U.S. SEC Chairman Paul Atkins: The time has come for crypto assets to enter 401(k) retirement accounts!

U.S. SEC Chair Paul Atkins publicly stated in an interview with CNBC, “It’s time to allow” the inclusion of crypto assets in 401(k) retirement accounts.
(Background: Historically, why did U.S. 401(k) retirement plans introduce digital assets?)
(Additional context: Trump will allow 401(k) retirement investments in Bitcoin! Vice President Vance: Soon, 100 million Americans will own BTC)

Table of Contents

• SEC Chair publicly supports crypto assets entering retirement portfolios
• 401(k) scale is huge; the crypto market may see long-term capital inflows
• Continues pro-crypto policy trend, but political controversy remains

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair Paul Atkins publicly stated in an interview with CNBC, “It’s time to allow” the inclusion of crypto assets in 401(k) retirement accounts.

JUST IN: 🇺🇸 SEC Chair Paul Atkins says “the time is right to allow” crypto into 401(k) retirement accounts. pic.twitter.com/pdJ5l6JBn

— Bitcoin Magazine (@BitcoinMagazine) January 29, 2026

SEC Chair Publicly Supports Crypto Assets Entering Retirement Portfolios

On January 29, Atkins appeared on CNBC alongside U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Chair Mike Selig to discuss crypto asset regulation issues.

In the interview, Atkins emphasized that the U.S. needs a clear, reasonable, and predictable regulatory framework to ensure market transparency and investor protection, while also recognizing that crypto assets have gradually become mainstream investment tools. He straightforwardly stated:

Now is the time to allow crypto assets into 401(k) and other retirement accounts, enabling investors to have more diverse asset allocation options within compliant boundaries.

It is worth noting that this policy shift is mainly based on an executive order signed by Trump in August 2025, which directed the SEC and the Department of Labor (DOL) to review previous guidelines restricting crypto asset allocations. Atkins’ initiatives, such as the “Crypto Project” and the “Token Taxonomy,” are paving the way for this, aiming to distinguish securities from non-securities through token classification, reducing barriers to cross-sector innovation.

401(k) Scale is Huge; the Crypto Market May See Long-term Capital Inflows

The 401(k) retirement plan is one of the main retirement savings tools in the U.S., with total managed assets reaching approximately $8.9 trillion in the first quarter of 2025. If regulations eventually permit crypto assets as investment options, the market generally expects significant long-term capital inflows into crypto.

Among these, mainstream cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are seen as the most likely beneficiaries. Analysts point out that retirement account funds, characterized by long investment horizons and low turnover, could help reinforce Bitcoin’s market position as a “long-term store of value.”

Continues Pro-Crypto Policy Trend, but Political Controversy Remains

Atkins’ statement is also viewed as a continuation of the pro-crypto policy direction initiated by the Trump administration. Previous executive orders had already signaled an intention to make it easier for retirement investors to access alternative assets and increase investment freedom.

However, this policy direction is not without controversy. Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren previously sent a letter to Atkins, expressing strong opposition. She pointed out that crypto assets are highly volatile, lack market transparency, and pose potential price manipulation risks, and including them in retirement accounts could jeopardize the retirement security of millions of Americans.