Trump Signs Order Allowing Crypto, Alternative Assets in US 401(k) Plans

President Donald Trump has signed a landmark executive order allowing 401(k) retirement plans to invest in alternative assets such as cryptocurrencies, private equity, and real estate, marking a major shift in retirement investing in the U.S. The order directs the Department of Labor, the SEC, and other agencies to revise regulatory guidance and fiduciary rules under ERISA, facilitating broader access to these previously restricted asset classes. This move is expected to unlock billions of dollars—potentially hundreds of billions—into digital assets, with analysts predicting significant inflows that could stabilize and boost crypto markets. The inclusion of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum in retirement accounts is seen as a critical step toward institutionalizing digital assets within mainstream investment portfolios, potentially transforming the global financial landscape. This executive order builds on prior deregulatory efforts by the Trump administration and reflects a commitment to making the U.S. a leading hub for crypto innovation. Experts emphasize that even a small allocation of 401(k) assets to crypto could generate sustained buying pressure, driving infrastructure growth and wider acceptance of digital currencies.