President Trump Signs Executive Order Regarding Alternative Assets in 401(k)s - Articles

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Posted by: Jarod Word on Aug 12, 2025

President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order that will allow alternative assets in 401(k) plans. The order instructs the Department of Labor to issue guidance for employers and administrators on incorporating real estate, cryptocurrencies, private market investments and other resources into these retirement plans. While the order does not change policy, it is a bellwether on the administration's priorities, and aligns with a letter in Trump’s first term telling plan fiduciaries that private equity may be part of a “prudent investment mix” in managed asset allocations, according to CNBC. Defined-contribution workplace plans held $12.2 trillion as of the end of the first quarter of 2025, with around $8.7 trillion held in 401(k)s.