A United States Representative, Troy Downing, has introduced the Retirement Investment Choice Act, a bill to turn the U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive order into law, allowing Americans to include alternative assets, including cryptocurrencies, in their 401(k) retirement plans.
The legislation aims to codify Trump’s Executive Order 14330 issued on August 7, aiming to give all Americans saving for retirement access to investments beyond traditional stocks and bonds, provided it aligns with plan fiduciary guidelines.
Alternative assets gain ground
Alternative assets cover a wide range of options, including real estate, commodities, private market investments, infrastructure projects, lifetime income strategies, and digital assets, all managed through active investment vehicles.
By introducing the bill to the House Financial Services Committee, Downing hopes to give Executive Order 14330 permanent legal backing. Unlike an executive order, which can be reversed by future administrations or courts, a law would ensure long-term stability.
The bill mandates the Department of Labor (DOL) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to revisit and streamline regulations that currently restrict such investments. It also directs both agencies to reexamine guidance issued under the Biden Administration in 2021 that limited alternative asset exposure in 401(k) plans
Congressman Downing said, “I applaud President Trump for his leadership to democratize finance and am proud to be leading the effort in Congress to codify his EO and enshrine this move for generations to come.”
Representatives Byron Donalds (FL-19), Warren Davidson (OH-08), Marlin Stutzman (IN-03), Buddy Carter (GA-01), and Barry Moore (AL-01) joined Downing as original cosponsors of the legislation. The American Securities Association (ASA) expressed strong support, describing the proposal as a step toward “expanding investment opportunities for every American retirement saver and retiree.”
Crypto-friendly shift sparks interest
The bill’s introduction comes amid growing momentum to integrate cryptocurrencies into retirement accounts. In September, nine US lawmakers urged the SEC to speed up implementation of the order, enabling nearly 90 million Americans to access alternative assets.
Supporters like André Dragosch, the European Research Head at Bitwise believe that the introduction of crypto in 401(k)s would catalyze the growth of Bitcoin and bring in billions of dollars in new funds.
Risks and neutral perspective
Although the proposal is a thrill to crypto supporters, financial experts caution that putting retirement funds in digital assets is risky because of volatility and regulatory unpredictability.
The advent of crypto has the potential to change the investment environment since US legislators are thinking of how to modernize retirement savings, but regulation will be required to protect long-term investors.