ICI Applauds DOL's 401(k) Default

The Department of Labor has decided not to include stable-value funds as one of its recommended default options for 401(k) plans under the Pension Protection Act. Instead, the DOL will make it easier for sponsors to select balanced funds, lifecycle funds and a professionally managed, diversified portfolio as the default choices.

Investment Company Institute President and Chief Executive Officer Paul Schott Stevens applauded the decision, saying, “The Department of Labor has worked hard to implement Congress’s intention in the Pension Protection Act with respect to default investment options in 401(k) and other defined contribution retirement plans. The regulation issued today will help ensure that the defined contribution system works as effectively as possible for the millions of working Americans who depend upon it for a financially secure retirement.”

“Stable-value funds are a valuable component of 401(k) plans, but for the purpose of this rule, we had to decide if it was an appropriate investment to put every dime of a person’s retirement savings, and it’s not the optimal retirement savings vehicle,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor Bradford P. Campbell.

Companies have used stable-value funds as the default choice for fear of lawsuits.

A spokesman for the American Council of Life Insurers said the organization was disappointed guaranteed products are not included as a default option.

About two-thirds of 401(k) plans now offer stable-value funds as an investment option, according to the Stable Value Investment Association.

For reprint and licensing requests for this article, click here.
Money Management Executive
MORE FROM FINANCIAL PLANNING