Crypto stocks rise as Trump to sign order paving way for alternative assets in 401(k)s

** Crypto-related stocks rise premarket, tracking gains in bitcoin BTC=, the world's largest cryptocurrency

** BTC, which has gained 24% so far this year, up ~1% at $116,316

** President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order on Thursday aiming to allow private equity, real estate, cryptocurrency and other alternative assets in 401(k) retirement accounts, a White House official said

** Proposed inclusion of crypto in 401(k)s would further boost the institutional acceptance of the industry

** However, critics say the move could add risk to retirement accounts

** Crypto miner Riot Platforms RIOT.O, MARA Holdings MARA.O, Bitfarms BITF.O rise about 2% each

** Bitcoin bull Strategy MSTR.O up 1.6% at $389.60