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DOL unveils ‘historic’ proposal to allow alternative investments in 401(k)s

Image of the Department of Labor building in Washington, DC.
Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

It boldly establishes which considerations fiduciaries need to address with respect to all of the investment alternatives available for a 401(k) plan, not just those products with alternative investment features.

The US Department of Labor’s (DOL’s) Employee Benefits Security Administration has issued what it called “a historic proposed regulation” that opens up 401(k) retirement plans to a broader set of investments, including private markets.

DOL touts it as an important move that will increase the “potential retirement