Crypto Gets a New Chance in US Retirement Plans

The U.S. Department of Labor has drafted a rule that could allow 401(k) plans to include crypto and other digital assets. The proposal offers a “safe harbor” for plan managers who adhere to strict checks on fees, liquidity, and risk—an extension of President Trump’s 2022 push to broaden retirement investment options.

Current Landscape

• Only ~4 % of defined‑contribution plans provide alternative investments.
• A mere 0.1 % of plan assets are in these categories.
• Total 401(k) value exceeds $10 trillion, yet the crypto‑eligible slice remains tiny.
• The new rule removes uncertainty introduced by prior administration guidance.

Fiduciary Safeguards

• Managers must document a clear evaluation process covering:
• Performance
• Fees
• Valuation
• Successful documentation shields them from lawsuits, replacing the previously stringent “extreme care” standard.

Open Questions

• Will retirees actually invest in crypto via 401(k)s?
• The rule may spur experimentation but will also test the manageability of digital assets in a retirement setting.