A survey conducted by OKX and Pollfish reveals that investors in major European economies prioritize cryptocurrency over traditional retirement plans as tools for lasting wealth creation. Among respondents from France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Poland, 19% selected cryptocurrencies, compared to only 8% who chose traditional retirement accounts. In contrast, US investors maintained a preference for retirement plans, with 21% selecting them versus 12% choosing crypto. The study, which polled 1,932 adults aged 18 to 88 who had previously invested in digital assets between October 14 and October 18, identified real estate as the top choice for lasting wealth across all regions, with 34% of respondents favoring it.
The data highlights a generational divide, particularly among younger Europeans. A separate May 2026 survey by Debating Europe indicated that 43% of Europeans aged 18 to 35 expect their pensions to fall short, potentially driving the shift toward alternative assets. Erald Ghoo, CEO of OKX Europe, noted that treating crypto as part of long-term wealth signals its integration into mainstream financial planning. Nearly half of European investors (47%) expect to increase their crypto holdings, while 51% of all age groups anticipate growing their allocations. However, Baby Boomers remain skeptical; 55% of European boomers and 65% of US boomers stated that crypto is not important for generational wealth building.
Regulatory developments in the US have influenced this landscape. In May 2025, the Department of Labor rescinded guidance urging extreme care regarding crypto in 401(k) plans. Subsequently, an August 2025 executive order directed agencies to expand access to alternative assets in retirement plans, followed by a March 2026 draft proposal to include crypto options. Despite these moves, skepticism persists: an August survey found that 77% of Americans consider crypto in workplace retirement plans risky. Political opposition also emerged in June 2026, when Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren urged the withdrawal of the proposal, citing volatility concerns.
The divergence in investor sentiment between Europe and the United States underscores differing regulatory environments and demographic pressures shaping asset allocation strategies. While US policy shifts aim to integrate digital assets into retirement frameworks, public resistance remains high, evidenced by significant political pushback and widespread perception of risk among American workers. Conversely, European investors appear more willing to bypass traditional pension structures, likely driven by anxieties about pension sufficiency among younger demographics. This suggests that market adoption of crypto as a wealth preservation tool is currently more organic in Europe than in the US, where institutional pathways are still facing cultural and political hurdles.
For institutional players and policymakers, the data indicates that regulatory clarity alone may not suffice to drive adoption if underlying trust issues persist. The strong preference for real estate across both regions highlights that crypto has yet to displace established tangible assets as the primary vehicle for long-term security. Monitoring how the proposed US 401(k) expansions evolve amidst continued legislative scrutiny will be critical, as the outcome could significantly alter the trajectory of retail crypto investment in North America relative to its European counterparts.
