SINGAPORE, (Reuters) – Wealth managers in Asia have resisted offering investors digital assets despite high demand. This is according to an Accenture industry survey (NYSE:) that was published Monday.

For several years, global banks have carefully moved towards crypto. Some are building the technology within their existing operations while some are setting up new business.

According to Accenture, “Currently 52 percent of Asia’s affluent investor have digital assets. Accenture has indicated that this number could rise to 73 percent according to its research,” Accenture stated Monday.

“Digital assets represent 7% of surveyed investors’ portfolios — making it the fifth-largest asset class in Asia — more than they allocate to foreign currencies, commodities or collectables. Accenture found that two thirds of wealth management companies have not yet made plans to offer digital assets.

Accenture’s report about the future of Asia’s wealth management industry included these findings. It was based upon two surveys: one of approximately 3,200 investors, and the other of over 500 wealth managers in Asia. Both the December 2021- and January 2022 surveys were completed.

Accenture reported that digital assets offer a lucrative revenue stream of $54 billion for wealth management firms. However, most companies are not taking advantage of this opportunity.

According to the report, “Amongst firms’ obstacles to action is a lack in belief (and understanding) of digital assets and a wait-and–see mentality. Moreover, considering that launching digital asset propositions are operationally complicated, choosing to prioritise other initiatives.”

DBS Group, the largest bank in Southeast Asia (OTC:), launched an independent cryptocurrency trading platform that offers corporate investors and accredited traders crypto trading services for many digital assets.

The last month Nomura Holdings (NYSE:) announced it would create a digital assets company in the coming year that will allow institutional investors to trade products related to cryptocurrency.