Newsletter for May 15, 2017
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In This Issue
Fiduciary and Plan Governance Material
Preparing DC Menus for the Next Evolution
Abstract: Pressures call into question the adequacy of today's core menus and should spark a discussion regarding how menus can evolve to help participants build for retirement. That discussion should begin by examining where participants are putting their money.
Source: Pionline.com
Fiduciary Prologue to a Cross-Examination
Abstract: The fulfillment of fiduciary duties becomes apparent where there is evidence of behaviors and methodology, in "content and oversight," that improve the likelihood that the beneficiary of the asset(s) achieve their goals. When one is compelled to discover evidence of fiduciary behaviors, clues materialize in the products that were purchased, the timing of the purchases, how such products meshed and correlated with other assets, the level of compensation, and any compensation relationships if applicable.
Source: 401khelpcenter.com
»» Click here for more Fiduciary and Plan Governance Material
General Items
How the Media and Markets Conspire to Thwart Retirement Savers
Abstract: The disconnect between the needs of the media and the needs of retirement savers tends to distort the significant of index returns. "The job of the media is to gain attention, and with attention, certain information is left out to make the news more attractive," says Joanna Leng, Financial Advisor in Singapore. "It is not meant to mislead, it's just not a holistic picture."
Source: Fiduciarynews.com (registration may be required)
How Freelancers in America Are Keeping Up With Their Retirement Preparation
Abstract: Freelancers are hardly better than their counterpart salaried professionals in planning for their retirement. Why are freelancers not saving for their retirement and what are some potential retirement plans for freelancers?
Source: 401khelpcenter.com
Insight: Studies, Research, and White Papers
More Employers View HSAs as Part of Retirement Strategy
Abstract: The health savings account market is continuing its massive growth, as well as its increasing importance to the retirement industry. According to a survey conducted by the Plan Sponsor Council of America, more than 75% of plan sponsors "view the HSA as part of their retirement benefits strategy."
Source: Benefitnews.com
Managed Accounts Evolving in DC Space
Abstract: Providers are enhancing managed accounts with new features and are seeking to maximize the benefits of these solutions in order to outweigh their costs.
Source: Planadviser.com
»» Click here for More Studies, Research, and White Papers
Items of Special Interest to Service Providers
Private Equity Adds Fuel to 401k Recordkeeper Consolidation
Abstract: Just as 401k recordkeepers cry poverty, claiming there are no profit margins left and fueling consolidation, private equity has jumped in, perhaps seeing value that traditional recordkeepers are missing.
Source: Investmentnews.com (registration may be required)
Target-Date Funds
Three Questions for Assessing a Target-Date Fund's Fixed Income Allocation
Abstract: In target-date funds, fixed income assets play a critical role in managing portfolio volatility and generating strong risk-adjusted returns. Plan sponsors may want to consider the points reviewed in this 4-page paper when evaluating a TDF's fixed income allocation.
Source: Jpmorgan.com
»» Click here for more on Target-Date Funds
Court and Other Legal Issues
Emory Is First College to Lose in Retirement Plan Lawsuits
Abstract: Emory University must continue defending a lawsuit accusing its retirement plans of carrying high fees and offering poor investment options.
Source: Bna.com (registration may be required)
Fourth Circuit Agrees: Fiduciaries' Faulty Process for Eliminating Stock Funds Did Not Cause Plan's Losses
Abstract: This case demonstrates that the "would have" standard for showing that a plan fiduciary's breach did not cause a loss is difficult, but not impossible, to satisfy. Making a prudent choice by an inadequate process, however, is just lucky. Plan fiduciaries are on much safer ground when they establish and carefully follow a prudent process.
Source: Thomsonreuters.com
»» Click here for more Court and Other Legal Issues
Legislative and Washington DC
Current Retirement Policy Legislation Update
Abstract: This article reviews several bipartisan retirement policy initiatives being considered by Congress. It starts with three bills introduced in 2017 addressing the issues of lifetime income disclosure, leakage, and plans with closed groups. It then reviews two proposals that were introduced in 2016, the Retirement Savings Lost and Found Act and the Retirement Enhancement and Savings Act.
Source: Octoberthree.com
Video: President Trump's First 100 Days and the Impact on Retirement
Abstract: Retirement in the age of Trump must take into account a host of macro and demographic factors, such as increased longevity and fewer defined benefit plans. Financial broadcaster Liz Claman speaks with three experts on their view of retirement, touching on topics such as the future of the fiduciary rule and the global macroeconomic outlook.
Source: Assettv.com
»» Click here for more on Legislative Actions
State-Based Retirement Programs
States Revolt Over Retirement Plan Repeal
Abstract: You can take your rollbacks and shove it. That's the message to the Senate after it repealed an Obama-era regulation last week that allowed states to auto-enroll private sector workers in government-run 401k and IRAs for those who lack retirement plan access.
Source: 401kspecialistmag.com
California to Push Ahead With Private-Sector Retirement Program
Abstract: Despite a setback in Washington last week, California leaders say they will push ahead with their plan for a state-run retirement program, a move that sets the stage for a legal battle with businesses, trade groups and possibly federal regulators.
Source: Latimes.com
DOL's Fiduciary Rule
Dodd-Frank Overhaul Could Cause Fiduciary Rule Mess
Abstract: A major overhaul of the Dodd-Frank Act that would also repeal the DOL's fiduciary rule could cause a mess for the financial services industry if it is enacted after the rule's June 9 applicability date.
Source: Bna.com (registration may be required)
Acosta Looking to Freeze DOL Fiduciary Regulation
Abstract: Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta says the Department of Labor's fiduciary rule is his number one priority, and that he is actively seeking a way to freeze the rule that will "stick."
Source: Asppa.org
»» Click here for more on the DOL's Fiduciary Rule
Compliance and Regulatory
The Problem With Using Forfeitures to Satisfy Employer Contributions
Abstract: When forfeitures occur within a 401k plan, they are then generally available to the sponsor for the purpose of funding additional employer contributions to the participants of such plan or paying certain plan-related administrative expenses. This article discusses a newly proposed IRS rule that brings an expansion to the permissible uses of forfeitures to fund employer contributions.
Source: Legacyrsllc.com
»» Click here for more Compliance and Regulatory Material
Marketplace News
CUNA Now Offering Unbundled Recordkeeping Service
Capital Fiduciary Advisors Merges With Bronfman E.L. Rothschild
Evercore Sells Institutional and Fiduciary Business to Newport Group
FiduciaryVest Adopts InHub's eRFP Technology
»» Click here for More Marketplace News
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