Labor Department Proposes Rule for Alternative Assets in 401(k) Plans

The U.S. Department of Labor proposed a rule to facilitate the inclusion of alternative assets, like cryptocurrency and real estate, in 401(k) plans. This follows an executive order from President Trump in August 2023 aimed at expanding access to these assets. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer stated that the rule aims to allow plans to better reflect today's investment landscape. The proposal establishes a 'safe harbor' to protect plan sponsors from litigation, addressing concerns about the risks and costs related to alternative investments.