US Labor Department Proposes Rule to Open 401(k) Plans to Crypto Assets

The U.S. Department of Labor has proposed a rule that could permit 401(k) plans to add cryptocurrencies and other private-market investments, while leaving final inclusion decisions to plan fiduciaries. The proposal would start a 60-day public comment period before regulators decide whether to finalize it, as supporters cite diversification benefits and critics warn about volatility, valuation challenges, and liquidity risks.