Overview
As of September 2025, Americans held $10.0 trillion in 401(k) plans across about 730,000 plans, serving about 70 million active participants and additional millions of retirees. Savings rolled over from 401(k)s and other employer-sponsored retirement plans also account for about half of the $18.9 trillion held in individual retirement account (IRA) assets as of September 2025.
ICI Contacts
News and Publications
The Wealth-Building Power of 401(k) Plans
The 401(k) plan continues to offer workers across all income levels a disciplined way to save and invest, helping them build significant assets over time. The continued success of these plans shows...
ICI Applauds DOL Action On Including Alternatives In 401(k) Plans
Washington, DC; August 12, 2025—Today, Investment Company Institute (ICI) President and CEO Eric J. Pan released the following statement regarding the Department of Labor’s (DOL) announcement today that the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) has rescinded a December 2021 supplemental statement that discouraged fiduciaries from considering alternative assets in 401(k) investment lineups. “ICI welcomes the Department of Labor’s announcement today rescinding a 2021 supplemental statement which had chilled the adoption of alternative assets in retirement plans. The decision marks a...
ICI Applauds Executive Order To Increase Access to Private Markets for Everyday Americans
Washington, DC; August 7, 2025— Today, Investment Company Institute (ICI) President and CEO Eric J. Pan released the following statement regarding President Trump’s executive order encouraging increased access to private market investments for American retirement investors. “ICI supports giving Americans the opportunity to access private markets through fund vehicles in their retirement plan accounts just as millions of Americans already benefit from private market investments through institutional pension funds. Retirement savers are the ultimate long-term investors and would benefit from the...
Mutual Fund Expense Ratios Remain at Historic Lows for Retirement Savers
Washington, DC; July 16, 2025—Investment Company Institute (ICI) research released today finds that retirement savers in 401(k) plans saw average mutual fund expense ratios at historic lows for another year. The ICI’s new report, “ The Economics of Providing 401(k) Plans: Services, Fees, and Expenses, 2024,” reveals a vibrant and competitive 401(k) plan market for mutual funds, providing millions of American workers with a cost-effective investment vehicle to save for retirement. For example, average equity mutual fund expense ratios incurred by 401(k) plan participants have fallen by 66...