
Publisher’s Note
Juxtaposition
Many clients and plan participants have suffered during the pandemic—now the industry needs to think about how to help.

Compliance News
Data Points
Legislative and Judicial Actions
States updating annuity standards; Senate confirms a Labor secretary; GAO presses the DOL to clarify cybersecurity guidance; and more.
The Many Uses of NQDC Funds
To pay for an early retirement or a child’s education are just two possibilities.

Trends
Trends
Trends
Trends
Trends
Trends
The SEC Cites Its Priorities
Reg BI and a focus on climate change top the list.
Not to Be Deterred
Despite the pandemic, firms aim to enhance profitability.
‘Game Changers’ Reflect Progress
The evolution of our Top 100 Advisers list represents the evolution of the retirement plan adviser industry, which has undergone fundamental shifts in business models since PLANADVISER’s founding.
Hypothetical Trade-Off Scenarios
Participants are willing to ‘spend’ money to get free money from their employer.
Plans vs. Reality
The pandemic has been forcing many to retire early.
On the Move
Transactions, promotions and new hires in the financial advisory industry.

Cover Story
A Season for Change
Advising clients about the SECURE Act’s new lifetime income safe harbor.

PLAN DESIGN | Solutions
Overcoming Obstacles
Strategies to manage client resistance to plan design changes.

PLAN DESIGN | Demographics
Through the Ages
How well is each generation faring in its climb toward retirement readiness?

PLAN DESIGN | Education
A Plan Feature Run Wild
Advisers should tell their clients about the risks of taking plan loans.

PLAN DESIGN | Participants
Take It Past the Limit
Voluntary after-tax retirement savings accounts as a design feature.

PLAN DESIGN | Selling
Not Just Retirement Services
Many modern advisers have moved into health, wealth and other benefits.

Compliance Consult
Wanta Be a PPP?
Advisers can find many ways to serve pooled employer plans.

ERISA vista
Advisers Giving Back
Lifetime Income Illustrations
Preparing committees for this SECURE Act requirement.
The CCF’s Big Day—and Year
Firm generates $4.8 million in charitable contributions.