Overview

• Signed on August 7, the order directs agencies to explore allowing private equity, real estate and digital assets in defined-contribution plans.
• The White House says ERISA fiduciary duties still apply, requiring careful vetting of managers and prudence in any private offerings.
• The move does not itself change rules, and the Labor Department could issue proposals and seek public comment before any options appear for savers.
• A legal bulletin cited by Yahoo Finance expects partnerships between private funds, managers and 401(k) platforms, with potential access via managed accounts if fiduciaries choose to offer it.
• A Truthout interview highlights expert warnings about high fees, illiquidity and volatility in alternatives, and reports allegations that crypto-friendly policies could benefit industry and Trump family interests.