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Voluntary benefits are becoming the next ERISA fee battlefield

Andy ClontsThought Leadership

A new wave of ERISA litigation is calling attention to voluntary benefits—an area many employers have long viewed as low-risk. In this piece, Andy Clonts explains why voluntary programs are drawing scrutiny, how compensation structures and loss ratios can create fiduciary exposure, and why plan sponsors should revisit the governance and financial mechanics behind these offerings before regulators or plaintiffs do.

What happens to the 401(k)? Defined contribution decisions during M&A

Mindy Zatto, FSA, EA, FCA, MAAA, MSPPA and David Runsick, QPAThought Leadership

In the whirlwind of corporate acquisitions, the 401(k) retirement plan often gets overlooked, yet it plays a crucial role in the transaction’s success. With fiduciary obligations and compliance responsibilities at stake, understanding how to navigate defined contribution decisions is essential.

Hidden governance risk could upend retirement plans

Lynn Bullard Kennedy, ASA, EA, FCAThought Leadership

In today’s fast-paced work environment, plan sponsors often underestimate the role of institutional knowledge in retirement plan management. When key team members depart, the knowledge gap can threaten both plan compliance and the participant experience. Learn how the right governance framework canclose the succession planning gap.

The hidden pitfalls of DIY benefits implementations

Kim ShumateThought Leadership

Successfully implementing a new health and welfare benefits administration system is a complex, high-stakes process that requires careful planning, thorough data validation, and expert coordination across multiple vendors. Plan sponsors who attempt to manage this transition alone often face significant challenges.

Are pensions set for a big retirement return in 2024?

Alyssa Place, Editor in Chief at Employee Benefit NewsThought Leadership

Employers are increasingly expanding the options available to help employees save for retirement. But what are they doing to help employees spend those funds responsibly once they leave the workplace?