Bloomberg BNA's Pension & Benefits Blog is a special resource offered by Bloomberg BNA to provide commentary and insight on news and trends reported in our publications: Pension & Benefits Daily, Pension & Benefits Reporter, and the Benefits Practice Resource Center. The authors of the blog are members of our Pension & Benefits Publications Advisory Board.
The ideas presented here are those of individuals, and Bloomberg BNA bears no responsibility for the appropriateness or accuracy of the communications between group members. We reserve the right not to post comments that are abusive or otherwise objectionable.
Communications regarding the Pension & Benefits Blog may be directed to Dana Domone via e-mail to ddomone@bna.com.
September 28, 2006
While DOL generally does not have jurisdiction over IRAs, it does have regulatory authority to determine whether a prohibited transaction exists in connection with an IRA. Given the fact that a prohibited transaction may disqualify the entire IRA, a cautious approach with IRA investments in the IRA owner’s business is warranted.
September 26, 2006
One of the more obscure provisions of the Pension Protection Act is Section 843, which amends IRC §419A(c) by adding new subsection (6). The new provision permits a health benefit plan sponsored by a “bona fide association” (as defined in 42 U.S.C. 300gg-91(d)(3)) to maintain a reserve of up to 35% of current operating costs. Prior to the amendment no reserve was permitted.
September 24, 2006
On May 16, 2005, the SEC issued a Staff Report Concerning Examinations of Select Pension Consultants. In connection with the SEC report, on June 1, 2005, DOL and the SEC jointly released tips to help ERISA plan fiduciaries in selecting and monitoring fiduciaries.
September 23, 2006
I thought you might be interested in other benefits-related blogs. I'm sure I've missed some, so if you know of other benefits-related blogs, please add it through a comment.
September 20, 2006
Beginning in 2003, the SEC and state officials brought enforcement actions for improper trading practices involving mutual funds.
September 18, 2006
We wanted to start the BNA Pension and Benefits Blog with something a little light hearted that you might not see in the regular BNA publications.
On the ABA Joint Committee on Employee Benefits teleconference last Thursday, Bill Bortz from Treasury cleared up some issues that have been creating uncertainty under the newly-enacted Pension Protection Act of 2006.
September 15, 2006
Welcome to the BNA Pension & Benefits Blog: Insight from the Advisory Board.
IRS to Focus on Safe Harbor 401(k) Plans, Other Concerns Highlighted in Questionnaire
IRS Makes Employers’ Internal Controls a Priority in Employee Plan Audits
FASB Issues Exposure Draft on ESOP Disclosures; Comment Period Open
ERISA Advisory Council Roundup
Implications of ASU 2011-4 for sponsors of ESOPs