U.S. Congress Urges SEC: Allow 401(k) to Buy Bitcoin and Crypto Assets
According to market news, the U.S. Congress is pushing the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to approve the inclusion of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in 401(k) retirement plans.
Key points are as follows:
Several members of the House Financial Services Committee have jointly written to SEC Chairman Paul Atkins
→ Requesting updates to outdated securities rules to give digital assets equal status with other alternative investments.
Lawmakers' views:
"Ordinary Americans saving for retirement should have more diverse investment options. Current rules are overly restrictive, preventing millions from accessing new asset classes."
Congress also calls for a redefinition of the "accredited investor" standard:
It should not be limited to high-net-worth individuals but should also include:
✔ Those with professional licenses
✔ Relevant industry experience
✔ Individuals who can pass competency tests
Lawmakers also request that the SEC collaborate with the Department of Labor (DoL) to develop rules ensuring safe and responsible investment channels for digital assets within the 401(k) framework.
If ultimately approved, this would be the first systematic integration of Bitcoin into the U.S. pension system, with a potential funding scale far larger than ETFs, representing a long-term structural benefit.