Crypto Seen as Too Risky for Retirement Plans by Majority of Americans

A recent survey by the National Institute on Retirement Security found that Americans are wary of investing in cryptocurrency for their retirement plans. According to the study, 77% of respondents consider crypto too risky, with nearly half (46%) labeling it 'very risky'.

More than half of those surveyed (53%) also believe employers should not offer crypto as a retirement investment option. This sentiment comes at a challenging time for Americans trying to prepare for retirement, as four in five respondents (80%) say the US is facing a retirement crisis.

The survey found that 61% are worried about having enough money to remain financially secure after retirement, and 68% said preparing for retirement has become more difficult. Debt was identified as a major barrier to saving by 77%. These concerns make it unlikely for workers to be interested in an asset class known for large price swings.

The US government, however, is taking a different approach. Policymakers have been working towards making alternative investments more accessible through 401(k) plans. In March 2026, the Labor Department proposed rules covering how retirement-plan fiduciaries assess alternative investments, including their fees, liquidity, valuation, and performance.