Study estimates $1.96 trillion jump in 401(k) balances from loan protections

Study estimates $1.96 trillion jump in 401(k) balances from loan protections
EBRI research suggests automatic loan insurance program would reduce savings deficit.
FEB 28, 2022

Having a program of loan insurance in place for defined contribution plan participants who borrow from their plans could dramatically increase the security of the nation’s retirement programs, says a study from the Employee Benefit Research Institute.

“The impact of loan defaults on retirement savings is significant when compared with the overall retirement deficit for all U.S. households,” EBRI said in a report, “The Impact of Adding an Automatically Enrolled Loan Protection Program to 401(k) Plans.”

According to EBRI’s analysis, preventing leakage from the system through a loan insurance program over a 40-year period would result in an increase in the present value of 401(k) and rollover IRA balances of $1.96 trillion for those simulated to have a loan default.

“This can go a long way to helping reduce the present value of retirement deficits for U.S. households,” according to Jack Van Derhai, the report’s author.

Research from Deloitte cited by EBRI and based on anecdotal data from record keepers conservatively estimated that 66% of participants who defaulted on their loan took their entire account balance.

Independence still popular as recruiting recovers

Latest News

The 2025 InvestmentNews Awards Excellence Awardees revealed
The 2025 InvestmentNews Awards Excellence Awardees revealed

From outstanding individuals to innovative organizations, find out who made the final shortlist for top honors at the IN awards, now in its second year.

Top RIA Cresset warns of 'inevitable' recession amid tariff uncertainty
Top RIA Cresset warns of 'inevitable' recession amid tariff uncertainty

Cresset's Susie Cranston is expecting an economic recession, but says her $65 billion RIA sees "great opportunity" to keep investing in a down market.

Edward Jones joins the crowd to sell more alternative investments
Edward Jones joins the crowd to sell more alternative investments

“There’s a big pull to alternative investments right now because of volatility of the stock market,” Kevin Gannon, CEO of Robert A. Stanger & Co., said.

Record RIA M&A activity marks strong start to 2025
Record RIA M&A activity marks strong start to 2025

Sellers shift focus: It's not about succession anymore.

IB+ Data Hub offers strategic edge for U.S. wealth advisors and RIAs advising business clients
IB+ Data Hub offers strategic edge for U.S. wealth advisors and RIAs advising business clients

Platform being adopted by independent-minded advisors who see insurance as a core pillar of their business.

SPONSORED Compliance in real time: Technology's expanding role in RIA oversight

RIAs face rising regulatory pressure in 2025. Forward-looking firms are responding with embedded technology, not more paperwork.

SPONSORED Advisory firms confront crossroads amid historic wealth transfer

As inheritances are set to reshape client portfolios and next-gen heirs demand digital-first experiences, firms are retooling their wealth tech stacks and succession models in real time.