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Daily Article Digest - Updated Throughout the DayThis digest contains a wide variety of the freshest source material dealing with current trends, opinion, news, legislative action, investments, marketing, sales, consulting, and legal issues regarding 401k, 403b and other retirement plans. Each listing contains a headline (hyperlinked to the source document), description, source of the item, and the month and year posted to this digest. Use the SEARCH feature to located specific items from this digest and from our ARCHIVE. RSS feed of this page is available:
Retirement Savings: Why Hedging Inflation Is ImportantAbstract: Inflation has been calm for so long that many retirement investors have overlooked its potentially corrosive effects. But for defined contribution plan portfolios designed to last decades, inflation remains one of the greatest potential risks, making inflation-hedging assets critical. Source: Pimco.com, August 2017*
Everything You Wanted to Know About BICE but Were Afraid to AskAbstract: The best-interest contract exemption (BICE) is part of a large regulatory package with quickly approaching deadlines for compliance. BICE rules are important to plan sponsors and something they need to start considering in their interactions with plan vendors. This 8-page article is designed to heighten awareness to assist plan sponsors in fulfilling their fiduciary duties. Source: Ifebp.org, August 2017
How to Build a Better TDFAbstract: The DC industry has devoted tremendous amounts of time and effort to improve the likelihood of successful retirement outcomes. But, much like the ancient Roman goddess Fortuna capriciously interfering in the lives of mortals, random economic and market forces largely drive retirement outcomes. Source: Callan.com, August 2017
At Small Phoenix Company, 401k Plan Is Taken SeriouslyAbstract: Small employers rarely can afford to offer traditional pensions and often struggle in crafting a worthwhile 401k program, but it can be done. Norman S. Wright Co., a Phoenix company that represents air-conditioning manufacturers in dealing with contractors, is an example. Source: Usatoday.com, August 2017
Adding Sustainable and Responsible Investing Options to DC PlansAbstract: This 12-page step-by-step guide assists plan sponsors considering the addition of a sustainable, responsible and impact investing option to a defined contribution retirement plan. Source: Ussif.org, August 2017 Is There an Optimal Strategy for Withdrawing Funds From a 401kAbstract: Conventional wisdom tells us to maximize our contributions to a 401k account and to grow the balance as much as possible for retirement. However, we may not have considered the decumulation side of retirement income. Source: Seekingalpha.com, August 2017
ETFs Are Hot Everywhere but Workplace Retirement PlansAbstract: Of the $5 trillion in assets in company-sponsored 401k plans, two-thirds are held in mutual funds, the ICI says. ETF assets, meanwhile, are a mere fraction of the pool left over, with the exact percentage not tracked publicly. So why are so few ETFs offered in workplace retirement plans? Source: Reuters.com, August 2017 Key Rules for Non-Spouse BeneficiariesAbstract: This is a high level overview of some of the rules that beneficiaries must follow to help preserve the tax-deferred status of inherited retirement account, and avoid penalties. Source: Retirementdictionary.com, August 2017 Fuzzy on Fiduciary ComplianceAbstract: Today the industry is left in a somewhat confusing spot, given that an anti-regulation Republican is in the White House and in command of the agency supposed to enforce the new fiduciary rule, a rule still not even fully in effect, as the applicability dates for various provisions stretch well into 2018. Source: Planadviser.com, August 2017
Tibble's Trials Near the End With a WinAbstract: Nearly a decade to the day that Glenn Tibble, William Bauer, William Izral, Henry Runowiecki, Frederik Sohadolc, and Hugh Tinman, Jr. filed their excessive fee class action known as Tibble v. Edison, they may be nearing the conclusion of a case that has gone all the way to the United States Supreme Court and back. Source: Napa-net.org, August 2017 Anticipating Delay to Fiduciary Rule, BDs and RIAs Change CourseAbstract: Broker-dealers and registered investment advisers are pivoting in the wake of news that the DOL is likely to get a lengthy delay in the implementation date of its fiduciary rule. While strategies and mechanisms put in place thus far will largely remain intact, according to analysts and executives, firms are gearing up to halt ones that had been deferred or haven't yet materialized. Source: Investmentnews.com (registration may be required), August 2017
State Retirement Plans March ForwardAbstract: States are working to bring retirement-savings plans to residents who lack them. Fans and foes alike say the endeavors will likely end up scrutinized in court, as detractors contend the programs violate federal pension laws. Source: Barrons.com, August 2017
Report Finds Participant Account Balance Size Influences 401k Plan FeesAbstract: According to a new report published by the authors of 401k Averages Book, the size of a 401k plan's average participant account balance will influence the amount of fees they pay. Source: 401khelpcenter.com, August 2017 Participants Do Not Factor Tax Rates Into Retirement Savings DecisionsAbstract: Researchers found that although education increased participants' use of expected tax-rate changes in their plan choices, participants continued to display an economically "irrational" preference for pre-tax deferrals over Roth deferrals. Source: Plansponsor.com, August 2017
Majority of Small Businesses Do Not Offer Retirement, Health BenefitsAbstract: The majority of small- to mid-sized businesses do not offer health, retirement or other ancillary benefits, Paychex found in a survey of 318 such companies. Only 38% offer such benefits. Source: Planadviser.com, August 2017
Are You Overlooking Required RMD Beginning Dates?Abstract: Required minimum distributions are a small but important part of retirement plans. Failure to start making them on time can lead to problems for employers and plan participants. If you're a plan administrator, you hold the responsibility of ensuring the first RMD is made in time to fulfill this requirement. Source: Penchecks.com, August 2017
How to Select the Right TDF for a 401k PlanAbstract: The promise of TDFs is that they are designed to protect investor assets from the risk of large losses stemming from inadequate or improper portfolio diversification. For advisers, this is directly aligned with the obligation under ERISA to protect assets. For participants, the funds simplify investment decisions. But simply choosing any TDF won't do, because there are underlying risks of choosing the "wrong" TDF relative to other available options. Source: Investmentnews.com (registration may be required), August 2017
What Ranks as the Top Retirement Worry?Abstract: Is ignorance fueling participants' retirement paranoia? Americans rank inflation as their main economic worry, yet wildly overestimate the rate of inflation itself, according to a new survey from Allianz Life. Respondents predicted an average increase of 4.4 percent per year, with a third believing the cost of living would increase between 5 percent and 10 percent per year. Source: 401kspecialistmag.com, August 2017
Get-Out-of-DOL-Rule-Jail Card for Those Who Dabble in 401k Business?Abstract: Without recent guidance, 401k specialists were set to devour one-off accounts held by brokers but new DOL rule guidance offers well-lit path to build toward a far larger 401k practice. Source: Riabiz.com, August 2017
Major Developments in Fiduciary RuleAbstract: There are two recent developments regarding the DOL fiduciary advisor regulation, sometimes known as the conflict-on-interest regulation. Source: Relius.net, August 2017
Many DC Plan Sponsors Must Annually "Notice" Their ParticipantsAbstract: Sponsors of DC plans with certain features are required to provide annual notices to participants. This chart summarizes the annual notice requirements for each of these notices, including timing, recipients, contents, and methods of delivery. Some plan designs may require multiple notices and some of the notices may be combined or packaged together in one mailing. Source: Prudential.com, August 2017
Infographic: Top Re-Enrollment MisperceptionsAbstract: Re-enrollment may help put participants on the path to better retirement outcomes, but some common misperceptions could be preventing plan sponsors from leveraging this strategy. This infographic explores the top four re-enrollment misperceptions. Source: Jpmorgan.com, August 2017
ERISA (7th Circuit): Are ERISA Plan Forum Selection Clauses Enforceable?Abstract: ERISA gives plan beneficiaries a choice on where to bring suit seeking ERISA benefits. Section 1132(e)(2) allows plan beneficiaries to bring suit "in the district where the plan is administered, where the breach took place, or where a defendant resides or may be found." But what happens when the plan has a forum-selection clause? Are forum selection clauses enforceable? Source: Boomerisablog.com, August 2017
Debt Regret Fuels Financial Stress, Finds New Retirement StudyAbstract: A new survey from Schwab Retirement Plan Services reveals that everyday money matters are dramatically impacting the lives and retirement saving efforts of Americans. The nationwide survey of 1,000 workers with access to a 401k plan -- half of whom are actively contributing to it and half of whom are not -- reveals that non-savers are increasingly challenged by day-to-day financial stresses, compounded especially by credit card debt. Source: Aboutschwab.com, August 2017
DC Plan Sponsors: Fiduciary Matters MatterAbstract: The DOL has cut financial advisors some slack in getting ready to comply with its new fiduciary rule. But DC plan sponsors don't have the same luxury. That's because plan sponsors have been subject to ERISA. Based on the results of ABG's latest survey, many don't know it. Source: Abglobal.com, August 2017
401k World Is About to Change - Are You Ready?Abstract: As a result of technology and new laws, the small and mid-size 401k and 403b market is about to go through even more dramatic changes than after the 2006 Pension Protection Act which spawned the growth of auto enrollment, auto escalation and target date funds. Source: 401ktv.com, August 2017
Seventh Circuit Upholds ERISA Plan's Forum Selection ClauseAbstract: In a mandamus petition involving an issue of first impression, the US Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit held that ERISA's venue provision did not invalidate a forum selection clause in an ERISA-governed health plan. Source: Westlaw.com, August 2017
Deloitte White Paper on the DOL Fiduciary Rule: Response and ImpactAbstract: The Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association engaged Deloitte to facilitate a study with 21 SIFMA member firms to understand and analyze the realized and potential impacts of the DOL's Fiduciary Rule on retirement investors and financial institutions. Report is 29-pages. Source: Sifma.org, August 2017
The Case for Custom Target-Date FundsAbstract: The increase in the use of custom TDFs by defined contribution plans has been significant. This 4-page paper explains why plan fiduciaries should consider custom TDFs when selecting the investment options for a 401k plan. Source: Ipbtax.com, August 2017
Mitigate Qualified Domestic Relations Order Risk With Best PracticesAbstract: While QDRO administration can be problematic and time intensive, ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code clearly outline the obligations of a plan administrator regarding QDROs for qualified retirement plans. These obligations must be met by all plan sponsors. Source: Findleydavies.com, August 2017
Do 401k Managed Accounts Live Up to All the Hype?Abstract: Offering employees professionally managed accounts in a 401k plan might seem to be an excellent option, as this service seeks to provide an investment mix customized to individual needs and goals while increasing the odds of saving enough money for retirement. But managed accounts present challenges and concerns that both plan sponsors and participants should fully understand. Source: Shrm.org, August 2017
October 1 401k Safe Harbor Deadline Gets CloserAbstract: If you want to set up a new Safe Harbor 401k plan for 2017, it has to be done by October 1. Source: Retirementplanblog.com, August 2017
New Conflict of Interest FAQs Address 408b-2 Disclosure Transition PeriodAbstract: The 408(b)(2) FAQ will allow some service providers to avoid changing previously provided 408(b)(2) notices and give others additional time to adjust the content of those notices. Source: Groom.com, August 2017
Fifth Circuit Oral Arguments -- A New Hope for Fiduciary Rule Opponents?Abstract: During oral argument in Chamber of Commerce v. Acosta, Judge Jones not only peppered both parties with questions that appeared to be largely based on the Chamber of Commerce's briefs, but also raised a new argument about why the Fifth Circuit need not defer to the DOL's analysis. Should Judge Jones and at least one of the other members of the panel side with the Chamber of Commerce, the Fiduciary Rule could be vacated. Source: Groom.com, August 2017
Five Common Mistakes of Plan SponsorsAbstract: There are a number of ways plan sponsors can reduce their liability and avoid costly penalties for operational errors. These include conducting a complete review of plan documents and company policies to ensure they are in accord. Here are five common mistakes plan sponsors make. Source: Bsllp.com, August 2017
Sears Hit With Second Lawsuit Over Company Stock in 401k PlansAbstract: Sears Holdings was sued for the second time in a month over its decision to retain and continue purchasing its own declining stock as an investment option in the retailer's 401k plans Source: Bna.com (registration may be required), August 2017
Hardship Distributions: Source Documents vs. Documentation of Self-Certification by ParticipantsAbstract: The IRS released a Memorandum to its agents setting forth the substantiation they should expect to see for 401k plan hardship distributions issued. The IRS agents were instructed to examine source documents if they are obtained by the employer or third-party administrator, OR to examine the summary of documentation that the hardship distribution recipient will maintain. Source: Belfint.com, August 2017
Fiduciary Considerations for Plan Sponsors - Evaluating Plan FeesAbstract: A common theme running through class-action lawsuits filed against plan fiduciaries is the violation caused by not properly understanding and addressing the fees of their 401k plan. The article describes three methods for determining if plan fees are reasonable. Source: Morganstanleyfa.com, August 2017
DOL Seeks to Delay Fiduciary Rule Until July 2019Abstract: The Labor Department is seeking to delay implementation of the remaining parts of its fiduciary rule for 18 months. In a brief filed in a Minnesota lawsuit Wednesday, the DOL indicated it had submitted to the Office of Management and Budget a proposal to delay the rule from Jan. 1, 2018, until July 1, 2019. The OMB must review and approve the proposal before it can go into effect. Source: Investmentnews.com (registration may be required), August 2017
The Positive Impact of Automatic FeaturesAbstract: Automatic plan features offer numerous benefits. These positive impacts occur amidst a backdrop that surprises many employers: employees favor automatic features and appreciate an employer that utilizes them. This 7-page white paper will help employers to strengthen their commitment through a thoughtful and informed automatic enrollment and escalation structure. Source: Qualifiedplanadvisors.com, August 2017
Participant Fails to Establish Class Status in Prudential LawsuitAbstract: A federal district court judge has denied class action status to an ERISA challenge filed by a retirement plan participant invested in a stable value product offered by Prudential. The denial of the class certification motion goes into some detail regarding what it takes to establish class standing under ERISA. Source: Plansponsor.com, August 2017
Why Some 403bs May Delay Form 5500 FilingAbstract: Many retirement plan sponsors, including 403b plan sponsors, file an extension of time to file their Form 5500s. This article discusses the two primary reasons. Source: Plansponsor.com, August 2017
Robo-Advisers: More Complex Than They May AppearAbstract: The article analyzes the growing trend of investment firms including robo-advisers as part of their service offerings. The SEC's Information Guidance and Investor Alert from February 2017 indicated that "robo-advisers, like all registered investment advisers, are subject to the substantive and fiduciary obligations of the Advisers Act." The article provides insight into the challenges robo-advisers face in terms of compliance with disclosure requirements, fiduciary obligations and other regulatory responsibilities. Source: Kattenlaw.com, August 2017
These Five Retirement Issues Brought Out the LobbyistsAbstract: Five hot-button issues in retirement policy were at the forefront of lobbying efforts in the second quarter of 2017, Bloomberg Government data show. They were the fiduciary rule, multiemployer reform, retirement issues relevant to tax reform, repeal of state retirement plans, and Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation premiums. Source: Bna.com (registration may be required), August 2017
Revenue Sharing: What's the Right Way to Apply It in a 401k Plan?Abstract: Revenue sharing became an industry concern as technology advanced in the late 1990's. It comes in various forms or names. To understand the question of how to apply revenue sharing in a 401k plan, first we must examine what revenue sharing really is, what form it takes and how it is commonly applied. Source: Unifiedtrust.com, August 2017
Pro-Rata Participant Fees and Fee Transparency: A Recordkeeper's ConundrumAbstract: As 401k fees are being challenged in excessive fee lawsuits, and participants are, rightfully, checking their accounts and verifying their fees, it is prudent to have fees that are fair and transparent. Source: Rpgconsultants.com, August 2017
Seven Ways a Fiduciary Can Follow "Procedural Prudence"Abstract: "Procedural Prudence" is not a new concept. It underlies one of ERISA's bedrock requirements. A fiduciary must discharge their duties prudently with care, skill, and diligence. It's the process by which a fiduciary can accomplish this. Here are seven practical considerations for fiduciaries to shore up their defenses and improve their governance practices. Source: Retirementplanblog.com, August 2017
Begin Working on 2018 401k Plan Changes NowAbstract: If you intend to review your 401k plan fees and/or providers this year, now is the time to get started. Most plan sponsors who decide to make 401k plan changes like to have those new features in place by January 1 of the new plan year. Here are a few things to consider. Source: Lawtonrpc.com, August 2017
Easing Into the DOL Fiduciary RuleAbstract: The latest set of FAQs affirms that participant communications specifically encouraging larger plan contributions -- at specific individualized levels -- are not fiduciary in nature as long as investment recommendations are not specified. In addition, the FAQs provide helpful advice to new plan fiduciaries about fee disclosure responsibilities. Source: Conduent.com, August 2017
Are We Ready to Fund Retirement From DC Plans?Abstract: DC plans have been focused on the accumulation of assets for retirement, and the DC industry has spent considerable effort to improve investment offerings, control costs, encourage participation, and streamline the technology of the participant's interaction with the plan. But what about the distribution of accumulated savings to retirees? Source: Callan.com, August 2017
Taking a Risk-Based Approach to Evaluating Target-Date FundsAbstract: How can plan sponsors objectively assess the merits of a glide path and its affect on plan members? The once-popular method of comparing funds based on their equity percentage method doesn't do justice to what really matters to plan members: retirement outcomes. Source: Benefitscanada.com, August 2017
401k Saving Harder at Lower IncomesAbstract: Our 401k retirement system doesn't work as well for lower- and middle-income workers as it does for those at the top. That's because they face more severe headwinds in pursuit of their retirement goals, concludes a new study. Source: Bc.edu, August 2017
What Hitchcock v. Cumberland Means for Plan FiduciariesAbstract: Earlier this year, the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the participants in a university's pension plan do not have to exhaust administrative remedies before they pursue claims of ERISA violations. A recent blog entry discusses what this ruling means for plan fiduciaries. Source: Asppa.org, August 2017
New Jersey Considers 403(b) Disclosure BillAbstract: A bill that would require new disclosures in New Jersey, A5151, has been filed by Assemblywoman Amy Handlin, the Deputy Republican Leader of the Democrat-controlled Assembly. Source: Napa-net.org, August 2017
Survey Says Large Plans Nervous About Roth MandateAbstract: A CIEBA survey of larger plan sponsors finds most concerned about the potential participant response to a mandated shift to Roth tax treatment in 401k plans. Source: Napa-net.org, August 2017
Checklist for Strengthening Your Defenses to 401k Plan Class ActionsAbstract: It is in the interest of plan sponsors and plan fiduciaries to take all reasonable steps to head off claims quickly if they are asserted. The following checklist is offered as a non-exclusive guide for those purposes. Source: Jdsupra.com, August 2017
The Often Overlooked Fiduciary "Gotcha"Abstract: The author wonders "why more plaintiffs' attorneys, plan sponsors and other investment fiduciaries have not fully utilized the cost-consciousness 'blueprint' that the Restatement provides in drafting pleading and addressing potential liability exposure based on alleged breaches of a fiduciary's duties of loyalty and/or prudence." Source: Iainsight.wordpress.com, August 2017
Arch Coal Beats ERISA Lawsuit Over Company Stock in 401k PlanAbstract: Arch Coal defeated a lawsuit by employees accusing it of failing to divest their 401k plan of the company's stock during a three-year period when its value declined from $680 to $1.42 per share. Source: Bna.com (registration may be required), August 2017
Improving Participant CommunicationsAbstract: It's always been important to communicate effectively with plan participants. Not to mention that law and regulation set certain bottom lines for performing that function. A recent paper offers some insights on how those communications can be improved based on current circumstances. Source: Asppa.org, August 2017
MyRA Phase-Out Clips a State-Run Auto-IRA ProgramAbstract: The U.S. Treasury's winding down of the myRA program will cause at least one state-run retirement program to delay its opening. Source: Asppa.org, August 2017
Maximize Your Auto-Enrollment 401k PlanAbstract: More and more companies have started automatically enrolling employees in their organization's retirement plan unless they specifically opt out. While the change has resulted in more workers saving for retirement -- that's a good thing -- leaving the contribution amount and investment mix of your retirement savings up to your employer may not be a great idea. Source: Usnews.com, August 2017
Questions Employers Should Ask About Stable Value FundsAbstract: Stable value investments have been a core investment option in defined contribution retirement plans since the 1970s and are an attractive alternative to money market investments due to steady returns and principal preservation guarantees. This article suggests 11 questions employers should ask about stable value funds. Source: Strategicbenefitservices.com, August 2017
Plan Design Can Help Participants Get the Full Company MatchAbstract: Advisers can help retirement plan sponsors design their plans and financial wellness programs to get participants to defer enough to receive the company's matching contribution. Source: Planadviser.com, August 2017
The Hardship of Administering 401k Plan Hardship WithdrawalsAbstract: Many employers contract with a third-party administrator or platform vendor to administer the hardship application and approval process. But, even if outsourced, employers are the ones at risk of tax liabilities or plan disqualification if the process is not consistent with the very limited authority for early distributions on account of hardship contained in the Code and related regulations. Source: Frostbrowntodd.com, August 2017
Comparison Across Two Generations of 401k Savers in Their 20s Shows Contrast in Asset AllocationsAbstract: The asset allocations of 401k retirement plan savers in their 20s at the end of 2015 differed significantly from the allocations of 401k participants in their 20s in the mid-1990s, according to the Employee Benefit Research Institute. Source: Ebri.org, August 2017
401k Plan Asset Allocation, Account Balances, and Loan Activity in 2015Abstract: EBRI and ICI released "401(k) Plan Asset Allocation, Account Balances, and Loan Activity in 2015." Since 1996, the Employee Benefit Research Institute and the Investment Company Institute have worked together on collecting and analyzing annual data on millions of 401k plan participants' accounts. This report reflects the year-end 2015 update of these data and EBRI's and ICI's ongoing research into 401k plan participants' activity. Source: Ebri.org, August 2017
New Conflict of Interest FAQAbstract: This FAQ provides information on (1) a "fiduciary status disclosure" issue under the DOL's ERISA section 408(b)(2) service provider disclosure regulation that applies to ERISA pension plans, (2) whether recommendations to plan participants and IRA owners to contribute to or increase contributions to a plan or IRA constitute fiduciary investment advice under the Fiduciary Rule, and (3) whether recommendations to employers and other plan fiduciaries on plan design changes intended to increase plan participation and contribution rates constitute fiduciary investment advice under the Fiduciary Rule. Source: Dol.gov, August 2017
Fiduciary Best Practices for Protecting Your CompanyAbstract: Failing to follow best practices may leave a fiduciary personally liable for losses to the plan and result in removal from their duties. There are a number of actions fiduciaries can take to limit potential liability. Source: Bsllp.com, August 2017
Fidelity Q2 Retirement Analysis: Balances Again Reach Record LevelsAbstract: Fidelity Investments released its quarterly analysis of its 401k and Individual Retirement Accounts. Rising stock markets could lead to overexposure in equities, but target-date funds and managed accounts can help keep investors on track. Source: Businesswire.com, August 2017
Winning Early Motions to Dismiss Breach of Fiduciary Claims, the Ministerial DefenseAbstract: One argument to use in seeking early dismissal of breach of fiduciary duty claims is the ministerial defense. The recent case that highlights the point is Turner v. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. Source: Boomerisablog.com, August 2017
QDIAs...A Recipe for Fiduciary ProtectionAbstract: A Qualified Default Investment Alternative is a provision available to 401k and 403b plans that reduces the potential personal liability of plan fiduciaries while improving the ability of participants to build toward retirement. Since a QDIA offers advantages to plan sponsor and participants alike, one might wonder what would prevent an employer from implementing one. Source: Alliantwealth.com, August 2017
Penalties Hit ERISA Plans in Spite of CPA AuditsAbstract: The DOL is concerned about the increasing number of deficiencies it sees for plans that receive a CPA’s annual financial audit. Mistakes on an ERISA plan's Form 5500 create a nice target for the Internal Revenue Service's auditors, too. Source: 401ktv.com, August 2017
Four Reasons for 401k Advisors to Partner With TPAsAbstract: TPAs also help bolster your firm by providing your client confidence and allow you to manage more. Here are four of many reasons why a TPA relationship is beneficial to your firm and your clients. Source: 401kspecialistmag.com, August 2017
All About Retirement, An Employer SurveyAbstract: Sixty-nine percent of employers believe that most of their employees could work to age 65 and still not save enough to meet their retirement needs, a disturbing finding given the vital societal role that employers play in helping workers save, plan, and prepare for retirement, according to a study released by nonprofit Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies. Source: Transamericacenter.org, August 2017
Red flags on Form 5500 Alert IRS and DOL to Plan IssuesAbstract: Plan mistakes happen and can generally be corrected, but here's four red flags that the IRS and DOL look for and want to make sure are fully corrected. Source: Retirementplanblog.com, August 2017
Inside View of DOL Fiduciary Rule Arguments Before 5th CircuitAbstract: Oral arguments in the consolidated case against the DOL and its fiduciary rule reforms were heard Monday morning by the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals; ERISA attorney Erin Sweeney offers her take. Source: Planadviser.com, August 2017
Can States Pick Up DOL Fiduciary Enforcement Slack?Abstract: There are certainly states that are attempting to do so, but it's unclear whether ERISA's preemption of state law will render their efforts toothless. Source: Planadviser.com, August 2017
A Procrastinator's Guide to the DOL Fiduciary RuleAbstract: This article is an adapted and updated transcript of the May 17, 2017 FPA Public Policy and Regulation Knowledge Circle presentation, "A Procrastinator's Guide to the DOL Fiduciary Rule" by Steve Niehoff. Source: Onefpa.org, August 2017
Entrepreneurs & Retirement Plans: Scoping, Selecting & Scaling a Sound StrategyAbstract: Reviews a few key concepts and then follow the journey of an entrepreneur from a "solopreneur" with an idea or inspiration for a business to experiencing some success, hiring employees, scaling and eventually selling the business and weave in along the way how different retirement plan strategies could potentially support their personal and business goals. Source: Linkedin.com, August 2017
The Upside-Down 401k World Is About to ChangeAbstract: In the next three years, defined contribution plans will go through a transformation, driven by new laws and technology, whereby what is currently customized (plan design, investment menus and fiduciary services) will be mass produced and what is mass produced (participant services) will be customized. Source: Investmentnews.com (registration may be required), August 2017
More Americans Participate in Retirement Plans, Upsetting Conventional WisdomAbstract: Data shows that 63 percent of all workers aged 26 to 64 participated in an employer-sponsored retirement plan either directly or through a spouse. The data provide an alternative measure to the most commonly cited data on retirement plan participation. Source: Ici.org, August 2017
Fiduciary Rule Change Delay Results in No ChangesAbstract: This rule has been a topic of debate and was recently delayed in order to make potential amendments. All the anticipation as to what actions the new administration might take during this time extension was for naught. Source: Frenkelbenefits.com, August 2017
Regulatory Burdens Threatening Retirement PlansAbstract: The ERISA Industry Committee submitted comments to the Department of Treasury outlining ways to reduce regulatory burdens for retirement plans. "It is imperative that regulations do not create uncertainty or introduce new risks that can drive plan sponsors further away from offering important and meaningful retirement benefits." Source: Eric.org, August 2017
I'm Not a Fiduciary -- It's That Other GuyAbstract: We are stuck at 43%. A 2017 DC plan survey by J.P. Morgan indicates that there has been no improvement in this percentage of corporate plan decision-makers who don't understand that they are fiduciaries. Seventeen percent even thought that they could pass on all of their fiduciary responsibilities to third parties such as their provider, recordkeeper, or investment adviser. Source: Cohenbuckmann.com, August 2017
Voluntary Compliance Program FeesAbstract: The following general fees apply to single submissions involving qualified retirement plans established under IRC 401(a) or IRC 403(b). Source: Boutwellfay.com, August 2017
Reliance Escapes Lawsuit Over SandRidge's 401k Stock LossesAbstract: Reliance Trust isn't liable for the losses suffered by SandRidge Energy employees who invested their retirement savings in the natural gas company's stock as it declined into bankruptcy, a federal court ruled. Source: Bna.com (registration may be required), August 2017
Target Defeats Challenge Over Company Stock in Its 401k PlanAbstract: Target Corp. defeated a lawsuit by employees challenging the retailer's decision to allow company stock in its 401(k) plan despite allegedly knowing its value was artificially inflated because of its now-defunct Canada operations. Source: Bna.com (registration may be required), August 2017
Avoid Getting Sheared by Revenue SharingAbstract: One of the most common approaches to recordkeeping fee payment is revenue sharing. It's not easy to track investment revenue shared with 401k plan recordkeepers, but fiduciaries must. Source: Amazonaws.com, August 2017
The Shift From Recordkeeper Proprietary Target-Date Funds to Nonproprietary SolutionsAbstract: Competition is crowded in the target-date market today. The number of target-date providers has risen 16% from five years ago, as more and more asset managers started offering new target-date solutions. About 78 firms offer more than 139 different target-date fund series today. Source: Abglobal.com, August 2017
RFP for Target-Date Funds? It's a Good IdeaAbstract: Although target-date funds may be very popular, they are widely misunderstood. TDFs must be prudently selected and have reasonable fees to satisfy the DOL's default investment safe harbor and analyzing them isn't easy. Source: 401ktv.com, August 2017
401k Plans Sponsors Reject Proprietary Fund ProductsAbstract: Study reveals a dramatically shifting target-date landscape where recordkeepers who offer their own target-date funds are losing share of assets on their own platforms as plan sponsors are increasingly choosing funds from other providers. Source: 401kspecialistmag.com, August 2017
New Challengers Take Aim at Leaders in 401k MarketAbstract: Three firms -- American Funds, Empower Retirement and Voya -- are giving Fidelity Investments and Vanguard a run for their money in the 401k market. Source: 401khelpcenter.com, August 2017 Looking for earlier information? Go to our Archive. 401khelpcenter.com, LLC is not the author of the material referenced in this digest unless specifically noted. The material referenced was created, published, maintained, or otherwise posted by institutions or organizations independent of 401khelpcenter.com, LLC. 401khelpcenter.com, LLC does not endorse, approve, certify, or control this material and does not guarantee or assume responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, efficacy, or timeliness of the material. Use of any information obtained from this material is voluntary, and reliance on it should only be undertaken after an independent review of its accuracy, completeness, efficacy, and timeliness. Reference to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, service mark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not constitute or imply endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by 401khelpcenter.com. Hyperlinks in this document are provided as a convenience and we disclaim any responsibility for information, services or products found on websites linked hereto. | |||||||
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