A new report by Cornerstone Advisors reveals that over $2.15 trillion has exited U.S. community banks and credit unions in recent years, with a significant portion of these funds moving toward cryptocurrency and digital investment platforms. Commissioned by fintech firm InvestiFi, the study highlights a growing shift toward composable finance—an approach that allows users to save, invest, and grow wealth through integrated, tech-driven solutions.
The findings show that cryptocurrency is playing a central role in this transition. According to the report, 25% of Gen Z and 33% of millennials currently hold crypto assets. Among these younger investors, 20% have allocated more than half of their investable wealth to crypto, while over 30% intend to increase their exposure to digital assets within the year. On average, zillennials (a combined group of Gen Z and millennials) dedicate 25% of their portfolios to cryptocurrencies.
As this trend accelerates, the report warns that banks are not merely losing deposits—they are losing long-term customer relationships. Many Americans now treat checking accounts as brief holding places for their money, quickly transferring funds to platforms that offer better returns, crypto access, and smart financial tools. More than half of zillennials surveyed said they would switch to a bank that allows direct investing, provides crypto-related rewards, and includes additional features such as credit monitoring and subscription management.
Ron Shevlin, Chief Research Officer at Cornerstone, emphasized that banks ignoring crypto are underestimating a much broader shift toward modern, value-driven financial infrastructure. Similarly, InvestiFi CEO Kian Sarreshteh noted that this behaviour is no longer confined to younger users—anyone aiming to grow their finances is exploring alternatives beyond traditional banking.
Meanwhile, on the global front, a prominent Russian economist has linked cryptocurrency adoption to ruble stabilization. Professor Oleg Vyugin of the National Research University Higher School of Economics stated that Moscow’s embrace of digital assets may have helped anchor the national currency in recent months, according to Russian news outlet RIA Novosti.
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