20% Of Young US Men Invest in Crypto — But Only 6% Of Women Do The Same: What's Holding Them Back?

A new NBC News Decision Desk Poll with SurveyMonkey reports that 20% of US men under 30 say they own or trade cryptocurrency, compared with 6% of women of the same age.

Across all adults, men (18%) are far more likely than women (7%) to report crypto activity, with ownership skewed toward younger individuals and Republicans. These findings underline a persistent adoption gap even as digital assets enter the mainstream.

The disparity has prompted renewed scrutiny of the cultural, structural, and psychological barriers that may be keeping women on the sidelines of the digital asset revolution.

While crypto was once hailed as a democratising force in finance, the reality suggests that it has largely failed to engage women at the same rate as men. The reasons are complex and deeply rooted.

Risk Aversion and Financial Priorities

One of the most commonly cited explanations for the gender gap in crypto investing is risk aversion. Studies have long shown that women, on average, tend to be more cautious with financial decisions, favouring stability and long-term planning over speculative ventures.

According to a report by BTCC, women often face economic and educational inequalities that limit their access to capital and crypto literacy programmes, reinforcing a more conservative approach to investing.

Moreover, women are more likely to prioritise financial security and shared household budgeting, which can make volatile assets like cryptocurrency less appealing.

A study by BDC Consulting found that over half of women who engage with crypto do so to improve their financial well-being, and are more inclined to hold assets long-term rather than participate in active trading.

Cultural and Industry Representation Gaps

Beyond individual psychology, the crypto industry itself has struggled with representation and inclusivity. The sector remains overwhelmingly male-dominated, both in leadership and community spaces.

A study by BitKE revealed that only 6% of CEOs in leading crypto firms are women. This lack of visibility at the top contributes to a perception that crypto is a 'boys' club,' deterring many women from entering the space.

Online crypto communities have also been criticised for fostering toxic environments, where women report facing dismissive or hostile behaviour from male peers. These experiences can discourage participation and reinforce the notion that crypto is not a welcoming space for female investors.

Marketing Missteps and Missed Opportunities

Another factor contributing to the gender divide is the failure of crypto marketing to resonate with women. Campaigns often focus on aggressive growth, tech jargon, and speculative gains, which may appeal more to risk-tolerant male audiences.

Crypto companies have a significant opportunity to broaden their user base by developing strategies that actively engage female investors.

This could include:

• Promoting female-led crypto platforms
• Creating educational content tailored to women's financial goals
• Highlighting long-term investment strategies over short-term trading hype

Without a shift in tone and outreach, the industry risks alienating a vast segment of potential users.

Bridging the Gap: What Comes Next?

Closing the gender gap in crypto ownership will require more than just better marketing. It requires a multi-pronged approach that addresses systemic biases, enhances financial education, and promotes inclusive communities.

Initiatives such as female-focused investment clubs, mentorship programmes, and visibility for women in blockchain leadership could help reshape the narrative.

As the crypto ecosystem matures, diversity will be key to its sustainability. Encouraging broader participation isn't just a matter of equity; it's a strategic imperative. The industry stands to gain significantly from the innovation, insight, and capital that women bring to the table.