The US Labor Department has finalized a rule under ERISA that will require service providers for pension plans to disclose information about their fees to the employers sponsoring the plans. The rule will be effective July 1, 2012.
The rule will require disclosure of the service provider’s compensation structure (including both “direct” compensation from the plan sponsor and “indirect” compensation from other sources), as well as potential conflicts of interest. The rule is limited in scope to ERISA-covered defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans. The rule applies to service providers who expect to receive at least $1,000 in compensation for specified plan-related services, including fiduciary, advisory, brokerage, and recordkeeping services, or other financial services for which they receive indirect compensation.
Sources:
U.S. Treasury, Labor Departments Act to Enhance Retirement Security for an America Built to Last
Fact Sheet – Final Regulation Relating to Service Provider Disclosures Under Section 408(b)(2)
This alert applies to the Series 62, Series 6, Series 26, Series 24, Series 7, Series 65, Series 66, and Series 82 – these exams address ERISA considerations.