Private Equity Helps Diversify Pensions

The American Investment Council (AIC) produces an annual comprehensive study demonstrating private equity’s superior returns for public pension funds. Historically, these returns benefited mainly public-sector employees, with limited access for individual investors. Recognizing a critical opportunity, AIC partnered with Decker Design to redefine the narrative, advocating broader inclusion of private equity investments in retirement portfolios, including individual 401(k) plans.

Decker Design developed a user-friendly, horizontally formatted digital report, the “Retirement Security Report,” strategically designed for optimal screen viewing. This digital approach allowed for clearer storytelling, using compelling, relatable imagery and concise content tailored for accessibility. By highlighting key beneficiaries—teachers, police officers, firefighters, and potential new beneficiaries like small-business owners—the report effectively humanized complex data and demonstrated private equity’s broad, inclusive appeal.

Additionally, the report featured extensive academic research supporting private equity’s role in enhancing retirement outcomes, coupled with testimonials from top-performing pension funds. The refreshed narrative significantly shifted perceptions, demonstrating private equity’s value beyond traditional pension investments. Ultimately, the 2025 Retirement Security Report successfully positioned private equity as a crucial component of retirement planning, driving forward conversations on expanding private equity access and paving the way for potential policy shifts benefiting a wider array of investors.