Challenges Remain for Private Market Investments in DC Retirement Plans: Cerulli Research
Private market investments may be popular in the institutional space, but a new report from Cerulli suggests that they may not become a common feature in people’s retirement plans anytime soon. The report highlights the limited investment options typically offered in 401(k) plans, with target-date funds being the most prevalent choice. This narrow selection can leave participants feeling restricted and unable to fully align their investments with their preferences or knowledge.
One of the main concerns for plan sponsors is the fear of including funds that may be seen as overpriced or underperforming, potentially leading to litigation. Legal challenges related to excessive fees and fiduciary duty breaches are significant worries, making the inclusion of alternative investments like private equity a complex decision.
The inherent characteristics of private market assets, such as illiquidity and lack of transparency, also make them less suitable for DC plans governed by strict regulatory standards. Despite their popularity, Cerulli believes it is challenging to see a clear path forward for alternative investments in DC plans, although a solution may emerge in the next decade.
A survey accompanying the report indicates a tepid outlook on the integration of private market funds into DC plans, with many asset managers showing little interest in adding major private market fund types to their offerings. However, Cerulli remains optimistic about the potential for private market investments in DC plans, noting that some custom target-date funds have started incorporating elements of private real estate and private equity to a limited extent.
While the future of private market investments in DC plans remains uncertain, Cerulli believes that further work on unique structures and liquidity offerings is needed to pave the way for their potential inclusion. Despite the challenges, the door may still be open for private market investments to play a role in retirement planning in the future.