# 8lends Survey Shows Confidence Gaps Still Hinder Crypto Use in Europe

**Published:** 2026-05-24T11:11:00.000Z  
**Topic:** Crypto Adoption  
**Sentiment:** neutral  
**Publisher:** TrendWatcher — https://www.trendwatcher.in/article/6762fcdc-31fe-4344-aa14-9f68af7162e5

New 8lends report finds trust, usability and protection concerns keep European investors from daily crypto use despite growing interest.

Investors across Europe remain hesitant to use cryptocurrencies for everyday transactions, according to a survey released by crypto‑lending platform 8lends. The findings highlight a persistent gap between rising interest in digital assets and actual daily adoption, with confidence and security concerns topping the list of barriers [2].

**Key takeaways**  
- More than one‑third of surveyed investors avoid crypto because they fear making mistakes or lack confidence in safe usage [2].  
- While 48% of respondents have some crypto experience, only 6% use it weekly for everyday payments [2].  
- Stablecoins enjoy the highest acceptance, with 41% holding them and 85% adoption among prior crypto users [2].  
- 8lends positions its on‑chain lending infrastructure as fully transparent, aiming to address trust and accountability issues [2].  
- The platform reports over €100 million in business loans funded by more than 34,000 investors, emphasizing real‑world collateral and audited smart contracts [1].

## Survey Reveals Trust and Usability as Main Hurdles  

The May 24, 2026 report, based on a Europe‑wide questionnaire, shows that 35% of participants cite poor understanding and lack of confidence as the primary obstacle to crypto adoption, while 32% point to the complexity of using crypto services [2]. Security incidents such as exchange failures, hacks and phishing attacks further reinforce the perception of risk, with 38% of respondents calling for stronger consumer protection, clearer safeguards against fraud, and more transparent support mechanisms [2].  

Despite these concerns, the survey also indicates a strong appetite for crypto in everyday life: nearly 70% of respondents say they are open to using digital assets for payments and transfers, and stablecoins emerge as the most trusted vehicle, especially among those who have previously engaged with crypto [2].

## 8lends’ On‑Chain Model and Market Footprint  

8lends describes its platform as a peer‑to‑business (P2B) lending service that lets investors fund real‑world small and medium enterprises using USDC, a regulated stablecoin compliant with EU MiCA standards [1]. Each loan is backed by business collateral evaluated across more than 40 risk parameters, and the smart contracts governing repayments have been audited by CertiK and Cyberscope, with additional oversight from the Swiss self‑regulatory body PolyReg [1]. The company claims to have facilitated over €100 million in lending activity and attracted more than 34,000 investors, positioning its transparent, on‑chain infrastructure as a response to the accountability concerns highlighted in the survey [1].

## Why it matters  

The report underscores that technological advances alone will not drive mass crypto adoption; the sector must address confidence, protection and usability gaps that currently deter everyday use. 8lends’ emphasis on on‑chain transparency and audited contracts aims to bridge this trust deficit, but the survey suggests broader industry efforts—such as clearer consumer safeguards and simplified user experiences—are needed to convert interest into regular transactional activity. As European investors continue to view crypto primarily as an investment vehicle, the next phase of growth will likely hinge on how effectively platforms can deliver the accountability and ease of use expected from traditional financial services.

## Sources
1. 8lends — [8lends - P2P Crypto CrowdLending Platform](https://www.8lends.io/)
2. Barchart — [8lends Report Reveals Confidence Barriers Still Slowing Crypto...](https://www.barchart.com/story/news/2107542/8lends-report-reveals-confidence-barriers-still-slowing-crypto-adoption-across-europe)
3. The Globe and Mail — [8lends Report Reveals Confidence Barriers Still Slowing Crypto Adoption Across Europe](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/investing/markets/markets-news/NewsFile/2107543/8lends-report-reveals-confidence-barriers-still-slowing-crypto-adoption-across-europe/)

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Cite as: TrendWatcher, "8lends Survey Shows Confidence Gaps Still Hinder Crypto Use in Europe", https://www.trendwatcher.in/article/6762fcdc-31fe-4344-aa14-9f68af7162e5