Employers would have to decide to offer the plans — and experts anticipate many might be reluctant, as they could be held liable for losses.

The 401 (k) market totaled $8.7 trillion in assets in the first quarter of 2025, according to the Investment Company Institute. “This move effectively opens access to Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies for retirement investors,” said James Butterfill, head of research at CoinShares, another crypto asset manager.

Under a new executive order signed by President Trump, workers could add higher-risk assets like cryptocurrencies to their 401(k)s.