Key facts
- 19% of European investors surveyed chose crypto for lasting wealth creation, versus 8% for retirement plans.
- 34% of all respondents ranked real estate as the top choice for lasting wealth.
- US investors favored retirement accounts (21%) over crypto (12%) for lasting wealth.
- 55% of US investors (excluding boomers) plan to increase crypto allocation in five years.
- 65% of US boomers considered crypto unimportant for generational wealth, compared to 44% of European boomers.
European investors are more likely to view cryptocurrencies as a superior tool for long-term wealth creation compared to traditional retirement plans, according to a recent survey by OKX. The survey, which polled 1,932 adults across the US, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Poland, found that 19% of European respondents chose crypto for lasting wealth, while only 8% selected retirement plans. In contrast, US investors showed a stronger preference for retirement accounts, with 21% choosing them over cryptocurrencies, which were selected by 12%. Real estate emerged as the most favored asset class for long-term wealth, chosen by 34% of all participants. Younger Europeans, aged 18-35, have previously expressed concerns about the adequacy of their future pensions. OKX Europe's CEO, Erald Ghoo, noted that crypto's increasing acceptance among younger investors suggests its growing importance in financial planning. Across all age groups, 51% of European investors expect to increase their crypto holdings, with 13% planning a significant increase. However, a majority of US boomers (55%) remain skeptical about crypto's role in generational wealth, a sentiment shared by 65% of US boomers compared to 44% of European boomers. US investors, excluding boomers, are generally more optimistic, with 55% planning to increase their crypto allocation in the next five years. Previous surveys indicate that a significant majority of Americans (77%) consider crypto in workplace retirement plans risky. The US Department of Labor has taken steps to broaden access to alternative assets in retirement plans, including digital assets, though this has faced opposition from some lawmakers.