Survey: 77% of Americans See Crypto as Risky for Retirement Plans

A new national survey reveals that a strong majority of Americans are wary of including cryptocurrency in workplace retirement plans, even as federal policy moves to ease access to such alternative investments. The findings from the National Institute on Retirement Security, released on August 26, 2026, show that 77% of respondents consider crypto a risky investment for retirement accounts, with 46% labeling it "very risky." More than half, 53%, said they oppose employers offering cryptocurrency as an option in their retirement plans.

The survey results highlight a significant gap between public sentiment and recent regulatory shifts. In May 2025, the Department of Labor withdrew earlier guidance that had urged retirement plan fiduciaries to exercise extreme caution before adding crypto to investment menus. President Donald Trump then signed an executive order in August 2025 directing federal agencies to support greater access to alternative assets, including digital currencies, through 401(k) plans. In March 2026, the Labor Department proposed new rules to guide fiduciaries on evaluating such investments, covering factors like fees, liquidity, and valuation. The proposal does...