Week ending November 4th, 2016

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

Happy Friday, readers. Over the past few weeks a clear theme has emerged among the many research reports and studies shared with PLANADVISER. It seems that financial services firms of all descriptions—banks, brokerages, recordkeepers—are focused on new ways to build client trust and measure the quality of the client experience. Collected below are some highlights that should offer helpful perspective for any DC advisory practices engaged in this critical effort.

Editor's choice

DC Advisers Are Among Many Focused on Client Trust

Retail banks, active investment managers, defined contribution plan advisers, recordkeepers—they’re all focused on building client trust as a crucial element of future sales success. Read more >

Trustworthiness Trumps Other DC Adviser Satisfaction Factors

Trustworthiness is a must-have ingredient for brand consideration in the defined contribution industry, according to a new analysis from Cogent Reports. Read more >

Putting Up Fiduciary Guardrails Can’t Wait

“The history of the ERISA industry has shown that any time there’s real change there is also real opportunity that comes along with it.” Read more >

Presentation Matters with Millennial Investors

A new study finds that just 11% of Millennial retirement plan participants feel comfortable managing their investments themselves—yet many in the generation hesitate to pursue advice. Read more >

Fastest Growing Advisory Practices Focus on Client Interface

New data suggests that financial advisers focused more on client management than on investment management see much stronger asset growth and retention. Read more >

MOST POPULAR STORIES

Warn Your Clients: Don’t Abuse Coronavirus Hardship Withdrawals

Though retirement plans can allow individuals to self-certify that they qualify for a penalty-free coronavirus-related distribution, should the IRS discover otherwise during a future audit, a participant can be subject to substantial penalties.

A New World and New Opportunities for Alpha

Pandemic-driven volatility has once again highlighted the relative virtues of active and passive management.

Home Depot ERISA Lawsuit Clears Dismissal Motions

While a court has ruled the plan’s advisers should be carved out of the litigation, the counts against Home Depot fiduciaries will proceed.

AutoZone ERISA Suit Clears Motion to Dismiss

The district court declined to rule on the reasonableness of comparing actively managed funds to passively managed index funds on a motion to dismiss, clearing the way for discovery and potentially a full trial.

Excessive Fee Lawsuit Filed Against Duke Energy

The drumbeat of Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) excessive fee lawsuits rolls on.

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