A new global poll by deVere Group reveals that 73% of investors aged 24 to 45 favour Bitcoin over gold as a long-term investment.
The survey of 730 clients worldwide captures a dramatic shift in mindset among younger investors, even as central banks quietly amass tonnes of gold at a scale not seen in decades.
“The momentum behind Bitcoin among younger investors is undeniable,” CEO Nigel Green said. “They see it as digital gold – borderless, accessible, and aligned with the future. But gold is far from obsolete. In fact, it’s surging, and there’s no clearer sign of that than the silent buying spree by the world’s monetary authorities.”
According to recent analysis, central banks are snapping up around 80 metric tonnes of gold each month – the equivalent of $8.5 billion at current prices.
Much of this buying is deliberately obscured, but trade data shows that China and several unnamed players, funnelling purchases through Switzerland, are key drivers. Combined with sovereign wealth funds, these institutions are thought to absorb more than 1,000 tonnes a year, around a quarter of total global mined supply, according to the World Gold Council.
This demand has helped propel gold into a powerful bull market. Prices have breached all-time highs in recent months and continue to push upwards. Earlier this year, Green forecast that gold would climb to $5,000 per ounce in 2025, while Bitcoin would surge to $150,000 – setting new historical benchmarks for both.
“The two are not rivals,” explained Green. “They are radically different assets solving different problems. Gold is stability. Bitcoin is growth. If you want to build and protect wealth over the long term, you should hold both.”
He warns against an “either-or” approach at a time when macroeconomic uncertainty, shifting monetary policy, and geopolitical risk are all in play.
“The world’s most powerful institutions are increasing their gold reserves,” Green cautioned. “That tells you everything. They don’t do this on a whim. At the same time, Bitcoin’s unique structure and scarcity make it highly attractive to a generation skeptical of legacy systems and inflationary currencies.”
The younger cohort surveyed by deVere sees Bitcoin as a cornerstone of modern portfolios. Many respondents cited its transparency, portability, and potential for exponential upside as key reasons behind their preference. The fact that it operates outside traditional banking systems was also a frequently noted advantage.
But Green cautions against being swept away by ideology or hype.
“This generation is right to question the old models. But diversification is timeless. Having uncorrelated assets in your portfolio is how you build true resilience. Gold and Bitcoin together offer that balance.”
Central banks are unlikely to let up. Even as the details of their purchases remain cloaked, the trajectory is clear. The long-term accumulation of gold by official institutions signals a strategic response to currency debasement, growing fiscal risk, and a shifting global power dynamic.
At the same time, Bitcoin is moving toward broader acceptance. Spot ETFs in major financial markets, growing corporate adoption, and increasingly accommodative regulatory frameworks have added legitimacy and fresh demand.
“We’re living through a rare convergence,” Green added.
“You have the old guard doubling down on gold, and the new guard surging into Bitcoin. Both are being driven by the same core fear: erosion of purchasing power. That should be a wake-up call.
“It’s not about choosing sides. It’s about positioning for a world where monetary policy, technology, and global influence are all in flux.”