Understanding Brokerage Windows in Self-Directed Retirement Plans

This document is the report of the 2021 ERISA Advisory Council to the Secretary of Labor on their examination of brokerage windows in participant-directed individual account retirement plans covered by ERISA. The report provides background on brokerage windows, summarizes witness testimony, analyzes data on their prevalence and usage, and makes one recommendation for the Department of Labor to consider further fact-finding related to "brokerage window only" plans, where brokerage accounts are the sole investment option. The Council did not recommend additional guidance or requirements regarding brokerage windows in general.