
About this episode
Visit altassetsummit.com to learn how to invest in Alternative Assets.
(More links down below.)
In this episode of the Directed IRA Podcast, Mark Kohler and Mat Sorensen break down a groundbreaking new executive order from President Donald Trump that could reshape the future of 401(k) investing—by opening the door to alternative assets.
For decades, Wall Street and Washington have kept most retirement savers locked into a narrow menu of stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and ETFs. This executive order flips the script, setting a national policy that every American preparing for retirement should have the option to invest in alternatives—just like the wealthiest institutions do.
Mat and Mark explain what “alternative assets” really mean in this context, from real estate and crypto to private equity, commodities, and infrastructure investments. They walk through the specific investments cited in the order, why these options have been off-limits for most 401(k) participants, and how this policy could shift the $8 trillion 401(k) industry toward more choice and freedom for everyday investors.
They also unpack the political dynamics, regulatory hurdles, and 180-day timeline for the Department of Labor and SEC to develop new guidance—while emphasizing what you can do right now. If you have an IRA or old 401(k), you can already invest in alternatives today using a self-directed account, bypassing the “check-the-box” limitations of traditional plans.
Whether you’re a corporate employee stuck with cookie-cutter 401(k) options or a self-directed investor ready to take the reins, this episode will help you understand the stakes, the timeline, and the opportunities in this unprecedented policy shift.
Chapters:
00:08 - Trump's Executive Order on Alternative Assets
02:19 - Defining Alternative Assets
02:30 - Learn How to Invest in Alternative Assets
02:48 - List of Alternative Assets - From Trump
04:19 - How the Executive Order Could Impact You
05:20 - Timeline and Political Landscape
09:07 - The Power of Self-Directed Investing
12:02 - IRAs: Invest in Alternatives Today
For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/
Interested in learning more about alternative investments? Join us this year at the Alternative Asset Summit October 22 & 23, where you'll hear from industry experts and connect with like-minded investors exploring new ways to build wealth: https://altassetsummit.com/
Other:
Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com
Mark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/
KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com
Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com
Get every episode summarized
Each time Directed IRA Podcast publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from Directed IRA Podcast

Investing in Litigation Finance with Your IRA
Directed IRA Podcast

The Rule of 72 Explained - How to Double Your Money
Directed IRA Podcast

Passing Down Your IRA or 401(k) Tax-Free with an Inherited IRA
Directed IRA Podcast

Roth IRA vs Roth 401(k) - Where Should You Put Your Money?
Directed IRA Podcast