ERISA Fiduciary Investment Basics 2023

Why You Should Attend

This course provides an introduction to the basics of ERISA fiduciary law using a combination of presentations and case studies. At this year’s program, you will learn about ERISA’s basic principles that apply when investing plan assets.

What You Will Learn

After attending this program, participants will be able to:

• Explain ERISA basics, including terminology; fiduciary duties and responsibilities; prohibited transactions
• Evaluate the ERISA fundamentals for financial institutions and investment advisors
• Discuss the basic ERISA issues raised when establishing a hedge fund that will have “benefit plan” investors
• Discuss the basic ERISA issues raised when a plan fiduciary is considering investing in an alternative investment
• Recognize the different ERISA fiduciary duties and responsibilities that apply defined contribution plans (e.g., 401(k) plans) where the participant is responsible for directing investment
• Identify ethical considerations for the ERISA practitioner

Who Should Attend

Practitioners in the field (or who are considering entering the field) seeking to gain a better understanding of ERISA’s principles that apply when investing plan assets. 

Special Features

• Transitional credit available
• Earn Ethics and Professional Skills credit

Program Level:  Beginner

Prerequisites: An interest in the rules that apply when investing ERISA plan assets.

Advanced Prep:  None

Segments with an asterisk (*) are available only with the purchase of the entire program.

• Opening Remarks* [00:05:37]
  Elizabeth L. Dyer, Linda J. Haynes
• ERISA Basics [01:18:43]
  Cassandra Labbees, Rhonda Prussack, Matthew T. Rutchik
• The Launch – Establishing a Plan Assets Fund [01:14:01]
  Michael J. Albano, Ira G. Bogner, Sarah E. Downie, S. John Ryan, Elizabeth L. Dyer
• The Plan Perspective [00:59:55]
  Andrea L. Pollak, Julie K. Stapel, Alan J.. Yurowitz, Elizabeth L. Dyer
• 401(k) Plan Fiduciary Fundamentals [01:00:12]
  Alicia C. McCarthy, Linda J. Haynes, Kai Richter
• Exemptions/Advisory Opinions and DOL Regional Investigations [01:02:00]
  Nichelle Langone, Joshua A. Lichtenstein, Patrick S. Menasco
• Ethical Considerations:  Knowing Your ERISA Client [00:58:47]
  Nicole Rosser, Jeffrey A. Lieberman, Shannon Barrett

The purchase price of this Web Program includes the following articles from the Course Handbook available online:

• Complete Course Handbook
• Fiduciary Liability Insurance and ERISA Fidelity Bonds: Requirements and Available Coverages
  Rhonda Prussack
• ERISA Basics of Establishing a Plan Assets Fund
  Elizabeth L. Dyer,Ira G. Bogner,Michael J. Albano,S. John Ryan,Sarah E. Downie
• ERISA Investor Checklist for Investment in a Hedge Fund
  Alan J. Yurowitz,Alicia C. McCarthy,Andrea L. Pollak,Julie K. Stapel
• Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, DOL Revises ERISA Investment Rules to Facilitate Consideration of ESG Factors in Plan Investments and Proxy Voting (December 1, 2022)
  Alicia C. McCarthy
• Fiduciary Basics for 401(k) Plan Fiduciaries
  Kai Richter
• What to Expect from an EBSA Investigation
  Nichelle Langone
• Overview of DOL Guidance Process and Proposed Changes to PTE 84-14
  Joshua A. Lichtenstein
• Crypto and Private Equity Investments in ERISA Plans
  Patrick S. Menasco
• Robert N. Eccles, Shannon M. Barrett and Meghan VerGow, Fiduciary Litigation under ERISA (December 31, 2020)
  Shannon M. Barrett
• Glenn E. Butash, Professional Responsibility and the ERISA Lawyer (Substantive Outline)
  Jeffrey A. Lieberman

Presentation Material

• Slides, ERISA Basics
  Cassandra Labbees, Rhonda Prussack, Matthew T. Rutchik
• Polling, The Launch – Establishing a Plan Assets Fund
  Michael J. Albano, Ira G. Bogner, Sarah E. Downie, Elizabeth L. Dyer, S. John Ryan
• Polling, The Plan Perspective
  Elizabeth L. Dyer, Andrea L. Pollak, Julie K. Stapel, Alan J. Yurowitz
• Slides, 401(k) Plan Fiduciary Fundamentals
  Linda J. Haynes, Alicia C. McCarthy, Kai Richter

This course provides an introduction to the basics of ERISA fiduciary law using a combination of presentations and case studies. At this year’s program, you will learn about ERISA’s basic principles that apply when investing plan assets.

What You Will Learn

After attending this program, participants will be able to:

• Explain ERISA basics, including terminology; fiduciary duties and responsibilities; prohibited transactions
• Evaluate the ERISA fundamentals for financial institutions and investment advisors
• Discuss the basic ERISA issues raised when establishing a hedge fund that will have “benefit plan” investors
• Discuss the basic ERISA issues raised when a plan fiduciary is considering investing in an alternative investment
• Recognize the different ERISA fiduciary duties and responsibilities that apply defined contribution plans (e.g., 401(k) plans) where the participant is responsible for directing investment
• Identify ethical considerations for the ERISA practitioner 

Special Features

• Transitional credit available
• Earn Ethics and Professional Skills credit

Program Level:  Beginner

Prerequisites: An interest in the rules that apply when investing ERISA plan assets.

Advanced Prep:  None