Reporting · markets
Labor Department sends 401(k) alternative assets framework to White House
The Department of Labor has submitted a proposed framework that would open 401(k) plans to alternative assets, though it does not require Bitcoin.
Quick take
- The Department of Labor sent its proposal to the White House through a filing made on November 5.
- The plan would let 401(k) retirement accounts hold alternative assets, and it does not mandate Bitcoin.
- It still must clear White House review, and senators Sanders and Warren have urged the department to drop it.
Bitcoinist reported that a filing made November 5 to OIRA moved a proposed framework from the Department of Labor toward the White House. The proposal follows an executive order Trump issued in August 2025 and would open 401(k) plans to alternative assets. It still must clear White House review.
The framework does not mandate adding Bitcoin to any plan. An earlier proposal from March 2026 named six evaluation factors, including fees, liquidity, valuation and complexity. Sanders and Warren have urged the Department of Labor to abandon the initiative altogether.
The retirement market involved is large, with 401(k) plans holding $10.8 trillion at the end of June 2026. The framework would apply to plans of that size, so the outcome of the review carries large sums.
Because the framework remains a proposal, the next step is the White House review, and no final rule has been issued.
Sources
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