An executive order signed by Donald Trump opens U.S. 401(k) retirement plans, worth about $9 trillion, to cryptocurrencies, private equity and other alternative assets. Regulators receive instructions to revisit frameworks that have limited professionally managed retirement accounts to equities and bonds. Industry leaders say the shift has global implications as other markets weigh similar reforms.
The United States issues a significant policy shift in retirement savings. A new executive order directs regulators to update rules that have historically restricted access to private markets and digital assets within professionally managed 401(k) plans. This change enables, for the first time, exposure to cryptocurrencies alongside other alternative asset classes inside America’s largest pool of individual investment capital.
Industry voices frame this as a structural moment for portfolio construction and institutional adoption.
“This is a defining moment not just for crypto, but for the entire future of finance,” says Nigel Green, chief executive of deVere Group. He adds that the policy signals digital assets belong in “the core of long-term wealth strategies”, with consequences that extend beyond the U.S. and into global pension design.
What the order does
Opens 401(k)s to alternatives: The order allows crypto exposure in U.S. 401(k) plans for the first time and broadens access to private equity and other alternative assets.
Directs regulatory updates: U.S. regulators must revisit and modernise existing frameworks that have constrained allocations to private market and crypto investments in professionally managed retirement accounts.
Targets a large participant base: More than 90 million U.S. workers participate in 401(k) plans that have traditionally focused on equities and bonds, excluding categories such as Bitcoin and other digital currencies, despite rising investor interest.
Market scale and potential flows
U.S. 401(k) accounts represent one of the deepest individual capital pools worldwide, with assets of roughly $9 trillion. Even a modest portfolio allocation to crypto could release hundreds of billions of dollars of incremental demand for digital assets. Where such demand builds, infrastructure, product innovation and broader market acceptance typically follow.
Industry reaction
“This is yet another breakthrough moment for crypto,” Nigel Green continues. He argues that retirement accounts represent the last major channel for institutional capital linked to retail savers: once flows begin, integration into traditional portfolios becomes hard to reverse.
“Retirement savings are one of the most conservative pools of capital in existence. If crypto can earn its place there, it can earn its place anywhere,” notes the deVere CEO. “This order breaks the psychological and regulatory barrier that’s kept crypto in a sandbox, but now it’s mainstage.”
Timing with market conditions
The announcement aligns with a strong year for digital assets. In 2025, digital currencies surge, and Bitcoin reaches fresh all-time highs. The drivers include renewed corporate adoption, sovereign interest and clearer signals from regulatory regimes. The policy change meets the market at a time of rising institutional readiness and product availability.
Global implications
The U.S. does not act in isolation. In Europe, regulators already face calls to modernise pension rules to reflect the growth of digital assets and private markets. In Asia, adoption rates remain high and regional markets show rapid development, increasing pressure to match Washington’s pace.
As capital markets operate globally, the decision encourages pension funds, sovereign wealth managers and asset allocators in other major economies to reassess their frameworks.
Policy context and political signal
The order follows years of lobbying by private market stakeholders. According to senior officials, the inclusion of digital assets becomes a decisive factor in advancing the policy. The move marks an acceleration in the political embrace of crypto, reframing it from a niche exposure to a permissible component of long-term savings.
Risks, responsibilities and portfolio construction
The policy widens opportunity but also raises responsibilities for savers and fiduciaries. Crypto markets remain volatile and differ from traditional stocks and bonds. The case for inclusion rests on disciplined allocation, diversification and professional oversight.
Nigel Green underscores the saver’s perspective: “Investors want exposure to the future. They don’t want to miss out. This move allows them to build that exposure inside their most important financial vehicles, with guidance and safeguards.”
What changes for retirement savers and plan sponsors
Access: Plan menus can include regulated vehicles that provide crypto exposure alongside private equity and other alternatives.
Governance: Fiduciaries will need updated risk frameworks, due diligence processes and education materials tailored to digital assets.
Implementation: Providers are likely to develop target-date and multi-asset products with measured crypto allocations, accompanied by clear risk disclosures.
The executive order positions digital assets within the mainstream of retirement planning. It sets in motion regulatory updates, product design and allocation debates across the U.S. market and, by extension, other jurisdictions. As rules evolve and plan sponsors evaluate the new options, long-term savings strategies may incorporate a broader spectrum of return drivers.
“Crypto is no longer just an option for speculative traders or hedge funds. It’s becoming part of the financial DNA of today’s world,” concludes the deVere CEO.
Shikha Negi is a Content Writer at ztudium with expertise in writing and proofreading content. Having created more than 500 articles encompassing a diverse range of educational topics, from breaking news to in-depth analysis and long-form content, Shikha has a deep understanding of emerging trends in business, technology (including AI, blockchain, and the metaverse), and societal shifts, As the author at Sarvgyan News, Shikha has demonstrated expertise in crafting engaging and informative content tailored for various audiences, including students, educators, and professionals.
