Digital currencies are the second most popular investment choice amongst adults in France, according to new findings by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), published by the country’s main financial regulator, the Autorité des Marchés Financiers, this week.

The report shows 9.4% of France’s population holds crypto assets, only slightly lower than those holding real estate funds – the most popular type of investment asset – at 10.7%. An additional 2.8% of those polled are in possession of non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

Furthermore, the survey also took into account the group of so-called “new investors”, who have invested for the first time since March 2020. 64% of these investors are male, with an average age of 36, with 54% holding crypto assets, Cointelegraph reports.

In addition, the survey states that new individual investors have a “relatively low level of financial knowledge,” especially those in the 18-24 age bracket, who were more likely to offer an inaccurate response to investment strategy basics than traditional investors.

The poll was carried out among 1,056 people in the spring of this year, with 40 extensive interviews undertaken in regard to their needs and motivations.

France is focused on pursuing a prominent role in Europe in terms of digital economy and innovations.

Indeed, in September local telecommunications company Iliad announced a €100 million investment to fund an “excellence lab”, focused on AI (artificial intelligence) research in Paris.

Furthermore, earlier this month the Institute of Crypto-Assets was opened in the business district outside Paris.