In many small employer 401k plans, those pressures combine with poor vendor selection, weak oversight, and minimal participant education to create environments where employees pay more and get less.
Tag "Richard Bavetz"
The broader plan-design conversation, including “Beyond Auto-Mania,” shows a shift from simple auto-features to guided, retirement-readiness approaches. That trajectory supports treating embedded income as part of a holistic, user-friendly design rather than a fringe option.
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For fiduciaries, the comparison process must go deeper than surface-level performance. Yield is important, but transparency, diversification, and liquidity provisions matter just as much.
How can fiduciaries bridge the generational divide in 401k communication without inviting ERISA scrutiny? The strategies that follow may prove transformational.
With Supreme Court scrutiny looming, comparator standards could either narrow or widen 401k fee litigation. Plan for both outcomes now.
Plan sponsors are more likely to stay with—and recommend—a provider that demonstrates a clear commitment to safeguarding accounts against evolving threats.
But good habits alone aren’t enough. As cyber threats evolve, fiduciaries must look ahead—promoting cutting-edge tools that can outpace tomorrow’s attackers.
Breaches hit fast. Fiduciaries must be ready to act. A documented incident response plan—including who to notify, how to contain the breach, and when to report it—is vital for 401k cyber protection. It demonstrates prudence and minimizes chaos.
Top 401k Stories of Summer 2025: Crypto, Private Equity, Trump IRAs
Such hesitation shifts the spotlight back to fiduciary fundamentals. New rules may widen the menu, but ERISA doesn’t relax the obligation to fully understand and monitor what’s offered.