Bitcoin News Today: UK Retirees Turn to Crypto—Chasing Gains, Ignoring the Risks

A recent survey by UK insurer Aviva reveals that one in four UK adults are open to incorporating cryptocurrency into their retirement planning, highlighting a growing, albeit cautious, appetite for digital assets among the general population. Conducting a survey of 2,000 UK adults, Aviva found that 27% expressed willingness to include cryptocurrency in their retirement strategies, with 23% considering withdrawing part or all of their pension to invest in crypto. This marks a significant shift in the perception of retirement planning in the UK, traditionally dominated by workplace or private pensions, where 82% of people are currently invested.

Motivations for this interest in crypto are largely driven by the potential for higher returns. Aviva’s survey found that 43% of respondents are drawn to the higher potential yields offered by cryptocurrencies, while another 36% are excited by the innovation and new technologies associated with digital assets. A further 32% expressed a desire to diversify their investment portfolios. However, these motivations are tempered by a strong awareness of the risks. Concerns about security risks, such as hacking or phishing, were cited by 41% of respondents, while 37% pointed to the lack of regulation and consumer protection in the crypto space. Volatility in crypto trends was also a concern, with 30% citing this as a potential drawback.

The data also reveals a generational divide in attitudes toward crypto and retirement planning. Among younger adults aged 25–34, 18% said they have already withdrawn pension funds to invest in crypto, contributing to a total of 8% of all respondents who have done the same. This highlights a growing trend of younger investors prioritizing speculative returns over the long-term security of traditional pension structures. However, many of these investors remain uneducated about the full implications of their choices. Approximately 30% of those interested in crypto admitted they don't fully understand the benefits they might be giving up by cashing in their pensions, and 27% were unaware of any risks involved.

Despite the allure of crypto, Aviva emphasizes the advantages of traditional pensions. Michele Golunska, Managing Director of Wealth & Advice at Aviva, noted that pensions offer powerful benefits, such as employer contributions and tax relief, which can significantly enhance long-term financial wellbeing. The insurer encourages a balanced approach to retirement planning, urging investors to prioritize stability and long-term growth over short-term speculation.

The UK's pension landscape remains robust, with over four in five adults participating in workplace or private pension schemes, managing a total of £3.8 trillion in assets. However, awareness of pension benefits remains low. Over a fifth of respondents were unaware of their employer’s pension contributions, and a further 12% didn’t realize their employer contributes at all. This suggests a critical gap in financial literacy that could impact the long-term security of UK retirees.

The findings reflect a broader global trend. In the U.S., for example, President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order allowing 401(k) retirement plans to include Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, potentially opening access to over $9 trillion in assets. Analysts predict that even a 1% allocation to Bitcoin within U.S. retirement accounts could inject up to $168 billion into the crypto market, potentially pushing Bitcoin’s market cap higher and signaling a new wave of institutional adoption.

As the UK and U.S. explore the intersection of retirement planning and digital assets, the regulatory environment remains a key consideration. The UK has recently proposed a framework to regulate crypto exchanges, dealers, and agents with a focus on transparency and consumer protection. However, adoption by financial institutions remains slow, with some banks reportedly blocking or delaying crypto-related transactions.

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] U.S. Retirement Accounts 1% Allocation to Bitcoin (BTC) Could Add USD 168B Inflows, Lifting Market Cap by 7.4%: Trading Impact Explained (https://blockchain.news/flashnews/u-s-retirement-accounts-1-allocation-to-bitcoin-btc-could-add-usd-168b-inflows-lifting-market-cap-by-7-4-trading-impact-explained)