Trump Signs Executive Orders Boosting Crypto Access in Retirement Plans

President Trump made major moves for the cryptocurrency industry this week, signing two executive orders that could reshape how Americans invest in and bank with digital assets.

These actions mark the latest steps in Trump’s broader push to position the United States as a global leader in cryptocurrency adoption.

New Rules Allow Crypto in 401(k) Retirement Plans

The first executive order directs the Department of Labor to create pathways for cryptocurrency, private equity, and alternative assets in 401(k) retirement plans.

This change could give millions of American workers access to Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital currencies through their employer-sponsored retirement accounts.

The order specifically instructs the Securities and Exchange Commission to work with the Treasury Secretary to make these investments more accessible.

The SEC must consider revising regulations around accredited investor status and qualified purchaser requirements to meet this goal.

This represents a complete reversal from the previous administration’s stance. Under Biden, the Labor Department actively discouraged retirement plan managers from offering crypto investments, citing concerns about volatility and inexperienced investors making poor decisions.

Industry experts see this as a significant opportunity. Gerry O’Shea from Hashdex called it a chance for retirement plan sponsors to work with digital asset experts on appropriate exposure levels and smart product development.

Trump Targets “Unfair Banking” Practices Against Crypto Companies

The second executive order tackles what critics call “Operation Choke Point 2.0″—alleged efforts by federal regulators to pressure banks into cutting ties with crypto businesses.

President Trump is taking bold steps to ensure Operation Chokepoint 2.0 never happens again. Thank you, @POTUS, for bringing the digital asset industry back to the United States.🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/8tiDGtqwBB

— Senator Cynthia Lummis (@SenLummis) August 7, 2025

The order removes “reputational risk” as grounds for increased regulatory oversight of financial institutions.

Federal regulators had used reputational risk assessments to scrutinize banks working with crypto companies.

This practice effectively pushed many banks to avoid the digital asset industry entirely, making it difficult for legitimate crypto businesses to access basic banking services.

The Federal Reserve, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation had already pledged to stop using reputational risk in their evaluations. Trump’s executive order now makes this policy official across all federal agencies.

Republican lawmakers praised both orders, with House Financial Services Committee Chair French Hill calling them important steps toward protecting Americans from politically motivated financial discrimination.

These executive orders continue Trump’s crypto-friendly agenda, following previous actions to create a strategic Bitcoin reserve and promote U.S. leadership in digital assets.