Wednesday, December 24th, 2025 A topical newsletter from PLANADVISER Small Plans and PEPs This week’s Spotlight series considers aspects of small plans and PEPs. In Practice A New Age for PEPs Pooled employer plans have grown significantly over the last four years, as larger employers are increasingly drawn to the plans’ decreased governance, fiduciary burden and administrative costs. multimedia Workshop: The PEP Journey: 5 years of Surprises and Successes From initial expectations to the unforeseen realities, PEPs are reshaping how advisors approach their books of business. Over five years, perceptions have shifted, and what began as uncertainty has evolved into optimism. Advisors now see the potential of PEPs because they’ve witnessed firsthand the efficiencies, growth, and opportunity these plans bring to the table. Compliance Anticipating the Next Wave of ERISA Lawsuits Pooled employer plans could be the next big target in ERISA litigation, according to Jamie Fleckner, an ERISA defense attorney for Goodwin Procter LLP. Data & Research Small Business Plans Have Growing Assets, Lagging Participation More than 40% of eligible small business employees do not participate in their retirement plans, according to a study by Vanguard. Data & Research 4 in 10 Eligible Small Business Employees Not Part of Company Retirement Plan Transportation and warehousing have the lowest rate of plan participation among all sectors—just 45%. Products & Services Vestwell Debuts PEP for Small 401(k) Plans The defined contribution pooled employer plan is best suited for plans with more than 80 participants and less than $2.5 million in assets, according to Vestwell. Did someone forward you this newsletter? Sign up here to get PLANADVISER Spotlight directly in your mailbox!

Unsubscribe | Manage Subscriptions | Contact Us Copyright ©2026 Asset International, Inc. All rights reserved. No reproduction without prior authorization. Modern Slavery Statement 2022 | Do Not Sell My Personal Information | Privacy (including cookies), Social Media & Legal 702 King Farm Boulevard, Suite 300, Rockville, MD 20850