score), suggesting clearer rules could accelerate adoption.


Conclusion

This landmark virtual asset survey reveals how knowledge, experience, and demographic factors shape cryptocurrency success. From Gen Z’s innovative approaches to Baby Boomers’ security concerns, understanding these patterns helps build safer, more inclusive digital asset ecosystems.

Survey conducted by Bankee, BitoGroup, and NCCU FinTech Research Center. Analysis by Chang Yung-Ching/BitFinance.