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Trump Signs Executive Order to Let 401(k) Plans Hold Crypto

American retirement plans could soon hold ETH, BTC, private equity, and other alternative assets.
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Aug 7, 2025 • 1 min read

President Trump signed a major executive order giving regulatory agencies the green light to update retirement rules so defined-contribution plans (like 401(k)s) can include alternative and crypto assets for the first time.

What’s The Scoop?

  • New Investment Options: The order enables 401(k)s to invest in digital assets like crypto, private equity, and real estate instead of being limited to traditional stocks and bonds.
  • Regulatory Changes Incoming: It directs agencies such as the Department of Labor and SEC to reassess their guidance and relieve plan sponsors of past liability fears.
  • Financial Sector Response: Asset managers like BlackRock and Empower are already working on retirement products that tap into private markets and crypto.
  • Market Reaction: Bitcoin and Ethereum both saw immediate price boosts following the announcement, reflecting growing investor confidence in crypto’s mainstream future.
  • Risk & Reality Check: While the order opens the door, practical implementation could take months or years, and experts warn about higher fees, illiquidity, and increased fiduciary risk for plan sponsors.

Not financial or tax advice. This newsletter is strictly educational and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any assets or to make any financial decisions. This newsletter is not tax advice. Talk to your accountant. Do your own research.

Disclosure. From time-to-time I may add links in this newsletter to products I use. I may receive commission if you make a purchase through one of these links. Additionally, the Bankless writers hold crypto assets. See our investment disclosures here.

Published in Bankless

There’s a revolution in the world of money. Ethereum, Bitcoin, crypto, open finance, DeFi—a bankless revolution. And you want part of it.