Defined contribution (DC) plan sponsors have a fiduciary duty when it comes to selecting and monitoring the investment choices they offer in their plans’ fund menus. They must understand how market conditions affect the types of investments they are offering. They have to make decisions about active versus passive investment options, and keep in mind the costs of investments while making what is best for plan participants their first priority. Some investments are harder to benchmark than others—such as target-date funds (TDFs). If plan sponsors feel they do not have the expertise to make wise choices or monitor investments, outside expertise can help. This week’s edition of PLANSPONSOR Weekend offers insights that may help DC plan sponsors with their fiduciary duties regarding investments. Have a wonderful long weekend!

The plaintiffs say the plan’s terms reduce benefits using “Early Retirement Factors” and “Joint and Survivor Annuity Factors” which result in plan participants receiving less than the actuarial equivalent of their vested accrued benefit, as required by ERISA.

Based on the conversations industry advocates are having in Washington, none of the leadership in the Senate or the House opposes passage of the SECURE Act.

A former 401(k) plan participant is suing the plan sponsor and plan providers after unauthorized distributions were made from her account.

The IRS invites public comments and suggestions about guidance.

Bob Collie, head of research at the Thinking Ahead Institute, tells PLANSPONSOR version 3.0 will be customized by “hyper-customization and integrated whole-of-life wealth management” that takes into account all of a person’s savings.

Editorial: Alison Cooke Mintzer alison.mintzer@strategic-i.com

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