Department of Labor to review 401(k) guidance on alternative assets, fiduciary practices, and litigation concerns.
The U.S. Department of Labor announced that President Trump has signed an Executive Order directing the agency to review and clarify its guidance on alternative assets in 401(k) plans. The order instructs the department to ensure that asset allocation funds containing options such as private equity, real estate, and other nontraditional investments are available to plan participants, provided they comply with fiduciary responsibilities under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).
The order also calls for an assessment of the fiduciary process related to these investments and prioritization of actions that reduce litigation that may limit investment choices. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer and Deputy Secretary Keith Sonderling stated that the order seeks to expand access to investment opportunities that have traditionally been available only to certain pension funds and high-net-worth individuals.
“The federal government should not be making retirement investment decisions for hardworking Americans, including decisions regarding alternative assets,” Secretary Chavez-DeRemer said. “The Department of Labor already took action to rescind the Biden Administration’s guidance that disadvantaged crypto investments. This Executive Order further supports our efforts to improve flexibility and eliminate unfair one-size-fits-all approaches, and I applaud President Trump for taking decisive action.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Chavez-DeRemer to seek God’s direction as she oversees the Labor Department.
- For U.S. labor officials to be discerning as they review and update retirement investment guidelines.
Sources: Department of Labor
