A survey by Hong Kong’s brokerage firm Futu reveals that Gen Z is highly optimistic about crypto, seeing three times more potential in Bitcoin than in real estate.

A new survey by Hong Kong brokerage firm Futu Securities shows that Gen Z is rewriting the financial playbook. Instead of chasing the traditional dream of homeownership, this generation is betting big on Bitcoin (BTC) and other tokens. According to the survey, Gen Z is three times more optimistic about crypto than real estate, signaling a major shift in how they view financial security.

Hong Kong’s newspaper The Standard, citing data revealed by brokerage firm Futu Securities, reveals the standout finding: 23% of Gen Z respondents feel safer with just two Bitcoin in their portfolio than with HK$1 million (roughly $128,400) for a down payment on a home. In a city where property has always been a symbol of wealth and stability, the change in mindset is significant.

And there’s good reason for the optimism. Bitcoin surged 125% in 2024, breaking the $100,000 mark in December before settling around $97,000. Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s property market has struggled to deliver the same level of returns. With numbers like these, it’s no surprise that virtual assets are becoming a top choice for the younger generation.

For 45% of Gen Z respondents, the convenience and security of crypto investments outweigh traditional assets like real estate. It’s not just about the returns — it’s about flexibility. Cryptocurrencies offer a level of freedom that property ownership simply can’t match.

Economic uncertainty shifts focus

Hong Kong residents aren’t feeling too secure about their finances. On average, they rate their financial security at 6.43 out of 10, according to the survey. With economic uncertainty looming large, more than half of respondents are turning to investments to generate passive income.

High earners, in particular, are diving headfirst into diverse and riskier assets.

• 25% have more than five income streams.
• 34% invest over half their income.
• 42% have invested in cryptocurrencies, with 66% seeing profits.

It’s clear that high earners are leading the charge, but Gen Z is following close behind.

Generational shift

The younger generation is shaping a new narrative around wealth. For many Gen Z, owning property isn’t the dream anymore. Instead, holding “two BTCs” feels like a better bet for financial security.

The newspaper notes that the sentiment isn’t just about chasing returns, it’s also about optimism. Gen Z sees a brighter future for virtual assets. They’re excited about the potential of crypto, with some saying it offers freedom and flexibility that traditional assets can’t match.

But it’s not just the kids. 77% of Gen X — those born between 1965 and 1980 — who are already investing in cryptocurrencies share an optimistic outlook, particularly about Bitcoin’s long-term potential.

In a commentary to crypto.news, Vivien Wong, partner liquid fund at HashKey Capital, said the shift of investors’s mindset unveils a “captivating interplay of influences.”

“While the tech-savvy souls are undoubtedly drawn to the digital charms of Bitcoin, with its decentralized allure and futuristic appeal, the fluctuating property price in Hong Kong’s real estate market in the recent few years cannot be overlooked. It’s as if the younger generation, armed with smartphones and coding languages, is spearheading a financial revolution, where the allure of virtual assets clashes with the property market.”

Vivien Wong

Wong noted that the influence of Gen Z extends “beyond social media trends and fashion choices” as the generation holds “significant disposable income” and reshapes “cultural trends and financial paradigms.”

“Aligned with values such as transparency, inclusivity, and digital native tooling, Bitcoin resonates with Gen Z’s principles, poised to further expand the cryptocurrency economy. This shift not only underscores the changing dynamics of wealth accumulation, but also hints the tradition meets innovation in the nowadays financial.”

Vivien Wong

The Futu report shows that diversification is key. Stocks and cryptocurrencies are the most popular asset classes for growth. U.S. stock trading volumes on Futu’s platform shot up by 88% in 2024, with sectors like AI, renewable energy, and healthcare leading the charge.

As Alan Tse, Futu’s managing director, puts it “digital assets are becoming an essential part of modern portfolios.” As a result, the shift isn’t just about investments. It’s about a change in how Hong Kongers view financial security.