UBS: Wealthy Asians Diversify Portfolios with Crypto and Gold Amid Dollar Shifts

A quiet shift is reshaping wealth management across Asia.

High-net-worth individuals are increasingly steering away from U.S.-centric investments. They are allocating more funds into alternative assets—particularly cryptocurrencies, gold, and Chinese equities.

This trend, according to UBS, reflects rising caution about geopolitical tensions and a growing appetite for portfolio diversification.

A Response to Dollar Dependence and Trade Tensions

Over the past year, trade tensions between the U.S. and China have unsettled global markets. At one point, the U.S. imposed 145% tariffs on Chinese imports. China responded with 120% tariffs of its own.

Though both countries have since reduced these tariffs, the volatility left an impression. Investors are now more eager to reduce their reliance on the U.S. dollar and diversify into assets that are inflation-resistant and globally relevant.

Amy Lo, Co-Head of Wealth Management for Asia at UBS, said that clients are actively reallocating into gold, crypto, and commodities. According to her, these are viewed as hedges against uncertainty, especially in times of political and economic instability.

Crypto Joins the Core

Cryptocurrencies, once considered speculative, are increasingly seen as core components of a modern portfolio.

With Bitcoin nearing its all-time high again, and regulatory clarity improving in key Asian markets like Hong Kong, Singapore, and Japan, investors are regaining confidence in digital assets.

UBS clients now see Bitcoin and gold as complementary tools for managing currency risk. This is a notable evolution in how digital assets are perceived by traditional finance.

Lo emphasized that this shift is not a fleeting trend. Investors appear to be positioning themselves for a future less tethered to the U.S. financial system.

What It Means For You [NFA]

If you’re an investor in Asia—or just watching the region closely—this shift may matter.

As institutional support for digital assets grows and global uncertainty continues, crypto is entering more mainstream portfolios.

Gold and digital assets like Bitcoin can serve as hedges against currency risk, inflation, and geopolitical shocks. But they also come with volatility.

Diversifying thoughtfully, with an eye on risk management, could be key as traditional market boundaries continue to blur.

Not financial advice—just something to consider in an increasingly multi-asset world.