Admin316 401(k) Knowledge Center
Every weekday we scan ERISA litigation, DOL/EBSA enforcement, IRS and Treasury guidance, SECURE 2.0 implementation, recordkeeper and industry news, and plan-administration developments — then translate each one into what a plan sponsor should actually do.
“We don’t just advise the plan. We take responsibility for it.”
Plan Sponsor Articles
Plain-English guides on what sponsors decide, fix and document. A new one most weekdays.
401(k) Compensation Definition Error: How Sponsors Fix Bonuses Left Out of Deferrals
When payroll leaves bonuses out of 401(k) deferrals, the plan document usually says they should have been included. Here is how sponsors find the…
401(k) Match True-Up Error: How Sponsors Find and Fix a Wrong Employer Match Before Year-End
A wrong employer match is a fiduciary operations failure, not a payroll typo. Here is how sponsors find a match true-up error, reconcile it to the…
Asset Sale 401(k): What Sponsors Decide Before Closing When the Company Sells Assets, Not Stock
In an asset sale, the buyer takes the business assets and the seller usually keeps the 401(k). Here is what sponsors must decide, document and…
401(k) Missed Enrollment Correction: How Sponsors Make Up a Lost Deferral Opportunity
When an eligible employee is left out of the plan, the fix is a fiduciary process, not a payroll tweak. Here is how sponsors identify the error,…
401(k) missed loan payments: What Sponsors Do When Payroll Stops Withholding
Restarting a loan deduction does not resolve the payments payroll skipped. Here is how employer plan sponsors trace the failure, coordinate the right…
Roth catch-up payroll: What Sponsors Confirm Before the First Run
A payroll setting is not proof that Roth catch-up contributions will reach the right accounts. Use this first-run acceptance checklist to verify the…
Top 3 of the Day
- 1
Caliber Collision $750K 401(k) Forfeiture Settlement: Automatic Payments for Participants
Confirm the plan document explicitly authorizes how forfeitures are used. Review current forfeiture practices against that language.…
- 2
Vorys: Treasury and IRS Release Updated Retirement Plan Correction Program
Run a plan operations review against the updated program to identify errors that can now be self-corrected.…
- 3
Labor Department Finalizes Pharmacy Benefit Manager Disclosure Rule
Review PBM contracts for disclosure rights and calendar compliance dates with counsel.…
Hot Topics
Click a topic to filter today’s briefing.
#1
Caliber Collision $750K 401(k) Forfeiture Settlement: Automatic Payments for Participants
What happened
A $750,000 settlement resolves an ERISA class action involving 401(k) forfeitures at Caliber Collision. Plan participants will receive automatic payments, per the settlement coverage.
Why plan sponsors should care
Forfeiture-use suits continue to produce settlements. Sponsors that use forfeitures to offset employer contributions are on notice that the practice draws claims.
Admin316 takeaway
Confirm the plan document explicitly authorizes how forfeitures are used. Review current forfeiture practices against that language.
#2
Vorys: Treasury and IRS Release Updated Retirement Plan Correction Program
What happened
Vorys summarizes the updated retirement plan correction program released by Treasury and the IRS.
Why plan sponsors should care
Correction program changes determine how sponsors can fix operational errors and what penalties or filings apply.
Admin316 takeaway
Run a plan operations review against the updated program to identify errors that can now be self-corrected.
#3
Labor Department Finalizes Pharmacy Benefit Manager Disclosure Rule
What happened
The Labor Department has finalized its pharmacy benefit manager disclosure rule, according to Legis1.
Why plan sponsors should care
The rule affects what self-insured health plan sponsors can see about PBM compensation and how they monitor fiduciary prudence.
Admin316 takeaway
Review PBM contracts for disclosure rights and calendar compliance dates with counsel.
#4
Capital Group’s Supreme Court Appeal Puts Participant Standing in Plan Litigation in Question
What happened
PLANSPONSOR reports that Capital Group’s petition to the Supreme Court raises whether participants have standing in plan litigation.
Why plan sponsors should care
A ruling limiting standing could change how many fiduciary suits proceed, with direct effect on sponsor litigation risk.
Admin316 takeaway
Do not relax fiduciary diligence. Standing rulings do not remove DOL or other exposure.
#5
IRS Announces Health and Welfare Benefit Plan Limits for 2027
What happened
Lockton reports the IRS has announced 2027 limits for health and welfare benefit plans.
Why plan sponsors should care
Sponsors need the new limits for plan design, payroll set-up and employee communications ahead of 2027 open enrollment cycles.
Admin316 takeaway
Update plan documents, payroll settings and employee materials with the new limits before year end.
#6
Small 401(k) Balances Remain at Risk Despite Progress on Auto Portability
What happened
401ktv.com reports that small 401(k) balances remain at risk even as auto portability advances.
Why plan sponsors should care
Leakage and lost accounts raise administrative burden and fiduciary questions for sponsors with many small-balance former employees.
Admin316 takeaway
Review your plan’s small-balance and auto portability policy with your recordkeeper.
#7
Interest in Private Assets in 401(k) Plans Surges: Schroders
What happened
A Schroders survey reported by 401k Specialist finds growing interest in private assets within 401(k) plans.
Why plan sponsors should care
Sponsors will field participant and adviser requests for private-asset options and need a documented prudent process.
Admin316 takeaway
Establish an investment committee process for evaluating private-asset options before requests arrive.
#8
NJ Medical System Hit With 403(b) Mismanagement Complaint
What happened
A New Jersey medical system faces a complaint alleging mismanagement of its 403(b) plan, per PLANADVISER.
Why plan sponsors should care
403(b) plans face the same fiduciary scrutiny as 401(k) plans, and nonprofit and healthcare sponsors are active targets.
Admin316 takeaway
Benchmark fees and investments, and document committee oversight.
#9
Empower’s Wealth Unit Hits 42% Margin as Rollover Sales Accelerate
What happened
Insurance Business reports Empower’s wealth unit reached a 42% margin as rollover sales accelerate.
Why plan sponsors should care
Recordkeeper rollover economics show how participant distributions generate revenue, a point sponsors should consider when reviewing services and fees.
Admin316 takeaway
Ask your recordkeeper how it is compensated on rollovers and distribution advice.
#10
CVS to Split in Two, Keeping Aetna With Caremark
What happened
Insurance Business reports CVS will split into two companies, keeping Aetna with Caremark.
Why plan sponsors should care
The split affects employers with Aetna insurance or Caremark PBM contracts, particularly as PBM disclosure rules take effect.
Admin316 takeaway
Review carrier and PBM contract terms for change-of-control provisions and ask about service continuity.
#11
TIAA Survey: 43% Cut or Stopped 401(k) Contributions Amid Rising Costs
What happened
A TIAA survey finds 43% of respondents cut or stopped 401(k) contributions amid rising costs, per IndexBox.
Why plan sponsors should care
Falling deferrals can affect plan participation rates and nondiscrimination test results.
Admin316 takeaway
Monitor deferral rates and promote auto-escalation and match education.
#12
Employers Ask Supreme Court to Resolve Disputes Over Pension Benefits for Married Retirees
What happened
Employers are asking the Supreme Court to resolve disputes alleging discrimination against married retirees’ pensions, per Pensions & Investments. The pool line does not name the cases or parties.
Why plan sponsors should care
A Supreme Court decision on plan benefit design and alleged discrimination could affect how sponsors structure and administer retiree benefits.
Admin316 takeaway
Have counsel review benefit formulas and spousal provisions for any differential treatment. Track whether the Court grants review.
#13
Creative Planning Adds $2.2B Fee-Only RIA Rockbridge
What happened
Creative Planning has acquired Rockbridge Investment Management, a $2.2 billion Syracuse-area RIA, according to InvestmentNews.
Why plan sponsors should care
Adviser consolidation may change who serves plan sponsors and how fees and services are structured.
Admin316 takeaway
Use adviser ownership changes as a trigger to revisit services and fee benchmarking.
#14
Bastion Fiduciary Acquires SJL Financial
What happened
Bastion Fiduciary has acquired SJL Financial, according to Business Wire.
Why plan sponsors should care
Fiduciary-focused firm deals reflect growing demand for outsourced fiduciary support.
Admin316 takeaway
Compare outsourced fiduciary options as part of your periodic adviser review.
#15
Managed Accounts Help in Down Markets, but There’s More to It
What happened
The Daily Upside examines how managed accounts perform in down markets and notes other considerations.
Why plan sponsors should care
Managed accounts add fees and fiduciary selection duties for sponsors.
Admin316 takeaway
Review managed account fees and outcomes as part of the QDIA and investment monitoring process.
#16
5th Circuit Confirms Jurisdiction in ERISA Appeal Over Plan Changes
What happened
The Fifth Circuit confirmed it has jurisdiction over an ERISA appeal tied to changes made to a plan, according to Mealey’s. The pool line gives no further detail on the parties or the merits.
Why plan sponsors should care
Appellate jurisdiction rulings shape how and when plan-change disputes can reach the circuit courts. Sponsors that amend plan terms should watch how courts treat these challenges.
Admin316 takeaway
Document the business reason and notice process for any plan amendment. Review amendment procedures with counsel before changes take effect.
#17
FINRA’s New Projection Rule Could Expand Use of Retirement Illustrations
What happened
PLANADVISER reports FINRA’s new projection rule could broaden use of retirement illustrations.
Why plan sponsors should care
Projection tools used in participant communications raise questions about disclosures and fiduciary oversight.
Admin316 takeaway
Review any projections or illustrations in participant materials, and confirm vendors follow the new rule.
#18
BlackRock: Participant Education Remains Biggest Hurdle for Retirement Income Adoption
What happened
BlackRock research reported by PLANADVISER finds participant education remains the largest barrier to adopting retirement income options.
Why plan sponsors should care
Sponsors adding in-plan income features need communications that participants understand.
Admin316 takeaway
Pair any in-plan income feature with a documented education plan.
#19
Major National Brokerage Expands in Northern California With Acquisition of 95-Year-Old Firm
What happened
A national insurance brokerage has acquired a 95-year-old Northern California firm, per edhat.
Why plan sponsors should care
Broker consolidation can change service teams and compensation structures for sponsors.
Admin316 takeaway
Ask your broker about ownership changes and compensation disclosure.
#20
EPIC Acquires Century-Old LA Boutique to Anchor Southwest HNW Push
What happened
EPIC has acquired a century-old Los Angeles boutique firm, per Insurance Business.
Why plan sponsors should care
Ongoing broker consolidation affects service continuity and conflict-of-interest considerations for employers.
Admin316 takeaway
Track ownership changes among your advisers and review service agreements.
#21
Four Ways Policymakers Could Extend the Saver’s Match to More Low-Income Workers
What happened
The Urban Institute outlines four ways policymakers could extend the Saver’s Match benefit to more low-income workers.
Why plan sponsors should care
The Saver’s Match is a SECURE 2.0 feature that can affect participation among lower-paid employees.
Admin316 takeaway
Track Saver’s Match implementation guidance and plan communications for eligible employees.
#22
Bluespring Acquires $920M Ohio Firm
What happened
Bluespring has acquired an Ohio advisory firm with $920 million in assets, per ThinkAdvisor.
Why plan sponsors should care
Continued adviser M&A can alter service models for retirement plan clients.
Admin316 takeaway
Confirm service levels and fiduciary status after any adviser acquisition.
#23
EBRI Incorporates Workplace Health Research Group
What happened
PLANSPONSOR reports that EBRI has taken in a health benefits research nonprofit.
Why plan sponsors should care
Combined retirement and health research may produce more data on workplace benefits.
Admin316 takeaway
Watch for EBRI research on integrated benefits to support plan design decisions.
#24
DB Scheme Funding Worsens in October Due to Falling Gilt Yields
What happened
Pensions Age reports defined benefit scheme funding worsened in October as gilt yields fell.
Why plan sponsors should care
Falling yields raise liabilities, a reminder of discount-rate sensitivity for DB sponsors, though this data concerns UK schemes.
Admin316 takeaway
US DB sponsors should recheck liability sensitivity to rate moves.
Is your plan carrying any of this exposure?
Admin316 serves as your ERISA 402(a) Named Fiduciary and 3(16) Plan Administrator — we take responsibility for the administration, documentation and governance that every story on this page turns on. Learn more about our 401(k) administration services.
