President Donald Trump has signed a historic executive order that will allow cryptocurrencies and alternative assetsinto US 401(k) retirement plans for the first time — a move expected to fundamentally reshape long-term wealth building strategies and ripple through global capital markets.
The announcement unlocks access to the $9 trillion US retirement market, historically limited to equities and bonds, by revising investment rules and encouraging retirement plan providers to include digital assets and private equity among investment options.
“This is a defining moment not just for crypto, but for the entire future of finance,” said Nigel Green, CEO of international wealth and asset management firm deVere Group.
“The world’s largest economy is saying, in effect, that digital assets now belong in the core of long-term wealth strategies. This has global implications.”
The executive order instructs US regulators to reassess and modernise longstanding restrictions on 401(k) investment options. Until now, these employer-sponsored plans — used by over 90 million Americans — have been unable to offer crypto exposure, despite mounting investor interest and the surging value of digital currencies in 2025.
“This order breaks the psychological and regulatory barrier that’s kept crypto in a sandbox. Now it’s mainstage,” said Green.
Analysts believe that even a modest allocation of 1–2% to crypto within retirement portfolios could trigger hundreds of billions of dollars in inflows, further accelerating the institutionalisation of digital assets.
The executive order also establishes the American Manufacturing and Investment Programme, which aims to promote US-based blockchain innovation and capital formation, with a focus on digital asset infrastructure.
While the US leads the way, other jurisdictions may now feel pressure to follow suit. In Europe, regulators are reportedly under growing pressure to revisit pension directives and modernise retirement frameworks. In Asia, where crypto adoption is already advanced, investors and governments are watching the US move closely.
“The floodgates are opening,” said Green. “Retirement savings are among the most conservative asset pools. If crypto can earn its place there, it can earn its place anywhere.”
The policy shift comes during a record-breaking year for digital currencies, with Bitcoin hitting all-time highs, fuelled by fresh sovereign interest, institutional demand, and favourable regulatory momentum.
Meanwhile, large firms — including pension managers and sovereign wealth funds — are increasingly seeking inflation-hedged, high-growth assets as traditional portfolios struggle with volatility and geopolitical uncertainty.
“Investors want exposure to the future. They don’t want to miss out,” Green added. “This move allows them to build that exposure inside their most important financial vehicles — with guidance and safeguards.”
While Trump’s order follows years of lobbying by digital asset firms, insiders suggest that the inclusion of crypto specifically was the tipping point that helped push the reforms through.
The announcement signals a deeper political embrace of crypto — a sharp contrast to earlier US policy under successive administrations which often focused on restrictive enforcement and regulation.
Trump has previously expressed both admiration and frustration with the crypto industry, but this move places the US president at the forefront of global crypto integration.
While the executive order opens new investment frontiers, it also brings new responsibilities for plan providers, advisors, and investors. Crypto markets remain volatile, and investment risk must be carefully managed — particularly in retirement portfolios where stability is prized.
However, with proper diversification, education, and professional oversight, industry leaders argue that the long-term benefits outweigh the risks.
“Crypto is no longer just an option for speculative traders or hedge funds,” said Green. “It’s becoming part of the financial DNA of today’s world.”
Jamie Young
Jamie is Senior Reporter at Business Matters, bringing over a decade of experience in UK SME business reporting.
Jamie holds a degree in Business Administration and regularly participates in industry conferences and workshops.
When not reporting on the latest business developments, Jamie is passionate about mentoring up-and-coming journalists and entrepreneurs to inspire the next generation of business leaders.
