A new survey commissioned by UK insurance giant Aviva reveals a significant shift in retirement planning attitudes, with 27% of British adults expressing openness to including cryptocurrency in their pension portfolios. The research, conducted by Censuswide between June 4-6, 2025, surveyed 2,000 UK adults and found that more than 40% of those interested in crypto pensions were primarily attracted by the potential for higher returns compared to traditional pension assets.
Notably, 23% of respondents would consider withdrawing part or all of their existing pensions to invest directly in cryptocurrencies, despite the current scarcity of regulated pension-linked crypto options in the UK. This potential capital movement is particularly significant given that more than four in five UK adults hold pensions worth an estimated £3.8 trillion ($5.12 trillion), meaning even modest allocation shifts could inject substantial capital into crypto markets.
The survey also revealed demographic patterns, with nearly 20% of adults aged 25-34 admitting to having already withdrawn pension funds to purchase cryptocurrency. However, concerns remain prominent: 41% cited hacking and phishing attacks as top risks, 37% pointed to lack of regulation and consumer protection, and 30% highlighted volatility concerns. Michele Golunska, Aviva's managing director of wealth and advice, cautioned that "We mustn't forget the value of the good old pension. It comes with some powerful benefits, like employer contributions and tax relief" that crypto investments lack.
The UK findings contrast with recent developments in the United States, where President Donald Trump signed an executive order permitting 401(k) retirement plans to include Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, potentially opening access to more than $9 trillion in assets.