Leveling the financial playing field
At Franklin Templeton, we believe every American deserves the chance to build a stronger financial future. That’s why we’re committed to making it easier for individual savers to access investment solutions once reserved for institutional investors.
Wall Street strategies in workplace savings plans
Specialized investments—personalized strategies, private assets, income solutions—were once reserved for institutions and the ultra-wealthy.
Franklin Templeton is democratizing access through employer retirement plans. Now you can offer clients private equity, real estate and income strategies that build secure retirements, differentiate your practice and deepen relationships.
Set your practice apart
Offer innovative strategies that give your employer-sponsored clients a competitive edge.
Strengthen client connections
Build lasting relationships with investment offerings once reserved for institutions and the wealthy.
Promote financial fairness
Provide access to diverse investment opportunities that level the playing field for all.
91%
of American workers say they are interested in a more personalized 401(k) investment option tailored to their unique financial situation.1
92%
of American workers say they would be willing to share personal information to enable personalized retirement investment options, such as portfolios aligned to their income, life stage and financial needs.1
92%
of American workers say they are interested in having access to a guaranteed lifetime income stream as part of their workplace retirement plan.1
Our investment solutions
Our investment capabilities help level the playing field by offering access to alternative assets in workplace savings plans, personalized strategies aligned with participant goals and retirement income solutions to help build a secure future.
Democratization through workplace savings plans
Incorporating private market investments into workplace savings plans allows participants to access assets like commodities, private debt and infrastructure, previously available only to institutional investors. By blending these investments with traditional assets, employers can offer more tailored retirement solutions that can align with each participant’s risk tolerance and goals.
Incorporating private markets
Expanding access to options like commodities, private debt and infrastructure can enhance potential returns while contributing to portfolio diversification and addressing specific investment objectives.
Participant benefits
These tailored investment strategies provide institutional-level diversification, integrating income-focused solutions to help participants pursue a more secure retirement.
Private market investments seek to shine when integrated into a total portfolio. Starting with a hypothetical 60/40 portfolio, adding private markets demonstrates their potential to boost performance and reduce volatility, offering tailored outcomes for potential growth and risk management in workplace savings plans.
Insights
Change is on the horizon for retirement savings, as 401(k) plans are now embracing private market investments. Savers may soon have access to opportunities previously reserved for large investors. Our experts talk about the trends and opportunities.
Clarion Partners suggests there is compelling data for DC plan sponsors to consider including private real estate as an investment option in a multi-asset retirement plan.
Institutions have long used alternative investments, but individuals have had limited access. Tony Davidow, Senior Alternative Investment Strategist, highlights their potential for growth and income in both accumulation and retirement phases.
Your Franklin Templeton retirement plan director can guide you on incorporating investment strategies to enhance workplace plans and help support secure retirement outcomes.
Important Information
- Source: Franklin Templeton’s 2026 Voice of The American Workplace Survey, as conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Franklin Templeton from November 7 to 20, 2025. All 1,004 respondents, based in the United States, are classified as employers, defined as having at least some influence over company benefits and/or hiring at organizations with over 100 employees. Respondents represent a mix of industries, company size, role, age and race. Findings from 2023 and 2024 reference studies of similar natures that were conducted among 1,000 and 1,002 respondents of the same qualifications by The Harris Poll on behalf of Franklin Templeton from November 6 to 17, 2023, and November 25 to December 6, 2024.
All investments involve risk, including possible loss of principal.
Please see each product's web page for specific details regarding investment objective, risks, performance, and other important information. Review this information carefully before you make any investment decision.
As a financial professional, only you can provide your customers personalized advice and investment recommendations tailored to their specific goals, individual situation and risk tolerance.
This material is intended to be of general interest only and should not be construed as individual investment advice or a recommendation or solicitation to buy, sell or hold any security or to adopt any investment strategy. It does not constitute legal or tax advice. This material may not be reproduced, distributed or published without prior written permission from Franklin Templeton.
Before adopting any plan you should carefully consider all of the benefits, risks and costs associated with a plan. Information regarding retirement plans is general and is not intended as legal or tax advice.
Prospective investors should consult a financial professional in order to determine whether an investment product or strategy is appropriate for their particular circumstances.
The views expressed are those of the investment manager and the comments, opinions and analyses are rendered as at publication date and may change without notice. The underlying assumptions and these views are subject to change based on market and other conditions and may differ from other portfolio managers or of the firm as a whole. The information provided in this material is not intended as a complete analysis of every material fact regarding any country, region or market. There is no assurance that any prediction, projection or forecast on the economy, stock market, bond market or the economic trends of the markets will be realized. The value of investments and the income from them can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount that you invested. Past performance is not necessarily indicative nor a guarantee of future performance. All investments involve risks, including possible loss of principal.
Franklin Templeton does not provide legal or tax advice. Retirement plans are complex, and the federal and state laws or regulations on which they are based vary for each type of plan and are subject to change. In addition, some products, investment vehicles and services may not be available or appropriate in all workplace retirement plans. Plan sponsors and plan administrators should consult the advice of legal counsel or a tax professional to address their specific situations.