"This final rule amends the [PBGC's] regulation on Allocation of Assets in Single-Employer Plans to prescribe the spreads component of the interest assumption under the asset allocation regulation for plans with valuation dates of July 31, 2025-October 30, 2025. These interest assumptions are used for valuing benefits under terminating single-employer plans and for other purposes."  MORE >>

"While the Nevada Employee Savings Trust (NEST) Program is designed to minimize the administrative, cost, and liability burdens for employers, the program represents a significant change for businesses and will require careful navigation of new compliance obligations.... Employers must either register or certify their exemption by September 1, 2025.... State officials will open NEST accounts for eligible employees based on information their employers submitted through the NEST portal."  MORE >>

"Despite acknowledging that 'the contours of this case are not etched in black and white but shaded in grey and charcoal,' a federal judge has dismissed a suit arguing imprudence in the selection and monitoring of funds, including proprietary options." [Waldner v. Natixis Investment Managers LP, No. 21-10273 (D. Mass. Jun. 26, 2025)]  MORE >>

"This case reinforces the idea that ERISA fiduciaries are not required to anticipate or predict how participants will behave or offer participants unsolicited advice. However, this case does underscore established caselaw that can require a fiduciary to provide information when a participant has demonstrated confusion over benefit terms, or has otherwise put the ERISA fiduciary on notice that the participant needs material information to protect his benefits." [Roche v. Teco Energy, Inc., No. 23-1571 (M.D. Fla. May 20, 2025)]  MORE >>

"This article ... explain[s] the safe harbor requirements for annuity offerings, which vary depending on the type of annuity selected and the manner in which it is offered.... [T]he decision to offer (or not) an annuity product is subject to the general fiduciary duties in ERISA ... Additional fiduciary considerations arise that vary depending on the type of annuity offered and how it is offered."  MORE >>

"As 401k plan sponsors explore innovative ways to diversify retirement portfolios, private equity in 401k plans has gained traction for its potential to deliver higher returns through private market growth.... [T]he asset class's illiquidity, high fees, and complexity pose unique challenges. Fiduciaries, bound by ERISA's standards of prudence and loyalty, must conduct rigorous due diligence to ensure private equity in 401k plans aligns with participant interests."  MORE >>

"[1] Health Savings Accounts and Health Reimbursement Arrangements will be a large part of the administration's health plan focus going forward ... [2] Nonprofit compensation excise tax ... [3] Continuation of employer tax credits ... [4] Provisions impacting health plan Pharmacy Benefit Managers ... [5] Limited to no impact on employer retirement plans."  MORE >>