Advocacy groups pushing for the change stand to gain access to the roughly $12.2 trillion in US 401(k) funds|401(K) 2012|CC BY-SA 2.0

President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order allowing Americans to invest their 401(k) savings in cryptocurrency, private equity, and real estate, directing key federal agencies to update rules.

Supporters say the move could bring new diversification opportunities, while critics warn it may increase risks for everyday savers.

Advocacy groups pushing for the change stand to gain access to the roughly $12.2 trillion in US retirement funds.

One of the largest providers of retirement plans, Vanguard, emphasized the need for investor education, and analysts like Ted Rossman cautioned that index funds remain the safest route for most savers.