Europe’s Funding Hole: Why Investors Are Turning to New Technologies to Access Markets
More and more, policymakers and the general public recognise the function investing can play in constructing wealth, making ready for retirement and attaining long-term monetary safety. But retail participation in capital markets in Europe lags participation in the US, limiting many European households’ capacity to profit from long-term market development.
In accordance to a 2025 Global Retail Investor Study, carried out by the World Financial Discussion board in partnership with Robinhood, roughly 30% of U.S. family wealth is invested in securities. Throughout Europe, participation stays markedly decrease, with round 9% of family wealth invested in securities in Germany and 5% in France.
In opposition to this backdrop, Robinhood commissioned new research into investor attitudes towards monetary markets and tokenized property — digital tokens issued on a blockchain that present publicity to property like shares and ETFs. Inventory Tokens, as referenced right here, are derivatives that mirror the value of the person shares and ETPs. Primarily based on a survey of 6,811 present and potential buyers throughout 14 EU member states, the analysis gives new insights into investor behaviour, perceptions of tokenisation, and the alternatives to broaden participation in capital markets.
Affordability, charges, and accessibility are probably the most vital obstacles to investing
Six in ten present buyers (60%) say they’ve thought-about buying a share however finally discovered the value unaffordable. Price acts as a significant deterrent: 22% of non-investors report that charges have discouraged them from contemplating investing altogether, whereas almost half of present buyers (47%) say they’ve deserted a commerce earlier than execution due to related charges.
Market accessibility was one other recurring problem. Virtually half of retail buyers (48%) reported being unable to commerce a selected inventory as a result of the related alternate was closed, highlighting how conventional market hours can prohibit participation and restrict funding alternatives.
Understanding of tokenised property will increase curiosity
Whereas consciousness of Inventory Tokens stays comparatively low amongst retail buyers, curiosity will increase considerably as soon as buyers perceive what tokenized property are and the way they work.
Throughout all age teams, genders, and consciousness ranges, 55% of respondents expressed curiosity in Inventory Tokens. Curiosity rises sharply with familiarity: 89% of respondents who reported understanding loads about Inventory Tokens had been or had already invested, in contrast with 83% of those that knew a bit.
Notably, even amongst these with no prior information of Inventory Tokens, 46% expressed curiosity after receiving an in depth description, highlighting their potential to entice new buyers.
Tokenisation’s enchantment lies in higher flexibility in the present day and broader entry tomorrow
Practically half (49%) cite the power to commerce at any time as a key benefit, whereas 45% are attracted by decrease charges. An additional 40% worth the power to acquire fractional publicity to property, and 35% spotlight the enchantment of near-instant settlement.
Importantly, buyers view Inventory Tokens as complementary to different funding merchandise.
Practically six in ten (59%) respondents desirous about Inventory Tokens see them as a approach to make investments alongside conventional shares and ETFs.
The potential for tokenisation to broaden entry to personal markets additionally resonates with buyers. Amongst these desirous about Inventory Tokens, 30% say their curiosity is pushed, not less than partially, by the prospect of investing in firms that aren’t publicly listed.
Implications for Europe’s retail buyers
The analysis suggests an rising technology of digitally native buyers on the lookout for extra accessible, versatile and environment friendly methods to take part in monetary markets.
“The EU has a once-in-a-generation alternative to drive possession and place itself as a world chief in innovation,” mentioned Johann Kerbrat, SVP, GM of Crypto & Worldwide at Robinhood. “We consider blockchain expertise and Inventory Tokens can assist make investing extra accessible, decrease obstacles to entry and allow extra Europeans to take part in long-term wealth creation.”
Since launching in Europe in 2023, Robinhood has sought to broaden entry to investing throughout the area. Right this moment, eligible prospects in each nation within the EU and EEA* can entry greater than 2,000 Traditional Inventory Tokens linked to U.S.-listed shares and ETPs, with 24/5 buying and selling, dividends, no added spreads from Robinhood and low international alternate charges.
*Some product restrictions in sure nations, together with Belgium (crypto perpetual futures) and Hungary (crypto buying and selling), as of September 2025 (source)
Analysis methodology
Robinhood designed and carried out a web-based survey of 6,811 folks throughout 14 EU member states between 16 February and 30 March 2026, break up evenly between present buyers and people who don’t at present make investments however say they’re desirous about doing so. The survey was fielded by Yonder Knowledge Options. Outcomes had been weighted to be consultant of every market by age and gender, with every nation given equal weight within the mixture in order that bigger markets don’t crowd out smaller ones.
To assist within the growth of questionnaire content material, the survey was preceded by two qualitative phases in late 2025: roughly 15 nameless in-depth interviews with senior policymakers throughout the EU establishments, member state authorities and related trade our bodies; and exploratory shopper interviews in France and Germany. Secondary information sources used are referenced all through the report.
Disclosures:
Funding and crypto asset companies for EU prospects are provided via Robinhood Europe, UAB, (“RHEU” or “Robinhood”) who is allowed and controlled by the Financial institution of Lithuania as a monetary brokerage agency, a crypto-asset service supplier, and a fee establishment.
Traditional Inventory Tokens are spinoff contracts between you and Robinhood. They’re priced on the costs of the underlying securities with out granting rights to them. Traditional Inventory Tokens carry a excessive stage of threat and usually are not acceptable for all buyers. Investors could lose up to the total quantity of their invested capital due to market situations or the insolvency of Robinhood. Please evaluation the Description of the Companies, Monetary Devices, and Dangers and the Key Data Doc and absolutely perceive all related dangers earlier than investing.
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