Newsletter for October 24, 2016
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In This Issue
Court and Other Legal Issues
These Top Law Firms Got the Most ERISA Class Action Biz
Abstract: The latest wave in ERISA class action litigation has seen more than 100 lawsuits brought against a wide range of entities, including financial institutions, universities, religiously affiliated organizations and multinational companies. With this uptick in litigation, it looks like employers are relying more on a small pool of big law and boutique firms to represent their interests.
Source: Bna.com (registration may be required)
»» Click here for more Court and Other Legal Issues
403(b) Plans
DOL Fiduciary Rule Won't Help Some 403(b) Retirement Plans
Abstract: Through its fiduciary rule, the Department of Labor is attempting to rein in conflicted invest. advice and reduce costs for retirement savers. However, there's a corner of the retirement market plagued by the sort of high fees and sales practices the DOL is attacking that won't be touched by the regulation: public school districts.
Source: Investmentnews.com (registration may be required)
»» Click here for More 403(b) Material
Fiduciary and Plan Governance Material
Fiduciary Checklist
Abstract: This 4-page 'checklist' covers areas of review that retirement plan fiduciaries may want to consider when fulfilling their fiduciary responsibilities.
Source: Troweprice.com
How to Choose a 401k Plan Auditor
Abstract: Selecting an auditor is a key aspect of running a plan. The plan fiduciaries are charged with the task should understand the complexities and risks involved in making the choice.
Source: Cfo.com
»» Click here for more Fiduciary and Plan Governance Material
Insight: Studies, Research and White Papers
Enhancing DC Plan Design
Abstract: This 4-paper paper covers steps plan sponsors can take to help improve plan outcomes.
Source: Jpmorgan.com
Retirement Unreadiness Continues to Plague Women
Abstract: Women continue to face inequality when it comes to retirement readiness, per T. Rowe Price, which has produced a seven-part series of videos to help women navigate the retirement landscape.
Source: Fa-mag.com
»» Click here for More Studies, Research and White Papers
Items of Special Interest to Service Providers
401k Advisor Prospecting: What Are Today's Best Resources and Tools?
Abstract: Marketing takes time and work. It's not once and done. It takes dedication and focus to work and to work well. This article talks about three ways to turn curious plan sponsors into clients.
Source: 401k-marketing.com
State-Based Retirement Programs
How Will State-Sponsored Retirement Plans Affect Employer-Sponsored Plans?
Abstract: Many states and even cities are planning to sponsor retirement plans for people who aren't covered at work. Large employers, though not yet directly affected, worry about where the trend may lead.
Source: Hreonline.com
New Retirement Requirements for California Employers
Abstract: Under a recently approved law, some California employers in the private sector must offer an estimated 7,000,000 employees an automatic retirement savings arrangement that sends payroll deductions to a state retirement program, if they do not otherwise offer a retirement savings plan or individual retirement account (IRA).
Source: Paulhastings.com
DOL's Fiduciary Rule
Fiduciary Rule Delay Rumors Are Just That
Abstract: Will the Department of Labor's fiduciary rule be delayed? According to BenefitsPro, there are rumors to that effect, but they likely are nothing more than that.
Source: Ntsa-net.org
Mapping a Master Plan to DOL Compliance
Abstract: The DOL Conflict of Interest Rule is expected to have the biggest impact on financial services since ERISA was enacted in 1974. This 3-page paper provides a view of what tasks need to be tackled now, by April 10, 2017 when the new standard goes into effect, during the transition period up to the final ruling (April 10th through year-end), and finally what ongoing processes and checkpoints need to be implemented post-DOL after January 1, 2018.
Source: Broadridge.com
»» Click here for More on the DOL's Fiduciary Rule
Compliance and Regulatory
Plan Forfeitures
Abstract: When a participant terminates employment prior to becoming fully vested in their employer's contributions, the unvested portion is forfeited on a date specified by the plan. A plan that does not annually allocate forfeiture amounts may jeopardize its qualified plan status.
Source: Fidelity.com
Viewpoint: Are 401k Vesting Schedules in Need of an Update?
Abstract: As commendable as it is when younger workers commit to contributing up to the matching percentage or beyond, there is a risk of disenchantment that may dampen their future 401k savings habits when they are, say, a mere 20 percent vested in their matching funds upon departure. The author looks at how might matching and vesting might be revamped.
Source: Shrm.org
DOL Ramps Up 401k Plan Provider Exams
Abstract: Regulators are more closely examining companies that serve employers' retirement plans, a sign that there may be harsher enforcement when new fee disclosure rules take effect this summer. Observers say exams are more far-reaching and time consuming.
Source: Reuters.com
Money Market Reform Kicks In
Abstract: You may have missed it, but the Securities and Exchange Commission's new regulations on money market funds went into effect last week.
Source: Napa-net.org
401ks Can Make Loans, Hardship Distributions to Victims of Hurricane Matthew
Abstract: The IRS announced that 401ks and similar employer-sponsored retirement plans can make loans and hardship distributions to victims of Hurricane Matthew and members of their families.
Source: 401khelpcenter.com
»» Click here for More Compliance and Regulatory Material
Marketplace News
fi360 Unveils the Fiduciary Focus Toolkit
ERISApedia Adds DOL Conflicted Advice Guidance
PSCA Opens Search for New Executive Director
Pentegra Names National Director of TPA Markets
PlanPilot Adds Senior Consultant Linda Coffey to Team
NFP Acquires SST Benefits
ForUsAll Introduces Features to Ease Plan Conversions
»» Click here for More Marketplace News
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