Crypto: 19% of European investors favor digital assets for their wealth

Investment choices are evolving in Europe, where digital assets are gaining ground in long-term wealth creation strategies. A survey published by OKX reveals that more European investors prefer crypto over traditional retirement savings plans. This trend contrasts with preferences observed in the United States, where retirement accounts still hold an important place. However, real estate remains the top choice for building lasting wealth, while gaps between generations persist.

European investors place crypto ahead of retirement savings

According to a survey published Thursday by OKX, 19% of European investors surveyed view crypto as a tool for lasting wealth creation. Conversely, only 8% favor traditional retirement savings plans. These results illustrate a gap between the two financial approaches among European participants. They also show the growing interest in digital assets in long-term wealth strategies.

The study is based on responses from 1,932 adults aged 18 to 88 who have already invested in cryptocurrencies. Pollfish conducted this survey between October 14 and 18 in the United States, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Poland. Therefore, the results concern people already familiar with digital asset investments. They do not necessarily represent the preferences of the entire population of these countries.

Despite this growth, real estate maintains a clear lead among the different options studied. In total, 34% of respondents consider it the asset most associated with building lasting wealth. This preference surpasses those given to digital investments and retirement accounts. The results thus highlight the diversity of strategies used to prepare for the financial future.

Concerns about pensions increase interest in crypto

Concerns about future incomes provide additional insight into the choices of young Europeans. In May 2026, a survey conducted by Debating Europe among 2,000 Europeans aged 18 to 35 revealed their worries about pensions. According to this Debating Europe study, 43% of participants fear their retirement income will be insufficient. These concerns may help explain the interest in other investment solutions.

For Erald Ghoo, CEO of OKX Europe, the interest of those under 45 in digital assets reflects an evolution in financial habits.

When investors under 45, on both sides of the Atlantic, consider cryptocurrencies as part of their long-term wealth, it shows that cryptocurrencies are now an integral part of their financial vision.

Erald Ghoo, CEO of OKX Europe. Source: Cointelegraph.

He believes their role in wealth management could become more important as these investors age. The gradual accumulation of wealth could also strengthen their influence on long-term financial decisions. This evolution will depend on individual choices and how each person allocates their investments.

Investment intentions confirm this interest among European participants. About 47% plan to increase their cryptocurrency holdings, with 13% considering a significant rise. Across all ages, 51% of respondents plan to increase their allocation to digital assets. These figures describe declared intentions and do not guarantee that investors will actually make these increases.

Americans remain divided on digital investments

In the United States, results reveal different preferences in wealth creation. Among respondents, 21% favor retirement savings accounts, compared to 12% for cryptocurrencies. This difference distinguishes American investors from their European counterparts. It shows that traditional investments still hold an advantage in financial retirement preparation.

However, investment intentions remain favorable to digital assets among some American participants. According to the OKX survey, 55% plan to increase their allocation over the next five years. Among them, 22% consider a significant increase. These numbers indicate that interest in cryptos may grow without immediately replacing traditional solutions.

Generation gaps also remain marked on both sides of the Atlantic. In Europe, 55% of baby boomers surveyed feel digital assets do not play an important role in intergenerational wealth transfer. In the United States, this proportion reaches 65%. These results contrast with the investment intentions of other age groups and show perceptions vary by generation.

The United States opens retirement plans to alternative assets

Despite reservations expressed by American investors, federal authorities have initiated several steps to expand available options in retirement plans. In August, a survey by the National Institute on Retirement Security revealed that 77% of Americans consider investing in cryptocurrencies in corporate retirement plans risky. Among them, 46% view them as very risky. These numbers reflect concerns about integrating digital assets into retirement savings.

In May 2025, the U.S. Department of Labor withdrew specific recommendations for cryptocurrencies that called for extreme caution among 401(k) plan managers. This decision restored a neutral approach, neither encouraging nor discouraging these investments. Then, in August 2025, Donald Trump signed an order asking federal agencies to expand access to alternative assets in 401(k) plans. This policy notably included certain forms of exposure to digital assets.

In March 2026, the Department of Labor then presented a proposal aimed at expanding the investment opportunities of 401(k) plans to cryptos and other alternative assets. However, this initiative met political opposition. In June 2026, Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and Bobby Scott asked the department to withdraw its proposal, citing risks related to the volatility of digital assets.

The evolution of these rules could therefore influence the role of crypto in American retirement savings. Authorities still have to navigate differing positions on investment opportunities and saver protection. In Europe, declared intentions by investors show interest in digital assets without erasing the preference for real estate. As regulatory debates progress, the choices of investors and conditions of access to alternative investments will determine their future role in building lasting wealth.