Around 27% of British adults would consider including cryptocurrency in their retirement plans, according to a new survey by Aviva.
The findings suggest that crypto could eventually capture a portion of the UK’s multitrillion-pound pension market.
Of those open to crypto in retirement funds, just over 40% said they were motivated by the potential for higher returns.
The survey, conducted by Censuswide between June 4 and 6, polled 2,000 UK adults.
Pension Withdrawals Already Taking Place
The study also revealed that 23% of respondents would consider withdrawing part, or all, of their existing pension savings to invest in crypto.
With over 80% of UK adults holding pensions worth a combined £3.8 trillion, widespread adoption could direct significant capital into the sector.
The survey follows developments in the United States, where President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order permitting 401(k) retirement plans to include Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
The U.S. order potentially opens crypto access to more than $9 trillion in retirement assets.
Young Investors Lead the Way
One in five UK adults surveyed — equivalent to around 11.6 million people — reported holding or having previously held crypto.
Two-thirds of that group still own some form of digital assets.
Among younger investors, particularly those aged 25 to 34, nearly 20% said they had already withdrawn pension funds to invest in crypto.
That group formed a large portion of the 8% of all respondents who admitted to doing the same.
Risks Remain a Major Concern
Despite growing interest, respondents flagged security and regulatory issues as leading concerns.
Hacking and phishing were cited as the biggest risks by 41% of participants, while 37% pointed to a lack of oversight and consumer protection.
Price volatility was identified as the third biggest worry at 30%.
Aviva’s managing director of wealth and advice, Michele Golunska, acknowledged crypto’s appeal but urged caution.
“We mustn’t forget the value of the good old pension,” she said.
“It comes with some powerful benefits, like employer contributions and tax relief, that can make a real difference to your long-term financial wellbeing.”
Regulation Moves Slowly
The UK has been taking gradual steps toward stronger crypto oversight.
In May, regulators unveiled a draft framework to treat exchanges and service providers more like traditional financial firms, focusing on compliance, transparency, and consumer protection.
Banks have been slower to embrace crypto.
According to another survey, 40% of UK investors reported their bank had either blocked or delayed payments to crypto providers.
This cautious approach shows that while enthusiasm for crypto pensions is growing, significant barriers remain.
