Americans Wary of Cryptocurrency Investments in Retirement Plans

A recent survey by Greenwald Research found that 77% of Americans believe investing in cryptocurrencies through their workplace retirement plans is risky, with 46% considering it extremely high-risk. This sentiment was revealed in a study conducted from October 24 to November 14, 2025, among 1203 people aged 25 and above. The survey also showed that 80% of respondents believe the US is facing a retirement crisis, up from 67% in 2020.

61% of those surveyed expressed concerns about achieving financial security in retirement, while 68% found it more difficult to prepare for retirement. A staggering 77% cited debt as an obstacle to saving enough. Notably, the Trump administration and regulatory agencies are pushing to ease restrictions on alternative assets in retirement accounts.

The Department of Labor revoked guidance encouraging plan sponsors to exercise 'extreme caution' when investing in cryptocurrencies in May 2025. In August, President Trump signed an executive order instructing the Labor Department and SEC to consider relaxing regulations. However, a proposed rule allowing 401(k) plans to include alternative assets was met with opposition from senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren.