The Daily Brief for Benefits Professionals
BenefitsWire
Retirement Plans
September 16, 2026
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4 items · ~2 min read
Top of the Brief
Pension Risk Transfer Litigation: No New Cases but New Developments in Existing Cases Show This Litigation Trend is Not Over“Twelve pension risk transfer (PRT) litigation cases were filed in 2024, a single case was filed in 2025, and none have been filed in 2026 thus far. Plaintiffs’ lawyers file suits in areas where they see opportunities to win, so the sharp decline in filed cases speaks loudly to their lack of confidence in these cases. However, one adverse circuit court decision could completely change the outlook, so, as is the case in virtually all ERISA litigation, we can’t view PRT litigation in the rearview mirror. This article reviews the current PRT litigation landscape and discusses two new court developments. Because of the consolidation of suits against the same defendants, those thirteen cases resul”
In this issue
Retirement Plans (3) · Litigation (1)
Retirement Plans
3 items“New research released Tuesday by the Employee Benefit Research Institute finds that student loan borrowers in their 40s hold median 401(k) balances that are about 45% less than other adults without student loan debt. That’s a considerable number, as one in five 401(k) participants holds some student loan debt. And with more student loan holders soon being required to make payments on loans long paused through President Joe Biden’s now-expiring debt relief programs, the long-term impact on potential retirement savings is even more acute. “Student loan debt can have an impact on retirement preparation that goes well beyond the size of the loan balance itself.” MORE >>
Source: 401(k) Specialist
“About half of mass-affluent respondents reported relying solely on Social Security for support in retirement, leaving savings untouched.” MORE >>
Source: PLANSPONSOR
“New Morningstar research released Tuesday suggested that retirement plan investors are looking for feedback and clarity that demonstrates the value provided by managed account providers, even with fees attached. Elevating the experience for participants, with additional visibility and multiple opportunities for investors to reach out to human experts with questions, can also help ensure that participants stay invested in managed accounts, especially during times of market tumult. According to the study of interviews and surveys with more than 2,000 participants authored by Morningstar Senior Market Research Manager Kristen Carstensen, CFP, the most important factor driving retention in manag” MORE >>
Source: 401(k) Specialist
Litigation
1 item“Twelve pension risk transfer (PRT) litigation cases were filed in 2024, a single case was filed in 2025, and none have been filed in 2026 thus far. Plaintiffs’ lawyers file suits in areas where they see opportunities to win, so the sharp decline in filed cases speaks loudly to their lack of confidence in these cases. However, one adverse circuit court decision could completely change the outlook, so, as is the case in virtually all ERISA litigation, we can’t view PRT litigation in the rearview mirror. This article reviews the current PRT litigation landscape and discusses two new court developments. Because of the consolidation of suits against the same defendants, those thirteen cases resul” MORE >>
Source: Encore Fiduciary