News Feed

Mutual fund fees in 401(k) plans tended to fall between 2009 and 2013, finds new research from BrightScope and the Investment Company Institute. Consistent with other research, the study also found that fund expenses are typically lower in larger plans.

For VWR Corporation, a successful voluntary benefits strategy hinged on the right combination of products and a good communications plan.

Systemic problems are keeping HSA balances from meeting their full investment potential, experts say.

The business of benefits continues to shift, with industry mergers and acquisitions filling news feeds this year. Meanwhile, brokerages remain committed to meeting clients’ needs through innovative ideas that also stole headlines in 2015.

Commentary: Have you ever rocked an enrollment to then have the owner of the company call you afterward and say they need to meet with you immediately?

Despite the chance to impact daily decision making on critical healthcare, employee benefit and broker industry issues, many politically active advisers agree they are among just 10% of brokers who are involved in local and national politics. EBA presents leading brokers in each region of the country who are actively working to change the industry.

Plan sponsors are doing a better job of educating 401(k) plan participants about target-date funds, says Vanguard’s John Croke, but there’s still more to do moving forward.

These automatic retirement plan programs have been disrupting the industry with computerized investment formulas and low prices, but do they have an unfair advantage at the regulatory level?

Top broker and carrier rankings, as well as 30 benefit pros to follow on Twitter, bizarre antics from job candidates, the best 401(k) plans and the top SHOP plans in each state were the most-viewed EBA slideshows of the year. Here they are, listed in descending order.

Commentary: Given the time and attention required by medical plans nowadays, it’s not uncommon for benefit professionals to allow LTD plans to stay the course, without critical review. But given the immense value of LTD benefits, now is a great time to ensure your plan is at its best for 2016.