Trump Aims to Disrupt $9 Trillion Retirement Market with Crypto Push: Financial Times
Brace for impact—Washington's playing with retirement fire.
The $9 trillion retirement market could soon get a volatile new asset class, courtesy of a Trump-backed crypto overhaul. The Financial Times reports the former president's team is drafting plans to let 401(k)s and IRAs dive into digital assets.
Wall Street's compliance officers just got migraines.
This isn't just about Bitcoin ETFs anymore. We're talking direct exposure—imagine pension funds chasing the next memecoin pump. The proposal would force legacy custodians like Fidelity to build crypto rails for Main Street's nest eggs.
Proponents call it 'democratization.' Skeptics see a taxpayer-funded casino. Either way, the SEC's rulebook just got interesting.
One hedge fund manager quipped: 'Finally, retirees can lose money at blockchain speed.' Welcome to financial innovation—where every disruptive idea needs a bailout clause.
Trump to sign executive order for crypto to join 401(k) retirement plan
US President Donald Trump is reportedly preparing to sign an executive order that WOULD pave the way for 401(k) accounts to invest in cryptocurrencies, according to a Financial Times report on Thursday.
The order would allegedly allow for the provision of digital assets, precious metals such as gold, and private loans in retirement plans to serve as alternatives to the traditional portfolio of stocks and bonds.
"President Trump is committed to restoring prosperity for everyday Americans and safeguarding their economic future. No decisions should be deemed official, however, unless they come from President Trump himself," Financial Times stated, citing WHITE House officials.
The report notes that the order will instruct regulators to identify and remove obstacles that prevent professionally managed retirement plans from adding crypto. The Department of Labor reversed a rule in May that prohibited Bitcoin and other digital assets in retirement plans.
The latest development adds to a series of reforms surrounding crypto among federal bodies, which are restructuring operations to align with the Trump administration's goal of making the US the global crypto capital.
The FHFA directed federal housing agencies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to consider integrating crypto for mortgage-related services in June.
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) also stated in March that national banks are permitted to engage in certain crypto activities, including custody, some stablecoin activities, and participation in distributed ledger networks.
Meanwhile, crypto regulations have seen progress in the US, as House lawmakers passed three landmark pieces of legislation, including the GENIUS, CLARITY, and Anti-CBDC Surveillance bills.
The GENIUS bill heads to President Trump's desk for the presidential signature as the first-ever crypto legislation in the US. The CLARITY and Anti-CBDC bills will MOVE to the Senate for deliberation and final votes.
Top cryptocurrencies, such as bitcoin and Ethereum, could benefit from the order, as it could further enhance their institutional appeal.
