DOL Issues Cybersecurity Guidance
The guidance, which is the first of its kind, includes best practices and tips for protecting retirement benefits.
Gary Gensler Confirmed by Full Senate Vote as SEC Chair
He takes the helm at the Securities and Exchange Commission during a key time of transition and reflection for the market regulator, which is engaged in multiple important projects affecting advisers’ and brokers’ practices.
DOL Releases Guidance on Investment Advice Exemption
This is meant to help retirement investors, employee benefit plans and investment advice providers.
Upcoming Webinar: ESG and ERISA Plans
We will discuss how asset managers are putting environmental, social and governance investing themes to work. Particular attention will be paid to the regulatory environment and the potential to pursue greater investment returns by seeking out companies with higher ESG ratings.
Industry Issues Early Reactions to Walsh’s DOL Confirmation
Trade groups and advocacy organizations representing the retirement planning industry have reacted positively, if cautiously, to the confirmation of Marty Walsh as labor secretary.
Senate Confirms Marty Walsh as Labor Secretary
The full Senate voted Monday evening to approve the nomination of Boston Mayor Marty Walsh to lead the U.S. Department of Labor at critical time for the U.S. economy and its workforce.
From Ohio to Virginia, More States Look to Update Annuity Standards
The states’ embrace of the NAIC annuity transaction suitability framework comes as experts are raising broader questions about the durability of the SEC’s Regulation Best Interest, on which the insurance standards are partly based.
Walsh Could Be Confirmed Monday, Gensler Vote Less Clear
Sources say there is a good chance Boston Mayor Marty Walsh will be confirmed by the full U.S. Senate Monday afternoon, but they are less sure about the timing of SEC Chair nominee Gary Gensler’s confirmation vote.
DOL Says It Won’t Enforce Final Rules on ESG and Proxy Voting
The department says it will not pursue enforcement actions against any plan fiduciary for failure to comply, and it plans to release further guidance on the issues.
The Importance of EBSA Disaster Relief Notice 2021-01
The prescheduled phase-out of the coronavirus disaster declaration had created a ‘compliance conundrum,’ which the DOL has now addressed by issuing additional guidance.
Reading Into the SEC’s 2021 Enforcement Priorities
The ongoing implementation of Regulation Best Interest gets top billing in the SEC’s recently published 2021 examination priorities list, though recent evidence suggests the regulator’s focus on share class disclosures remains a chief concern.
ESG Investing Under ERISA
The Latest Word on ESG
DOL Confirms Fiduciary Prohibited Transaction Exemption Will Stand, For Now
In the coming days, the agency will publish related guidance for retirement investors, employee benefit plans and investment advice providers.
DOL Notifies Court It No Longer Supports Lawsuit Against CalSavers
A court filing cites the change in administration as the reason for backing out of the suit.
Walsh Signals Potential DOL Priorities in Confirmation Hearing
The labor secretary nominee spoke proudly of his labor roots and his ties to Boston, while responding to varied questions about the DOL’s important mission.
DOL Secretary Nominee Walsh Faces Senate Hearing This Week
Sources say Marty Walsh’s long-term ties to organized labor will likely be a main topic of discussion at the forthcoming confirmation hearings, but pension issues and retirement security are also likely topics.
DOL Q&A: What’s Next with ESG, Fiduciary and Proxy Regs?
DOL Missing Participant Guidance Not a List of Requirements
Plan fiduciaries will have to decide which suggestions fit their situations, and there are a few questions left unanswered, sources say.
New DOL ESG Guidance Expected to Encourage More Plan Adoption
TIAA says a variable annuity and mutual funds that take an ESG approach are widely used on its retirement plan platforms.