Overview

• On August 7, President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the Labor Department, Treasury and SEC to revisit ERISA guidance and admit alternative assets into 401(k) accounts
• Federal regulators have months to draft rules enabling private equity, real estate and cryptocurrencies to be offered in employer-sponsored retirement plans
• Major asset managers such as Blackstone, KKR and Apollo could tap into the $12.5 trillion defined-contribution market if employers adopt new investment options
• Critics warn that high fees, limited liquidity and greater volatility may expose plan administrators to legal challenges and jeopardize savers’ protections
• Bitcoin and other digital assets surged on the announcement as fund managers and crypto platforms begin structuring products for potential inclusion