Trump’s 401(k) Order Clears Path for Crypto Investments

President Trump has signed an executive order directing the Labor Department to review and ease regulatory risks around alternative assets in 401(k) and other retirement plans, including private equity, real estate, commodities and cryptocurrencies. Agencies including the SEC and Treasury have 180 days to propose new guidance or safe-harbors under ERISA and adjust qualified investor standards, aiming to clarify fiduciary duties for plan sponsors. Crypto traders responded to early reports by driving Bitcoin up nearly 3% and Ethereum up 6%, though gains were later pared. While brokers must build costly infrastructure and the rollout may be slow, the order opens the door for potential inflows from over $9 trillion in U.S. retirement savings. A second order targets “debanking,” instructing the Treasury to curb politically motivated bank service denials. Expanded 401(k) crypto access could deliver long-term upside for digital assets.