Fiduciary Rule

The DOL’s rule is good news for plan sponsors, but many are still confused, says registered investment adviser Robert Lawton.

As defined in the new rule, investment advice includes recommendations to an employee benefit plan, plan fiduciary, participant or beneficiary, or an IRA, HSA, or education savings account owner.

Determining what is actually ‘in the best interest’ of a client is a gray area that may mean a greater risk of litigation for advisers and higher fees for small investors.

As defined in the new rule, investment advice includes providing investment or investment management recommendations to an employee benefit plan, plan fiduciary, participant or beneficiary, or an IRA, health savings account, or education savings account owner.

Determining what is actually ‘in the best interest of the client’ is a gray area that may mean a greater risk of litigation for advisers and higher fees for small investors.

Retirement plan advisers must rethink how they work and get paid, according to benefits attorneys and industry insiders.

Retirement plan advisers must rethink how they get paid, which could lead to a leveling of costs for plan sponsors.

Top DOL official counters that the new regulations will result in “major reform," while not ruling out additional government action.

Under the DOL’s new standard, all retirement plan advisers — and not just some — will have to put their clients’ interests ahead of their own.

In light of the DOL’s new rule, some advisers will have to define a new relationship with employers and may ask for additional fees.