Month: March 2011
The role for DC plans in the public sector
In the wake of the financial crisis, policymakers have been chattering about moving to defined contribution (DC) plans in the public sector. Defined contribution plans may well have a role in the public sector, but not as an alternative to defined benefit (DB) plans.
Pension Rights Center Gala Event: A Celebration of Superheroes
Event description: On March 30, 2011, the Pension Rights Center held a gala event to celebrate its 35th anniversary. The Center recognized the work of many indivudials by awarding the Robert M. Ball – Lisle C. Carter Superhero Awards and the Helen Quirini Activist Awards, and launched the Michael S. Gordon Fellows Program. More information.
Labor Department Weighs New Definition of ‘Fiduciary’
For the first time in 35 years, Labor Department officials are exploring whether they should change the definition of ‘fiduciary’. The agency wants to make the change so it can better protect the rights of participants, but the benefits community doesn’t see it that way.
All About Pensions: Status Report
Alicia Munnell, director of the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, professor at Carroll School of Management, and former assistant secretary of the Treasury for Economic Policy is joined by John Turner, director of of the Pension Policy Center, to kick off the pensions series with a discussion of the state of public and private pensions.
At DOL Hearing, Officials Seek Answers About Value of Investment Advice Disclaimers
Department of Labor officials asked panelists during hearings March 1 and 2 whether requiring certain conflicts of interest involving investment advisers to be fully disclosed would be as effective at protecting retirement plans, participants, and beneficiaries as prohibiting those conflicts of interest. Reproduced with permission from BNA Pension & Benefits Reporter, 38 BPR 459 (Mar. […]