A survey from the National Institute on Retirement Security found broad skepticism among Americans about adding cryptocurrency to workplace retirement plans. The poll showed that 77% of respondents view crypto in such plans as risky, including 46% who said it is very risky. More than half, 53%, said they oppose employers offering cryptocurrency investment options.
The survey also pointed to wider retirement concerns. Eighty percent of respondents said the United States is facing a retirement crisis, up from 67% in 2020. Another 61% said they are worried about achieving financial security in retirement, while 68% said preparing for retirement is becoming harder and 77% said debt is preventing them from saving enough.
The findings come as U.S. policymakers push to expand access to alternative assets in retirement plans such as 401(k)s. The Labor Department withdrew prior cautionary guidance in May 2025. On Aug. 7, Donald Trump signed an executive order calling for broader access to alternative assets in defined contribution plans and directed the Labor Department and the Securities and Exchange Commission to study possible regulatory changes.
A survey by the National Institute on Retirement Security, or NIRS, found that 77% of Americans see cryptocurrency in workplace retirement plans as risky. Within that group, 46% said it is very risky. Another 53% said they oppose employers offering cryptocurrency investment options.
The survey also showed that 80% of respondents believe the United States is facing a retirement crisis, up from 67% in 2020. Separately, 61% said they are concerned about achieving financial security in retirement. Another 68% said preparing for retirement is becoming more difficult, while 77% said debt is preventing them from saving enough.
Survey scope and methodology
The research was conducted by Greenwald Research from Oct. 24 to Nov. 14, 2025. It covered 1,203 Americans aged 25 and older, and the results were weighted by age, gender, and income.
Policy backdrop in the U.S.
The findings come as U.S. policymakers are pushing to include alternative assets in retirement plans such as 401(k)s.
The U.S. Department of Labor withdrew related cautionary guidance in May 2025. On Aug. 7, Donald Trump signed an executive order directing broader access to alternative assets in defined contribution retirement plans. The order also asked the Department of Labor and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, to study related regulatory adjustments.
In March 2026, the Department of Labor proposed a rule to include alternative assets. In June, Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and Bobby Scott called for that proposal to be withdrawn.
This article was originally published by Bit.Fan. For more cryptocurrency news and market insights, visit www.bit.fan. Disclaimer:
The market information, project data, and third-party content displayed on this platform are for industry information sharing only and do not constitute any form of investment advice or return commitment.
Cryptocurrency trading carries high risks. Users should fully assess their risk tolerance and make independent decisions. All profits, losses, and legal responsibilities are borne by the users themselves.
