Trump to allow crypto in 401ks, Bitcoin price jumps; Ripple acquires Rail for $200M; Tornado Cash developer found guilty.

Trump to allow crypto in 401ks, Bitcoin price jumps; Ripple acquires Rail for $200M; Tornado Cash developer found guilty.

President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order that would allow cryptocurrencies, private equity, and real estate to be included in 401(k) retirement plans, marking a significant shift in federal retirement investment policy [1]. The directive, expected to be finalized in late July 2025, will direct the U.S. Department of Labor to reassess rules established under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to accommodate alternative assets in retirement portfolios [1]. The move is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to position the United States as a global leader in the digital asset space [2].

The crypto market jumped on Thursday as excitement grew around the potential inclusion of digital assets in 401(k) plans. Bitcoin's price climbed around 1% to reclaim the $116,000 level for the first time since July 31, while Ether rose almost 5%, also returning to a one-week high [3]. Crypto-linked stocks also benefited from the news, with Coinbase gaining 3% and ether treasury stock Bitmine Immersion rising nearly 8% [3].

The executive order will task Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer with coordinating with the Treasury Department and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to streamline access to alternative investments [1]. This collaborative effort aims to reduce compliance hurdles and create a more accessible framework for individual investors seeking exposure to private and digital assets [2].

The inclusion of such assets is expected to offer savers greater flexibility and the potential for higher returns [1]. However, the new policy does not automatically integrate these assets into all 401(k) plans. Employers and plan administrators will still need to make deliberate decisions to include them, and additional clarity may be needed on custodial structures and risk management protocols [1]. Analysts suggest that financial firms may respond by developing new products designed to incorporate these alternative assets into retirement offerings [2].

In other news, Ripple Labs announced the acquisition of the blockchain company Rail for $200 million. Rail's technology focuses on building scalable and secure networks for financial transactions, and its acquisition aligns with Ripple's goal of expanding its blockchain solutions [4].

Additionally, the developer of Tornado Cash, a privacy-focused cryptocurrency mixer, was found guilty of violating anti-money laundering (AML) laws. The developer, who was identified as a German citizen, was charged with creating and operating Tornado Cash, which has been used to launder funds [5].

References:
[1] https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/07/bitcoin-jumps-as-trump-is-set-to-sign-an-order-that-allows-cryptocurrencies-in-401ks.html
[2] https://www.ainvest.com/news/bitcoin-news-today-trump-crypto-private-assets-401-executive-order-2508/
[3] https://www.bitzo.com/2025/08/bitcoin-price-analysis-is-btc-stuck-in-limbo-or-will-markets-see-a-push-towards-120000
[4] https://www.ripple.com/news/ripple-labs-acquires-rail-for-200m/
[5] https://www.coindesk.com/business/2025/07/31/tornado-cash-developer-found-guilty-of-violating-aml-laws/