The Daily Brief for Benefits Professionals
BenefitsWire
Retirement Plans
October 8, 2026
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14 items · ~3 min read
Top of the Brief
Summary of Oral Arguments in Anderson v. Intel Heard Before the U.S. Supreme Court“THE Fid Guru BLOG Insights From Encore Fiduciary on Fiduciary Liability & Other Risk Exposures of Employee Benefit Plans THE Fid Guru BLOG Insights From Encore Fiduciary on Fiduciary Liability & Other Risk Exposures of Employee Benefit Plans On October 6, 2026, the United States Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Anderson v.”
In this issue
Regulatory Action and Guidance (2) · Retirement Plans (6) · Litigation (2) · General Benefits (3) · Webinars (1)
Regulatory Action and Guidance
2 itemsThe IRS is requesting comments on the information collection burden for prototype SEP and SIMPLE IRA plan approval. This impacts plan sponsors and administrators regarding compliance. MORE >>
Source: Federal Register
The SEC is seeking a final judgment against a former investment co-CIO for alleged cherry-picking. This case highlights compliance risks for investment advisers managing employee benefit assets. MORE >>
Source: SEC
Retirement Plans
6 items“Only 22% of workplace retirement plans offer access to guaranteed lifetime income, according to DCIIA.” MORE >>
Source: Ogletree Deakins
“MetLife revealed that 80% of sponsors plan to completely divest their liabilities within the next five years.” MORE >>
Source: PLANSPONSOR
[General Benefits]
Developing Retirement Confidence Falls as Financial Stress Mounts“While workers are still saving for retirement, Payroll Integrations research finds financial stress is eroding retirement confidence Day-to-day costs mean the disconnect between retirement savings activity and confidence in the far-off financial future of retirement continues to be a profound issue for many American workers. New research released today by benefits manager Payroll Integrations showed that financial strains are continuing to undermine plan participants’ retirement aspirations, though most are still actively contributing to their 401(k) plans in the meantime.” MORE >>
Source: 401(k) Specialist
“U.S. workers age 40 through 61 are uncertain about their options to establish retirement income, according to results of a new poll published on Tuesday.” MORE >>
Source: Encore Fiduciary
“This content is made possible by our advertisers. Learn how to publish your content with us. Download the workbook to help you frame the questions you need to ask. This workbook can help you frame the questions you need to ask when evaluating a financial professional for your company’s retirement plan.” MORE >>
Source: 401(k) Specialist
“Among 403(b) plans subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, employer contributions in 2023 totaled $13 billion, up from $11 billion in 2021 and 2.5 times the amount made in 2009, according to a new report.” MORE >>
Source: PLANADVISER
Litigation
2 items“THE Fid Guru BLOG Insights From Encore Fiduciary on Fiduciary Liability & Other Risk Exposures of Employee Benefit Plans THE Fid Guru BLOG Insights From Encore Fiduciary on Fiduciary Liability & Other Risk Exposures of Employee Benefit Plans On October 6, 2026, the United States Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Anderson v.” MORE >>
Source: Encore Fiduciary
[General Benefits]
Supreme Court Hears Investment Underperformance Argument in Anderson v. Intel: Justices Appear Receptive to a Benchmark Requirement“On October 6, 2026, the Supreme Court heard oral argument in Anderson v. Intel Corporation Investment Policy Committee on whether a plaintiff challenging an investment fund’s performance in a defined contribution plan must allege underperformance compared to a “meaningful benchmark.” The Justices appear poised to answer yes. Less clear is whether the Court will use this opportunity to clarify what is required to plead a meaningful benchmark.” MORE >>
Source: Groom Law Group
General Benefits
3 items“What do employee benefits lawyers do all day and how can clients make the best use of them? This post offers an overview of the kinds of things employee benefits lawyers work on and areas in which they can be useful to employers and others who...” MORE >>
Source: Verrill
“According to Goldman Sachs Asset Management’s 2026 Retirement Survey & Insights Report, the share of respondents who increased their retirement savings fell 16% year over year to 39%. The share who reduced their savings rose to 14%, up from 8%.” MORE >>
Source: Employee Benefit News
[Regulatory Action and Guidance]
Sonderling Takes DOL Helm: Expect Continued Focus on Employer Compliance Assistance“Sonderling is expected to stay the course, continuing to focus DOL resources on compliance assistance such as the Payroll Audit Independent Determination (PAID) program and a robust opinion letter program, clarify agency rules, and look to reduce the regulatory burden on employers. Watch for WHD to finalize proposed rules revising the standard for defining independent contractors and joint employment under the FLSA and other statutes. A final independent contractor rule reportedly was sent to the White House for review on Sept. 28.” MORE >>
Source: National Law Review
Webinars
1 item“The Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration will host two webinars this month aimed at helping employers, plan sponsors and fiduciaries better understand compliance requirements under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. The first webinar, “The Benefits Brief,” will be held on October 20 and will focus on what employers, plan sponsors and fiduciaries can expect from an EBSA health plan investigation.” MORE >>
Source: PLANADVISER