Please see below recent CRI work, media mentions and additional resources on the topic of retirement investment strategies.

Policy Reports

Use of Alternative Assets in Target Date Funds: Challenges, Strategies, and Next Steps (Policy Report 20-01, February 2020)

This report describes the potential benefits that allocation to alternative assets could offer a TDF’s investment portfolio, including enhanced retirement income for participants, with some case study considerations and international examples.  It identifies and explains the unique challenges a fiduciary should consider when deciding to include alternatives in a TDF, as well as appropriate strategies a fiduciary may use to apply appropriate due diligence.  Finally, to support and encourage this innovation, the report recommends action by DOL to clarify a fiduciary’s responsibility when including alternatives in TDFs.

2018 Policy Innovation Forum Report: Driving Change to Improve Retirement Outcomes (CRI Policy Forum Report)

On June 19, 2018, the Georgetown University Center for Retirement Initiatives (CRI) convened an invitation-only one-day policy forum with approximately 100 senior industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to examine some of the key challenges designing a retirement savings system focused on improving long-term outcomes to strengthen retirement security for millions of Americans. This report provides a comprehensive overview of the discussion held during this event, covering innovative ideas and proposals for addressing some of the challenges faced in closing the access gap, improving the design and performance of investments in retirement savings plans, and identifying ways to build and deliver more-effective and attractive lifetime income options.

The Evolution of Target Date Funds: Using Alternatives to Improve Retirement Plan Outcomes (Policy Report, 18-01, June 2018)

This report highlights new analysis showing how target date funds (TDFs) can be modified to improve expected retirement income for individuals by between 11 and 17 percent with the inclusion of alternative assets.  Operational issues, such as liquidity, pricing, etc. can be easily addressed today, as demonstrated by the increased use of custom funds in DC plans.  Policymakers and plan sponsors should consider the inclusion of alternative assets classes in DC plans, specifically through target date structures.

CRI in the News