The growing interest in alternative assets within defined contribution (DC) plans reflects the shifting landscape of retirement plans, as the use of defined benefit (DB) plans continues to decline. Many DC portfolios remain relatively simple, yet a PGIM study1 highlights that 73% of plan sponsors recognize the need for broader diversification across asset classes. Alternative investments, such as real estate and commodities, as well as other private asset classes across credit and equities, may offer a range of advantages including the potential for enhanced performance, greater resilience to inflation, and downside risk mitigation, making them particularly suited for professionally managed solutions within DC plans. These assets also open access for more American workers to investments traditionally reserved for institutional investors.
PGIM research2 underscores the potential impact of further diversifying DC portfolios. Adding extended asset classes, such as alternatives, can generate up to five additional years of retirement income relative to portfolios that do not have exposure to alternative assets, significantly enhancing participants’ financial preparedness.
Asset managers at the forefront of DC’s evolution continue to advance innovative solutions that blend public and private assets, including for target-date funds, retirement income solutions and managed accounts.
While the adoption of alternative assets in DC plans presents certain complexities, the industry is making significant strides to address these challenges. Policy initiatives and regulatory developments are creating a more supportive environment for plan sponsors, enabling them to incorporate alternative investments responsibly and effectively. Professionally managed, multi-asset solutions are expected to play an important role in helping overcome potential hurdles and deliver meaningful benefits to participants.
Looking ahead, the global alternatives market is projected to reach $24.5 trillion by 2028,3 driven by market dynamics and ongoing product innovation. This growth will expand access to asset classes once limited to institutional investors, reshaping the investment landscape. Managers with deep expertise and experience across alternatives, public market strategies, and retirement solutions will be well-equipped to thoughtfully incorporate alternative investments into DC plans. We believe these capabilities, alongside forward-looking innovations, are set to drive significant progress in retirement security, empowering participants to pursue improved financial stability.
1 PGIM 2025 DC Plan Landscape Survey. Online survey conducted September 2024 and October 2024 by Greenwald Research covering 302 retirement plan decision-makers for DC plans with at least $10 million in plan assets. 152 respondents were decision-makers in plans with at least $100 million in assets. Findings were weighted by plan asset size, using data from a BrightScope/ICI 2021 report.
2 The Building Blocks For Better Retirement Portfolios, September 2025, David Blanchett, Head of Retirement Research, Prudential Financial, Inc., and Portfolio Manager, PGIM.
3 Preqin Future of Alternatives 2028 report published October 2023.
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