U.S. Eases 401(k) Access to Crypto and Alternative Investments

The U.S. government is taking steps to expand access to alternative investments, including digital assets, by easing regulatory barriers for 401(k) and similar retirement plans. Under a newly signed executive order, the Department of Labor, in coordination with the Treasury and the Securities and Exchange Commission, will review and revise existing regulations that have historically restricted access to private equity, real estate, and crypto for over 90 million Americans in employer-sponsored retirement plans. While the full implementation of these changes could take months or years, the potential inclusion of digital assets in mainstream portfolios could shift the investment landscape significantly [1].

This regulatory development may enhance the appeal of cryptocurrencies with clear real-world utility, particularly those with affordable entry points and long-term growth potential. As diversification becomes a key theme in retirement strategy, investors are showing increased interest in niche blockchain projects that align with broader economic trends.

Among the most discussed options is Tapzi (TAPZI), a skill-based Web3 gaming platform that differentiates itself by focusing on competitive, transparent gameplay rather than speculative incentives. The platform integrates classic games like chess and checkers with staking-enabled prize pools and aims to build a sustainable, player-driven economy. Tapzi’s development roadmap extends through 2026, including the introduction of NFT-based cosmetic items, multilingual support, and a developer SDK. By emphasizing real-world adoption and functional tokenomics, Tapzi aims to capture a share of the growing $665 billion global gaming market [1].

Other notable names in the list of affordable cryptocurrencies include Tron (TRX), Cardano (ADA), Sui (SUI), Toncoin (TON), Polkadot (DOT), and Ethena (ENA). Tron continues to gain traction as a high-performance blockchain supporting decentralized applications, stablecoins, and entertainment platforms, with a native token that powers transactions, staking, and governance. Cardano, led by Ethereum co-founder Charles Hoskinson, is advancing through its scientific approach to blockchain development, emphasizing scalability, security, and real-world use cases such as financial inclusion and supply chain solutions.

Sui, developed by a team of former Meta engineers, is gaining attention for its high throughput and low fees, making it a compelling option for developers building next-generation Web3 applications. Toncoin, the native token of the Open Network, benefits from Telegram’s vast user base and is designed for mass adoption through fast, scalable transactions and in-app services. Polkadot, created by Gavin Wood, remains a key player in the multi-chain ecosystem, offering interoperability between diverse blockchain networks. Ethena, a DeFi protocol, provides a stable synthetic dollar (USDe) and offers yield generation opportunities through its token (ENA), which supports governance and ecosystem incentives.

The potential inclusion of digital assets in retirement accounts underscores the importance of projects with strong fundamentals and clear use cases. While these projects are positioned for growth, investors are urged to conduct their own research and evaluate risks before committing capital. As the regulatory and market landscape continues to evolve, cryptocurrencies with real utility and scalable infrastructure may emerge as valuable components of diversified investment strategies [1].

Source: [1] 7 Best Cheap Crypto to Buy Today If You Want to Flex in 2026 Without Spending in 2025: 5000x Picks. (https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/689b57fe668f434552362dc5/)