Greg was a reporter for InvestmentNews from 2015 to 2019, covering defined-contribution plans, retirement planning, insurance, taxes and estate planning, before then moving to CNBC as a Personal Finance Reporter. He tweets at: @GregIacurci
The firms are able to deliver the funds at low cost to small 401(k) plans, but some question if there's a potential conflict involved in recommending proprietary funds.
Market shifts will largely remain intact in the event the regulation is amended or scrapped, and non-specialists are adjusting.
American Funds and American Century saw the largest percentage growth last year among prominent TDF providers.
Wirehouse is broadening the pool of advisers who can work with retirement plans as an investment fiduciary.
The wirehouse said its advisory platform will be the go-to regardless of what happens with DOL fiduciary rule, but a modification or repeal of the regulation could lead to more flexibility.
The memo grants relief to firms for compliance violations that may occur as the April implementation date approaches.
Andy Sieg, the head of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, said the firm may back off its wholesale scrapping of commissions in advised retirement accounts.
The wirehouse offers a way for non-fiduciary brokers working with 401(k) plans to continue working with clients in the small-plan market
Small fund companies may have to pivot, by embracing a niche specialization or redirecting sales forces toward new distribution channels.
Some retirement plan advisers see providers' compliance moves as potential competition.
