New DOL rule effectively kills off open-architecture option favored by some big plan participants -- and sets off the 401(k) industry

A couple of opinions:

- 401k plans have been excluded from the core disclosure rules of ERISA for long enough. Maybe that was necessary for them to get established, but no longer. If it’s any sort of material benefit — it has to be disclosed. Period.

- Likely, because there has been so much hype, and hype is a reliable contra-indicator of reality/importance, the whole fee matter is likely going to end up the Y2K non-event of our industry.

Borzi is not saying brokers are accountable and responsible for self directed accounts, just that the consumers who direct their accounts should know how well or poorly they are doing.

This is pro-advisor as it encourages professional management provided by the advisor, not possible for the broker because the industry maintains that brokers do not render advice. This accentuates the accountability and responsibility of the advisor, which is undeniably fiduciary standing.

The push back is that (a) brokers are not accountable or responsible and by requiring reporting on self directed accounts, the technological capability to make brokers accountable and responsible will be put into place and (b) the self directed consumer will discover how adept brokers are at constructing and managing portfolios.

How is this not in the consumers best interest and the responsibility of the broker in retirement accounts?

SCW

I agree with Elmer and Steve that SDBAs are not good for participants or for the fiduciaries. The future for successful 401(k) plans is 3(38) investment managers that design and manage models for participants.

I hear you Steve, Darwin and Elmer.

But I also know that as a 401k participant in two former jobs I much preferred the SBDA to the short little menu of funds offered by my employers.

So I’m not quite sure what to make of this.

Of course any plan would likely be better than the lack of one they offer here at RIABiz.

Brooke

Brooke I understand what you are saying about you former plan. Sorry to say that is the problem with the majority of plans not just a short list but an expense list.

Darwin

Definitely it appears can murky up the 401k waters with the promotion of self-directed 401(k) brokerage. Perhaps the Schwab, TD, Fidelity (and other direct retail custody providers) TV commercials may have given consumers the impression their technology advice offering means hiring an investment advisor isn’t needed in this day and age.

After all, a consumer just has the follow the “green line” towards achieving their own success.

By having self-directed 401k or Solo 401k feature you can be your own trustee. Some Solo 401k providers or administrators will provide the applicable tax reporting support (e.g, filing of form 5500-EZ). http://www.mysolo401k.blogspot.com/2012/05/what-is-solo-401k-commonly-called.html