US Labor Department Proposes Rule Allowing 401(k) Fiduciaries to Invest in Cryptocurrencies

The U.S. Department of Labor has released a proposed rule that would give 401(k) fiduciaries a safe harbor when considering alternative investments, including funds that invest in cryptocurrencies.

The proposal aims to expand access to alternative assets in 401(k) plans, as directed by President Trump last year.

According to the Labor Department, Americans held roughly $10.1 trillion in 401(k) plans as of the end of 2025, with only 4% of defined contribution plans offering alternative investments and just 0.1% of assets allocated to them.