There’s a fear that those rushing to promote their own PEPs are merely trying to return to the bundle service provider environment the industry evolved away from more than a decade ago. This makes due diligence all the more important.
![401k Plan Sponsors Look Before You Leap – Do MEPs Really Reduce Fees?](https://fiduciarynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/elephants-1471591-660x395-1-505x306_c.jpg)
Do you know the answers to the most important MEP/PEP questions – or do you only think you know the answers to the most important MEP/PEP questions?
![Will COVID-Related 401k Plan Shrinkages Push Companies to Pooled or State Solutions?](https://fiduciarynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/swimming-pool-2-1390927-660x395-1-505x306_c.jpg)
Unless state-sponsored efforts can defy the stultifying reality of any political process, they are unlikely to pivot fast enough to overcome the fast-paced offerings coming from these private sector offerings.
![Exclusive Interview: Pete Swisher Explains Why Companies Don’t Care About MEPs (or PEPs or Even 401k Plans)](https://fiduciarynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Pete-Swisher-030-headshot-660x395-1-505x306_c.jpg)
He also reveals the greatest misconception regarding MEPs, what the SECURE Act really did, and when we might begin to see the mass media start paying attention.
![Exclusive Interview: Ary Rosenbaum Says, Despite SECURE ACT, Some 401k MEPs Challenges Remain](https://fiduciarynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ary_rosenbaum-660x395-1-200x157_c.jpg)
“As far as adopting employers, I would recommend an ERISA attorney because an MEP isn’t the right fit and fiduciary solution for every plan sponsor.”
![To MEP Or Not To MEP? That is the SECURE 401k Question](https://fiduciarynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/which-way-1549661-660x395-1-200x157_c.jpg)
It’s important to remember that the 401k MEP is just a vehicle. Whether they truly meet the objective of employees saving more for retirement and doing so effectively and efficiently comes down to execution.
![How to Address Top Fiduciary Issues for Trade Associations Sponsoring 401k MEPs](https://fiduciarynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/kerr-dam-1394270-660x395-200x157_c.jpg)
It appears all but certain the floodgates will soon open wide, unleashing a torrent of trade association sponsored 401k MEPs. If you’re looking for the trigger that will open those floodgates, here’s what you should be paying attention to.
![Exclusive Interview: Terrance Power Tells All About What’s Changed (and More!) With 401k MEPs](https://fiduciarynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Terry-Power-high-resolution-head-shot-2-2019-660x395-200x157_c.jpg)
“401k Multiple Employer Plans (MEPs) are a solution for the small to mid-sized employer market that will lead to the expansion of retirement plan coverage for America’s workers.”
![A Company Fiduciary Must Ask These Questions Before Joining a 401k MEP](https://fiduciarynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/sunrise-on-fields-1336301-660x395-200x157_c.jpg)
MEPs have the potential to do what state-sponsored plans may not be able to offer – protection under ERISA. That’s in the employees’ best interests. If many embrace this concept, September 30, 2019 may indeed signal the dawn of a new day in retirement saving. Still, due diligence remains an imperative.
![What Every Company 401k Plan Fiduciary Needs to Know about MEPs](https://fiduciarynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/crowd-1436363-1599x1025-200x157_c.jpg)
As we approach clarity with regards to Congressional action and/or implementation of the Trump Executive Order, we may find need to expand these MEP guidelines. Until then, though, companies in business associations where commonality exists may wish to use these ground rules when determining if a 401k MEP is the right course to take.