"For years, Morningstar has positioned itself as the independent umpire of the mutual fund world.... If Morningstar approves it, fiduciaries feel safe. But buried in Morningstar's own SEC filings is something most plan sponsors, consultants, and courts do not realize: Morningstar is deeply embedded in the business of helping insurance companies design retirement plan investment menus built around CITs, annuities, and proprietary insurance wrappers -- the very structures now raising ERISA prohibited transaction concerns."  MORE >>