Trump Eyes Broader Crypto Integration into Mortgages and 401(k) Plans.

Washington, D.C., July 28, 2025 — In a bold and unprecedented expansion of its digital asset agenda, the Trump administration is moving to embed cryptocurrency into two key pillars of the American economy: housing finance and retirement savings.

This initiative, which builds on earlier legislative milestones such as the GENIUS Act, signals a broader commitment to normalizing crypto assets within federal economic policy and establishing the United States as the global leader in blockchain-based financial systems.

Crypto-Backed Mortgages: A New Asset Class Emerges

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has reportedly directed government-sponsored enterprises Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to develop guidelines that would allow cryptocurrency holdings to be considered as part of an applicant’s financial profile when applying for a mortgage.

Historically, crypto assets have been excluded from mortgage underwriting due to their price volatility and perceived risk. Under the new policy, applicants who hold crypto on regulated U.S. exchanges may be able to use these holdings to demonstrate financial strength—potentially increasing access to homeownership for a new generation of digital asset holders.

The move is part of a broader push by the administration to modernize the mortgage market and align lending standards with the evolving landscape of personal finance. Proponents argue that with appropriate safeguards and valuation frameworks, crypto can serve as a legitimate and reliable form of collateral in the 21st-century economy.

Opening Retirement Accounts to Crypto

In parallel, the Department of Labor has formally rescinded prior guidance that discouraged the inclusion of digital assets in employer-sponsored retirement plans. Fiduciaries of 401(k) and other defined-contribution plans are now authorized to offer exposure to cryptocurrency, gold, private equity, and other alternative investments within managed portfolios—provided they meet established due diligence and disclosure standards.

The administration is reportedly preparing an executive order that would direct relevant federal agencies to eliminate remaining barriers to alternative assets within retirement accounts, including cryptocurrency. If implemented, the order would further enable plan sponsors and financial institutions to develop products that integrate digital assets into long-term investment strategies.

Analysts estimate that even modest exposure—such as a 1% allocation from the $9 trillion 401(k) market—could result in billions of dollars flowing into crypto markets. Such a move could create new demand for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoin-related products, while also encouraging the development of new institutional-grade digital asset offerings.

Industry and Policy Reactions

The financial services industry has offered a cautiously optimistic response. Major retirement plan providers are expected to explore new crypto-enabled offerings, with larger platforms likely to roll out options through self-directed brokerage windows or professionally managed allocation models.

However, critics warn that integrating inherently volatile and relatively illiquid assets into retirement portfolios may expose plan participants to higher risk, fees, and potential legal liability. Consumer advocacy groups and some lawmakers have raised concerns about fiduciary duties under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) and have called for careful oversight and enforcement.

In the housing sector, policymakers are divided. Supporters argue that the updated mortgage standards reflect economic realities and the growing use of crypto as a store of wealth. Detractors, however, warn that crypto-based underwriting could increase systemic risk in the housing market if asset values decline sharply or are manipulated.

Strategic Objectives

The Trump administration’s broader digital asset strategy seeks to:

  • Normalize the use of cryptocurrency in regulated financial systems.

  • Expand access to financial tools and services through blockchain integration.

  • Encourage capital formation and innovation in fintech and decentralized finance.

  • Reduce regulatory uncertainty for U.S.-based crypto platforms and investors.

Alongside legislative reforms such as the GENIUS Act (for stablecoin regulation) and the CLARITY Act (for digital asset market structure), these mortgage and retirement policy changes could complete a comprehensive framework for mainstream crypto adoption.

Looking Ahead

A full digital asset policy report is expected from the White House within the coming weeks. That report may include additional measures, such as national Bitcoin reserves, digital identity verification standards, or new tax policies related to crypto earnings and usage.

If successful, these initiatives would not only bring digital assets into the financial mainstream but also fundamentally reshape how Americans buy homes, save for retirement, and participate in the digital economy.

The United States, under this vision, is not simply adapting to the rise of crypto—it is aiming to lead it.