
Advertise on podcast: Nevin & Fred
Rating
4.9from
This podcast has
70 episodes
Language
EnglishPublisher
Nevin AdamsExplicit
No
Date created
2021/05/21
Latest episode
2026/09/28
Average duration
31 min.
Release period
34 days
Description
Irreverent, but relevant. Nevin Adams and Fred Reish offer listeners their perspectives on all things retirement.
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Season 6, Episode 8: The Meanings Behind a “Meaningful Benchmark?”
2026/09/28
The United States Supreme Court is set to examine an issuethat could dramatically impact the future of ERISA litigation. Ahead of that, Nevin (Adams) and Fred (Reish) look at the issues – and potential impact(s).
The Issue
The case - Anderson v. Intel - is about what a participant must allege to get an ERISA investment prudence claim past a motion to dismiss. More specifically, the question presented is: Whether, for claims predicated on fund underperformance,pleading that an ERISA fiduciary failed to use the requisite "care, skill, prudence, or diligence" under the circumstances and thus breached ERISA's duty of prudence when investing plan assets requires alleging a "meaningful benchmark.”
Said another way, when a participant says an investment’sunderperformance suggests the fiduciaries acted imprudently, does the complaint have to identify a genuinely comparable investment to get past a motion to dismiss? The Court is weighing how to prevent hindsight comparisons fromstanding in for evidence of a flawed decision, while allowing a claim based on other facts that plausibly point to imprudence.
NOTE: It is not deciding whether Intel’s use of private equity and hedge funds was prudent.
Some Background
After the 2008 financial crisis, Intel changed the investment mix in its custom target-date and global diversified funds, adding hedge funds and private equity. Intel said – and communicated to participants – that the strategy was intended to reduce volatility and protect against largelosses in downturns, while acknowledging that it could lag funds with heavier stock allocations during rising markets. Former employee Winston Anderson challenged the strategy, alleging that the funds’ performance and costs, amongother facts, supported an inference that the fiduciaries had acted imprudently. He also alleged that investments benefited Intel’s venture-capital arm.
What’s at Issue
In essence, Anderson argues that courts must assess allthe allegations together: unusual allocations, alleged risks and costs, and performance evidence may collectively support an inference of imprudence even without a closely matched comparator. Intel responds that if relativeunderperformance is the basis for inferring a flawed process, the comparison must be meaningful; otherwise, a fund could look deficient simply because it pursued a different objective.
The Labor Department and most retirement industry trade groups have weighed in supporting Intel’s position. Meanwhile, participant advocate groups – and formerLabor Department officials are backing the position of theparticipant-plaintiff.
Why is the Supreme Court Considering the Issue?
Intel has prevailed at both the district court and appellatecourt levels on the issue. But different federal court districts have taken different positions on the requirement toassert a meaningful benchmark at the motion to dismiss stage. The Seventh, Eighth, Ninth and Tenth havesupported that requirement, though the Sixth Circuit has taken a somewhat different stance. However, the disagreement is chiefly about claims that infer imprudence from relative performance or cost, not whether every ERISA prudence complaint needs a benchmark.
And note - the proposed Investment Selection Rule uses the same phrase for a different purpose. Its paragraph (k) would require a fiduciary selecting a designated investment alternative to identify a “meaningful benchmark” and compare the alternative’s risk-adjusted expected returns, net of fees, with it. However, the proposal defines that benchmark broadly: it could be an investment, strategy, index, or other comparator with similar mandates, strategies, objectives, and risks.
Season 6, Episode 7: (How) The PPA Changed Everything
2026/08/17
The PPA didn't invent automatic enrollment, target-datefunds, or professional investment management. But it was arguably a transformative shift in the design of workplaceretirement plans – and the focus of those who support them.
Signed into law on August 17, 2006, the Pension ProtectionAct:
• Tightened pension funding rules (pension “protection,” after all),
• Created automatic enrollment safe harbor, including auto escalation,
• Directed development of qualified default investment alternatives (QDIAs),
• Made key EGTRRA provisions permanent (higher contribution limits, catch-up contributions, Roth 401(k)).
The bigger change was philosophical. The PPA gave us a plan design template architected to leverage participant behavior towards better outcomes. Not so much an “if you build it, they will come” presumption, as a “let us do it for you” acknowledgement.
In this episode, Nevin (Adams) and Fred (Reish) recap someof the impacts – and how the PPA transformed the very essence of retirement planning in the U.S.
Episode Resources
Talking Points: 20 Years Later, Did the PPA Really Change Everything?
The Pension Protection Act: This Changes Everything | PLANSPONSOR
The Impact of PPA on Retirement Savings for 401(k) Participants
Season 6, Episode 6: Learning from Litigation
2026/07/14
What can plan sponsors (and advisors) learn from litigation? As it turns out, a lot – even if you aren’t responsible for a billion-dollar plan.
There are, of course, things to be learned from litigation. We’ve learned that the plaintiffs’ bar doesn’t (always) knowhow to calculate fees (they rely on Form 5500), doesn’t know how to calculate performance, and doesn’t appreciate important distinctions in target-date fund glidepaths. Though some do, of course.
But the lessons drawn from litigation can serve as a reminder that fiduciaries should never assume, and never take anything for granted.
Particularly not only what the law allows, but what the plandocument permits.
In a special edition of the Nevin & Fred podcast (or, if you prefer, a special edition of Prime Capital’s The Reish Brief), Nevin (Adams) and Fred (Reish) cover a wide range of topics with plenty of lessons to learn.
We’re talking about things like:
1. Annual Beneficiary Checkups: Treat beneficiary designations like milk in the fridge—check them at least annually (and after marriage/divorce), because tiny “paperwork sins” like using 33⅓% instead of whole numbers can void the change and send everyone to court.
2. Zombie Beneficiary Cleanup: Don’t let auto-enrollment create “beneficiary-less zombies” in your plan; track thepercentage of participants missing designations and run a recurring campaign to get them completed before a claim turns into a family feud.
3. Documented Prudence Wins: Win lawsuits the boring way: hold regular (often quarterly) committee meetings, usean IPS that guides without handcuffing you, hire qualified advisors, keep written reports, and document why you kept or replaced investments—because ERISA wants prudence, not psychic powers.
4. Defensible Glidepath Choices: Target-date funds can be sued for being too conservative when markets soar and too aggressive when markets tank, so pick a glidepath based onworkforce demographics/industry realities and communicate the “why” to participants like Intel did.
5. Forfeiture Compliance Trap: Forfeitures are the new litigation piñata: confirm your plan is using forfeitures exactlyas the document says today, and prepare for upcoming restatements that may force you to hardwire a specific forfeiture-use method instead of “we’ll decide later.”
That’s right – all that – and more!
Episode Resources:
Court Says Call Center Communication Didn't Change Beneficiary Designation.
Appellate Court Backs Beneficiary Designation
Beneficiary Disclosures Trigger Fiduciary Breach Suit, Appeal
Season 4 Episode 2 "Glidepaths and 'Guide' Paths” | Nevin & Fred % %
Season 5 Episode 7: Nevin & Fred – Has the Forfeiture Tide Turned? | Nevin & Fred % %
Season 6, Episode 5: Comment Airing: (More) Thoughts on the Investment Selection Rule
2026/06/03
Last August President Trump signed an executive order directing the Secretary of Labor to, among other things, “reexamine the Department of Labor’s guidance on a fiduciary’s duties regarding alternative asset investments in ERISA-governed 401(k) and other defined-contribution plans” – a stance widely seen as encouraging the consideration of alternative assets in defined contribution plans, including401(k)s and 403(b)s.
Then on March 30, the Labor Department issued a proposedregulation in response to that directive, titled “Fiduciary Duties In Selecting Designated Investment Alternatives.”
However, while it acknowledged that while the executiveorder “focused on fiduciary responsibilities for offering an asset allocation fund that includes investments in alternative assets, the proposed regulation would apply to the selection of any type of investment as a designated investment alternative, including investments in so-called “alternative assets.”
That said, the comment period closed with more than 47,000comments!
In this episode, Nevin and Fred consider the…alternatives…and the future of the proposal.
Episode Resources:
Regulations.gov(the comments)
DOL Archives - Fred Reish
Season 6 Episode 4: The Investment Selection Proposal | Nevin & Fred % %
Talking Points: Retirement Income, Defaults and Fiduciary Duty
Special Edition: Fiduciary Duties In Selecting Designated Investment Alternatives Proposed Rule https://endeavor- retirement.activehosted.com/index.php?action=social&chash=f770b62bc8f42a0b66751fe636fc6eb0.467&s=f1b8e69fc34995b9d807df36b7a3c6f3
AGs, Congressional Democrats Say DOL Proposal Weakens Prudence Standard
EBSA’s Aronowitz Outlines Fiduciary Framework for ‘Investment Selection Rule’
How Many Times Does the DOL Proposed Rule Mention ‘Litigation?’
Fiduciary Duties in Selecting Designated Investment Alternatives (the “Investment Selection Rule”)
Breaking News: Trump Signs EO to Advance Private Market Investments in 401(k)s
Season 6, Episode 4: Digging into the “Investment Selection” Proposal
2026/04/14
On March 30, the Employee Benefit Security Administration(EBSA) published its much-anticipated response to President Trump’s Executive Order on Alternative Investments. What, if anything, does it mean?
In this episode Nevin (Adams) and Fred (Reish) look at theproposal—what it says (and doesn’t), the six factors to be considered—and one that isn’t—the process ahead, and its implications for plan fiduciaries.
Last August President Trump signed an executive order directing the Secretary of Labor to, among other things, “reexamine the Department of Labor’s guidance on a fiduciary’s duties regarding alternative asset investments in ERISA-governed 401(k) and other defined-contribution plans” —a stance widely seen as encouraging the consideration of alternative assets in defined contribution plans, including401(k)s and 403(b)s.
In response, on March 30 the Labor Department issued aproposed regulation to that directive, titled “Fiduciary Duties In Selecting Designated Investment Alternatives.” However, it acknowledges that while the executive order “focused on fiduciary responsibilities for offering an asset allocation fund that includes investments in alternative assets, the proposed regulation would apply to the selection of any type of investment as a designated investment alternative,including investments in so-called “alternative assets.”
The Investment Selection proposal also has a lot to say about ERISA litigation. In fact, the word is used over 100 times in the release, including 26 footnotes and multiple section headers.
Episode Resources:
Special Edition: Fiduciary Duties In Selecting Designated Investment Alternatives Proposed Rule https://endeavor-retirement.activehosted.com/index.php?action=social&chash=f770b62bc8f42a0b66751fe636fc6eb0.467&s=f1b8e69fc34995b9d807df36b7a3c6f3
EBSA’s Aronowitz Outlines Fiduciary Framework for ‘Investment Selection Rule’
How Many Times Does the DOL Proposed Rule Mention ‘Litigation?’
Fiduciary Duties in Selecting Designated Investment Alternatives (the “Investment Selection Rule”)
Breaking News: Trump Signs EO to Advance Private Market Investments in 401(k)s
Season 6, Episode 3: RIP The Retirement Security Rule
2026/03/17
On March 12, Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle in the US DistrictCourt for the Eastern District of Texas approved a motion to vacate the Retirement Security Rule. What does that mean for retirement security?
The motion to vacate – essentially waving a judicial wand tomake it as though the regulation never existed – was unopposed by the Department of Labor.
But what does that mean for retirement plan advisors – andretirement plan advice? Is the 5-part rule still in force? Whatabout PTE 2020-02? And what about rollovers?
Nevin (Adams) and Fred (Reish) discuss and debate the “new”fiduciary landscape.
Episode Resources
RIP Fiduciary Rule: Judge Officially Strikes Down DOL Regulation
Trump Administration Moves to Drop Defense of Fiduciary Rule
Breaking! Department of Labor Releases Final Investment Advice Fiduciary Rule
Fact Sheet: Retirement Security Rule and Amendments to Class Prohibited Transaction Exemptions for Investment Advice Fiduciaries | U.S. Department of Labor
Season 6, Episode 2: Nevin & Fred--Live from Palm Beach (Part Two)
2026/02/20
On February 3, Nevin (Adams) and Fred (Reish) met with a very special group of third-party administrators. Recorded live at the SoFi Center (home of TGL, Tomorrow’s Golf League), the podcasting pair dealt with some of the most timely and critical issues confronting retirement plan professionals at the Definiti-sponsored event.
In Part 1, we covered:
3(16)
Pooled Employer Plans (PEPs)
But in Part 2, we pivot to:
Crytpocurrency
Artificial Intelligence
Episode Resources:
Cybersecurity | U.S. Department of Labor
Tips for Hiring a Service Provider with Strong Cybersecurity Practices | U.S. Department of Labor
Settlement Struck in Consulting Actuarial Firm Data Hack
Court (Again) Rebuffs Amended Data Breach Suit
U.S. Department of Labor. “Artificial Intelligence and Worker Well-being: Principles for Developers and Employers.” Accessed August 13, 2024. In Web Archive, archived August 13, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240813173652/https:/www.dol.gov/general/ai-principles
Compass: Navigating AI in Retirement Plan Administration
Top 10 Questions for Plan Committees - October Compass 10 Things [Vertical]
Data and Security: The Current Frontier https://www.napa-net.org/news/2021/6/data-and-security-current-frontier/
Season 6, Episode 1: Nevin & Fred--Live from Palm Beach (Part One)
2026/02/12
On February 3, Nevin (Adams) and Fred (Reish) met with avery special group of third-party administrators at an event sponsored by Definiti.
Recorded live at the SoFi Center (home of TGL, Tomorrow’sGolf League), the podcasting pair dealt with some of the most timely and critical issues confronting retirement plan professionals at the Definiti-sponsored event.
We’re talking things like:
3(16)
Pooled Employer Plans (PEPs)
Cryptocurrency
Artificial Intelligence
Episode Resources:
Things I Worry About (26): Pooled Employer Plans and DOL RFI (7) - Fred Reish
Understanding MEPs, PEPs, and PPPs: Key Insights and Resources
How PEPs Have Flourished Since Their Creation
Talking Points: A PEP-spective on Fiduciary Reviews
Winter Issue of Plan Consultant Is Now Online!
More Advisors Turning to 3(16) Fiduciary Outsourcing
Can Employers Outsource Administrative Fiduciary Responsibility?
Season 5, Episode 12: Retirement Plan Naughty & Nice(s)
2025/12/18
‘Tis the season for “best of,” “most,” and of course, “naughty and nice” list making. In this episode Nevin (Adams) and Fred (Reish) share theirs with regard to retirement plans.
In that holiday classic “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,”Santa is said to be “making a list and checking it twice…” all with the purpose of finding out “who’s naughty and nice.” Well, in this special holiday-inspired episode, Nevin and Fred share their lists. So, who/what is going to wind up with a lump of coal in their stocking?
Here are our lists:
Naughty
1. Surveys that promote bogus data to generate business for themselves. Scare techniques generally, including by those who use surveys and studies to do that.
2. Frivolous lawsuits - given multiple chances to make their claim(s) - the forfeiture suits primarily (note: some of that comes from apparent conflicts in the laws and regulations…for example, the IRS says that using forfeitures to offset contributions is possible, but the DOL says that, if left to discretion, it is a fiduciary duty that must be in the best interest of participants.
3. Social Security looming shortfalls left unaddressed - and everyone says it won't be a problem.
4. The lack of any integrated fiduciary/institutional answer to retirement income. Although the steps taken, e.g., the SECURE Act, are “nice.”
5. The complexity of the laws governing qualified plans, especially when it comes to small employers.
Nice
1. Signs that people are saving more and better. Evidence in PSCA, Vanguard and Fidelity surveys. The very low costs of saving through 401(k) plans as compared to retail (andpartially the plaintiffs’ attorneys who have contributed to that).
2. DOL backing plan fiduciaries on the forfeiture reallocation suit.
3. More personalized target-date funds/managed accounts.
4. Pooled Employer plans (though keep an eye on themarketing and administration of these programs down the road).
5. Mandatory automatic enrollment for new 401(k) and 403(b) plans.
6. Retirement issues continue to be a bipartisan issue mostly).
Episode Resources:
Misleading headlines/surveys
Talking Points: Third Time No Charm in ‘Forgotten Account’ Fantasy
Talking Points: IRA ‘Junk’ Bunk
No 'Magic' in These 401(k) Retirement Numbers
Talking Points: A Red Flag for a ‘Red Flag’ Report).
Social Security
'Nothing' Doing About Social Security?
Forfeiture Stuff
DOL Backs HP in Forfeiture Reallocation Suit Appeal
SECURE 2.0 and Retirement Income
SECURE Act and Guaranteed Income (Part 3) - Fred Reish
6 Obstacles to Retirement Income Adoption
PEPs
Nevin & Fred: Could a Predominant PEPs Prediction Prove Positive?
Automatic Enrollment
The SECURE Act 2.0: The Most Impactful Provisions (#1–Automatic Plans) - Fred Reish
The SECURE Act 2.0: The Most Impactful Provisions #13 — Starter 401(k) Plans and Safe Harbor 403(b) Plans - Fred Reish
Things I Worry About (6): Automatic Enrollment (5) and PEPs - Fred Reish
Season 5, Episode 11: Things Plan Sponsors Should Be Thankful For
2025/11/22
Plan sponsors have a lot to do – and a lot to do withhelping Americans prepare for retirement – and a lot of things that help them do so. In this episode, Nevin (Adams) and Fred (Reish) share their lists of things plan sponsors should be thankful for this holiday.
There’s obviously a LOT to be thankful for, not the least ofwhich is that plan sponsors are often doing what they do for retirement planning in the midst of an array of other pressing concerns.
That said, there have been any number of innovations andevolutions over the years – and as we come to that time of the year when we’re inclined to give thanks – well, here are our lists:
- The 401(k) - how was America going to retire without it?
- ERISA 404(c) -participant directed investments safe harbor (without it, plan fiduciaries are responsible for ALL participant investment decisions (even the dumb ones)
- EGTRRA (Economic Growth Tax Relief and Recovery Act of 2001) - which, among other things, lifted the harsh contribution limits of TRA86, gave us Roth option.
- Target-date funds – making it easier for participants to benefit from professional money management.
- PPA (Pension Protection Act of 2006) – which “sanctioned” (via safe harbors) automatic enrollment and qualified default investment alternatives (QDIA) – including the afore-mentioned target-date funds. Created FLOORS, not ceilings for retirement savings.
- Index funds – helping provide a cost-effective investment structure, first via various share classes, and now via collective investment trusts.
- SECURE 2.0 (the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022) – which provided 90+ OPTIONS for improved retirement savings that plan sponsors can choose from (or not). Lots of options in SECURE 2.0 that are OPTIONAL.
- The plaintiffs’ bar – well, some of them anyway.
- ERISA’s preemption provision – one set of federal laws that trump various state rules and regulations, and give us a single set of (admittedly complex) federal rules.
And one more – but you’ll have to listen to find out!
Happy Thanksgiving!
- Nevin E. Adams, JD
Season 5, Episode 10: Things That Should Scare Plan Fiduciaries
2025/10/23
As Halloween approaches, and thoughts turn to ghosts,goblins and things that go bump in the night, Nevin (Adams) & Fred (Reish) turned their focus to things that SHOULD have the attention of (and perhaps even scare) plan fiduciaries.
Now, there are lots of things that require careful attention, selection and monitoring of plan assets and services by planfiduciaries; advisors and plan sponsors alike. But there are some things that may sneak up on even the most attentivefiduciary – things like:
Your target-date fund glidepath(s) – Is it “to”retirement or “through” retirement, is it appropriate for your participant base, and do THEY know what it is (particularly at the projected date of retirement)?
The degree of personalization in a “managed” account– How personalized is it, what data elements are considered, is the cost (relative to a target-date fund alternative) reasonable for the value provided, and who pays it? Is it structured as a qualified default investment alternative (QDIA)?
Cybersecurity – What provision(s) have your providersmade in securing participant data (particularly in view of the sample questions provided by the Labor Department), and are you prepared to deal with those questions in a DOL audit?
Participants that leave their accounts “behind” – Whatprocedures do you have in place to communicate with, and in some cases track down for distributing benefits? Are youable to appropriately track and administer required minimum distributions (RMD)?
Ignorance of fees – Do you know what fees are being paid by the plan, to whom, for what, and how?
Personal liability – Plan fiduciaries are personally liable for the actions they take (or don’t) with regard to plan administration. Traditional organizational insurance policies don’t cover that, nor does the fiduciary bond required. What provision(s) have you made to insure against that possibility?
Episode Resources
5 Things That (Should) Scare Plan Fiduciaries
Target- Date Funds
DOL: Target Date Retirement Funds - Tips for ERISA Plan Fiduciaries
Cybersecurity
DOL Cybersecurity Program Best Practices
Tips for Hiring a Service Provider with Strong Cybersecurity Practices
Cybersecurity tips for participants
Participant “Leave Behinds”
National Registry of Unclaimed RetirementBenefits: https://www.unclaimedretirementbenefits.com/
A nationwide, secure database listing of retirement planaccount balances that have been left unclaimed by former participants of retirement plans.
Retirement Savings Lost and Found Database: https://lostandfound.dol.gov/
EBSA is helping America's workers and beneficiaries searchfor retirement plans that may still owe them benefits by establishing a public Retirement Savings Lost and Found Database through the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022. This database serves as a centralized location to find lost or forgottenbenefits and get information on how to obtain those funds.
Fiduciary Insurance
5 Dangerous Fiduciary Assumptions
The value of fiduciary liability insurance How plan fiduciaries can protect themselves from litigation Fiduciary liability insurance offers protection from claims | Invesco US
Season 5, Episode 9: Catching Up on Catch-Ups
2025/09/18
On September 15, the IRS/Treasury announced the much-anticipated final regulations on SECURE 2.0’s new limits on catch-up contributions. In this episode Nevin & Fred talk about what lies ahead.
These final regulations apply to retirement plans thatpermit participants who have attained age 50 to make additional elective deferrals that are catch-up contributions—which will now be restricted to Roth for individuals making $145,000 or more (adjusted for inflation), effective in January.
A recent Plan Sponsor Council of America survey found thatfewer than 5% of plan sponsors said they were “ready to go” with these changes, while more than 4 in 10 were “struggling with payroll logistics.” On the other hand, nearly as many (40.2%) said they expected to be ready by January 1.
Things to note:
1. This IS going to happen (some had thought/hoped there would be an extension).
2. If your plan doesn’t allow Roth, you can't do Roth catch-ups(or catch-ups for those earning more than $145k in FICA wages).
3. You don't have to allow Roth. But with this change, you might want to reconsider.
4. You’ll get more time/flexibility to correct mistakes (andthere will surely be mistakes).
In this episode we’ll also discuss the issues surrounding personalization and personal data: lawsuits challenging utilization for purposes NOT related to the plan—and massive SEC fines for allegedly inadequate disclosures.
Episode Resources:
Catch-Up “Muster”
Breaking News: IRS Releases Final Roth Catch-UpRegulations
Are Plan Sponsors Ready for Roth Catch-Ups?
IRS Grants Two-Year Delay in Roth Catch-Up Requirements
Auto-Enrollment and Roth Catch-Up Guidance Proposed byIRS
Personalization Issues
Schlichter Says Empower Improperly Used Data in 401(k)Managed Account Push
Schlichter Targets TIAA, Morningstar in Multi-Plan Suit
Empower, Vanguard Managed Account Disclosures TriggerMammoth SEC Fines
Bonus: Songs to Retire By - Fred Reish
Season 5, Episode 8: What’s the Alternative(s)?
2025/08/15
On August 7, President Trump issued a much-anticipatedexecutive order, directing the Labor Department to (re)consider barriers to defined contribution plans accessing alternative investments. Nevin & Fred check it out – and theimplications.
More specifically, an executive order directed the Secretary of Labor to, among other things, “reexamine the Department of Labor’s guidance on a fiduciary’s duties regardingalternative asset investments in ERISA-governed 401(k) and other defined-contribution plans” – a stance widely seen as encouraging the consideration of alternative assets in defined contribution plans, including 401(k)s and 403(b)s.
The EO states as “the policy of the United States that everyAmerican preparing for retirement should have access to funds that include investments in alternative assets…”
That policy is, however, conditioned to situations “when therelevant plan fiduciary determines that such access provides an appropriate opportunity for plan participants and beneficiaries to enhance the net risk-adjusted returns on their retirement assets.”
While the Executive Order doesn’t immediately changeanything, it sets in motion the possibility of a less restrictive regulatory view on so-called, “alternative” assets, including private markets, real estate, digital assets, and lifetime income.
The Executive Order calls out “burdensome lawsuits that seek to challenge reasonable decisions by loyal, regulated fiduciaries,” as well as “stifling Department of Labor guidance” that is says has “denied millions of Americans opportunities to benefit from investment in alternative assets.”
Episode Resources
BreakingNews: Trump Signs EO to Advance Private Market Investments in 401(k)s
LifetimeIncome Also Cited in Private Markets Executive Order
TalkingPoints: Pandora’s Box
ThingsI Worry About (12): Private Funds and 401(k) Plans - Fred Reish
DOLPulls Guidance Cautioning Fiduciaries About Private Equity in 401(k)s
Season 5, Episode 7: Has the Forfeiture Tide Turned?
2025/07/21
In recent days, federal courts have dismissed two notablesuits regarding forfeiture reallocation, but most notably the Labor Department has now weighed in on behalf of plan fiduciaries in another case. Could this be a turning point? Nevin & Fred weigh in.
The suits – against JP Morgan and Wells Fargo – weredismissed in different courts on different grounds. Still, they came at a time, and in a way, that suggests at least some federal courts are now inclined to see practices long sanctioned by practice (and the IRS) as meritless.
The real game changer, of course, might be the LaborDepartment’s “friend of the court” filing on yet another suit – one that the fiduciary defendants have already had success in challenging the suit, and yet find themselves (still) in court litigating the issue(s).
Speaking of the Labor Department, a federal judge in Texasrecently ruled on a suit filed challenging the application of the so-called fiduciary regulation, most specifically with regard to its implications on rollovers.
So what does all that portend for ERISA plan fiduciaries? And what might the anticipated executive order from the Trump Administration expanding/opening the door for private assets in defined contribution mean?
All this and more in the latest episode of Nevin (Adams)& Fred (Reish)…
Episode Resources
Forfeitures
DOL Backs HP in Forfeiture Reallocation Suit Appeal
Wells Fargo Fends Off Forfeiture Fiduciary Suit
JP Morgan Gets Clear Win in 401(k) Forfeiture Reallocation Suit
Fiduciary Suit
Federal Court Vacates Part of Rollover Rule
Private Markets
Retirement Plan Participants Want Access to Private Market Investments
Private Market Investments: Promises and Potential Pitfalls
https://issuu.com/usaretirement/docs/napa_net_the_magazine_summer_2025
Empower’sMurphy Responds to Warren's Private Market Criticism
Season 5, Episode 6: Dispelling Retirement Plan Misperceptions
2025/06/16
Some call them “lies”—but in this episode, Nevin (Adams) andFred (Reish) highlight some of the most common—and confusing topics—about retirement plan responsibilities.
Inspired by Fred Barstein’s “10 Biggest Lies Told to 401(k) Plan Sponsors,” the prolific podcasting pair parse a passel of problematic misperceptions regarding retirement plan responsibilities.
We’re talking about things like:
RFP requirements,cheap investment picks,CIT assumptions,PEP perceptions,recordkeeper reliance, andthe limits of advisor accountability. And that’s not all! See how their list matches yours.
Episode Resources
Online Security Tips
Online Security Tips - U.S. Department of Labor
Title: Online Security Tips Author: Employee Benefits Security Administration, United States Department of Labor Subject: Tips to reduce the risk of fraud and loss to your retirement account by maintaining online access, using strong passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication, and protecting against phishing attacks.www.dol.gov
Podcast reviews
Read Nevin & Fred podcast reviews
an expert doctor 2025/08/17
Fantastic Podcast
One of the most insightful podcasts in the retirement industry
willsplans 2023/12/01
Never miss an episode!
I always look forward to a new episode and share with friends in the industry all the time
Adopted Cheesehead Eric 2023/09/12
Can’t hear Fred
Great content but it is very hard to hear Fred so hard to listen. Fred needs to speak into the mike more.
Chad Johansen 2023/01/13
The OG’s of Retirement
Nevin and Fred crush every single session! It’s like Christmas morning every time a new episode drops!
DSvonage 2022/12/15
Excellent
Good listen for those responsible for retirement plans.
Bonnie Treichel 2021/12/07
Great perspectives
Great practical guidance for the retirement plan industry!
unclebeen 2021/08/31
Dig that jazzy intro
Nevin & Fred cutting through gordian knots of ERISA confusion.
Gabster79 2021/06/22
Top Notch Retirement Plan Podcast
Can’t get any better than Nevin Adams and Fred Reish talking 401k. Highly recommend a steady dose of this excellent podcast.
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Blaze Podcast Network


