Most Americans Oppose Adding Cryptocurrency to Workplace Retirement Plans

A recent survey by the National Institute on Retirement Security reveals strong resistance among American workers to the inclusion of cryptocurrency in employer‑sponsored retirement plans.

Public sentiment on crypto in retirement accounts

‑ 53% of respondents oppose employers offering cryptocurrency as an investment choice in retirement plans.‑ 77% consider crypto investments risky, with 46% labeling them “very risky.”

Broader retirement concerns

‑ 80% believe the United States faces a retirement crisis, up from 67% in 2020.‑ 61% are worried about achieving financial security in retirement.‑ 68% say preparing for retirement has become harder, and 77% cite debt as a barrier to saving.

Regulatory backdrop

Federal regulators are reviewing rules that could allow alternative assets, including digital assets, in 401(k) plans. Recent actions include:

• May 2025: Department of Labor rescinded guidance that required “extreme care” before adding crypto to plan menus.
• August 2025: Executive order directing review of alternative‑asset fiduciary duties.
• March 2026: Labor Department proposed a rule establishing safe harbors for evaluating alternative assets, covering performance, fees, liquidity, valuation, redemption terms, and participant understanding.

Political pushback

In June 2026, Senators Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and Representative Bobby Scott urged the Labor Department to withdraw the proposed rule, citing concerns over crypto volatility, fraud risk, and the difficulty of applying traditional securities‑law protections.

Survey methodology

The poll, conducted by Greenwald Research from Oct. 24 to Nov. 14, 2025, surveyed 1,203 U.S. adults aged 25 and older. Results were weighted by age, gender, and income to reflect the national adult population.