DOL fiduciary rule: Everything to know during the comment period

On Tuesday, the Department of Labor released its much-anticipated rule proposal extending a fiduciary standard to thousands of brokers and advisers providing investment advice to clients on retirement accounts. As the days follow, check back for coverage and analysis of what to expect during the 75-day notice and comment period.

Benefits experts debate long-term impact of fiduciary rules on employers

The much-anticipated rule that provides a new definition of who is a fiduciary was released by the Department of Labor this week to much fanfare. And while most people agree there won’t be much impact on plan sponsors, there are passionate groups on both sides of the aisle fighting for or against this new proposal.

DOL fiduciary rule falls flat

Commentary: By shifting some of the focus to the advisers, the DOL is getting closer to the heart of the problem, but it still doesn’t go far enough.

Watering down the fiduciary standard?

Commentary: Both fiduciary and non-fiduciary advocates are likely to find some language that appeases them in the Labor Department's new Proposed Rule to greatly expand the application of fiduciary duties to those who provide investment advice to most qualified retirement plans and IRA accounts — but both sides will also find language which causes much concern.

Contract exemption could be as important as DOL fiduciary rule

Commentary: ERISA lawyer shares 9 initial reactions to the Department of Labor’s proposed fiduciary definition rule, including how the proposal differs from the DOL’s 2010 effort.

Proposed DOL fiduciary rules positive for plan sponsors

Commentary: The new proposal will provide greater transparency regarding fees and a uniform definition of who is a fiduciary.

Following fiduciary rule, more adviser disclosure regs to come

Commentary: Administration's headline on fee disclosure speaks for itself, but meanwhile, keep an eye on two more decisions on adviser fee disclosures that are on the horizon.

 

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