Embodiments of the present invention include a conductive particle that includes a conductive nickel/gold (Ni/Au) complex metal layer having a phosphorous content of less than about 1.5 weight percent formed on the surface of a polymer resin particle. Methods of forming the same are also included. A conductive particle with a Ni/Au complex metal layer having less than about 1.5 weight percent of phosphorous may have relatively high conductivity while providing relatively good adhesion of the Ni/Au metal layer to the polymer resin particle.Further embodiments of the present invention provide an anisotropic adhesive composition comprising a conductive particle according to an embodiment of the invention.