The Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Paul Atkins, has initiated the possibility of incorporating cryptocurrency into $12.5 trillion worth of 401(k) retirement accounts. He has concurrently introduced fresh guidelines regarding the synthetic tokenized stock market, mandating issuer approval for genuine equity tokens. Atkins informed CNBC that he believes the timing is appropriate for allowing cryptocurrency exposure in 401(k) plans, pointing out that numerous Americans currently possess digital assets in professionally administered pension funds. The focus is on the structure, as in pension funds, professionals determine the assets included in portfolios. The SEC aims to establish a similar framework for 401(k) plans, with trustees and fund managers deciding the inclusions rather than individual account holders. Atkins disclosed that the initial focus will be on private securities and private equity, which are already present in managed retirement accounts. He likened cryptocurrency to an alternative asset that follows a comparable trajectory.