Banco Popular de Puerto Rico

The outlook for the new year is a mixed one, as brokers will continue to face “unneeded stress” and compliance challenges. Those issues, combined with changes to the healthcare delivery model, will make 2016 another landmark year for the industry, experts say.

Although approaching the process from different ends of the spectrum, brokers, employers and end consumers faced increased expectations for their respective roles in employee benefit plans this year. This, coupled with evolutions in technology, 401(k) and voluntary product design, made 2015 anything but static.

At least 81% of employers say an adviser plays a crucial role when developing their benefit plans, health reform compliance and more, according to MetLife.

Which industries have the highest prevalence of unwanted sexual conduct in the workplace? Will the #MeToo movement have a lasting impact? Key findings from a SourceMedia survey.

Sandra Wiley, COO & Shareholder, is ranked by Accounting Today as one of the 100 most influential people in accounting as a result of her prominent role as an industry expert on HR and training as well as influence as a management and planning consultant. Sandra is a certified Kolbe™ trainer who advises firms on building balanced teams, managing employee conflict and hiring staff.Sandra directs Boomer Consulting, Inc.'s annual Talent Development Advantage and offers her services as co-director of the Performance3™ Academy Program as well as the CEO Advantage. She has been in the Strategic Coach Entrepreneurial Team Program™ for over 10 years and is responsible for communicating its concepts to clients and the Boomer staff.Sandra is regularly invited to speak at national conferences where she empowers audiences with new ideas and a sense of humor.She is a popular author who is frequently published by many trade journals including CPA Practice Management Report, Accounting Today, Accounting Web, The CPA Practice Management Forum, The CPA Report of South Carolina, Lagniappe of Louisiana and The Asset of Missouri Societies. She also contributes a regular column covering human resources to the Boomer Bulletin™ and penned an award winning marketing plan, Rebuilding the Community Bank, published by the Bank Marketing Association.

Jane Barratt is the founder and CEO of GoldBean - online investing for beginners. GoldBean connects people to investment opportunities with the companies and brands they love, know and buy. A global marketing and digital advertising pioneer with C-Suite roles leading practices and agencies at Dentsu mcgarrybowen, Young & Rubicam, Sapient and Havas. An avid traveler and wine lover, charting the new normal of a balanced life with her husband and three children.

Let’s enact a uniform fiduciary standard so all clients are protected and any appearance of compensation bias is removed, urges John Ludwig.

High-deductible health plans may cut plan-sponsor costs, but covered employees are balking at spending their money on tests and other care they need.

More employers are embracing the idea that a financially aware and secure employee is a happier, healthier and more productive individual.

Looking for a new benefits specialist takes preparation and focus, says adviser Jack Kwicien.