Retirement plans are complex and have many moving parts; as such, many plan sponsors create retirement plan committees to help keep them running smoothly. They may be called “investment” or “administrative” committees and can range in size. Regardless of the name or number of people involved, the committee’s organization, process and documentation are key to success.
One important function of a retirement plan committee is regular, ongoing reviews of the plan’s performance with regard to investments, fees and company goals. Here is an overview of what a retirement plan committee does and the type of information it should review at least once a year.
A retirement plan committee is responsible for making operational and investment decisions for the company’s retirement plan in the best interest of the plan, its participants and beneficiaries. Specifically, the committee’s duties typically include:
As such, committee members’ fiduciary responsibility is significant.
The retirement plan committee should review the charter each year to ensure it remains relevant to the committee’s membership and how it functions. A retirement committee charter generally details:
Committee members don’t have to be financial or investing experts. Keep in mind, however, that they are plan fiduciaries, with rare exception.
A primary duty of the committee includes selecting, managing and monitoring of the plan’s investments. The committee should carry out this process according to a specific investment philosophy and strategy outlined in the plan’s Investment Policy Statement (IPS), which typically includes:
However, retirement plan committees must be cautious not to use the IPS as a “catch-all” for plan-related policies. This document is called an IPS because it should focus solely on the management and monitoring of the plan’s investments. Anything else potentially exposes the committee to unnecessary fiduciary risks and liabilities, because once included, fiduciaries must fulfill all the duties set forth in an IPS. Having to uphold those additional, unrelated promises could put the committee in worse shape than having no IPS at all.[1] The committee should review the IPS on an ongoing basis, at least once a year, and revise it as necessary.
The committee should also follow specific criteria for hiring plan service providers, and evaluate their fees and value each year. In short, the committee should determine if the fees are reasonable for the quality of service provided. In addition, the committee should carefully document its decision-making process regarding fee evaluations and the hiring and firing of service providers.
Similarly, the retirement plan committee is responsible for regularly evaluating the plan’s investment fees. A retirement plan advisor can provide the committee with detailed documentation regarding the plan’s fees and expenses. Given the potential fiduciary risks, the committee should ensure that the advisor provides comprehensive information related to investment fees, as well as relevant disclosures concerning revenue sharing and other fees.
Annually, retirement plan committee reviews may reveal whether or not a plan is performing in line with its goals. Retirement plan goals should align with corporate objectives. As such, the committee should seek to determine if the plan meets expectations regarding:
If the plan falls short in any area, the committee may elect to change the plan or its design to work towards achieving these goals.
By reviewing the plan regularly, a retirement plan committee can keep tabs on plan and investment performance and relevant fees, while making adjustments as necessary. A well-informed retirement plan advisor can help the committee stay apprised of the latest and greatest offerings available and assist in making critical decisions about which features and services may benefit the plan and its participants at a reasonable cost.
[1] Chalk, Steff. “Investment Policy Statement Must Stop Short of Promises.” 401kTV.com. September 23, 2020.