BlackRock Global Head of Retirement Solutions Nick Nefouse described the rule as “a huge step forward for the 401(k) market” while discussing what the change could mean for everyday investors during his appearance on “Varney & Co.” Tuesday.<\/p>\n
Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer joins \u2018Mornings with Maria\u2019 to discuss a sweeping proposal to expand 401(k) investment options, potentially opening the door to crypto and real estate for millions of Americans.<\/p>\n
“The proposed regulation explains the steps that managers of 401(k) plans should take when considering alternative assets as a component in their investment lineups and establishes a set of process-based safe harbors for plan fiduciaries to use when selecting designated investment alternatives,” the Labor Department said in a press release on March 30.<\/p>\n
Rather than endorsing specific investments, Nefouse suggested that the proposal is focused on creating a structured process for plan providers to follow when evaluating alternative assets.<\/a><\/p>\n AMERICANS TAP RETIREMENT FUNDS AT RECORD RATES AS MOUNTING FINANCIAL STRESS TAKES TOLL<\/a><\/p>\n “What the rule is trying to do\u2026 is establish a process, not necessarily say which asset classes are good or bad,” Nefouse said.<\/p>\n United States Department of Labor headquarters in Washington, D.C. (Celal Gunes\/Anadolu via Getty Images \/ Getty Images)<\/p>\n The shift could narrow a long-standing gap between retirement systems. While large institutional-style plans already have access to a wider range of investments<\/a>, many workers in traditional 401(k) plans do not.<\/p>\n LARRY FINK CALLS FOR SOCIAL SECURITY REFORM, SAYS INVESTING A PORTION OF FUNDS COULD STRENGTHEN THE PROGRAM<\/a><\/p>\n UBS managing director Jason Katz explains why investors should go long on gold and the Labor Department proposing a 401(k) alternative asset rule on ‘Varney & Co.’<\/p>\n “Think of regular people. About 25% of the population are in defined benefit plans. About 80% are in defined contribution plans,” Nefouse said.\u00a0<\/p>\n “What we’re trying to do is level the playing fields, and so many Americans are relying on 401(k) plans,” he added.<\/p>\n The change could broaden access to investment options that have traditionally been limited to institutional retirement plans.<\/a><\/p>\n![\"United](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/us-department-of-labor.png\")
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