U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman Paul Atkins has pledged close collaboration with the Department of Labor as federal agencies consider changes to rules governing retirement savings plans, including the potential inclusion of private equity and cryptocurrency investments.
“We have to do this in a smart way,” Atkins stated during an interview on Bloomberg Television’s Surveillance on Friday. His comments follow reports that the Trump administration is preparing an executive order to open the door for 401(k) retirement plans to invest in private markets.
While no official announcement date has been set, discussions are ongoing, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Atkins, who assumed leadership of the SEC in April, acknowledged growing investor interest in alternative assets but cautioned that private markets differ significantly from public ones, especially in terms of liquidity and transparency.
He emphasized the importance of investor education and transparency: “Disclosure is key and people need to know what they are getting into.”
When asked about the possibility of including cryptocurrency in retirement plans, Atkins—an outspoken supporter of digital assets—did not rule it out. “I look forward to whatever may come out from the president,” he said.
Since taking office, Atkins has set a markedly different tone from his predecessor, Gary Gensler. He has already repealed more than a dozen Biden-era proposals, including measures that expanded shareholder proposal rights at corporate meetings.
Looking ahead, Atkins aims to scale back disclosure requirements on executive compensation and limit the information that private fund advisers must submit to regulators. He is also exploring regulatory changes that could allow hedge funds to manage and hold cryptocurrency assets directly.
The evolving stance at the SEC signals a broader shift toward deregulation and increased flexibility for investment options, particularly within retirement portfolios—a move that could reshape how Americans save for the future.
