Trump Moves to Add Crypto and Gold to Retirement Plans: Why This Radical Shift Could Change How Americans Save for Retirement
Former President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order that will allow Americans to include digital currencies, gold, private equity, and other nontraditional assets in their 401(k) retirement plans. This could be a game changer for nearly $9 trillion in retirement savings.
In This Article:
- The Executive Order Would Let 401(k) Investors Buy Crypto, Gold, and More
- From Tight Controls to a Changing Landscape: Regulators, Congress, and the States Move on Digital Assets
- Investment Giants Could Benefit, But Legal Hurdles Remain for 401(k) Alternatives
- Supporters Say Adding Crypto and Gold to Retirement Plans Will Modernize American Savings
The Executive Order Would Let 401(k) Investors Buy Crypto, Gold, and More
Trump’s new executive order would tell federal agencies to rewrite the rules for retirement plans. As a result, employers and 401(k) managers could soon have clear instructions to add crypto and gold to investment choices. For the first time, average savers may be allowed to invest in alternative assets like Bitcoin and private-market funds.
From Tight Controls to a Changing Landscape: Regulators, Congress, and the States Move on Digital Assets
Earlier, federal regulators and the Biden administration discouraged cryptocurrencies in retirement plans. But Trump’s executive order, following a recent policy reversal by the Department of Labor, could build momentum for change. Even states like Michigan and Wisconsin are now revealing crypto ETF holdings in public pensions, showing a new level of acceptance for digital assets.
Investment Giants Could Benefit, But Legal Hurdles Remain for 401(k) Alternatives
Major firms such as Apollo Global Management and Blackstone are ready to offer private equity and other alternatives if the rules become clearer. However, fees and legal risks worry some employers, and lawmakers are split on whether these risky assets belong in retirement accounts. Regulatory clarity and possibly new laws from Congress may be required to expand these choices widely.
Supporters Say Adding Crypto and Gold to Retirement Plans Will Modernize American Savings
Advocates argue this executive order reflects changing times and could help retirement savers diversify. Industry leaders compare this shift to the early days of 401(k) plans, hoping it will create more growth opportunities for the next generation of investors.
