Retirement Committees face numerous challenges in selecting an independent and transparent retirement plan adviser is crucial for effective governance and fiduciary responsibility. Committees should follow a structured RFP process, including clear objectives, defined evaluation criteria, and thorough documentation review, to identify the best consultant for their needs.

Duration is a key measure in fixed income investing that quantifies how sensitive a bond or portfolio is to interest rate changes, with Macaulay, Modified, and Effective Duration providing different insights depending on bond features. Portfolio managers use duration to align strategies with client risk tolerance and investment goals, regularly rebalancing portfolios to maintain target duration as market conditions shift.

The fixed income market is transitioning to a complex environment. Uncertainty about US tariffs and trade agreements has raised concerns about the inflationary impact of tariffs on US consumers and corporations. Expectations for US economic growth have declined, and the risk of stagflation still lingers. The markets are still haunted by the impact of tariffs on inflation.   Q4 2025 saw a blend of strong economic growth and rising debt, leading to increased Treasury supply, st

Defined contribution (DC) plans play a vital role in helping individuals prepare for financial security in retirement. As the landscape of retirement planning evolves, plan sponsors must carefully consider the investment lineup offered to participants. This involves not only supporting asset accumulation but also providing strategies and products that help participants convert their savings into sustainable retirement income. The following overview explores essential consider

Integrating alternative investments such as private equity, real estate, and infrastructure into professionally managed multi-asset products like target-date funds (TDFs) can offer significant diversification and return potential.

Defined contribution (DC) retirement plans are evolving rapidly as employers respond to new challenges and opportunities. Recent survey data from 225 U.S. DC plan sponsors reveals a landscape shaped by shifting priorities, technological innovation, and heightened regulatory scrutiny.

Stable Value Funds in Retirement Plans Stable value funds have long been a cornerstone of employer-sponsored retirement plans, offering participants a reliable and low-risk means of preserving their savings while generating steady income. These funds are designed to protect the principal invested by participants, making them especially popular among those nearing retirement or seeking to safeguard their savings.

Selecting the right 401(k) plan provider is a critical responsibility for plan sponsors. Today’s sponsors are looking for partners who not only address benefit needs but also excel in technology, compliance, and participant education. Here’s how to organize your RFP process and what to prioritize when evaluating providers. Technology: The Cornerstone of Participant Experience Modern plan sponsors expect providers to deliver user-friendly, mobile-accessible platforms that mirr

Benchmarking retirement plans is a multifaceted process that helps sponsors improve plan quality, reduce fees, and enhance participant engagement.

The defined contribution (DC) recordkeeping industry is at a tipping point. Driven by fee compression, rising costs, and automated RFP processes, many providers face existential threats. Larger firms with scale, proprietary investments, and cross-selling power dominate, while smaller players struggle to compete. As automation accelerates consolidation, recordkeepers must embrace participant-centric models and new technologies, or risk irrelevance.

On May 28, 2025, the DOL reversed its 2022 warning against crypto in 401(k) plans, restoring fiduciary discretion. While not an endorsement of digital assets, the move signals a shift toward regulatory neutrality and reinforces fiduciaries’ responsibility to prudently assess all investment options.

A well-executed RFP is more than a compliance step, it’s a strategic tool for defined contribution plan sponsors to benchmark fees, improve services, and protect participant outcomes. As plans grow more complex, periodic due diligence through the RFP process ensures providers remain aligned with fiduciary goals and regulatory standards.

Many foundation and non-profit organizations face significant resource constraints, making it difficult to effectively manage their...

This is the fourth of a series of articles that describe non-qualified deferred compensation plans (NQDC) that are available to...

This is the third of a series of articles that describe non-qualified deferred compensation plans (NQDC) that are available to non-profit...

This is the second of a series of articles that describe non-qualified deferred compensation plans (NQDC) that are available to...

This series of articles describe nonqualified deferred compensation plans (NQDC) that are available to non-profit employers.  Qualified...

This article explores how corporate cash managers are navigating the challenges of rising interest rates in 2024. It highlights the strategic adjustments, portfolio structures, and expert approaches employed by leading investment management firms to optimize returns, protect principal, and ensure financial stability in a dynamic market environment.

The Investment Policy Statement and Spending Policy are written specifically for the foundation that incorporates the investment...

Money market funds are under the SEC microscope again with significant reforms being contemplated by the SEC. Based on how money market fund