Trump’s Crypto 401(k) Plan Sparks Lawmaker Support, SEC In Spotlight
Reports have disclosed {that a} bipartisan group of lawmakers has requested the Securities and Exchange Commission to act quickly on an govt order from US President Donald Trump that might open 401(ok) plans to various belongings, together with cryptocurrencies.
The govt order was signed on August 7, 2025 and directs federal regulators to look at guidelines which have saved many retirement savers out of personal markets.
Lawmakers Press SEC For Swift Action
In a letter despatched on September 22, 9 House members led by Representative French Hill and Rep. Ann Wagner requested SEC Chair Paul Atkins to offer “swift help” in implementing the president’s directive.
The lawmakers requested the SEC to work with the Department of Labor to make clear how participant-directed defined-contribution plans may provide entry to personal fairness, actual property and digital belongings whereas nonetheless defending employees.
NEW: Chairman @RepFrenchHill, @RepAnnWagner, @RepFrankLucas, @Rep_Davidson, @RepStutzman, @RepGarbarino, @RepMikeLawler, @RepTroyDowning and @RepHaridopolos despatched a letter to @SECGov Chair Atkins supporting @POTUS‘ latest EO permitting 401(ok) traders to entry various belongings… pic.twitter.com/oIJ2kWavUg
— Financial Services GOP (@FinancialCmte) September 22, 2025
Labor Rule Change Removes A Big Roadblock
The backdrop to the push is a change on the Department of Labor. In late May the DOL withdrew a 2022 steerage that had warned plan fiduciaries to make use of “excessive care” earlier than including cryptocurrency to 401(k) menus.
That pullback left the division in a impartial stance and elevated strain on the SEC to put out clearer guidelines for the way such choices could possibly be provided.
Potential Market Scale Is Huge
Based on reports, the US defined-contribution market holds roughly $12 trillion and covers greater than 90 million Americans. That means even a small allocation to crypto may signify giant greenback flows.
Analysts and trade items have identified {that a} 1% allocation throughout a really giant pool would translate into billions of {dollars} shifting into crypto-related merchandise. Plan sponsors and fund managers are already watching the maths.
Cautions From Lawyers And Some Analysts Remain
Other observers stress danger. Critics say cryptocurrencies are unstable and pose record-keeping, valuation and custody challenges which might be totally different from shares and bonds.
Some consultants warn that including these belongings to plans with out clear guardrails may expose plan sponsors to authorized and monetary danger. Reports present a mixture of optimism and warning throughout the trade.
Featured picture from Nasdaq, chart from TradingView
