Trump Eyes Retirement Overhaul That Could Push Billions From 401(k)s Into High-Stakes Private Equity Funds: Report

Benzinga

Donald Trump is considering an executive order that would allow private equity firms to access U.S. 401(k) retirement accounts, a $9 trillion pool of capital, according to the Financial Times. The proposed order would instruct the Labor Department, Treasury, and SEC to evaluate expanding access to retirement plans in private markets, such as buyout funds and real estate. If finalized, the move could benefit firms like Blackstone, KKR, and Apollo, while offering long-term savers exposure to potentially higher returns. Critics warn of high fees, liquidity risks, and opaque valuations. SEC Chair Paul Atkins signaled the agency may ease existing restrictions to broaden access to alternative assets. The development coincides with GOP efforts to revise controversial federal retirement cuts amid pushback from employees and unions.

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00:00It's Benzinga bringing Wall Street to Main Street.

00:02Donald Trump is considered an executive order that would allow private equity firms

00:06to access U.S. 401k retirement accounts, a $9 trillion pool of capital, according to the

00:11Financial Times. The post-order would instruct the Labor Department, Treasury, and SEC to

00:16evaluate expanding access to retirement plans in private markets, such as buyout funds and

00:20real estate. It finalized the move to benefit firms like Blackstone, KKR, and Apollo, offering

00:26long-term savings exposure to potentially higher returns. Critics warn of high fees, liquidity

00:30risks, and opaque valuations. SEC Chair Paul Atkins said that the agency may ease existing

00:35restrictions to broaden access to alternative assets. Development coincides with GOP efforts

00:40to revise controversial federal retirement cuts amid pushback from employees and unions.

00:45For all things money, visit Benzinga.com slash GSTV.

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