
Publisher’s Note
Trust Issues
Do small investors feel mistreated by the markets?

Compliance News
Legislative and Judicial Actions
DOL issues missing participant guidance; a plan trustee is sued for an unauthorized distribution; Washington extends certain CARES Act provisions; and more.

Regulatory & compliance | analysis
Trends
Trends
Trends
Plan Governance
According to our survey analysis, sponsors may really need your help.
The New ‘60/40’ Portfolio?
Adjusting the composition of investments to meet new market realities.
Modes of Persuasion
The ROI on financial wellness programs.
The Pandemic Effect
Many have dipped into their retirement savings, and some have even stopped or reduced their contributions.

Trends
Trends
M&A Gets Off to a Flying Start
Major deals have already been announced, with the likes of SageView Advisory Group and Compass Financial Partners already having been acquired, and sources say there are more to come.
The Errors in One’s Ways
How advisers can keep plans on the federal agency rails.

Talking Points
Trends
Talking Points
Politically Correct S&P 500 boards appointed 413 new independent directors in the 2020 proxy year, according to consulting firm Spencer Stuart. Fifty-nine percent were women and minority men, tying...
On the Move
Transactions, promotions and new hires in the financial advisory industry.

Cover Story
Are You Leaving the Door Open?
Advisers may be overlooking points of entry to their data—what they can do to prevent cyber theft.

Regulatory & compliance | litigation
A Question of Liability
When the rash of litigation yields scant legal precedent, what can advisers take away?

Regulatory & compliance | participants
The Tax Distinction
Education on saving should include a tax talk, but what can advisers safely say?

Regulatory & compliance | education
Continuous Education
Plan committee members’ fiduciary training should never end.

Regulatory & compliance | administration
How to Choose a PEP
As pooled employer plans go live, advisers assume a new guiding role.

Regulatory & compliance | investments
How 3(38) Advising Profits Clients
Investment management turns up inefficiencies, takes on some risk, and more.

Compliance Consult
ESG Investing Under ERISA
DOL narrows focus in final rule to pecuniary factors.

ERISA vista
Advisers Giving Back
The Latest Word on ESG
In terms of plan investing, fiduciary duty continues to come first.
Many Ways to Mentor
Celebrating the good works of advisers who give back to their communities in personal ways.