Fred Barstein

Twenty-five years ago, when a number of savvy wealth advisors, insurance agents and benefits brokers saw the potential in 401(k) plans with many acting as fiduciaries, they touted their ability to help plan sponsors lower record keeper fees. Provider fees dropped precipitously, helped in part by the 2012 408(b)(2) and 404(a)(5) regulations, a movement started years before by California congressman George Miller even making 60 Minutes in 2009 when the market collapsed, and investors saw huge declines in their 401(k) accounts.

Open, honest and candid discussion about Hightower's NEPC deal, RPA acquisitions, Agilis Partners launching an annuities platform and more.

Remember when managing a retirement plan was simpler? Ah, the good old days. Today’s retirement plan sponsors face an increasingly complex web of ERISA requirements, cybersecurity protocols, and administrative responsibilities. But as author, speaker, and journalist Chris Carosa, CTFA pointed out in a recent Fiduciary News article, there’s good news: you don’t have to navigate these challenges alone.

Exclusive interview with Hightower CEO Bob Oros and NEPC’s Managing Partner Mike Manning.

Open, honest and candid discussion about the job market, the IRA rollover process, Empower's results, Hightower's NEPC deal and more.

Financial stress has emerged as a critical issue in the workplace that demands employers’ immediate attention. Recent data from earned wage access company ZayZoon reveals that an overwhelming 73% of employees are struggling with affording basic necessities, leading to significant impacts on productivity and morale.

Open, honest and candid discussion about auto features, state mandates, RIA aggegators, alts in 401(k) plans and more.

When the benefits administrator at an $80 million plan contacted TPSU (The Plan Sponsor University) recently about conducting due diligence and possibly a request for proposal (RFP) on their current retirement plan advisor, she was unsure if their incumbent was doing everything she needed to help run and improve her 401(k) plan.

During a recent Retirement Plan Advisor RFP with an $80 million defined contribution plan, the main issues revolved around service after their prior record keeper was acquired. Their current RPA was not able to help with the transition or provide the necessary support afterward, and, as a result, they did not even make the finals. Similarly, at a TPSU program years back, two plan sponsors with the same record keeper were equally happy and unhappy because one plan’s provider was acquired.

Open, honest and candid discussion about DOL guidance on AI, the agency’s practice of sharing information with plaintiff’s attorneys, record keeper consolidation helping RPAs grow and more.