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
More Employers Than Ever Are Contributing to Workers' 401(k) Plans
A new report from ICI and ISS Market Intelligence highlights how employers play a critical role in the success of 401(k) plans and in helping American workers prepare for retirement.
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the Department of Labor’s (DOL) announcement today that the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) has rescinded a December 2021 supplemental statement that discouraged fiduciaries from considering alternative assets in 401(k) investment lineups.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...
