YouGov's latest survey released on Monday indicates that digital banking has become increasingly popular in Saudi Arabia. According to the survey, nine out of ten respondents (91%) say that they prefer online banking. Furthermore, 86% of respondents have even shown intention to switch to digital-only banking methods in the future.
The data from YouGov's latest survey indicates that in Saudi Arabia, crypto coins have generated a significant amount of awareness. More than three-quarters of residents (77%) claim to be aware of the new asset class.
Although awareness about cryptocurrency is high, only 18% currently trade in such assets. Young adults between 25-34 years is the main group dealing in cryptocurrencies . The survey shows that 25% of young adults are investing in such virtual assets. However, 37% of older adults aged 45+ appears hesitant and don’t intend to deal with such an asset class.
Additionally, the poll shows that the popularity of crypto is among high-income households (earning SAR 30,000+). High-income earners are more likely than others to invest in crypto assets.
Despite the small number of active crypto investors in the country, the future of such digital assets looks promising. More than a third (34%) of the surveyed respondents who are aware of crypto said they intend to invest in them. The idea of investing in the new asset class appears more appealing to men than women (36% vs 30%).
As per the survey, the key motivation for most Saudi Arabian residents, who either invest or intend to invest in crypto, is the easy accessibility of such assets for trading (49%). High returns compared to other investments are the second motivator among these residents (43%). The study shows that 45+ adults have a higher interest in investing in crypto to get higher returns.
Many residents invest in crypto to diversify their portfolio (38%) because they regard it as a secure transparent long-term investment option.
Although people are motivated to invest in cryptos, many others are discouraged from investing in such virtual assets. Almost 2 in 5 Saudi Arabia residents (37%) consider the volatility and instability of the crypto market as the major reason that discourages them from investing. Religious beliefs (15%) and cybersecurity threats (13%) are among other reasons that deter them from investing in such assets.
Ambitions to Become a Fintech Hub
Saudi citizens are ranked third in the Arab world in terms of individuals owning cryptos. There is a total of 453,000 Saudi residents who own this type of digital asset. Egypt ranked first in the Arab world with its population investing in cryptos standing at 1.8 million. Morocco comes in second with 878,000 residents investing in cryptocurrencies.
The fintech sector in Saudi Arabia is booming. In the last few years, Saudi Arabia has expanded its efforts to attract crypto firms. The Saudi Central Bank and Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates have been collaborating together to learn how they can adopt blockchain and digital payments.
Saudi Arabia intends to become an international financial center. Authorities are positioning cryptocurrency to be part of that. Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a safe harbour for crypto companies. The official stamp of approval is beginning to show results. As a result, big pools of capital are becoming interested in crypto. The nation has witnessed a significant increase in fintech -related activities in the last 12 months.
In Saudi Arabia, the emphasis on cryptocurrency is part of the nation’s Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and make the nation a hub of innovation.
