Employee Benefits Law Blog
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has taken a significant step toward reshaping the investment landscape for defined contribution plans. In March 2026, the DOL released a proposed rule addressing the inclusion of alternative investments, such as private equity, real estate, private credit, and digital assets, in participant-directed retirement plans.
While the proposal does not require plan sponsors to add these investments, it signals a meaningful shift in how fiduciaries may evaluate and incorporate them under ERISA.
1. The Safe Harbor Framework
Under the proposal, a ...