Americans Wary of Crypto in Retirement Plans Amid Rising Concerns

A recent survey by the National Institute on Retirement Security found that most Americans view investing in cryptocurrencies through workplace retirement plans as risky. The survey, conducted from October 24 to November 14, 2025, among 1,203 Americans aged 25 and older, revealed that 77% of respondents rated cryptocurrency investment through workplace retirement plans as 'very risky'. In fact, 46% said it was 'extremely' or 'very' risky.

The survey also found that 61% of respondents opposed employers offering cryptocurrencies as a retirement-plan investment option. This wariness is likely due to concerns about retirement security in the United States, with 80% of respondents saying the country is facing a retirement crisis, up from 67% in 2020.

The U.S. administration and regulators have moved to widen access to alternative assets in retirement accounts, but public opinion remains cautious. In May 2025, guidance was withdrawn that urged 401(k) managers to exercise extreme caution when considering cryptocurrency investment, and a proposal for a draft rule on how 401(k) fiduciaries could include alternative assets in their investment lineups has met pushback from lawmakers.