"The question now before the Court is whether plaintiffs alleging imprudence based on underperformance must plead a 'meaningful benchmark' at the motion-to-dismiss stage and, if so, how closely the comparator must align with the challenged fund's objectives, risks, and strategy.... Briefing and oral argument will occur this spring and a decision is expected in or before June 2026." [Anderson v. Intel Corp. Inv. Policy Comm., No. 22-16268 (9th Cir. May 22, 2025; cert. pet. granted Jan 16, 2026, No. 25-498)]  MORE >>

"The U.S. 7th Circuit Court of Appeals awarded a deceased retirement plan participant's assets to his ex-wife, ruling that [the participant's] faxed beneficiary change request did not meet the [retirement] plan's formal requirements for changing beneficiaries.... Although the appellate court's three-judge panel agreed that his actions clearly showed intent, it ruled that his action was not similar enough to processes set forth in the plan documents to qualify." [Packaging Corp. of Am. Thrift Plan for Hourly Emps. v. Langdon, No. 25-1859 (7th Cir. Feb. 2, 2026)]  MORE >>

"[T]wo former DOL officials have now weighed in supporting the plaintiffs in an ERISA litigation suit.... [T]he brief hearkens back to the environment pre-ERISA, and the history with the Studebaker-Packard Corporation's bankruptcy, and subsequent loss of pensions by its workforce that (eventually) provided the impetus for [ERISA].... They write that the suit 'plausibly alleges a concrete and particularized injury: a non-speculative, materially increased risk of nonpayment that is fairly traceable to the challenged fiduciary decision and redressable through ERISA's remedial provisions, including equitable relief.' "  [Konya v. Lockheed Martin Corp., No. 24-0750 (D. Md. Mar. 28, 2025; on appeal to 4th Cir. No. 25-2061)]  MORE >>

"[EBSA] filed four friend-of-the-court briefs in circuit courts alone in January, putting it on track to outpace the number the agency has filed in recent years.... The DOL is on track to easily outpace the seven briefs it put out in 2016, the most it filed annually in ERISA cases over the past ten years[.]"  MORE >>

"Individual plan participants entangled in 401(k) excessive-fee and investment-underperformance lawsuits had a median recovery of just $67.79 in 2025, even as law firms representing plaintiffs averaged $1.59 million per case in fees ... While supporters of such complaints argue that litigation (and the threat of litigation) deter misconduct and force better plan practices, critics say the figures show workers gain little, while employers face mounting costs that ultimately shrink retirement benefits and plan services."  MORE >>

"Plan sponsors rely on providers because they cannot realistically master this level of detail themselves.... Providers who want to avoid being swept into the catch-up mess should focus less on marketing readiness and more on structural honesty. First, stop oversimplifying.... Second, document limitations clearly.... Third, help sponsors build internal processes.... Finally, resist the urge to promise protection."  MORE >>

"That estimate is contained in [Fidelity's] 2026 State of Student Debt study, which shows that, under Fidelity’s student debt repayment program, participants receive an average of $1,900 in employer contributions based on their student loan payments. ... [T]he average student loan borrower takes more than 10 years to repay their loans – if that individual received an employer contribution through the program for 10 years, that $1,900 annual contribution could grow to nearly $200,000 at retirement age."  MORE >>

"71% of employed TDF investors feel confident about reaching their retirement goals, compared with just 58% of non-investors.... Among those with TDF options available within their employer-sponsored retirement plan, 83% of employed participants and 86% of retirees said they currently invest in TDFs, with the majority citing ease of use, built-in diversification, professional management and automatic rebalancing as their top reasons for investing in TDFs."  MORE >>

"Recordkeepers are expanding into wealth management, managed accounts, and participant-level services -- areas once reserved for advisors.... These dynamics risk becoming co-option -- where advisors, dependent on recordkeepers for referrals, technology, and even marketing support, lose their independence. When that happens, plan sponsors and participants may face higher costs, less transparency, and weaker fee negotiations."  MORE >>

"All baby boomers will be older than 65 at the start of the next decade ... That's a big pipeline of retirees, many who will be seeking guidance on managing their retirement nest egg. And it creates an opportunity for you to position your practice as the go-to source for comprehensive retirement income solutions and develop a more loyal and committed client base."  MORE >>

"The increased attention from regulators, lawmakers, and major market participants such as JPMorgan suggests that the role and influence of these firms are under unprecedented scrutiny. While companies should continue to follow established guidelines and best practices, and utilize market trends to inform their proxy voting and governance strategies, it is equally important to remain adaptable."  MORE >>

Updated Feb. 5, 2026. "[F]our tables show estimated future benefits consistent with earnings in 2024 and age in 2025. Each table lists earnings in 2024 at various ages and annual benefit amounts at entitlement for example workers with full-lifetime average earnings levels of $20,000, $40,000, $60,000, $80,000, $100,000, $120,000, and the taxable maximum.... [T]he benefit amounts assume no increase in price levels or in average wage levels after 2024."  MORE >>