Donald Trump has signed an executive order that changes the way Americans can invest their retirement savings. The move allows 401(k) accounts, a $9 trillion market, to include cryptocurrency, private equity, and other alternative assets such as real estate deals.
This decision is expected to expand the growth of alternative investments while introducing new risks to millions of US workers.
Expanding Beyond Traditional Investments
For decades, most 401(k) plans have stuck to stocks, bonds, and low-cost index funds like those tracking the S&P 500. Trump’s order now directs federal regulators to review existing rules, clearing the way for professionally managed funds to add these alternative options.
This shift could help diversify retirement portfolios, offering exposure to markets once reserved for institutional investors. However, it also brings challenges such as higher fees, less liquidity, and greater exposure to market swings.
Crypto’s Place in Retirement Savings
Cryptocurrencies have gained mainstream attention over the past decade, with prices reaching record highs at times but also facing sharp downturns. Trump’s order reflects his push to bring digital assets further into the US financial system.
“The vast majority of these investors do not have the chance to participate in the growth and diversification potential linked with alternative asset investments,” Trump stated in the order.
He noted that current retirement plan options often limit savers to assets with fewer long-term benefits than those enjoyed by institutional investors.
A Boost for Private Capital
The decision is also a win for private equity firms, which have been searching for fresh capital sources as traditional funding from pension plans and endowments slows. Firms like Blackstone, KKR, and Apollo view 401(k) access as a potential windfall, with the sector anticipating hundreds of billions of dollars in new investments.
Several major firms, including BlackRock and Partners Group, have already formed partnerships with 401(k) plan administrators to prepare for these changes. This order could accelerate those efforts.
Political and Industry Backing
Industry insiders suggest cryptocurrency’s popularity in Trump’s Washington may have helped push the order through. While private equity has long lobbied for 401(k) access, digital assets provided the momentum needed to secure approval.
Lobbying from private capital groups intensified after the Biden administration signaled plans to limit these investments. With Trump’s backing, the industry now has the regulatory environment it has long sought.
Addressing Legal Concerns
Until now, 401(k) managers have been hesitant to offer private equity or crypto exposure, citing fears of lawsuits. High costs, difficult valuations, and leverage risks have all fueled their caution.
Trump’s executive action directs the Department of Labor to issue updated guidance, including safe harbor rules to shield fiduciaries from some legal exposure. The measure doesn’t alter existing law, but it could make litigation less frequent.
Impact on US Retirement Planning
This represents a notable pivot in retirement planning. By opening the door to alternative assets, policymakers are signaling confidence that diversification may improve returns in the long run.
However, the volatility of digital currencies and the complexity of private equity investments mean workers and plan managers must approach these options with caution.
The decision also reflects a broader deregulatory trend under Trump, which included easing restrictions on cryptocurrency trading and loosening banking regulations. His family has substantial holdings in companies tied to digital assets, and several top industry figures have been strong political supporters.
What Retirement Savers Should Watch
As these new investment options roll out, retirement savers will need to consider:
1. Risk tolerance – Crypto and private equity can deliver higher returns but also larger losses.
2. Fees and costs – Alternative investments often carry higher management fees than traditional funds.
3. Liquidity – Selling private equity or certain crypto assets can be more difficult than selling stocks or bonds.
4. Long-term strategy – These assets may work best as part of a diversified plan, not as a primary holding.
Shaping the Future of Retirement Funds
With this order, retirement plans may no longer be limited to stocks and bonds traded on public exchanges. Some see this as an overdue opportunity to give ordinary investors exposure to assets that have fueled institutional portfolios. Others argue it could expose retirement savers to risks they don’t fully understand.
While the Department of Labor works on the details, the financial industry and retirement investors remain alert. The policy has the potential to redefine the structure of U.S. retirement planning and create a template that future leaders may adopt—or challenge.