Employee Benefits Law Blog
Plan sponsors should begin preparing now for the upcoming deadline to formally amend retirement plans for compliance with SECURE 2.0. For most qualified retirement plans, including 401(k) plans, profit sharing plans, ESOPs, and certain 403(b) plans, SECURE 2.0 amendments generally must be adopted by December 31, 2026
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 ...