The U.S. Department of Labor has proposed a new rule to clarify the inclusion of alternative assets, such as private equity and cryptocurrencies, in 401(k) retirement plans. The proposal mandates fiduciaries to assess various factors including performance, fees, liquidity, valuation, and complexity of these assets. Compliance with these guidelines would provide fiduciaries with safe harbor protections against potential litigation, ensuring a more secure framework for incorporating these assets into retirement portfolios.