In a regulatory environment increasingly focused on transparency and accountability, what does it really mean to be a prudent fiduciary in a health and welfare context?
How HR leaders can turn pharmacy transparency into real leverage
In Part 2 of this series, we explore where employers have more leverage in pharmacy benefits than they realize—and how to apply it deliberately in the best interest of plan participants.
Why pharmacy transparency is becoming a C-suite issue
In Part 1 of a two-part series, we examine why pharmacy transparency has become a C-suite issue—and what it means for fiduciary oversight.
Voluntary benefits are becoming the next ERISA fee battlefield
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
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
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 can close the succession planning gap.
The hidden pitfalls of DIY benefits implementations
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.
Is your benefits committee up to par? Here’s how to be sure
To defend themselves against ERISA violations, plan sponsors need to understand their fiduciary obligations. As the parties generally responsible for plan oversight, benefits committees play a central role in minimizing compliance risk.
Ask an Adviser: Can terminating a defined benefit plan be more seamless?
Learn how to best position a frozen DB plan for termination.
Ask an Adviser: How do we handle late deposits on 401(k) deferrals?
The late deposit of employee 401(k) deferrals is among the most common mistakes retirement plan sponsors make. Here’s how to correct it.