In June, the US Department of Labor issued an information letter indicating that it will allow defined contribution retirement plans (such as 401(k) plans) to indirectly invest in private equity funds. While information letters are not binding, this new guidance creates a significant opportunity for plan sponsors to consider investment options that include private equity funds. However, it will be important for both plan sponsors and funds to carefully evaluate potential investments for compliance with fiduciary requirements.
Treasury Department and IRS Release Initial Lifetime Income Guidance; Additional Guidance Expected Shortly
by Joseph S. Adams, Stephen Pavlick and David Diaz
Two years after the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) jointly issued a high-profile Request for Information regarding how defined contribution plans can better provide lifetime income, the IRS and Department of the Treasury have issued some initial guidance. DOL guidance, expected to further underscore the importance of the issue, is anticipated “in the near future.”
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