Unlike a generic vendor agreement, the IPS is a formal plan policy document that defines the parameters between the plan and relevant vendors. This is why it can also be a terrible trap.
Tag "fiduciary"
Perhaps, just as plan sponsors have developed onboarding programs for new hires when it comes to saving for retirement, maybe they should add “unboarding” programs as a bookend for those nearing retirement.
Whether a plan sponsor decides to adopt a 401k IPS remains an open question. It’s not a question that should be treated casually. Every plan situation is different. Plan sponsors therefore must conduct a thorough due diligence to determine what’s best for their plan.
Although we’ve seen a broader acceptance of using an IPS, their use is by no means universal and particularly lacking among smaller employers. Perhaps there’s a realization that, if you don’t get the IPS right, you’ll only increase your liability.
When you’re not an expert in an important job that you need done, what do you do?
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.
Therein lies the conundrum. In the current environment, it may be far easier to overlook the failure to meet benchmarks with adequate consistency than it is to ignore the du jour ad hoc definition of woke.
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.
“The SEC’s Regulation BI is terribly disappointing. It not only fails to protect consumers; it actually makes the situation worse… The confusion that will ensue will be very damaging to investors nationwide.”
Just as summer changes into fall, Reg BI will change the way all participants – investors, service providers, and 401k plan sponsors – interact with each other. These are the changes we might expect.
