--- title: "The New Era of 401(k)s: Evaluating Private Equity for Retirement Portfolios" description: June Blog Post image: https://www.dwc401k.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Center/Pillar%20Categories%202024/PNG%20-%20without%20category%20name/hero_pp_png.png --- [![logo](https://www.dwc401k.com/hubfs/_global/logo.svg "logo")](https://www.dwc401k.com/) [![logo](https://www.dwc401k.com/hubfs/Dwc-2019/SVG/logo.svg "logo")](https://www.dwc401k.com/) [![Contribution Limits](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3113501/af3ae025-72b1-41fa-8855-5e196d6c26e4.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3113501/af3ae025-72b1-41fa-8855-5e196d6c26e4) [![Log in](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3113501/3466ce37-58ba-4a93-bddb-0d4c8bb8ccbc.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3113501/3466ce37-58ba-4a93-bddb-0d4c8bb8ccbc) [![services-icon1](https://www.dwc401k.com/hubfs/QOTW/March%202020/services-icon1.png) ## Plan Document A properly drafted document is the foundation of achieving the company's objectives and keeping the plan in operational compliance. ](https://www.dwc401k.com/services/plan-document) [![services-icon2](https://www.dwc401k.com/hubfs/QOTW/March%202020/services-icon2.png) ## Plan Compliance We have a fundamental understanding of how critical plan compliance is to both the IRS and Department of Labor. ](https://www.dwc401k.com/services/plan-compliance) [![services-icon3](https://www.dwc401k.com/hubfs/QOTW/March%202020/services-icon3.svg) ## Defined Benefits Services We work with business owners and investment advisors to determine what makes the most sense by providing a detailed cost benefit analysis. ](https://www.dwc401k.com/services/defined-benefits-services) [![services-icon4](https://www.dwc401k.com/hubfs/QOTW/March%202020/services-icon4.svg) ## Mergers, Aquisitions & Related Company Analysis The DWC team is well-versed enough in the nuances and is ready to help you navigate the situation. ](https://www.dwc401k.com/services/mergers-acquisitions-analysis) [![services-icon5](https://www.dwc401k.com/hubfs/QOTW/March%202020/services-icon5.png) ## Plan Corrections DWC's extensive experience with both the IRS and Department of Labor voluntary correction programs allows us to help you address just about any accident that might happen. ](https://www.dwc401k.com/plan-corrections) [![services-icon6](https://www.dwc401k.com/hubfs/QOTW/March%202020/services-icon6.png) ## Government Audits Being selected for an audit can feel overwhelming, but the process doesn't have to be. ](https://www.dwc401k.com/services/government-audits) ![service-right-icon](https://www.dwc401k.com/hubfs/QOTW/March%202020/service-right-icon.svg) ## Investment Advisor Support DWC has a long history of successfully partnering with investment advisors. 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reach for most retirement plans. That line is beginning to blur. Recent federal activity has brought clarity to how private equity may fit within retirement plans. Following earlier policy direction, the Department of Labor (DOL) introduced a proposed rule in March 2026 aimed at expanding access to alternative investments. While the proposal does not endorse any specific asset class, it reinforces that fiduciaries have the discretion to evaluate a broad range of investment options—including private equity—within diversified portfolios. As a result, the topic is gaining momentum across the industry and prompting new questions from plan sponsors and advisors alike. At its core, private equity provides access to privately held companies, often with a long-term growth focus. For advisors and plan sponsors evaluating how to enhance long-term, risk-adjusted returns within a defined contribution menu, private equity may offer exposure to a different growth profile than public markets alone. That said, expanded access does not eliminate risk, and inclusion comes with important considerations. The DOL’s proposal outlines a framework fiduciaries can use when evaluating investment options, focusing on factors such as performance, fees, liquidity, valuation, benchmarks, and complexity. Because private equity often involves reduced liquidity, distinct valuation methods, and higher fees compared to traditional options, careful, plan-level evaluation remains essential. It’s also important to note that the rule is still in proposed form. The comment period closes in June 2026, with a final rule anticipated by year-end. Not every plan will benefit from adding private equity, and not every participant is suited for the additional complexity. The opportunity, where it exists, lies in how thoughtfully it is incorporated into a broader investment strategy. As the regulatory landscape continues to evolve, a measured, well-informed approach remains essential. DWC works with advisors and plan sponsors to evaluate these evolving investment options in the context of each plan’s goals, structure, and participant needs. That means keeping the conversation grounded in what’s appropriate and thoroughly documented—not just what’s newly available. - Share - [**](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.dwc401k.com/blog/the-new-era-of-401ks-evaluating-private-equity-for-retirement-portfolios&title=The%20New%20Era%20of%20401(k)s:%20Evaluating%20Private%20Equity%20for%20Retirement%20Portfolios&picture=https://3113501.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/3113501/Knowledge%20Center/Pillar%20Categories%202024/PNG%20-%20without%20category%20name/hero_pp_png.png&description=June%20Blog%20Post) - [**](https://twitter.com/share?url=https://www.dwc401k.com/blog/the-new-era-of-401ks-evaluating-private-equity-for-retirement-portfolios&hashtags=) ## Browse categories [ DWC Developments ](https://www.dwc401k.com/blog/topic/dwc-developments) [ Industry Insights ](https://www.dwc401k.com/blog/topic/industry-insights) [ Regulatory Round-Up ](https://www.dwc401k.com/blog/topic/regulatory-round-up) [ Cash Balance Corner ](https://www.dwc401k.com/blog/topic/cash-balance-corner) [ 401(k) Q&A ](https://www.dwc401k.com/blog/topic/401k-qa) [ Operational Overview ](https://www.dwc401k.com/blog/topic/operational-overview) [ Lessons from Litigation ](https://www.dwc401k.com/blog/topic/lessons-from-litigation) [ Pension Primer ](https://www.dwc401k.com/blog/topic/pension-primer) [ Browse by Topic ](https://www.dwc401k.com/knowledge-center-topics) ## Subscribe to our newsletter ### Only the Best Retirement Industry Content Get our 401(k) and defined benefits content delivered directly to your inbox. 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