SEC Chair Paul Atkins Says Time Is Right for Crypto in 401(k) Retirement Plans

TLDR

• SEC Chair Paul Atkins says “the time is right” for 401(k) plans to include cryptocurrency with proper guardrails to protect retirees.
• CFTC Chair Michael Selig predicts digital assets will “flourish” under upcoming U.S. market structure rules.
• Senate Agriculture Committee advanced a draft crypto market structure bill that expands CFTC oversight and clarifies boundaries with the SEC.
• President Trump signed an executive order in August 2025 allowing crypto investments in 401(k) plans, opening access to a $10 trillion market.
• U.S. regulators aim to establish national standards to bring blockchain companies back from offshore and make America the premier hub for digital assets.

SEC Chair Paul Atkins told CNBC that the time has come for 401(k) retirement plans to include cryptocurrency. He stressed that this should happen in a measured way with guardrails to protect retirees.

CFTC Chair Michael Selig joined Atkins in the interview and predicted that digital assets will flourish under new U.S. regulations. The two leaders spoke as the Senate Agriculture Committee worked on a draft crypto market structure bill.

The committee took less than an hour to advance the legislation to the full Senate. The bill would expand the CFTC’s role in overseeing crypto markets and clarify oversight boundaries with the SEC.

Atkins pointed out that many people already have exposure to crypto through their pension funds. He said moving forward with broader crypto inclusion makes sense at this point.

The Department of Labor previously warned that fiduciaries should exercise extreme care before adding cryptocurrency to 401(k) investment menus. This cautious stance reflected concerns about the risks associated with digital assets.

President Donald Trump changed this landscape in August 2025 when he signed an executive order. The order allows crypto investments in 401(k) retirement plans.

Opening Access to Trillions

This executive order opened the gates for a $10 trillion market to flow into the asset class. The White House said at the time that alternative assets like digital assets offer competitive returns and diversification benefits.

Selig described the crypto industry as being at a pivotal moment with regulations close to approval. He outlined an optimistic future for digital assets in America.

The CFTC chair said blockchain technology has been around for about 15 years. He noted it is transforming how markets develop within the commission’s oversight area.

Many blockchain companies moved offshore due to lack of regulatory clarity in the U.S. Selig emphasized the need to bring these companies back to American shores.

He expressed confidence that collaboration between the SEC and CFTC will finalize national rules. These rules will allow the asset class to flourish in America.

Setting the Gold Standard

Selig said setting a gold standard for crypto asset markets in the United States will attract innovation. He predicted this would lead to new types of products and onchain markets.

New financial applications will emerge as regulations provide clarity. This development aims to make the U.S. the premier place to offer digital assets.

The draft legislation still faces a long road before becoming law. It must pass the full Senate and then move through the House of Representatives.

Bitcoin has declined 19.54% over the past 12 weeks. Ethereum and Dogecoin have also experienced price decreases during this period.

The Senate Agriculture Committee’s quick advancement of the bill shows bipartisan interest in creating crypto regulations. Both regulatory heads are working with lawmakers to finalize market structure rules.

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