September 3, 2025
By: Travis Watts, Director of Investor Development
A new executive order signed by President Donald Trump directs the Department of Labor to explore expanded access to alternative assets in 401(k) retirement plans. While most public commentary has centered on private equity and hedge funds, the potential implications for private real estate investment are also worth examining.
Key Considerations
Traditionally, 401(k) plans have been limited to publicly traded securities like mutual funds and ETFs. The executive order encourages the Department of Labor to review existing guidance, potentially enabling plan sponsors to consider a broader range of professionally managed private market investments.
If implemented, such changes could create opportunities for certain qualified investors to access real estate syndications and other private offerings within their 401(k) retirement account. However, regulatory, fiduciary, and administrative hurdles remain significant, and any policy shifts would take time to formalize and adopt.
While the inclusion of private assets in retirement plans isn’t entirely new—the Department of Labor issued limited guidance in 2020—this executive order represents a far more expansive policy shift, with potential long-term implications for both investors and plan sponsors.
Implications for Investors
- Potential Retirement Account Access to Private Real Estate: While not yet actionable, this policy direction could pave the way for retirement custodians to explore private real estate options, including multifamily syndications, under appropriate structures.
- Growing Interest in Passive Income Strategies: Investors focused on income generation in retirement may benefit from access to offerings designed to deliver scheduled distributions and capital preservation, if allowed within 401(k) frameworks.
- Need for Institutional-Grade Sponsors: Any future access to private real estate within retirement plans will likely require sponsors to meet high standards for transparency, operational integrity, and track record—favoring firms with institutional readiness.
Ashcroft Capital: Positioned for the Future
Ashcroft Capital focuses exclusively on multifamily real estate investments, offering vertically integrated operations, and a retirement-aligned investment philosophy. If retirement plan access to private alternatives becomes available, Ashcroft is well-positioned to navigate the operational, regulatory, and custodial complexities.
We continue to monitor developments closely and are committed to keeping investors informed as the regulatory landscape evolves.
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Disclaimer:
This material is for informational purposes only and is not intended as an offer to sell or a solicitation to purchase securities. Any such offer will be made only through official offering documents and only to verified accredited investors as defined by Regulation D, Rule 506(c) of the Securities Act of 1933.
This content may contain forward-looking statements, including references to potential regulatory developments and future access to private real estate investments through retirement accounts. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and actual outcomes may differ materially.
Past performance is not indicative of future results. All investments carry risk, including the potential loss of principal. Investors should consult their financial and legal advisors before making any investment decision.
Ashcroft Capital does not provide tax, legal, or investment advice. Any discussion of potential tax-advantaged strategies is for illustrative purposes only and may not be available to all investors. This material does not constitute an offer to buy or sell securities or a solicitation of such offers.
