Last Updated on: 27th September 2025, 06:08 am
A new learning platform, the CryptoGran Academy, will open its doors on 1 October to guide mid-life professionals through cryptocurrency and digital assets in a structured, risk-aware way — free from hype and speculation.
The launch comes as research highlights mounting pressures on retirement savings. The Hargreaves Lansdown 2024 Pension Gap Report revealed that fewer than half of UK households are currently on track for an adequate pension, with inflation, rising living expenses and sluggish pension growth leaving millions of mid-career earners exposed to shortfalls.
Meanwhile, the UK has experienced a sharp rise in crypto ownership. Over the past twelve months adoption climbed by more than 30 per cent, with close to one in four adults now holding some form of digital asset.
Founded by Yvonne Williams — an experienced investor and coach in her 50s — the Academy has already piloted its approach in a beta programme since June, enrolling over 30 students.
Williams initially expected a dozen testers, but through word-of-mouth and informal networking more than 30 people joined without a marketing push. The enthusiastic response confirmed that many people want to understand crypto properly as it moves further into the mainstream.
Yvonne Williams said: “I started crypto in my 50s to strengthen my pension. I’ve since built a six-figure portfolio, and now I’m giving others the resource I wish I’d had: a safe, no-hype way to learn.”
The course is aimed at those who may feel technophobic or unsure where to begin, breaking topics down from the fundamentals — “What is crypto?” — to carrying out their first transactions securely. Support is available around the clock, and students are reassured that every question is welcome.
Classes run in peer cohorts, bringing together mid-life professionals who share the same anxieties about pensions, savings and the lingering stigma around crypto. The group approach helps learners see that perceptions are changing and offers mutual encouragement as they progress.
Yvonne added: “It’s not just about the lessons — it’s about realising you’re not the only one intrigued by this space. Crypto is moving into the mainstream, and for many of us it’s becoming an exciting opportunity rather than something to fear.
“We all hear stories of people being scammed. It’s usually due to a lack of knowledge: downloading an app, chasing a ‘hot tip,’ or trusting someone who promises lofty returns, only to see them vanish. Very few ever learn how to do it properly.
“People don’t lose money in crypto because the technology fails — they lose it because they never learned the basics. It only takes around 20 hours of structured study to keep your hard-earned cash safe.”
Operating entirely independently, the Academy does not promote or profit from any specific coins, tokens or exchanges. Its focus is on education, safety and building the skills required to make informed personal choices.
Students will explore what crypto is, how it sits within the broader financial system, responsible approaches to investing, the secure use of wallets and exchanges, and practical strategies for setting their own investment rules to avoid emotional decision-making and mitigate unnecessary risks.
Yvonne Williams concluded: “Most of my students aren’t looking to gamble — they want to boost their pensions, protect their savings, and understand the opportunities in the fastest-growing sector of finance. Crypto education has been dominated by influencers and hype. The Academy is about creating a trusted, professional space where people like us can learn safely and confidently.”
The CryptoGran Academy offers plain-English teaching, practical safety guidance, scam-awareness tools and a supportive community for learners aged 40 and above.
Further details can be found at www.cryptogran.co.uk.
