Defined Contribution

Exploring the New Generation of Retirement

January 30, 2026 | 5 minute read
As the cost of living continues to rise alongside increased life expectancy, there is a growing demand for innovative approaches to retirement savings and planning. Progress is being driven by strategic collaborations among financial advisors, asset managers, insurance companies and technology providers. These developments are expected to enhance the financial security of Americans as they prepare for the future.
Key Takeaways
1
Competing Financial Priorities
Despite market and 401(k) balance growth, competing financial priorities continue to be a significant drag on retirement outcomes demanding the need for new solutions.
2
New Products
Stakeholders across the industry are developing new products and solutions for plan sponsors and advisors to consider.
3
Supportive Regulatory Environment and Legislation
The regulatory environment and certain legislation proposals remain focused on improving retirement savings and outcomes by supporting the inclusion of private market investments, integrating guaranteed income options and potentially providing safe harbor guidelines for fiduciaries.
Key Defined Contribution (DC) Trends
Retirement Affordability Challenges
Retirement Affordability Challenges

Increases in basic expenses are outpacing wage growth, leaving less disposable income and making it harder for workers to save for retirement.

Private Market Solutions in DC Plans
Private Market Solutions in DC Plans

Interest in private market investments continues to grow amongst retirement stakeholders, driven by market evolution and expected regulatory guidance. These investments are primarily being considered as parts of multi-asset vehicles like target date funds, aiming to meet DC plan operational needs such as liquidity and valuation.

Retirement Income Options
Retirement Income Options

While there is ongoing development of guaranteed income products for DC plans, actual participant utilization remains low. An array of retirement income options, including embedded annuity features, stable value and diversified income funds, are being developed.

Personalization, Advice and the Development of AI
Personalization, Advice and the Development of AI

Retirement planning is shifting toward personalized, goal-based planning and advice. Digital tools and financial education, combined with one-on-one guidance, may help address individual needs through changing financial circumstances.

Regulatory and Legislative Momentum
Regulatory and Legislative Momentum

Proposed legislation and executive orders are supporting access to private market assets, digital investments, and lifetime income products in DC plans through clear regulatory guidance. Legislation continues to focus on expanding coverage for all. Regulatory activity from the Department of Labor (DOL) continues to seek to prioritize good faith compliance assistance over enforcement action against employers and to support employers in defending against ERISA class action litigation.  

Increased Professional Outsourcing
Increased Professional Outsourcing

Sponsors are increasingly using OCIO and 3(38) fiduciary managers and pooled employer plans to handle investment selection and administration, improving scale, cost-effectiveness and fiduciary oversight.

Product and Service Innovation Through Collaboration
Product and Service Innovation Through Collaboration

Providers are creating new solutions by leveraging collaboration between investment managers, advisors, and recordkeepers. Multi-manager CITs and custom portfolios offer flexible, cost-effective and accessible solutions for DC plans.

Early Savings Accounts (Trump Accounts)
Early Savings Accounts (Trump Accounts)

Beginning July 2026, Trump Accounts will introduce an option for early savings designated for children, including the possibility of employer contributions. This feature aims to support long-term financial growth and alleviate the difficulties associated with saving over the course of a career.

Focus on Roth Savings
Focus on Roth Savings

Full implementation of SECURE 2.0, which eliminated Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from Roth 401(k)s and mandated Roth catch-up contributions for high earners has placed these post-tax savings in the spotlight.

The landscape of retirement planning is undergoing significant transformation, driven by several factors. To make retirement more attainable and sustainable for all, a proactive and individualized approach is critical. We encourage you to download the full report for a deep dive into these trends as well as the key aspects of the transformation we will be watching for.

Exploring the New Generation of Retirement
Our full report provides a deep dive into nine trends as well as the key aspects of the transformation we will be watching for.
exploring the new generation of retirement
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