Retirement savers open to private markets and AI with advisor partnership essential

Interest in adding alternative investments to retirement savings accounts has been heightened since the Trump administration gave a green light to alts in 401(k)s last summer. But it’s still early days for investors who may still be highly focused on stocks and bonds.

However, a new survey reveals that today’s retail investors are open to new concepts, including looking at their portfolio mix and how AI could play a role in managing their financial assets. 

The latest Invesco Winter 2026 DC Pulse Survey points to growing curiosity about alternative investments and emerging technology but also highlights the continuing importance of the human advisor within retirement planning.

More than 500 defined contribution plan participants shared views on the potential role of private market investments and artificial intelligence in shaping their retirement outcomes. More than a third (36%) of respondents said they want private investments included in their DC plan, and an additional 50% said they would consider them “depending on risks and fees.”

The research suggests familiarity with private assets varies. While nearly three in 10 participants said they are very familiar with private markets, roughly 43% described themselves as somewhat familiar, indicating a need for continued education and communication from advisors and plan sponsors.

When asked about how they would integrate private investments into their portfolios, roughly half of participants indicated a preference for personalized, managed portfolio solutions suggesting that many savers are looking for tailored approaches rather than passive or one-size-fits-all options.

Poll participants generally acknowledged the value AI could bring to investing and financial decision-making but made clear that technology should support, not supplant, human guidance. Most believed that AI should enhance the adviser’s role rather than replace it.

In their own words, participants offered descriptive views of private markets. One Millennial woman characterized them as “Something like art or wine,” while a GenX male defined them as “Investments in companies or assets that are not traded on public stock exchanges.”

Last year Chip Castille, managing director at Wilshire, spoke with InvestmentNews about how sponsors can thoughtfully bring alternatives into participant portfolios while maintaining balance between risk, liquidity, and opportunity, noting that identifying which participants are most appropriate for alternative investments starts with assessing risk.