About the Program

The social contract is changing, and employees are demanding their employers provide financial wellness solutions and greater support as they grapple with market volatility and planning for retirement. At the same time, the burden on retirement plan sponsors has never been greater. From digesting and implementing the most sweeping retirement plan legislation in over a decade to managing fiduciary risk amidst a continued industry wave of fee litigation, employers face many challenges. With these challenges also come opportunities.

This program will begin with an overview of current trends in retirement plans, followed by: 

Cyber Security
As the cyber threat environment rapidly changes and escalates due to post pandemic threats, high-profile corporate data breaches, and more, advisors, plan sponsors and participants are seeking to understand how to be safe online. Additionally, for the first time the United States Department of Labor’s (DOL) Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) has issued cybersecurity guidance for plan sponsors and fiduciaries, recordkeepers, and participants. Learn DOL recommended practices for strong cybersecurity, what cybersecurity best practices plan sponsors should be doing now, and more.

New Distribution Strategies
Plan Sponsors are increasingly interested in exploring and adopting “Decumulation Strategies” as part of their Defined Contribution plan design. There are substantial differences between the options available in the market. This session will outline the key features of those programs while focusing on the characteristics to which plan sponsors and their advisers should be attentive. 

Pooled Employer Plans
Pooled Employer 401(k) Plans (PEPs) became an option for plan sponsors on January 1, 2021 as a result of provisions in the SECURE Act. These arrangements allow plan sponsors to become a participating sponsor of an otherwise larger 401(k) plan to help reduce internal soft costs, fees, and fiduciary responsibility. This program will review how Pooled Employer Plans are set up in terms of recordkeepers, investment options, administration, plan design, fees, and, ultimately, fiduciary risk and responsibility.