Cryptocurrency ownership among Canadians rose to 25% in 2026, up from 10% in 2023, according to new data published by the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC).

The OSC released the survey results on Tuesday, reporting that both crypto ownership and awareness have increased compared to prior years. The survey polled 2,360 individuals aged 18 and older between December 2025 and January 2026. It found that 59% of respondents were aware of crypto assets, while 25% reported holding them.

The OSC is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing capital markets in Ontario, Canada's most populous province. Its mandate includes investor protection and the promotion of fair and efficient markets.

"Crypto markets continue to evolve, and Canadians are participating in them more than ever before," said Naizam Kanji, executive vice president of strategic regulation at the OSC. "By identifying emerging trends and behaviors with our research, we can look around corners, anticipate potential opportunities and risks, and ensure our regulatory approach supports investor protection while fostering fair and efficient markets."

The survey also suggested a growing awareness of risk among Canadian crypto investors, though this awareness was often based on a limited understanding of the industry. Approximately 50% of crypto owners reported checking whether a platform was registered with regulators before using it. However, the OSC noted that many investors "had some misunderstanding around regulation, insurance protections and transaction capabilities."

Canada has been developing its cryptocurrency regulatory framework over recent years. Canadian securities regulators have required crypto trading platforms to comply with securities laws, and several platforms have received registration or obtained restricted dealer status to operate in the country. Canada was also among the first jurisdictions globally to approve spot Bitcoin and Ether exchange-traded funds, with products launching in 2021 — well ahead of similar approvals in the United States.

Lawmakers in Ottawa have proposed additional measures to address various uses of cryptocurrency within the country. In April, the federal government advanced a bill that could ban political donations made using cryptocurrencies. The government also proposed banning digital asset ATMs, citing concerns related to fraud and money laundering. The proposed ATM ban would place Canada among a small group of countries considering or implementing outright prohibitions on crypto ATMs, contrasting with its earlier embrace of regulated crypto investment products.