Key Takeaways:Trump’s executive order directs the Labor Department to allow crypto in 401(k) and retirement plans.U.S. retirement assets total over $43T, with $12T in defined-contribution plans.Analysts say Bitcoin is most likely to benefit near-term due to institutional readiness.Altcoins could follow, but only after regulatory clarity and product infrastructure matures.Experts say the order’s success hinges on execution, qualified asset rules, and custodial standards.Critics, including Peter Schiff, warn of increased risk to already underfunded retirement accounts.Bitcoin may be the first major winner following U.S. President Donald Trump’s new executive order, which opens the door for cryptocurrencies to be included in Americans’ 401(k) retirement plans — a shift with long-term implications for capital flows and institutional acceptance.Signed on Thursday, the order directs the U.S. Labor Department to reevaluate and relax current restrictions on including alternative assets like crypto, private equity, and real estate in defined-contribution plans such as 401(k)s.As of Q1 2025, U.S. retirement assets totaled $43.4 trillion, including $8.7 trillion in 401(k)s, according to data from the Investment Company Institute and Federal Reserve Board. With just a fraction of that capital potentially flowing into Bitcoin, the move could reshape the market.Bitcoin Poised to Lead AdoptionCrypto industry leaders welcomed the news but emphasized that Bitcoin is likely to benefit first, given its dominant regulatory standing and institutional readiness.“Bitcoin will be the first asset integrated into regulated pension products,” said Joshua Krüger, head of growth at the dEURO Association.“Firms like BlackRock, Fidelity, and Franklin Templeton already have compliant offerings ready.”Other analysts agreed that Bitcoin’s track record, liquidity, and ETF integration position it as the default crypto for inclusion in retirement portfolios.A Trickle That Could Turn Into a WaveAccording to Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan, retirement contributions could provide a “slow, steady, consistent bid” that stabilizes and matures the crypto market.“Crypto has been the best-performing asset class of the past decade,” Hougan noted.“Including it in 401(k)s just makes sense for long-term investors.”CCI CEO Ji Hun Kim added that the executive order affirms digital assets’ growing legitimacy in the U.S. financial system.“Americans should have the opportunity to include crypto in their retirement strategies,” he said.“This is another step toward making the U.S. the crypto capital of the world.”Altcoins May Follow—With a LagWhile Bitcoin is the near-term frontrunner, analysts say altcoins could benefit in the medium term — once they meet the requirements for regulated financial products, transparent standards, and institutional trust.“Altcoins need durable structures, regulation, and clear investment frameworks,” said Krüger.“Until then, Bitcoin remains the gateway.”ZIGChain co-founder Abdul Rafay Gadit said the executive order lays the groundwork for scalable tokenized investment vehicles, especially when paired with broader regulatory efforts under SEC Chairman Atkins.Execution Will Determine ImpactStill, some voices cautioned that the real effect of the executive order will depend heavily on how it’s implemented — including asset qualification, custody solutions, and risk guardrails.“This could be a watershed moment,” said 0G Labs CEO Michael Heinrich.“Done right, it unlocks trillions. Done poorly, it invites political and financial backlash.”Tezos co-founder Arthur Breitman expressed support but warned that private and illiquid assets often underperform in practice, citing problems with fees, pricing opacity, and manager manipulation.Trump’s executive order marks a major policy pivot that could funnel a portion of America’s $43T retirement capital into crypto — with Bitcoin positioned as the earliest beneficiary. But for the move to reshape financial markets meaningfully, execution, regulation, and investor education will be critical, according to Cointelegraph.
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