Last week’s top 5 most-read posts on NAPA Net reflected keen interest in understanding what to expect from a DOL audit, Brian Graff’s take on the proposed ‘Blank Slate’ approach to tax reform, EBRI’s finding that participants do better in DC plans, how a provider best demonstrates value, and FINRA’... READ MORE

Last week’s top 5 most-read stories on NAPA Net reflected keen interest in the top 10 record keepers, approval of the fiduciary definition bill, style boxes’ lack of significance to participants, FINRA’s social media spot checks and the non-existence of passive TDFs. 1. Top 10 Record Keepers 2.... READ MORE

Plan sponsors and their advisors have the duty to monitor, evaluate and act with prudence regardless of the assets they manage. While substantial resources and information are available to the advisor for registered fixed income instruments, equities, mutual funds and ETFs, the same cannot be said... READ MORE

Last week’s top five most-read stories on NAPA Net reflected keen interest in threats to retirement tax incentives, a new DC-like DB plan, ING’s potential takeover, EBSA’s enforcement strategy, and updates to industry lists. 1. Retirement Tax Incentives Back on the Chopping Block? 2. New DB Plan... READ MORE

Last week’s top 5 most-read posts on NAPA Net reflected keen interest in DB plans outperforming 401(k)s, updates to industry lists, the uniform fiduciary role, pension lenders and Form 5500 audit traps. 1. Why DB Plans Are Outperforming 401(k)s 2. NAPA Net Updates DC National Record Keeper List 3... READ MORE

Adoption of the Roth feature in DC plans has grown steadily since its introduction, yet participant adoption remains low. For instance, a recent research report by Vanguard notes that only 9% of their participants are in plans offering Roth in-plan conversions.The benefit of the new Roth in-plan... READ MORE

“Circumvent,” “inaccurate,” “oversimplified,” “mislead” and “hypothetical” — these are just some of the words that Putnam Investments recommends advisors avoid using on Twitter. Putman suggests that these key words, among others, are targets of scrutiny by regulators when they evaluate the... READ MORE

Last week’s top 5 most-read posts on NAPA Net reflected keen interest in revenue sharing, EBSA’s proposed changes to DC benefit statements, insurers’ message to annuity owners, wirehouse-to-RIA moves, and the last piece of the ‘Retirement Gamble’ featured on PBS’ Frontline program. 1. What’s the... READ MORE

Last week’s top five most-read posts on NAPA Net reflected keen interest in PBS’ Frontline program, “The Retirement Gamble,” a possible exemption from the DOL’s expanded fiduciary definition, advisors’ satisfaction with service providers, 401(k)-to-Roth conversions and small businesses’... READ MORE