White House Reviews Rule Allowing Crypto and Bitcoin in 401(k) Retirement Plans

The White House's Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs has begun its final review of a Department of Labor proposed rule allowing cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, in 401(k) retirement plans. Originating from an executive order by President Donald Trump, the initiative directs the department to establish guidelines for adding digital assets and private equity to retirement portfolios. The framework seeks to clarify fiduciary standards regarding fee transparency, performance, and diversification, reversing previous Biden administration guidance that discouraged crypto allocations. While the rule would permit digital assets, it does not mandate employers to offer them.