
SECURE 2.0 Changes Backloading Test for Cash Balance Plans
The retirement reform legislation requires interest credits to be “reasonable” and no higher than 6%.

Legislative and Judicial Actions

Analysis of American Workers Shows Retirement Plan Type Influences Spending Habits
A study of government employees reported that those with defined benefit retirement plans typically spend a higher percentage of their income than those with a defined contribution or hybrid plan.
IRS Rules on Mergers Involving DB Plans That Have Received SFA
If a plan that received special financial assistance merges with an ongoing plan, the ongoing plan is not considered to be in critical status.
Teacher Pensions Are Broad Retirement Security Issue
A new report from nonprofit group Bellwether Education Partners ranks public school teachers’ pensions by state, arguing that everyone has a stake in pension systems that are supported with public dollars.

15th Anniversary of RPAY: Christopher Kulick
In the three years since winning the award, Kulick says his practice has deepened its client relationships while increasing capacity for business development.
Transamerica, Aegon Partner on Turnkey DB Solution
It aims to bring all aspects of managing a defined benefit plan together.

Coronavirus News for Plan Advisers
Focused analysis of market movements, business challenges and legislative and regulatory actions.
Club Vita Issues Report About How ZIP Codes Affect Longevity
Club Vita teamed up with Mercer to develop a proprietary model, VitaCurves, that uses the nine-digit ZIP code to help defined benefit (DB) plan sponsors more accurately make longevity assumptions.
Service Estimates Longevity for Pension Plan Sponsors
Club Vita looks at zip codes and other characteristics of the participants in DB plans to estimate longevity risk.
It’s Important to Understand PRT Balance Sheet Hits
Looking at the hits company balance sheets take from a pension risk transfer (PRT) to terminate a defined benefit (DB) plan, may cause plan sponsors to change course.
Interest in Pension Risk Transfer Expected to Increase in 2019
The majority of DB plan sponsors plan to completely divest all of their company’s liabilities in the near future
Despite Net Outflows From 401(k)s, Cerulli Sees Opportunities
Cerulli also sees opportunities for advisers in the 403(b), defined benefit (DB), and financial wellness markets.
2018 Beyond(k): HSAs, Pension Risk Transfer, Student Loan Debt Relief
A look at some of the products and services retirement plan sponsors are requesting outside of 401(k) plans.
Helping DB Plan Clients Prepare for a Plan Termination
Consultants with Findley discussed a game plan for having data, financials and a communications strategy ready before embarking on a DB plan termination.
Smaller DB Plans Rely More Heavily on Third Parties
There may be more upfront effort with smaller clients, but once they are on board, they take less time, according to Cerulli.

Pension Risk Transfer

Cash Balance Plans on the Rise
Missing Participants Could Disqualify a Retirement Plan
Mercer offers recommendations for retirement plan sponsors to search for missing participants.
IRS Extends Closed DB Plan Nondiscrimination Relief Through 2019
The new extension makes nondiscrimination relief available for plan years beginning before 2020, if the conditions of Notice 2014-5 are satisfied.