Alternatives in Defined Contribution Plans

August 19, 2025 | Matt Nowak, AIF®, Associate Director of Defined Contribution, Alan Lin, CIMA®, Defined Contribution Specialist

On August 7, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order to expand alternative investment access in defined contribution retirement plans (e.g., 401(k) plans). This order instructs the Department of Labor (DOL) to reexamine its guidance to plan sponsors incorporating alternative investments into these types of retirement plans. According to the order, the six classes of alternative assets included are:

  • Private markets investments, including private equity and private debt
  • Real estate
  • Actively managed vehicles investing in digital assets
  • Commodities
  • Infrastructure
  • Lifetime income strategies, including longevity risk-sharing pools
Read > Alternatives in Defined Contribution Plans

Matt Nowak, AIF®
Associate Director of Defined Contribution

Get to Know Matt

Alan Lin, CIMA®
Defined Contribution Specialist

Get to Know Alan

The opinions expressed herein are those of Marquette Associates, Inc. (“Marquette”), and are subject to change without notice. This material is not financial advice or an offer to purchase or sell any product. Marquette reserves the right to modify its current investment strategies and techniques based on changing market dynamics or client needs.

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