TLDR
- Trump Eyes 401(k) Shift: Crypto, Gold, and PE May Soon Be Included
- Retirement Revamp: Trump Order May Add Crypto, Gold to 401(k) Plans
- Trump Pushes 401(k) Reform: Alternative Assets May Get Green Light
- Crypto and Gold in 401(k)s? Trump’s Order Could Change Retirement Game
- Trump’s New Order Could Unlock Billions for 401(k) Crypto, PE, and Gold
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is preparing an executive order to expand access to alternative assets in retirement accounts. The move would allow 401(k) plans to include digital currencies, gold, private equity, and other private-market assets. This order would signal a significant shift in federal policy surrounding retirement investments.
The Department of Labor and the Securities and Exchange Commission are expected to issue updated guidance after the order is finalized. This guidance will help employers and retirement plan managers understand how to include these new asset classes. The change aims to broaden the choices for Americans holding nearly $9 trillion in 401(k) assets.
JUST IN: 🇺🇸 Trump executive order to allow Americans to invest 401K retirement savings into Bitcoin and crypto.
AMERICANS HOLD $9 TRILLION IN 401K SAVINGS pic.twitter.com/2KbbBlglLo
— Bitcoin Archive (@BTC_Archive) July 17, 2025
Although regulators have softened earlier restrictions, legal and structural barriers remain in place. The order could accelerate momentum behind including nontraditional assets in managed retirement accounts. Supporters claim the shift could modernize retirement savings and reflect changing market trends.
Cryptocurrency Gains Ground in Retirement Policy Discussions
Trump’s potential order follows recent efforts by states and federal agencies to ease restrictions on digital assets in retirement funds. In May, the Department of Labor reversed prior advisories that discouraged using cryptocurrencies in 401(k) investments. The decision marked a rollback of positions held during the Biden administration.
Lawmakers have also sought permanent changes through legislation to update retirement plan rules. In 2022, the Retirement Savings Modernization Act attempted to include digital assets but failed to gain enough support. Despite its failure, it set the stage for more aggressive executive action.
Meanwhile, states such as Michigan and Wisconsin have already disclosed crypto-linked ETF holdings in public pension plans. These moves indicate growing interest in digital assets at the state level. The executive order would allow such practices to expand to private retirement accounts.
Gold and Private Equity Set to Join Broader Retirement Mix
The planned order includes guidance for integrating gold and private-market investments into mainstream retirement plans. Firms like Apollo Global Management and Blackstone could benefit from access to 401(k) capital. These firms have already launched funds that blend private equity into long-term retirement strategies.
Currently, some retirement providers include private assets but face legal concerns tied to high fees. Industry executives argue that regulatory clarity is essential to prevent employer liability. They expect congressional action may be needed to encourage broader adoption.
Though some lawmakers oppose the inclusion of high-fee products, others view the shift as necessary for growth. Empower, a major retirement provider, has already added private equity options. Its leadership compares the move to the early rollout of 401(k) plans.
