DC Plan Design Archives

Benefits | November 2nd, 2026

Auto-Features: Are Plans Measuring Up to the SECURE 2.0 Industry Standard?

The benchmark question is no longer ‘Do we have auto-enrollment?’ but ‘Are our defaults strong enough to produce successful outcomes?’

November 2nd, 2026

Vanguard: Flexible Distribution Features Help Keep Retirees’ Assets in Plans

Retirees were more likely to remain in plans offering installment payments and partial withdrawals, according to a recent report.

Data and Research | September 8th, 2026

Plan Sponsors Increasingly Rely on Advisers

Growing complexity of plan design and investment options is prompting plans to outsource more functions, Fidelity’s annual survey finds.

Opinions | August 10th, 2026

The Guaranteed Lifetime Income Gap: Access Must Catch Up to Demand

According to the vice president of research at the DCIIA Retirement Research Center, interest has reached a tipping point.

Data and Research | August 6th, 2026

WTW: Employers Seek to Expand Plan Value—Not Cost

In a recent survey, half of plan sponsors said they seek ‘minor’ or ‘moderate’ plan design updates to improve their...

Administration | March 2nd, 2026

How Does Outsourcing Affect Fiduciary Duties?

ERISA experts caution that while delegating duties to outside providers can add expertise and help with the workload, plan sponsors...

Opinions | February 13th, 2026

Are DC Plans Failing Retired Participants?

By not providing sufficient tools and withdrawal options, efforts to keep retirees in plans may not be enough to enable...

Benefits | December 29th, 2025

Trump Praised Australia’s Retirement System—Why It’s Hard to Copy

‘The U.S. and Australia are slowly evolving toward each other,’ one industry expert says: One is ‘nudging participation,’ while the...

Benefits | October 14th, 2025

Vanguard: 42% of US Participants Are on Track to Maintain Lifestyle in Retirement

Broadening access to defined contribution plans could increase retirement readiness by 19 percentage points, according to the report.

Benefits | September 2nd, 2025

What Happens When Default Rates Are High?

Researchers are considering what kinds of changes to savings and default rates are most effective in improving retirement outcomes.

Benefits | September 2nd, 2025

How Close Are Sponsors to Using AI for Plan Personalization?

Employers are warming up to artificial intelligence in retirement planning, but its use remains in the early stages.

Benefits | September 2nd, 2025

DC Plans Evolving as Retirement Income Programs

Strategies emerge to bridge the gap between savings and sustainable income.

Compliance | July 22nd, 2025

DOL Finds Citi’s Racial Equity Program Unlawful, Rescinds Previous Opinion

The Department of Labor announced its 2023 advisory opinion no longer reflects its views.

Administration | September 13th, 2024

IRS Private Letter Ruling Allows Employer to Increase Plan Design Flexibility

Under the ruling, participants are able to elect where they would like the employer’s nonelective contributions to be allocated, including...

Investing | July 8th, 2024

Optimizing Plan Design in the Investment Menu

Experts discuss the trends of streamlining the investment menu and adding lifetime income options

Benefits | July 1st, 2024

Design Options: Building Strong Retirement Plans

Retirement plan designs that include features and investment options incorporating retirement income into defined contribution plans are a 'good starting...

Benefits | July 1st, 2024

Providing Retirement Benefits Can Benefit Employers

Tax benefits and new credits aim to offset the cost of setting up new retirement plans and can be a...

Benefits | July 1st, 2024

Upcoming Trends in Plan Design: From the Perspective of a Retiring Plan Sponsor

Carl Gagnon, assistant vice president of global financial well-being and retirement programs at Unum Group, reflects on his tenure and...

Benefits | October 11th, 2023

PLANSPONSOR Roadmap: Check Your Demographic Mirrors

Using data on participants’ attitudes about saving and investing can help plan sponsors create more tailored benefits, according to panelists.

Administration | October 6th, 2023

Citi Gets DOL Approval for Diverse Manager Plan Fee Payments

The bank’s attorneys tout a positive response from the DOL on the program designed to promote diverse asset managers in...

Tag: DC Plan Design