Mercer Provides Tips for Improving DB Administration

The consultant says administering DB retirement plans has become increasingly difficult for many plan sponsors, due to factors such as frequent legislative and regulatory changes, mergers and acquisitions, and a lack of in-house resources and institutional knowledge to effectively manage the growing complexity and risk associated with these programs.  

According to a news release, the checklist is also beneficial for plan sponsors who are looking to improve their administrative processes and/or are contemplating moving their DB plan to a new co-sourced or outsourced relationship.    

Following is Mercer’s DB plan sponsor checklist: 

1. Aggregate and improve data quality – Consolidate historical participant information from all sources into an electronic, secure database and resolve legacy data issues including missing and conflicting information; 
2. Certify outstanding calculations – Ensure all prior plan and terminated vested calculations have been completed and certified; 
3. Ensure plans are current and compliant – Validate that plan documents, required participant forms/communications and Summary Plan Descriptions are in compliance with recent legislative changes; 
4. Review and document procedures – Document current administrative procedures and plan practices to clarify details not present within legal plan documents, address ambiguous provisions and avoid unintended changes in administrative practice in connection with the transition to a new administrative system or provider; and 
5. Evaluate sourcing options – Determine if you have the resources, experience and organizational commitment to successfully maintain plan administration, or if outsourcing or co-sourcing is a more viable option.