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New Labor Rule Expands 401(k) Investment Options, Including Crypto

4/7/2026

Summary

Nefouse Advocates Investments

The Department of Labor proposed a rule to expand investment options in 401(k) plans, potentially including cryptocurrency and real estate.
Nick Nefouse of BlackRock praised the rule, saying it creates a structured process to evaluate alternative assets without endorsing specific investments and to bridge gaps between large institutional plans and traditional 401(k) plans.
Nefouse emphasized leveling the playing field for Americans who rely on 401(k) plans for retirement savings.

Summary

Nefouse Promotes Standardization

The 401(k) landscape varies by company size, with larger employers offering low-fee, high-quality plans and smaller firms providing more expensive, lower-quality options.
In 2023, the average 401(k) plan charged 0.74% in fees; smaller plans averaged 0.97% and larger plans 0.25%.
The disparity highlights the need for a standardized, low-cost option for smaller employers, a “Thrift Savings Plan for the Masses,” to improve accessibility.

History

Historical Context

The Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) was enacted in 1974 to establish minimum standards for private pension plans, addressing issues highlighted by the Studebaker Corporation's pension crisis in 1963. ERISA's regulations protect employee benefits and led to the creation of 401(k) plans. In 2023, proposed changes aim to enhance investment options, including cryptocurrency, improving retirement savings accessibility for all Americans.

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Nefouse Advocates Investments

The Department of Labor proposed a rule to expand investment options in 401(k) plans, potentially including cryptocurrency and real estate.
Nick Nefouse of BlackRock praised the rule, saying it creates a structured process to evaluate alternative assets without endorsing specific investments and to bridge gaps between large institutional plans and traditional 401(k) plans.
Nefouse emphasized leveling the playing field for Americans who rely on 401(k) plans for retirement savings.

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