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Paul Atkins Pushes For Crypto Integration In 401(k) Market
US SEC Chair Paul Atkins has advocated for digital assets to receive mainstream status in the $12.5 trillion 401(k) market. Atkins clarified his stance in a CNBC Squawk Box interview, noting that the market is ripe for Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies since US workers already have indirect exposure to digital assets.
According to Atkins, digital assets in 401(k) retirement accounts will be professionally managed to mitigate risk. He noted that everyday workers should have the same investment options as large pension funds and institutional investors.
“We are looking to allow people to have access to 401(k) through professional management,” said Atkins. “I think the time is right to go forward with that in a measured way that has guardrails to protect the retirees.”
However, Atkins indicated that cryptocurrencies in 401(k) accounts are not a priority for the SEC, which is now focusing on private securities and equities for pension funds.
 
In August 2025, US President Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies to permit 401(k) retirement plans. While the order did not immediately change the rules, experts noted that it created a regulatory pathway for the Department of Labour and the SEC to issue guidance.
However, the move sparked criticism among US Democrats, with Elizabeth Warren warning that Bitcoin’s volatility could harm retirement accounts. Warren cited a lack of industry transparency and the potential conflicts of interest stemming from allowing cryptocurrencies in 401(k) accounts.
CFTC And SEC Team Up
At the meeting, the SEC confirmed a partnership with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to relaunch Project Crypto. Both regulators describe Project Crypto as a joint policy initiative to prepare the US financial markets for the digital era.
Under the initiative, the SEC and the CFTC are pledging to issue clear regulations to guide market participants engaging with cryptocurrencies. Per the joint statement, the rules will cater to material risks while remaining agile to adapt to industry changes and align with statutory principles.
“We must act quickly to upgrade our rules and regulations to accommodate blockchain technology, digital assets, and the legislation to come, or risk ceding these emerging markets to foreign regimes,” read the statement.