US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on August 7 directing the Department of Labor and SEC to issue guidance on the inclusion of private market assets in 401(k) plans, marking a pivotal step toward unlocking a major new source of demand for private assets and substantially accelerating the democratization of the asset class. […]
August 2025
Independence Day, 1985. You just saw Back to the Future and can’t stop thinking about tomorrow—in particular, your retirement years. You imagine sitting beachside or traveling through Europe, confident that your company’s well-funded defined benefit (DB) plan will provide steady monthly income for life. But things are about to change for the generation behind you. […]
February 2025
Private investments can play a valuable role in portfolios – adding differentiated sources of returns and diversifying exposure. But to unlock this value, investors need to be prepared, particular, and patient. Hear from Cambridge Associates’ private investment specialists on the valuable role these asset classes can play in a portfolio, as well as what investors […]
December 2024
In the years following the Global Financial Crisis (GFC), the appeal of hedge funds among institutional investors has diminished. This shift has been driven by legitimate concerns about high fees, a lack of transparency, and illiquidity. Yet, against this backdrop, hedge funds today offer a strategic opportunity for investors willing to navigate their complexities, with […]
July 2024
Tapping private markets in search of added returns is common practice among defined benefit pensions and other institutional investors. However, many pensions still avoid private investments (PI) out of fear that long-term capital lockups could elevate liquidity risk. Some also remain alarmed by the potential consequences of the “denominator effect.” This refers to situations in […]
April 2024
For decades, many institutional investors with private investment (PI) exposure have generated strong long-term returns. However, defined contribution (DC) plan participants have not been able to benefit in the same way, as employers have historically been limited to investment line-ups featuring predominantly public market asset classes. Although greater flexibility is emerging, the question remains how […]
March 2024
Over the past decade, executives overseeing corporate defined benefit (DB) pension plans have experienced significant regulatory reform and a full reversal of investment conditions. While rising liabilities once offset asset gains, the opposite is now true. Yet many organizations haven’t recalibrated their approach to plan management in response, leaving them exposed to unnecessary costs and […]
January 2024
This paper discusses the qualified professional asset manager (QPAM) exemption, an established, ERISA-approved exemption related to private investing programs. The US Department of Labor (DOL) published its Final Amendment of the exemption on April 3, 2024 which will be effective as of June 17, 2024. Plans wishing to undertake a QPAM transaction should consult with […]
November 2023
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Senior Director, Client Solutions—Retirement, Insurance & Government Practice