Compliance October 27, 2009

EBSA Webcast to Address Form 5500 Issues

Plan sponsors (and “plan professionals,” including advisers) looking to bone up on the new Form 5500 will have another chance to do so online. 

Reported by

And while getting a briefing on regulatory forms might not normally be your cup of tea, the Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) says that an important part of the discussion will focus on the Schedule C and the impact on 403(b) plans. 

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) says it will host a free webcast November 5 to help employers, plan administrators and service providers prepare for changes to the Form 5500 and electronic filing requirement that begin with the 2009 plan year filings. 

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According to the announcement, this third webcast will provide more details about preparing the Form 5500 and getting ready for the new electronic filing system.  In addition, EBSA staff will address questions received from the public and provide practical tips for using the new ERISA Filing Acceptance System – known as EFAST2.  EFAST2 will receive only electronic filing submissions.    

The Web cast is scheduled for November 5 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. EST.   

Registration is required and available on a first-come, first-served basis.  You can so do at http://www.dol.gov/ebsa – and then click on “Getting Ready for 2009 Form 5500 and Electronic Filing, Part III Webcast” under Compliance Assistance Webcasts/Seminars/Workshops. 

Or you can click at https://compx11.eventcenterlive.com/cfmx/ec/register/reg.cfm?BID=1&RegID=4E090FB5  

Products October 27, 2009

AXA Launches Resources for Women

AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company recently launched a program to attract women consumers and financial professionals.

Reported by

The program, “The AXA Equitable Connection: Women, Wealth and Wisdom” aims to connect women consumers to the education, resources, and guidance needed to take control of their finances, the company said. Additionally the program is designed to build a community that enhances workplace opportunities for growth and development for female employees and financial professionals.

“Ultimately, we want to be the first company women think of when seeking financial information and guidance, as well as the first company they consider when interested in pursuing a career in financial services,” said Barbara Goodstein, executive vice president and chief innovation officer for AXA Equitable.

AXA Equitable unveiled a section on its Web site focusing on five areas, each with tips and tools: Women Taking Charge of Their Finance; Money Made by Women; Women Protecting Their Loved Ones; Women Educating Their Children; and Making a Woman’s Legacy Come True.

“The financial needs of women are different from men, especially when planning for retirement,” said Goodstein. “Women tend to live longer, work fewer years, make less money, and invest more conservatively. As a result, their money needs to last longer, and we want to make sure they have at their disposal the tools and resources that empower them.”

As part of the new program, AXA also said it plans to connect female employees and financial professionals through events, mentoring relationships, employee resource groups, and networking.

More information is available at www.axa-equitable.com/women.

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