A new survey suggests that crypto could become a growing part of UK retirement planning.
According to UK insurer Aviva, a poll of 2,000 adults conducted by Censuswide between June 4–6 found that 27% of respondents were open to including crypto in their retirement funds. Among them, just over 40% cited the potential for higher returns as their main motivation.
The survey also revealed that 23% of all participants would consider withdrawing some or all of their existing pension to invest directly in crypto. With more than four in five UK adults holding pensions collectively worth £3.8 trillion ($5.12 trillion), even modest adoption could channel significant capital into the sector.
However, opportunities to integrate crypto into retirement plans remain limited in the UK.
The findings come shortly after US President Donald Trump signed an executive order allowing 401(k) retirement plans in the US to include Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, potentially opening access to over $9 trillion in retirement assets.
One in Five UK Adults Have Already Invested in Crypto
Aviva reported that roughly one in five respondents—around 11.6 million people—have either previously held or currently hold crypto, with about two-thirds of them still owning some today.
The survey also found that nearly 20% of UK adults aged 25 to 34 had already tapped into their pension funds to invest in crypto.
Britons Remain Wary of Crypto Risks
Respondents pointed to security threats—such as hacking and phishing—as their top concern (41%), followed by the lack of regulation and investor protection (37%). Market volatility ranked third, with 30% highlighting it as a major worry.
Aviva’s managing director of wealth and advice, Michele Golunska, acknowledged crypto’s growing appeal but emphasized that pensions continue to provide important advantages.
“We mustn’t forget the value of the good old pension. It comes with some powerful benefits, like employer contributions and tax relief, that can make a real difference to your long-term financial wellbeing.”
Majority of UK Adults Recognize Crypto Risks
Nearly one in three respondents said they were interested in crypto but admitted they didn’t fully grasp the potential drawbacks of cashing in their pensions, while 27% were unaware that any risks existed at all.
The UK has taken a cautious approach to regulation, unveiling a proposed framework in May that would bring crypto exchanges, dealers, and agents in line with traditional financial firms, with a strong emphasis on transparency and consumer protection.
Adoption has also been slowed by banks, with 40% of the 2,000 crypto investors surveyed reporting that their banks had blocked or delayed payments to crypto providers.
