Bitcoin News Today: A Quarter of UK Adults Consider Crypto for Retirement—Despite the Risks

A recent survey conducted by UK insurance provider Aviva reveals that one in four UK adults are open to incorporating cryptocurrency into their retirement savings, despite widespread concerns about its volatility, lack of regulation, and security risks. The poll, carried out by Censuswide among 2,000 UK adults between June 4 and June 6, 2025, found that 27% of respondents would consider crypto as part of their retirement planning, with 23% contemplating withdrawing part or all of their pension to invest in digital assets. This includes 4.3 million people who have already done so, with 8% of all respondents admitting to having withdrawn pension funds for crypto investment. Notably, 18% of those aged 25–34 have made such withdrawals, indicating a generational shift in investment preferences.

While a significant portion of the UK population (21%, or 11.6 million people) already hold or have previously held crypto, the decision to reallocate retirement savings comes with notable risks. The top concerns cited include hacking and phishing (41%), a lack of regulation and protection (37%), and crypto’s inherent volatility (30%). These concerns are compounded by a lack of understanding among some investors, with 30% admitting they do not fully grasp what they might be sacrificing by cashing in their pensions, and 27% unaware of the associated risks.

Motivations for considering crypto in retirement planning are largely driven by the perceived higher potential returns—43% of those considering crypto cited this as a key factor—alongside interest in innovation (36%) and portfolio diversification (32%). However, the survey also highlights a gap in awareness around traditional pension benefits. Over 60% of respondents expressed concern about losing pension benefits if they opt out to invest in crypto, yet one in five were unaware of the tax relief and employer contributions they receive through their pension plans. Only 88% of respondents knew their employer contributes to their pension.

Michele Golunska, Aviva’s Managing Director of Wealth & Advice, emphasized the importance of balancing new investment opportunities with long-term financial security. “We must not forget the value of the good old pension,” she stated, highlighting the benefits such as employer contributions and tax relief that can significantly enhance long-term financial outcomes.

Currently, 82% of UK adults participate in either a workplace or private pension, with total assets in the UK’s pension market valued at £3.8 trillion. The inclusion of crypto in retirement plans could potentially shift a significant portion of this capital into the volatile crypto market, although options for integrating crypto into existing pension structures remain limited. The UK government has recently proposed a regulatory framework to bring crypto exchanges and dealers in line with traditional financial institutions, focusing on transparency and consumer protection.

Meanwhile, in the United States, President Donald Trump signed an executive order on August 7, 2025, permitting 401(k) retirement plans to include cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, potentially unlocking over $9 trillion in assets. Analysts suggest this move could significantly boost crypto adoption and drive Bitcoin toward record highs by the end of the year.

Source:

[1] Aviva survey shows a quarter of people would consider using cryptocurrency as part of retirement plans (https://www.aviva.com/newsroom/news-releases/2025/08/Aviva-survey-shows-a-quarter-of-people-would-consider-using-cryptocurrency-as-part-of-retirement-plans/)

[2] 1 in 4 UK adults open to investing in crypto for retirement (https://cointelegraph.com/news/quarter-uk-open-to-crypto-in-retirement-funds)

[3] US retirement plans could fuel Bitcoin rally to $200K in 2025 (https://cointelegraph.com/news/us-retirement-plans-bitcoin-rally-200k-finance-redefined)

[4] Report: Trump Executive Order Would Open Crypto Access in U.S. 401(k) Plans—Trading Watchpoints for BTC, ETH and Spot ETFs (https://blockchain.news/flashnews/trump-executive-order-would-open-crypto-access-in-u-s-401-k-plans-trading-watchpoints-for-btc-eth-and-spot-etfs)