Many Happy Returns: Through QDIAs, it is win-win for sponsors and participants
Los Angeles partner Fred Reish's monthly column, "Many Happy Returns" in PLANSPONSOR Magazine discusses that participants in 401(k) plans need to make three fundamental decisions: Should I participate? How much should I defer? And how should I invest?
Fred notes that participants are expected to either select among the plan’s investments to craft portfolios in their accounts or to select professionally designed portfolios. However, most participants don’t know how to construct portfolios.
Fred also discusses that when plans switched providers, most opted to ‘map’ participants into investments on the new platform. When mapping, fiduciaries select investments from the new provider and then move participants’ accounts to the similar investments in direct proportion to their old investments.
A better alternative to mapping – Fiduciaries should consider moving participants into a qualified default investment or QDIA. If a plan gives participants the opportunity to direct their investments on the new platform, and if the QDIA requirements are satisfied, the fiduciaries will benefit from the QDIA safe harbor.
The material contained in this communication is informational, general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. The material contained in this communication should not be relied upon or used without consulting a lawyer to consider your specific circumstances. This communication was published on the date specified and may not include any changes in the topics, laws, rules or regulations covered. Receipt of this communication does not establish an attorney-client relationship. In some jurisdictions, this communication may be considered attorney advertising.
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