The most specialized retirement plan advisers control nearly 70% of adviser-held DC assets.
Principal has communicated that independent agents must change their business models to keep receiving compensation.
The customization that makes them a good investment option presents a benchmarking challenge.
One hundred and thirty advisers left in the second quarter, marking the firm's third consecutive quarter of reductions.
Broker-dealer hasn't yet determined whether the platform will be mandatory when it launches next year, given the fluid regulatory environment.
The settlement, if approved, would be among the largest in cases alleging enrichment due to use of proprietary investments.
The plaintiff claims the plans were "loaded" with proprietary mutual funds, and 98% of the investable assets were held in company-affiliated investments.
Employers can avoid headaches by not exercising control over the health savings account process.
The firms, which focus on active management, are seeking flexibility to lower fund fees.
Some see the implementation as a watershed moment for these retirement plans.
