Monthly Archives: January 2026

Most providers don’t stumble into fiduciary exposure intentionally. They do it by trying to be helpful. Answering “just one more question.” Suggesting a workaround. Coordinating between payroll and HR. None of this feels like fiduciary conduct in the moment. Over … Continue reading →

Plan sponsors are often surprised to learn that when their advisor, TPA, and recordkeeper disagree, the conflict doesn’t protect the plan sponsor—it exposes them. ERISA places fiduciary responsibility squarely on the employer. That means if one provider says something is … Continue reading →

Today’s industry news isn’t just another personnel announcement. When Fred Reish, a lawyer whose name has been synonymous with ERISA’s most complex fiduciary and regulatory issues for decades, changes teams, the whole retirement plan ecosystem should take notice. Reish isn’t … Continue reading →

Every retirement plan provider now talks about AI, personalization, and “smart” tools. Plan sponsors should listen — but they shouldn’t be dazzled. Technology does not replace fiduciary responsibility. It magnifies it. When a participant website nudges behavior, projects retirement income, … Continue reading →

If there’s one thing retirement plan sponsors learn quickly, it’s that “settled law” in ERISA litigation is often as stable as quick-sand. The latest example comes from the U.S. Department of Labor — and it’s a move that sponsors, committees, … Continue reading →

Low participation rates. Weak deferral levels. Participants who never log in unless something goes wrong. When sponsors raise these concerns, the response is often the same: “That’s just how employees are.” I don’t buy it. Engagement isn’t a mystery. It’s … Continue reading →

The retirement industry loves the phrase best practices. It sounds proactive, responsible, and professional. In reality, most “best practices” have very little to do with improving plan outcomes and everything to do with surviving a deposition. Look closely and you’ll … Continue reading →

There is no such thing as a perfect plan sponsor. Anyone who tells you otherwise is either selling something or has never actually worked inside a retirement plan. Most plan sponsors are not negligent. They are overwhelmed. They are HR … Continue reading →

For years, policymakers have promoted lifetime income options as the next evolution of defined contribution plans, the long-awaited bridge between the old pension world and the modern 401(k). On paper, it’s a simple pitch: convert savings into a stream of … Continue reading →

Most plan providers are prepared for competition. They know how to differentiate fee schedules, demonstrate technology, and present fiduciary solutions. They refine their pitch decks and rehearse the perfect value statement. But the truth is, in this industry, your biggest … Continue reading →