A Plan Sponsor's Guide to Navigating 2017
|
Newsletter Sponsor Don't Miss the 16th Annual NAPA 401(k) Summit
In This Issue
General Items A Plan Sponsor's Guide to Navigating 2017 Abstract: History will likely show that the events of 2016 were an impetus for significant change in the landscape of America's retirement system. How exactly events will play out in 2017 is difficult to predict, but this article suggests several issues that will be the main drivers of change. Source: Captrustadvisors.com Five New Year's Resolutions for Canadian DC Plan Sponsors Abstract: In the spirit of New Years' resolutions, here are five "resolutions" that defined contribution pension plan sponsors can undertake in 2017 to ensure their program is even more successful in the year ahead. Source: Benefitscanada.com Abstract: Have you started planning your 2017 401k employee education sessions? Generally, most plan sponsors conduct employee education sessions during the early part of the new year to explain changes that went into effect on January 1. As you think about your 2017 education sessions, keep the following 401k education best practices in mind. Source: Lawtonrpc.com 2017 Will Be Year of Change for Retirement Industry Abstract: Although the economic and public policy outlook is murky, thanks to the largely unexpected victory of president-elect Donald Trump, 2017 could be the year that holistic retirement planning becomes the norm. Source: Investmentnews.com (registration may be required) 403(b) Plans Abstract: In this piece, Ellie Lowder tells us whether a client's 403(b) account in a public school district's plan in which no contributions have been made since 2003 qualifies as grandfathered and if the client can self-certify. Source: Ntsa-net.org »» Click here for More 403(b) Material Fiduciary and Plan Governance Material Yes, Plan Fiduciaries, You Can Exercise Shareholder Rights Abstract: Employee benefit plan fiduciaries can exercise their shareholder rights with proxy voting as part of their fiduciary duty to manage plan assets, the Department of Labor said Dec. 28. Source: Bna.com (registration may be required) Tips to Keep You and Your Recordkeeper on Track Abstract: One of a plan sponsor's many fiduciary responsibilities is to monitor its service providers. Best practices suggest that you and your committee should review your record keeper on, at least, an annual basis. Some areas for evaluation are reviewed. Source: Pavilioncorp.com »» Click here for more Fiduciary and Plan Governance Material Items of Special Interest to Service Providers 2016 Practice Benchmarking Survey Abstract: What do retirement plan advisers view as their biggest challenges? Their greatest opportunities? What are the primary benefits they receive from custodians and broker/dealers? The 2016 PLANADVISER Practice Benchmarking Survey of 613 retirement plan advisers shares insights into these and other key questions, and gives you a guidepost to see how you compare with your peers. Source: Planadviser.com Leveraging Technology Ahead of the Fiduciary Rule in 2017 Abstract: The DOL's Conflict of Interest rule is anticipated to thrust advisers in the retirement services industry into an unprecedented regulatory space. With its April 10 implementation just months away, advisers are developing and seeking new strategies to comply with the so-called fiduciary rule. Source: Planadviser.com What's Next for Robo-Advice in the DC Space? Abstract: Robo-advisers gained some traction in the DC industry this year, and many have come to see how the technology could work with, rather than against, traditional advisers. Source: Planadviser.com State-Based Retirement Programs Six Things to Know About State Auto-IRA Programs Abstract: Five states have passed legislation requiring employers that do not sponsor employee retirement plans to automatically withhold funds from employees' pay, and forward them to IRAs maintained under state-run investment programs. Considering this growing trend, what do employers need to know about auto-IRA programs? Some key points are listed here. Source: Benefitnews.com DOL Issues Rules on Savings Programs Established by State Political Subdivisions Abstract: The Department of Labor issued final regulations on retirement savings programs for private sector employees established by qualified political subdivisions of the states. The final regulations adopt the proposed regulations issued in August 2016 but make several modifications. Source: Practicallaw.com Compliance and Regulatory 2017 Checklist: Required Notices for DC Plan Participants Abstract: Running a DC plan is complicated with lots of required notices when employees become eligible with some required every year. Though most companies rely on their recordkeeper, TPA, or advisor to help, it does not relieve them of the responsibility or liability if notices are not sent out. With 2017 plan year looming, here are the required notices to participants. Source: 401ktv.com Errors Can Cause Auto Enrollment to Fail Abstract: By unintentionally overlooking little-known pitfalls, employers can inadvertently create a failure in their automatic enrollment programs. Source: Ntsa-net.org Employee Benefits Consideration in Corporate Mergers and Acquisitions Abstract: Employers that sponsor a retirement plan face a host of potential issues to consider both before and after a corporate merger or acquisition. These topics can be complex and often require appropriate analysis and planning prior to an acquisition in order to meet the goals of all parties and the needs of the affected employees. Source: Vanguard.com Qualified Retirement Plans in 2017 and Beyond: Resources & Considerations for Employers Abstract: In Revenue Procedure 2016-37, the IRS formally announced the elimination, effective January 1, 2017, of the five-year remedial amendment cycle system for individually designed, qualified retirement plans. The first RA List was published in early December, providing an opportunity to develop procedures for maintaining qualified status in 2017 and beyond. In this article is a discussion of some resources and considerations that can help inform employers in such actions. Source: Caplindrysdale.com »» Click here for more Compliance and Regulatory Material
This eNewsletter is a digest of information published by a variety of web-based sources on 401k and related issues and is published as a service to our users. 401khelpcenter.com, LLC is not the author of the material unless specifically noted. Articles are copyrighted to their publishers. If you believe that your work has been copied in a way that constitutes copyright infringement, please contact the source site immediately. Hyperlinks in this document are provided as a convenience and we disclaim any responsibility for information, services or products found on websites linked hereto. All links were tested before this eNewsletter was e-mailed to you to ensure that they are still functional, but publishers do move or delete articles. Therefore, we can't guarantee that the links provided will remain operational. 401khelpcenter.com 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. Opinions expressed are those of the author of the article and do not necessarily reflect the positions of 401khelpcenter.com. THIS NEWSLETTER IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE INVESTMENT, TAX, ACCOUNTING OR LEGAL ADVICE. Copyright © 2017 by 401khelpcenter.com, LLC. All rights reserved. No reproductions without prior authorization, but you are free to email this copy (in its entirety) along to colleagues or clients. This newsletter may not be posted to any website. 401khelpcenter.com, LLC
|
