Fiduciary Rule

An alternative is a hybrid long-term-care policy with features of traditional LTC insurance and cash-value life coverage that grows over time.

A substantial watering-down of the protections in the rule is possible, says Carol Buckmann, so the ultimate status of the new regulation is still in question.

With the regulation now in effect, there are a number of things plan sponsors should do, including knowing if their adviser is a fiduciary or has conflicts of interest.

With the regulation now in effect, there are a number of things plan sponsors should do, including knowing if their adviser is a fiduciary or has conflicts of interest.

Fiduciary obligations are making access to up-to-date information and analytics from recordkeepers and service providers increasingly important.

A substantial watering-down of the protections in the rule is possible, says Carol Buckmann, so the ultimate status of the new regulation is still in question.

Plan sponsors need to understand how the regulation affects their roles and communication efforts — and should pay attention to exemptions.

Retirement specialists are likely to increasingly turn to recordkeepers to provide data that justifies adviser fees through strong plan performance.

Keep in mind that there is no fee structure free of conflict, cheaper doesn’t mean better and recommendations don’t come in a vacuum, says investment strategist Jess DeGabriele.

Higher compliance requirements, and their associated costs, may drive firms to look for partners.