Key takeaways
Trump's forthcoming executive order could open the $9 trillion US retirement market to Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
The order aims to give 401(k) providers legal protection when offering crypto investment options.
Major asset managers like BlackRock and Apollo are reportedly developing crypto retirement products in anticipation of regulatory clarity.
Financial providers may move cautiously, but the regulatory shift signals growing mainstream acceptance of digital assets.
If you’ve spent decades building your nest egg the traditional way, through your 401(k), stocks, bonds, and maybe a little gold, then you’re not alone. According to Gallup, about six in 10 Americans have a well-defined retirement plan. But change may be on the horizon.
US President Donald Trump is preparing to sign an executive order that could open the doors for Bitcoin (BTC) and other cryptocurrencies to enter the $9 trillion US retirement market.
Now, if the word Bitcoin sounds like something from a sci-fi movie or a fad for tech-savvy youngsters, don’t worry, you’re not alone. But here’s the thing: Bitcoin and other digital assets are becoming more mainstream, and this new executive order could make it easier and legally safer for Americans to include them in their retirement portfolios.
This guide will walk you through what this executive order is, what it means for your savings and how you could legally and securely invest in Bitcoin through your 401(k).
What’s in Trump’s $9 trillion executive order?
Trump is preparing to sign an executive order that could change how Americans save for retirement. This executive order is part of a broader pro-crypto strategy that aligns with what he has called his mission to “bring financial freedom back to the people.”
According to the Financial Times, the executive order would direct Washington regulatory agencies to explore the best course of action for 401(k) plans to begin investing in cryptocurrency and examine any remaining barriers to making it a reality.
The order will also direct the US Department of Labor to update the rules regarding the types of assets that can be included in retirement accounts. Currently, most 401(k) plans limit your choices to things such as mutual funds, stocks, bonds and sometimes gold. But this order could open the door to what are called alternative assets, including cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.
The order is also expected to encourage employers and plan providers to offer more flexible investment options, without fearing legal trouble for stepping outside the traditional menu of funds. Of course, this doesn’t mean your 401(k) will suddenly be full of Bitcoin overnight. The details still need to be worked out, and financial providers may move cautiously.
Why Bitcoin in your 401(k) matters
Crypto is no longer just a side bet for tech bros and Reddit threads. It’s a trillion-dollar industry, and Bitcoin has earned its stripes as “digital gold”. Allowing Bitcoin in retirement plans means millions of Americans could start dollar-cost averaging (DCA) into BTC every paycheck, without needing to open a separate crypto exchange account.
And this isn’t just theoretical. In May, Trump’s Labor Department reversed a Biden-era policy that discouraged 401(k) providers from offering crypto. That move paved the way for this order and showed that the administration was preparing the foundation.
Did you know? If the order is passed, the savings plan may not include just Bitcoin, but potentially stablecoin investment 401(k) products too.
How to add Bitcoin to your retirement plan
If the Trump $9 trillion Bitcoin retirement order goes into effect, what would you need to do to add Bitcoin to your 401(k)?
Here’s a simplified step-by-step guide to add crypto to your retirement plan:
Step 1: Check with your employer or plan provider
Not all 401(k) plans will offer crypto right away. Your provider, whether it’s Fidelity, Vanguard, or another, has to enable this option first. Look out for announcements or updated plan menus.
Step 2: Review the crypto options
When reviewing the options, you might see direct Bitcoin exposure, a BlackRock Bitcoin retirement fund or exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Some providers may offer a digital asset sleeve in a managed portfolio.
Step 3: Decide on allocation
Crypto is volatile. Starting small may introduce you to the digital assets while providing more long-term growth.
According to VanEck’s study, a strategic allocation of up to 6% in crypto, within a traditional 60/40 portfolio, provides the highest risk-adjusted returns, while risk-tolerant investors may benefit from crypto allocations as high as 20%.
Step 4: Opt in and monitor
Once available, you’ll be able to allocate part of your 401(k) into Bitcoin, just like you would with stocks or bonds.
Step 5: Understand the tax benefits
If the Trump crypto tax-free law is passed in parallel, it could mean tax exemptions on small crypto transactions or specific types of retirement contributions.
What Trump’s $9 trillion executive order means for the future of retirement
The retirement world has long been dominated by the old guard: stocks, bonds and a handful of mutual funds. A Bitcoin retirement account could soon be a reality in the US, designed to be both compliant and integrated into existing infrastructure.
Legislators from North Carolina filed proposals in the House and Senate in March 2025 that would allow the state treasurer to invest up to 5% of several state retirement funds in cryptocurrencies.
According to the Financial Times, big asset managers like Blackstone, Apollo and BlackRock have been preparing for this moment. They’ve already struck partnerships and developed products designed for retirement plans, waiting for the green light.
According to a Bitget Research report, the public is open to diversification, revealing that up to 20% of Gen Z and Alpha are amenable to getting pensions in cryptocurrency.
One reason crypto hasn’t made it into most retirement plans is risk; fiduciaries feared getting sued if crypto went sideways. Trump’s order is expected to include a “legal safe harbor,” meaning these administrators won’t be held liable for offering Bitcoin.
This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.