Managing Plan Investments

Investment selection and monitoring is important work for plan sponsors.  It should be done with care and expertise, while avoiding distractions from financial headlines.

Fiduciary Duty
Since the financial crisis of 2008, regulators have increasingly challenged plan fiduciaries.  Essentially, investment management for a corporate retirement plan is all about process.  The courts have made this point very clear.

The Decision Making Cornerstone (the committee)
Forming a 401(k) committee provides the foundation for effective plan oversight.  The main purpose of a committee is to manage fiduciary responsibilities and ensure the plan remains competitive.

An Essential Roadmap (the IPS)
The investment policy statement outlines the criteria for assessing plan funds.  It provides guidelines for consistent decision-making and can reduce fiduciary liability.