ICI and DCALTA Partner to Expand Private Assets in 401(k) Plans
Event summary
- ICI and DCALTA launched a strategic collaboration on February 26, 2026 to advance the role of alternative assets in defined contribution retirement plans.
- The partnership will focus on investor-focused research, policy engagement, and educational initiatives.
- ICI President and CEO Eric J. Pan and DCALTA President Jonathan Epstein emphasized the need for regulated, professionally managed fund vehicles for private assets in retirement portfolios.
The big picture
The collaboration between ICI and DCALTA reflects a growing industry push to diversify retirement portfolios with alternative assets, addressing long-term financial goals and risk tolerance. This initiative comes amid broader trends of expanding access to private markets for individual investors, potentially reshaping the defined contribution landscape.
What we're watching
- Regulatory Dynamics
- How policymaker engagement will shape the inclusion of private assets in retirement plans.
- Market Adoption
- The pace at which plan sponsors integrate alternative assets into defined contribution offerings.
- Investor Education
- Whether research and analysis will effectively communicate the benefits and risks of private assets to retirement savers.
Related topics