Bitcoin is flirting with the $117,000 mark after reports surfaced that former U.S. President Donald Trump is preparing to sign a major executive order allowing cryptocurrencies and other alternative assets into 401(k) retirement plans.19
The proposal, aimed at reshaping how Americans invest for retirement, would direct the Department of Labor to revisit existing restrictions under ERISA—rules that have historically excluded digital assets, real estate, and private equity from most workplace retirement portfolios.
TRUMP WILL SIGN AN EXECUTIVE ORDER THURSDAY THAT AIMS TO ALLOW PRIVATE EQUITY, REAL ESTATE, CRYPTOCURRENCY & OTHER ALTERNATIVE ASSETS IN 401(K)S- BLOOMBERG NEWS - RTRS
— Tree News (@TreeNewsFeed) August 7, 2025
If signed, the order would instruct the Labor Department to coordinate with agencies like the SEC and Treasury to ease regulatory hurdles. This could pave the way for crypto to enter a $12.5 trillion retirement market that has long been walled off from such assets.
“Insanely bullish for crypto!” wrote analyst Lark Davis on X, echoing the excitement across financial circles.
The move would mark a sharp policy reversal from Biden-era guidance, which warned plan administrators about exposing savers to crypto volatility. Trump’s approach, in contrast, leans heavily into deregulation and greater investor freedom.
However, legal experts urge caution. Retirement plan administrators could face lawsuits over crypto’s high fees, liquidity issues, and inherent volatility. The Department of Labor has previously raised concerns about fiduciary responsibilities and the unpredictable nature of digital assets.
Still, proponents argue that it’s time for 401(k)s to evolve. With private equity markets booming and traditional public markets shrinking, limiting investment options feels outdated. If approved, the order could open doors for middle-class Americans to participate in markets once reserved for institutions and high-net-worth individuals.
Beyond retirement savings, Bitcoin is quietly gaining ground in real estate as well. A new pilot program is testing BTC-backed mortgages, enabling crypto holders to use their digital assets as collateral for home loans. While promising, this frontier also comes with regulatory scrutiny and tighter lending terms.
Trump’s plan could reshape how Americans build wealth and retirement security—offering both a shot of adrenaline to the crypto market and a potential shake-up in U.S. financial regulation.
