Investors in several of Europe’s largest economies have ranked cryptocurrencies above traditional retirement plans as tools for lasting wealth creation. According to a survey conducted by Pollfish between Oct. 14 and Oct. 18 for OKX, 19% of surveyed European respondents chose cryptocurrencies, while 8% selected traditional retirement plans. The study encompassed 1,932 adults aged 18 to 88 who had previously invested in crypto across the United States, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Poland.
In contrast, US investors maintained a preference for traditional retirement plans, with 21% choosing retirement accounts and only 12% opting for cryptocurrencies. Real estate emerged as the top choice for lasting wealth across all respondents at 34%, placing it above digital assets and retirement accounts.
Younger Europeans have previously voiced concerns about pension adequacy. A May 2026 survey by Friends of Europe’s citizen-engagement unit, Debating Europe, indicated that approximately 43% of 2,000 surveyed Europeans aged 18 to 35 expected their pensions to provide insufficient income.
Erald Ghoo, CEO of OKX Europe, noted that when investors under 45 on both sides of the Atlantic treat crypto as part of their long-term wealth, it indicates that digital assets form part of how individuals view their finances. Ghoo stated that crypto's role in wealth planning will increase in importance as these investors age and accumulate wealth.
Regarding future allocations, 47% of European investors expect to increase their holdings, which includes 13% planning a significant increase. Across all age groups, 51% expect to raise their crypto allocation, though baby boomers represent an exception, with 55% stating that crypto holds no importance for generational wealth. US investors outside of the baby boomer demographic show higher bullishness, with 55% of participants expecting to increase allocations over the next five years and 22% planning a significant increase. Meanwhile, American boomers displayed higher pessimism regarding crypto, with 65% stating it was not at all important for generational wealth building, compared to 44% of European boomers.
Americans also exhibited greater skepticism regarding crypto within retirement accounts. An August survey by The National Institute on Retirement Security found that 77% of Americans view crypto in workplace retirement plans as risky, with 46% considering it very risky.
Policy developments in the US have concurrently shifted toward alternative assets. In May 2025, the US Department of Labor rescinded crypto-specific guidance that previously urged 401(k) fiduciaries to exercise extreme care with cryptocurrency investments, returning to a neutral approach. President Donald Trump signed an executive order in August 2025 directing federal agencies to expand 401(k) access to alternative assets, including digital assets. A draft proposal was subsequently issued by the US Department of Labor in March 2026 to expand 401(k) options to include crypto and alternative investments. Subsequently, in June 2026, Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren alongside Representative Bobby Scott urged the department to withdraw the proposal, citing exposure risks to volatile assets.
