Yeliz Akmaca 
Nine members of the U.S. Congress have sent a letter to Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair Paul Atkins, urging swift implementation of President Donald Trump’s recently issued crypto-focused executive order. The order aims to expand access to cryptocurrencies and other alternative investments within 401(k) retirement plans.
Lawmakers Call on SEC to Take Action
Among the signatories are French Hill and Ann Wagner. The lawmakers are asking the SEC to work with the Department of Labor to update current regulations and ensure that alternative assets, particularly cryptocurrencies, can be included in 401(k) plans.
In their letter, the lawmakers highlighted that existing restrictions prevent approximately 90 million Americans from investing in crypto, and lifting these limits could strengthen retirement options. This initiative supports Trump’s August 2025 executive order titled “Democratizing Access to Alternative Assets for 401(k) Investors.”
Crypto Inclusion in 401(k) Plans and Potential Impact
Experts estimate that implementing the order could channel around $93 billion into 401(k) plans with just a 1% crypto allocation. This amount exceeds total investments in Bitcoin ETFs since January 2024.
Some public pension funds have already begun crypto exposure. For example, the Michigan State Retirement System purchased $10.7 million in the ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF and holds 460,000 shares of the Grayscale Ethereum Trust (ETHE). Conversely, the Wisconsin State Investment Board sold its holdings in BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF.
Implementation and Expectations
The executive order directs the SEC and the Department of Labor to create regulations that facilitate access to alternative assets within 401(k) plans. This process also involves reviewing definitions for accredited investors and qualified purchasers.
Lawmakers believe these changes will help millions of Americans diversify their retirement portfolios with potentially higher-yield investments. Even a modest crypto allocation could have a significant impact on long-term investment strategies.
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