A Quarter of UK Adults See Crypto as Retirement Gamble

A recent survey in the UK indicates a growing openness among British adults to include cryptocurrency in their retirement planning. According to the poll conducted by Aviva, approximately 27% of the 2,000 respondents surveyed expressed willingness to incorporate crypto into their retirement portfolios. The survey, carried out by Censuswide between June 4 and 6, revealed that nearly 40% of those open to crypto cited higher potential returns as their primary motivation [1].

The survey further highlighted that 23% of all participants considered withdrawing part or all of their existing pensions to invest in crypto, emphasizing a shift in investment preferences. With over four in five UK adults holding pensions totaling £3.8 trillion, the potential for significant capital inflow into crypto is evident. However, the UK retirement market currently offers limited avenues for including crypto in pension plans, unlike the US, where recent legislative changes under President Donald Trump permit 401(k) plans to include Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies [1].

Despite the allure of higher returns, the survey also underscored significant concerns regarding crypto investments. Security risks, such as hacking and phishing attacks, were cited by 41% of respondents as the primary concern. Lack of regulation and protection around crypto accounted for 37% of concerns, while crypto volatility was flagged as the third-biggest worry at 30% [1]. Michele Golunska, Aviva’s managing director of wealth and advice, emphasized the importance of understanding the advantages of traditional pensions, such as employer contributions and tax relief, which could significantly impact long-term financial well-being [1].

The survey also revealed that around one in five UK adults (21%) have already invested in crypto, with 14% currently holding digital assets. Among younger adults aged 25–34, 18% have withdrawn money from their pensions to invest in crypto, contributing to 4.3 million people (8%) who have done so. While the interest in crypto is evident, a notable portion of respondents (30%) indicated they do not fully understand the benefits they may be giving up by cashing in their pensions, and 27% were unaware of the risks involved [2].

The UK’s approach to crypto regulation remains cautious, with a proposed framework in May aiming to treat crypto exchanges, dealers, and agents similarly to traditional financial firms, focusing on transparency and consumer protection. Despite these efforts, UK banks have been slow in adopting crypto, with 40% of surveyed crypto investors reporting that their banks blocked or delayed payments to crypto providers. This hesitancy reflects broader uncertainties and risks associated with crypto investments, especially in the context of retirement planning [1].

The findings from the Aviva survey highlight a complex landscape where potential gains from crypto investments are weighed against substantial risks. As the UK continues to navigate the integration of crypto into retirement portfolios, the emphasis remains on balancing innovation with the need for robust regulatory frameworks and investor education. The survey serves as a critical indicator of the evolving attitudes toward crypto in the UK, signaling both opportunities and challenges in the transition to a more diversified retirement investment strategy [2].

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