The Department of Labor unveiled on Monday a new proposed rule for 401(k) plan sponsors that want to offer plan participants the option of investing in private equity and other “alternative” investments like crypto and commodities.
The proposed rule gives plan fiduciaries “maximum discretion and flexibility in selecting any particular investment as a designated investment alternative,” according to the DOL.
“The department’s days of picking winners and losers are over. Our rule clearly spells out that managers must evaluate any and all potential product offerings by following a prudent process,” said Deputy Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling in a statement. “This proposal is decidedly neutral