Millions of Americans saving for retirement through 401(k) accounts could have the option of putting their money in higher-risk private equity and cryptocurrency investments, according to an executive order signed Thursday by President Donald Trump that could give those financial players long-sought access to a pool of funds worth

The executive order is intended to give investors more options, but experts say employers will tread carefully before adding alternative assets.

President Trump on Thursday is expected to sign an executive order to allow private equity and other alternative assets into 401(k) retirement accounts. Why it matters: This is a major realignment of the capital markets,