Alternative assets head for your 401(k) — what investors need to know

President Donald Trump 's new executive order paves the way to bring alternative assets into 401(k)s, but what that will eventually look like — and how complicated it may be — remains to be seen. The order, signed by the president on Thursday , directs the Secretary of Labor to reexamine fiduciary guidance on alternative investments — such as private equity, private credit and cryptocurrencies — in 401(k) and other defined-contribution plans. Those plans are governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, or ERISA. Adding alternative assets can be a complex endeavor for 401(k) plan sponsors, thanks to issues including liquidity, transparency and fees. However, investors will have some time before the offerings become available. The employer-sponsored retirement plans move