Trump Executive Order Paves Way for Crypto in 401(k)s

U.S. President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order that will ease restrictions on including cryptocurrencies, private equity, and real estate in 401(k) retirement plans, potentially reshaping how American workers allocate their savings [1][2]. The White House Press Office confirmed that the directive will instruct the U.S. Department of Labor to reevaluate existing limitations on alternative assets in defined-contribution retirement plans [3]. This marks a notable shift in U.S. retirement policy and could open the door for widespread adoption of crypto in long-term savings strategies.

The directive emphasizes the need for the Department of Labor to clarify its stance on including alternative assets in retirement portfolios and to provide guidance on fiduciary standards for such investments [4]. A senior White House official stated that the order will also promote inter-agency collaboration with the U.S. Treasury and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to explore regulatory adjustments that support the inclusion of digital assets in retirement products [5]. This move is expected to have a significant impact on the $12.5 trillion U.S. retirement market, offering a new avenue for exposure to crypto and other alternative investments [6].

The executive order follows Trump’s recent hosting of a “Crypto Week” event at the White House in early August, signaling the administration’s increasing openness to digital assets [7]. The directive does not finalize the inclusion of crypto in 401(k)s but lays the groundwork for future rule changes. This aligns with the Labor Department’s earlier rescission of 2022 guidance that urged caution regarding crypto in retirement plans [8]. The shift in tone reflects a broader effort to modernize retirement investment options and expand financial inclusion.

Analysts suggest that allowing crypto in 401(k) plans could stimulate demand for digital assets by giving everyday investors access to a previously restricted market [9]. The move also aligns with broader trends in regulatory accommodation of crypto, particularly as the U.S. seeks to remain a global leader in financial innovation [10]. While institutional investors have increasingly added crypto to their portfolios, the new policy could extend similar opportunities to individual savers, despite concerns about volatility and fiduciary risk [11].

The White House has emphasized that no decision should be considered official until it is explicitly confirmed by President Trump [12]. A White House spokesman reiterated the administration’s commitment to strengthening the economic future of American workers but cautioned that the final form of the directive remains subject to the president’s approval. SEC Chair Paul Atkins also highlighted the importance of investor education regarding the risks of crypto investments, while expressing anticipation for the potential implications of the order [13].

The implementation of the directive will require the Department of Labor to issue updated guidance, a process that will likely involve collaboration with financial regulators and industry stakeholders [14]. As the agency works to finalize new rules, financial advisors and investors are expected to closely monitor how the inclusion of crypto in 401(k) plans will affect retirement planning and long-term wealth accumulation strategies [15]. The move may also influence global regulatory approaches, as the U.S. continues to shape the broader landscape of financial innovation [16].

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[1] title: Trump order will allow alternative assets like ... (url: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/07/trump-order-will-allow-alternative-assets-like-cryptocurrencies-private-equity-in-401ks.html)

[2] title: Trump to sign order opening way for alternative assets in ... (url: https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/trump-sign-order-opening-way-alternative-assets-401ks-official-says-2025-08-07/)

[3] title: Trump to Sign Order Easing Path for Private Assets in 401(k)s (url: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-08-07/trump-to-sign-order-easing-path-for-private-assets-in-401-k-s)

[4] title: Trump to allow crypto in 401k retirement plans for US workers (url: https://cointelegraph.com/news/trump-crypto-401k-executive-order)

[5] title: Donald Trump opens US 401Ks to crypto and private ... (url: https://www.ft.com/content/42f7e2fc-5b42-4f36-ab1d-ea0f72f29468)

[6] title: Trump to sign executive order today opening path for ... (url: https://www.theblock.co/post/365956/trump-executive-order-crypto-401k-plan?utm_medium=rss&utm_source=news.xml)

[7] title: Trump to sign order allowing alternative assets in 401(k)s, ... (url: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-donald-trump-401k-alternative-assets-executive-order/)

[8] title: Trump to Sign Order Allowing Crypto in 401(k) Retirement ... (url: https://watcher.guru/news/trump-to-sign-order-allowing-crypto-in-401k-retirement-plans)

[9] title: Trump To Overhaul 401(k)s With New Executive Order (url: https://www.ccn.com/news/crypto/trump-overhaul-401ks-new-executive-order-crypto-real-estate-private-equity-retirement-portfolios/)