For all the rose-colored eyes that have a created a legend flawless certitude concerning memories of a time that never existed, pension plans simply can’t measure up to 401k plans.
Tag "ERISA"
Herein lies the potential for a direct conflict of interest. This applies generally to all proxy voting in commingled portfolios.
Since actively managed funds have lagged index funds, does this case put their continued use in ERISA plans at risk?
On the face of it, American Airlines seemed to follow its documented process. So, what did the company do wrong?
Plan sponsors need to think about it in these terms: Does it make sense to have a pork-belly ETF on a 401k investment menu? How about orange futures?
Between the IRA Rollover matter and the redefinition of “regular services,” there is no shortage of ways to chip away at the new Rule. What might be one way we can expect to see the industry attack the Rule in front of a judge?
The DOL’s guidance on missing plan participants appears just as effective as its week 2012 Mutual Fund Fee Disclosure Rule. Yes, it’s there, but it has no viability. Still, that doesn’t mean 401k plan sponsors can ignore the issue, even if they have not lost participants.
The antiseptic compliance regime spelled out by the DOL and ERISA has to date defined fiduciary services. Perhaps, if we’re going to consider what is “beyond” that sterile definition, we might want to go back to the future. In a sense, rediscovering where “fiduciary” initially came from might suggest where it is headed.
Back then, at least, we knew who wore the white hats and who whore the black hats. Today, thanks to muddled and often conflicting regulations for multiple agencies, everyone is wearing fifty shades of gray.
So what if a few very high net savers end up with bigger retirement plans? Good for them. The point is to make it easier for more people to save more.
