
Republican States Challenge DOL ESG Rule in Court
A 2022 DOL rule clarifying that ESG strategy can be used in fiduciary decisions was challenged by 25 states in a Texas federal court.

States’ Suit Could Delay DOL Rule on ESG Investing
Rule to permit ESG considerations is due to take effect on Monday, but a federal lawsuit aims to derail it.

Regulatory and Statutory Changes Coming to Self-Corrections Programs
Plans will find more room to correct their own mistakes under SECURE 2.0 and a DOL proposed rule change.

DOL Contractor Rule Threatened by 20% Adviser Quit Rate
An FSI survey shows independent advisers would retire before being classified as employee as the DOL mulls tens of thousands of comments on a proposed rule change.

DOL to Consult Industry on How To “Facilitate” PEP Uptake
Among items on DOL/EBSA's agenda: speaking with retirement plan service providers, employers and employees on what regulators can do to help increase PEP growth.

Variable-Rate Premiums To Be Capped by SECURE 2.0
The variable premiums paid to PBGC would be un-indexed from inflation.

Certified Financial Planner Board Issues Crypto Guidelines
The nonprofit warns financial planners that crypto-related assets “can be speculative and volatile.”

Participants Regain $1.4 Billon Thanks to EBSA’s Interventions
The largest category of plan money recovery was from enforcement actions.

New Modifications Released for Forms 5500 and 5500-SF
The document changes were the same for administrative penalties, but also contained differences.

DOL Extends Comment Period for Independent Contractor Rule
The proposed rule could affect thousands of independent financial advisers who prefer to be classified as independent contractors, rather than employees.

Fitch: SEC “Crack Down” on ESG Greenwashing to Continue
Retirement plan advisers should be aware both of SEC charges against those offering ESG funds, as well as the new DOL rule paving the way for ESG use in retirement plans, a consultant advises.

What Do the Mid-Terms Mean for ESG and SECURE 2.0?
ESG-minded investors have cause for concern, as Republicans prepare to take control of the House.

DOL Proposes Changes to Voluntary Fiduciary Correction Program
The proposal would allow fiduciaries to correct certain transactional mistakes and then notify DOL instead of applying for approval beforehand.

DOL Rule Greenlights ESG, But Questions Remain
The new final rule seeks to make ESG permissible for ERISA plans, but specific use will still need to play out, according to ERISA attorneys.

Advisers Get Long-Awaited Clarity on ESG in Retirement Plans
DOL's final rule clears regulatory hurdles for retirement plan fiduciaries to implement, or ignore, ESG investing.

DOL Finalizes Rule Opening Door to ESG Investing in Retirement Plans
The DOL announced a final rule that retirement plan fiduciaries can consider climate change and other ESG factors when selecting investments.

DOL Hosts Public Hearing on QPAM Proposal
The commentators and DOL representatives had stark disagreements on the implications of some the proposal’s provisions.

Proposed Settlement Would Cost Juniper Networks $3 million
Juniper agreed to a proposed settlement dismissing allegations they mismanaged their sponsored retirement plan; judicial approval still required.

DOL Rejects ForUsAll’s ‘Tactical Retreat’ in Crypto Retirement Case
The DOL shot back at 401(k) provider ForUsAll’s offer to drop its suit if the court confirmed a DOL warning about crypto in retirement plan as “not binding.”

SPARK Releases Updated Data Security Best Practices
Updates were developed by SPARK Institutes data security oversight board, are consistent with the DOL best practices.