Bitcoin price surges as Trump considers allowing cryptocurrency in pension plans
August 8, 2025
The cryptocurrency market experienced a surge on Thursday as anticipation grew over an upcoming executive order set to be signed by US President Donald Trump. This order is expected to permit 401k pension plans to include alternative assets such as bitcoin. As a result, bitcoin’s price rose by 1.7% and surpassed the $116,000 threshold, having previously reached highs over $122,000 in recent weeks due to the US government’s favorable stance on cryptocurrencies.
Additionally, Ethereum, the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, also saw a significant increase of more than 6%, reaching approximately $3,830. According to reports from Reuters, Trump’s executive order, scheduled to be signed at 12:00 pm ET on Thursday, will task the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) with facilitating the integration of alternative assets into various retirement accounts, including 401k plans.
The potential implementation of this order signifies a substantial change in the landscape of retirement investments. It marks a departure from the conventional investment options typically offered to 401k participants, which primarily consist of stock or bond funds and index products. By introducing a more diverse range of investment opportunities, including speculative and less liquid assets, the retirement industry is poised to undergo a transformation.
Leading investment firms such as BlackRock and KKR have expressed their support for expanding the scope of retirement investment options. BlackRock’s chairman, Larry Fink, highlighted the potential benefits of including private assets like real estate and infrastructure in retirement accounts. Fink emphasized that these assets have the capacity to enhance returns for investors and provide a level of protection during periods of market volatility.
The endorsement from industry giants like BlackRock and KKR underscores the growing acceptance of alternative assets within the investment community. Fink further emphasized the importance of increasing transparency surrounding private assets and dispelling any misconceptions regarding their legality and advantages within retirement portfolios.
The impending executive order and the subsequent changes it is expected to bring about in the retirement investment landscape have garnered significant interest and support from various stakeholders. As the cryptocurrency market continues to evolve, the integration of alternative assets into retirement accounts represents a notable development that could potentially reshape the traditional approach to retirement investment strategies.
