It’s been a big day for crypto enthusiasts—and even bigger for Bitcoin and Ethereum holders.
Prices for both cryptocurrencies shot up today, and it’s not just market momentum doing the lifting.
Former President Donald Trump just signed off on two executive orders that could completely reshape the crypto landscape in the U.S.
Bitcoin and Ethereum Rally on the Back of Major Policy Shift
Bitcoin is up nearly 2%, while Ethereum saw an even larger jump of about 6%.
What’s behind this sudden surge? Trump has officially signed an executive order that opens the door for 401(k) retirement accounts to include cryptocurrencies as an investment option.
This is no small market—it’s a $12 trillion sector, touching the retirement savings of more than 90 million Americans.
Suddenly, Bitcoin and Ethereum aren’t just for tech-savvy investors or crypto enthusiasts—they’re being positioned as a legitimate part of retirement planning.
A New Era for Crypto in Retirement Investing
According to analyst Tom Dunleavy, this move is a much bigger deal than the long-hyped crypto ETFs.
He pointed out that every couple of weeks, millions of Americans put a slice of their paychecks into their 401(k)s, automatically purchasing a mix of traditional assets like stocks and bonds. That steady, reliable inflow has been a major reason the equity markets have stayed so resilient.
Now imagine even a tiny portion of that money—say, 1%—going into crypto.
Dunleavy estimates that would mean about $120 billion in fresh capital.
A 3% allocation? You’re looking at $360 billion. And if it hits 5%, that’s a whopping $600 billion potentially flowing into Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital assets.
And remember, these are recurring investments, not one-time buys.
Why This Is More Bullish Than ETFs
Here’s what makes the 401(k) move even more exciting for crypto bulls: there’s no sudden sell pressure like we often see with ETFs, which can experience large withdrawals in short periods.
Retirement accounts, by contrast, tend to build slowly and steadily over time.
That means consistent demand, which supports price growth in the long run.
With the potential for a massive and steady stream of capital, it’s no wonder that crypto prices reacted positively and quickly.
Trump Ends Operation Chokepoint With Second Executive Order
In addition to the 401(k) announcement, Trump also signed another major executive order that takes direct aim at Operation Chokepoint—a controversial effort by federal regulators that had been accused of quietly discouraging banks from doing business with certain industries, including crypto.
Trump’s new order promises fair banking access for all Americans, and that includes crypto investors.
The move effectively eliminates policies that made it harder for people to fund their crypto accounts from traditional banks or cash out their crypto earnings into fiat currency.
Easier Access Means More Money Flowing into Crypto
What does this mean for the average investor? Simply put, it just became a whole lot easier to move money in and out of the crypto market using your regular bank account.
It removes a big hurdle for newcomers and could bring more liquidity and confidence into the ecosystem.
And of course, more money flowing into Bitcoin and Ethereum tends to push prices upward—exactly what we saw in the markets today.
Market Reacts Fast to Policy Changes
At the time of writing, Bitcoin is trading at $116,531, riding the wave of renewed optimism.
Ethereum is also enjoying a healthy boost, as investors digest the implications of two significant pro-crypto executive orders.
A Turning Point for Crypto in the United States
With retirement plans now allowed to touch crypto, and traditional banks no longer held back from working with the industry, we could be witnessing a seismic shift in how digital assets are viewed in the U.S. economy.
What was once considered a niche, volatile investment is now being folded into the core of American financial life—from retirement savings to mainstream banking.