SEC Chairman Paul Atkins stated that the agency will work with the administration of President Donald Trump to expand access to private investment funds for individual investors, inspired by the new executive order allowing cryptocurrency and alternative assets to be included in 401(k) retirement accounts.

This move could help retail investors participate in early-stage crypto projects and private token sales, which were previously only available to accredited investors or institutions. However, the SEC warns that there needs to be 'protective barriers' in place to limit risks, as private investments are often illiquid, lack transparency, and carry the potential for risk contagion during financial crises.