DOL Announces It Won’t Enforce ESG, Proxy-Voting Rules

Both of the rules were published in the final months of the Trump administration.

DOL Proposes Tightened Proxy Voting Guidelines

The department’s new proposal dovetails with SEC guidance finalized in 2020 and would create a refined set of circumstances in which plan fiduciaries may engage in proxy voting.

DOL Calls for Stricter Rules Around ESG Investing in Retirement Plans

The Department of Labor (DOL) in late June proposed guidance for considering environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in the investment duties of fiduciaries for both defined benefit and defined contribution plans subject to ERISA. In general, the DOL rule seems intended to create a larger hurdle to incorporating ESG factors into ERISA plan investments. […]

Balancing ERISA Rules With Current Economic Concerns

Plan sponsors have traditionally sought to limit “leakage” from defined contribution (DC) plans. However, in these chaotic times, sponsors should consider how they can support participants in financial distress. Background The coronavirus pandemic has led to significant economic tremors, including income insecurity and job reductions. As a result, plan sponsors and participants are looking to […]