The U.S. Department of Labor has revoked the restrictions on 401(k) encryption investment options, restoring a neutral stance.

Gate News bot news, the U.S. Department of Labor stated in a press release on May 28 that it has revoked a policy from 2022 that discouraged the inclusion of Crypto Assets in workplace 401(k) retirement plans.

This repeal marks a significant policy shift, indicating that the regulatory stance will return to neutrality and may reignite interest in including Crypto Assets investment options in retirement accounts.

The early guidance issued by the Biden administration warns employers to "exercise caution" before offering digital assets like Bitcoin in employee retirement plans.

The guide also launched a "survey program" aimed at guarantors who provide Crypto Assets through direct menus or self-brokerage windows. This practice has created a chilling effect on the adoption of Crypto Assets, leading some companies to reconsider their plans to increase coin options.

However, the U.S. Department of Labor's Employee Benefits Security Administration announced on May 28 that it was withdrawing the guidance, stating that the 2022 guidance had exceeded its bounds. The agency stated that this guidance conflicts with the Department's legal obligation to remain neutral regarding investment options offered in retirement plans.

This change may reopen doors for companies like Fidelity, although these companies have already begun exploring the provision of Crypto Assets products for 401(k) plans before the policy takes effect.

However, there is currently limited enthusiasm in the broader financial industry for alternative assets in retirement accounts, and Crypto Assets are still rarely seen in 401(k) plans.

The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) found in a 2024 report that less than 1% of defined contribution plans include digital assets, with only 69 cryptocurrency-based investment options nationwide.

Critics believe that retirement accounts should focus on stable long-term investments rather than volatile assets like Bitcoin. Meanwhile, the Crypto Assets industry argues that digital assets democratize investment channels and provide new opportunities for ordinary investors.

The U.S. Department of Labor stated that it will neither endorse nor oppose specific assets. Trustees still have the responsibility to assess whether Crypto Assets or any other investments are suitable for their plans.

Source: Cryptonews