From thrill to trust: How Gen-Z is redefining crypto investing in India

A few years ago, crypto investing in India was often seen as a high-stakes game—fuelled by the thrill of quick profits and meme-coin mania. But that’s changing fast. Gen-Z and millennials, once drawn by the excitement, are now taking a more strategic approach—treating Bitcoin and other digital assets as long-term wealth builders.

According to Edul Patel, CEO and Co-founder of Mudrex, today’s young investors are no longer chasing overnight gains. “The one common theme we hear from our users is that they just want to buy and hold. It’s almost like no one sells Bitcoin anymore,” he told ET Now.

Patel says the mindset shift has been especially noticeable over the past couple of years. “Till a couple of years ago, people would start off with Rs 500 just to try and double their money in a few days. That’s no longer the approach,” he said. “Now, it’s about parking funds regularly, doing SIPs, and making crypto a part of long-term asset holdings.”

Mudrex data shows that this change is being driven primarily by Gen-Z and millennial investors. These younger cohorts are gradually allocating 3–5% of their portfolios to crypto, treating it more like digital gold than a lottery ticket.One reason for this evolution is better access to information. Patel believes education is playing a key role in tempering unrealistic expectations. “Early on, there was a lot of thrill-seeking behaviour. But now, that’s not the case for the vast majority. People understand that past returns won’t repeat, and they’re incorporating that into their worldview.”

Regulatory uncertainty hasn’t deterred this new wave either. “It is completely legal to buy, sell, and trade crypto in India,” Patel said, clarifying a common misconception. “While there’s no designated regulator yet, the government is actively working on it.”Despite the optimism, Patel advises caution. “We typically recommend not investing more than 10% of your wealth in crypto. In fact, 3–5% is the sweet spot,” he said. He also encourages new investors to start small—Rs 2,000 to Rs 5,000 initially—before scaling up with consistent investments.His own investment style reflects this philosophy. “I don’t own stocks directly. I invest via mutual funds. Similarly, in crypto, I do SIPs in Bitcoin and Ethereum,” he revealed. “It’s not about timing the market—it’s about time in the market.”

The broader trend suggests that Indian crypto investors are maturing. From late-night trading frenzies to systematic investment plans, the landscape is changing—one Bitcoin at a time.

As regulatory clarity improves and financial literacy grows, crypto is steadily cementing its place in India’s investment ecosystem—especially among the country’s youngest and most tech-savvy investors.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of the Economic Times)