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Trump to Direct 401(k) Market to Include Crypto and Private Equity

"The directive [will instruct] federal regulators -- including the [DOL], the [SEC], and the Treasury Department -- to revise existing guidance under [ERISA] and create new pathways for defined contribution plans to include alternative assets.... Under the new framework, fiduciaries will no longer be subject to a more restrictive standard when evaluating crypto or private assets. Instead, they will be required to apply the same prudence standard to all investments, aligning with ERISA's principles-based approach . This shift is expected to lower legal barriers and encourage more plan administrators to include alternative assets in their offerings."

The SEC's Pro-Crypto Shift and Its Implications for 401(k) Integration

The SEC"s 2025 crypto regulatory reforms clarify staking, stablecoins, and custody rules ... 401(k) integration gains momentum as Fidelity and major asset managers launch crypto retirement options, supported by improved custody solutions.... ERISA fiduciaries face risks from high volatility and evolving regulations."

Private Equity in 401(k)s: A Regulatory Crossroads for Retirement Savings?

"U.S. regulators (SEC/DOL) and lawmakers are advancing proposals to allow private equity in 401(k) plans ... Retail investors face existential risks compared to institutional peers, with fees 67x higher than index funds and no capacity to absorb illiquidity. Experts urge savers to demand transparency, limit exposure, and advocate for ERISA-aligned regulations prioritizing pecuniary investor protections."