A recent OKX survey of 1,932 adults across the US, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Poland reveals a shift in investment priorities. In major European economies, 19% of investors identified cryptocurrencies as a primary tool for long-term wealth creation, while only 8% selected traditional retirement plans.
The trend differs in the United States, where 21% of respondents favor traditional retirement accounts compared to 12% who prefer crypto. Across all surveyed regions, real estate remains the most popular choice for wealth accumulation, cited by 34% of participants as the most effective asset class.
Investor sentiment regarding future holdings varies by region and age. Nearly half of European investors, 47%, plan to increase their crypto exposure. Among US investors, excluding the baby boomer generation, 55% intend to boost their crypto allocations over the next five years.
Generational divides persist, particularly among baby boomers. In the US, 65% of boomers view crypto as unimportant for generational wealth, compared to 44% of their European counterparts. Meanwhile, 43% of Europeans aged 18 to 35 expressed concerns about the adequacy of their future pensions.
Regulatory discussions in the US continue to influence the landscape. While the Department of Labor proposed expanding 401(k) options to include digital assets in March 2026, the proposal faced opposition from lawmakers in June 2026, who cited concerns regarding asset volatility.
