According to Cointelegraph, the International Securities Commission (IOSCO) stated that retail investors’ holdings of crypto assets have increased significantly since 2020 and called for greater investor education.

According to an Oct. 9 IOSCO report, 15 of the 24 regions surveyed reported that 10% or more of retail investors held crypto assets last year, with six regions reporting holdings of 30% or more.

In contrast, in 2020, half of the regions surveyed estimated that only 1% to 5% of investors held crypto assets.

IOSCO noted that despite market volatility, retail investors continue to invest in crypto assets in both developed economies and emerging markets.

The report highlights that risks and challenges in the crypto market have increased since 2020, calling for strengthened investor protection and education measures.

The past four years have seen a number of high-profile failures and bankruptcies, a 73% market drop, a surge in scams and hacks, and an increase in regulatory and enforcement actions.

Despite this, retail investors’ interest in crypto assets remains strong, with the report noting that younger male investors, especially those under 40, are more inclined to buy crypto assets.

In the United States, nearly 60% of investors under the age of 35 have considered crypto investing, and more than half have already invested. About 44% of Generation Z investors aged 18 to 25 choose to invest in crypto assets first.

New investors are more likely to invest in crypto assets than established investors, with the main motivations including fear of missing out (FOMO), low costs and recommendations from friends and social media.