By proactively addressing these critical 401k plan sponsor questions, sponsors can enhance their plans, protect participants, and shield themselves from unnecessary fiduciary exposure.
Tag "TDF"
Here’s where the real disconnect kicks in: participants and pros don’t speak the same language on risk. Participants “feel” it. Meanwhile, advisers whip out rulers like standard deviation or some index, measuring volatility in neat little boxes.
Here the intent is to make it possible for a plan/IRA to apply the QDIA safe harbor to involuntary rollovers. But how will this impact plan participants?
There might be a there, there. It could be that TDFs have an Achilles’ Heel that leaves them vulnerable.
The conflicts-of-interest inherent in selecting proprietary funds are apparent. Less so are the criteria used to determine what a suitable process might be.
But that idea contained a flaw. In the early years, limited choices made it easy for employees. The proliferation of the number of options in later years, however, exposed the lack of sophistication within the employee cohort. That can lead to bad decision-making. Alternative solutions were needed.
It’s not just plan sponsors and plan participants that need convincing. The entire retirement plan infrastructure must also get on board. That doesn’t mean the hurdles can’t be overcome.
Most 401k investment menus retain the “style box” mentality of the 1990s. Who doesn’t have a kitchen from the 1990s that they don’t want to remodel? Your 401k investment menu is no different.
There are two strategic paths to use when it comes reducing liability. One approach occurs after the fact – after the target date funds are already in place. The other approach takes place before the target date funds are even placed on the 401k plan menu. Which is more reliable?
Will These Be The Biggest 401k Fiduciary Stories In 2024?
If you have any experience in the retirement plan business, some predictions just write themselves. As in “an incredible feeling of déjà vu.”