Back to ‘Normal’?

Things are—slowly—getting back to normal. Planes are filling up, commutes are slowing with increased traffic volumes, and in-person meetings are back underway. 

And while for many readers things have been back to “normal” for some time, I’ve had the opportunity over the past two months to participate in three separate advisor events that were the first such in-person gatherings since the onset of the pandemic.

We’ve learned not only how to navigate things like virtual committee meetings and education sessions, but found that in many cases those platforms could be even more effective in extending our reach to individuals who might not have made it to an in-person session, or who might have been more receptive to those messages in the wake of COVID concerns about health and job security. 

While we’re not quite “done” with COVID (and perhaps we never will be), we’ve learned a lot of valuable lessons. The notion that we have to be in a physical office to be productive has been soundly rebuffed. At the same time, in every in-person gathering I have had the opportunity to be part of these past several months, there is an energy, an excitement, an enthusiasm that transcends any I’ve experienced in even the most engaging “virtual” formats. Oh, one day in the distant future we may not need that social connection—or perhaps we’ll simply tell ourselves that whatever is “lost” is more than compensated for by the convenience and cost savings of remote engagement.

But “those” days aren’t yet these days—and in just a couple of weeks we’ll be convening—in person—for our 10th annual NAPA D.C. Fly-In Forum. I still remember attending the first one as a “special guest,” and being struck even then by the quality of the program and speakers. More importantly, the room was full then—as it continues to be—of the nation’s leading retirement plan advisors, networking and engaging not only with each other, but with some of the most influential voices in Washington.

This year looks to be no exception—and as impactful as last year’s “virtual” version surely was, it really can’t compete with the reality of an in-person event—not to mention the opportunity to walk to—and through—our nation’s Capitol. 

We’ll have a lot to talk about—while the Labor Department’s next steps on the so-called fiduciary rule and ESG rules have just been pushed back, the final proscriptions of PTE 2020-02 have just taken hold (notably the requirement to document, in writing, the best interest case for a rollover recommendation), and the controversy regarding the recent compliance assistance release on cryptocurrency is still reverberating. 

This year’s Fly-In Forum will feature comments from Ali Khawar, who has been serving as Acting Assistant Secretary for the EBSA, as well as Zeena Abdul-Rahman, Branch Chief, Investment Company Rulemaking Office, Division of Investment Management at U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to speak to ESG, as well as a very special panel of Hill staffers for some “inside the Beltway” perspective, and a panel of expert ERISA litigators to discuss recent developments, and provide insights on staying out of court. And no NAPA D.C. Fly-in Forum would be complete without the appearance of key legislators, which this year will include Sens. Ben Cardin (D-MD), John Barrasso (R-WY) and Rob Portman (R-OH) to shed light on the incredible opportunities contained in SECURE 2.0, RISE & SHINE, the EARN Act, and/or the combination/assimilation of all of the foregoing.   

But for me—and for the dozens of advisors who have participated over the past 10 years—the most impressive aspect of our Fly-In Forum is the second day, where delegate-advisors have an opportunity, assisted (and prepped) by the NAPA GAC team, to meet with legislators and their staff on Capitol Hill, to share your perspectives, ideas and concerns, based on your front-line, real-life experiences working with retirement plans, plan sponsors and participants. Heading into a crucial mid-term election cycle, your voice—your insights and perspectives—have never been more critical.

Whether you’ve done this a dozen times, or have never had the opportunity, the NAPA D.C. Fly-In Forum is an amazing “first-hand” experience. For those ready to get off the sidelines and contribute to a real difference in retirement policy, you won’t find a better “ticket” than the NAPA D.C. Fly-In Forum.

Things may be getting back to “normal”—but it’s anything but business as usual.

- Nevin E. Adams, JD

What Happens In Vegas…

What are you waiting for?

So, have you registered for the NAPA 401(k) Summit? Hundreds already have. What about you?

I know it’s still a ways off (though April will be here before you know it). Maybe you’re waiting till after the holidays (it won’t be any cheaper). Maybe you don’t care about the convenience of being at the host hotel? Or maybe you’re just one of those who winds up putting things off till the very last minute (I feel your “pain”). One thing I’m sure of – if you’re serious about working with retirement plans – it’s only a matter of time until you do…or risk spending the rest of the year hearing from those who did about the amazing event you missed.

So why should you commit NOW to the NAPA 401(k) Summit?

First off, by now you know that this is the only retirement plan advisor conference developed by plan advisors for plan advisors. The proof of that is, quite literally, in the program that has been developed – for you. This year, as in years past, the steering committee (98% are advisors) has been hard at work for months, developing the program, fleshing out the agenda, lining up speakers, and assigning session “owners” to make sure that you get maximum bang for your buck in terms of information, interaction, and session quality.

Are you worried about helping your clients through a DOL audit? We’ve got you covered. Not sure how to best set a reasonable fee for your services? No problem. Want to incorporate HSAs into your focus? Check. Thinking about selling – or merging – your practice? Expanding your team? Benchmarking? We’ve got your back. Worried about litigation? Cybersecurity? Check, check. No “pay to play” — just the most timely topics, the best speakers, the most dynamic sessions. And nobody, and I mean nobody, brings “the Hill” to the Summit like NAPA!

Secondly, if you’re focused on networking, Summit “After Dark” has literally transformed the concept into a true advisor “experience.” If you’ve been there, you know what I mean. If you haven’t, trust me, you don’t know what you’re missing (though doubtless you’ve heard).

What’s (Really) Different

Beyond all those important reasons, there are two other major considerations in attending this year’s NAPA 401(k) Summit. There is the critical issue of legislative and regulatory reform. The mid-terms have shifted the balance of power – and believe it or not, the prospects for retirement reform might have just improved. What remains to be seen is if the outcome will be positive. And that doesn’t take into account what might emerge on the regulatory side from the Labor Department, the SEC, or both. Regardless – you will want – and need – to know what is afoot, and there is no better place for you to do that than the NAPA 401(k) Summit.

But among all the things that really (really) set the NAPA 401(k) Summit apart – one thing stands out, this year more than most. Quite simply, it is that – and unlike EVERY other advisor conference out there – your NAPA 401(k) Summit registration helps support the activities of NAPA – YOUR advocacy, information and education organization – not the bottom line of some corporate media organization or private equity firm.

That’s right – in addition to the insights, information, networking that you may get at some other events, your attendance at the NAPA 401(k) Summit is, and remains, a unique investment in your future – and the future of your profession.

It is, quite simply, a great way – perhaps the best way – to put your money where your mouth is.

So, go ahead – register for the NAPA 401(k) Summit. Today. While you’re thinking about it. Now. You’ll be glad you did.

Because, this time, anyway – what happens in Vegas won’t stay there…

Everything you need to know is at www.napasummit.org.

See you in Vegas!

- Nevin E. Adams, JD

A ‘Retirement Ready’ Thanksgiving List

Thanksgiving has been called a “uniquely American” holiday, and though that is perhaps something of an overstatement, it is unquestionably a special holiday, and one on which it seems appropriate to reflect on all for which we should be thankful. And so…

I’m thankful that participants, by and large, continue to hang in there with their commitment to retirement savings, despite lingering economic uncertainty and competing financial priorities, such as rising health care costs and college debt.

I’m thankful that so many employers voluntarily choose to offer a workplace retirement plan – and that so many workers, when given an opportunity to participate, do.

I’m thankful that figuring out ways to expand that access remains, even now, a bipartisan concern – even if the ways to address it aren’t always.

I’m thankful that so many employers choose to match contributions or to make profit-sharing contributions (or both), for without those matching dollars, many workers would likely not participate or contribute at their current levels – and they would surely have far less set aside for retirement.

I’m thankful that the vast majority of workers defaulted into retirement savings programs tend to remain there – and that there are mechanisms (automatic enrollment, contribution acceleration and qualified default investment alternatives) in place to help them save and invest better than they might otherwise.

I’m thankful that a growing number of plan sponsors are choosing to improve on those automatic defaults, particularly by raising the starting contribution rates.

I’m thankful that more plan sponsors are extending those mechanisms to their existing workers as well as new hires.

I’m thankful for qualified default investment alternatives that make it easy for participants to create well-diversified and regularly rebalanced investment portfolios – and for the thoughtful and on-going review of those options by prudent plan fiduciaries.

I’m thankful that, as powerful as those mechanisms are in encouraging positive savings behavior, we continue to look for ways to improve and enhance their influence(s).

I’m thankful that a growing number of policy makers are willing to admit that the “deferred” nature of 401(k) tax preferences are, in fact, different from the permanent forbearance of other tax “preferences” – even if governmental accountants and certain academics remain oblivious.

I’m thankful that the “plot” to kill the 401(k)… (still) hasn’t. Yet.

I’m thankful that those who regulate our industry continue to seek the input of those in the industry – and that so many, particularly those among our membership, take the time and energy to provide that input.

I’m thankful for objective research that validates the positive impact that committed planning and preparation for retirement makes. I’m thankful for the ability to take to task here research that doesn’t live up to those objective standards – and for those who take the time to share those findings.

I’m thankful for all of you who have supported – and I hope benefited from – our various conferences, education programs and communications throughout the year.

I’m thankful for the team here at the American Retirement Association, generally, as well as all the sister associations - ASPPA, ACOPA, NTSA, NAPA and PSCA, and for the strength, commitment and expanding diversity of our membership.

I’m thankful to be part of a growing organization in an important industry at a critical time. I’m thankful to be able, in some small way, to make a difference.

But most of all, I’m once again thankful for the unconditional love and patience of my family, the camaraderie of dear friends and colleagues, the opportunity to write and share these thoughts – and for the ongoing support and appreciation of readers like you.

Here’s wishing you and yours a very happy Thanksgiving!

- Nevin E. Adams, JD

Awesome 'Sauce'

Earlier this year I went to an event in our nation’s capital called “Awesome Con.”

As event names go, it’s a bit corny, but if it evokes a reference to Comic-Con, well that’s the point. Awesome Con is a mixture of cosplay (dressing up like your favorite comic book, gaming, or anime characters), celebrity meet-and-greets, and forums where like-minded individuals can not only learn, but debate plot lines, scientific trends that affirm (or refute) science fiction, and sit in on panels by some of the industry’s leading minds (and artists). No, I didn’t dress up – but I very much enjoyed getting to meet (and get autographs from) Marvel Comic’s Stan the Man Lee (see photo), Doctor #10 (David Tennant), and Eliza Dushku (of Buffy the Vampire Slayer fame), among others).

To be honest, I didn’t attend my first – the first – 401(k) Summit with that kind of anticipation. I had accepted an invitation to speak at an event – not that unusual – but at what was then a pretty unusual event – a conference for advisors who worked with retirement plans. What was even more unusual is that it was sponsored by ASPPA, a group I hadn’t previously associated with advisors. But what a remarkable event it turned out to be, both in terms of content, and the opportunity to meet and network with individuals like Fred Reish (our industry’s own Stan Lee?), and so many great advisors, many of whom would go on to be part of the group that would, a decade later, form the National Association of Plan Advisors.

A lot has happened since that first 401(k) Summit, most significantly the formation of NAPA itself. And a lot has happened to the NAPA 401(k) Summit since then – so much so that we now refer to it proudly, and with justification, as the nation’s retirement plan advisor convention. In an era where many advisors have chosen to cut back on such things, the NAPA 401(k) Summit continues to grow and expand.

This growth is both a function of the quality of the content and presenters – not to mention that of the attendees. Everybody is at the top of their game at the NAPA 401(k) Summit, and it shows. From those relatively humble, but promising beginnings, it has emerged as the must-attend event for advisors who are committed to the business of retirement plans.

As we reminded attendees last year, as important and impact-filled (and fun) as the NAPA 401(k) Summit is, it is much more than “just” a conference. This year more than most we’ve had the opportunity to see the impact that NAPA has on critical issues like the fiduciary regulation – creating and pushing for innovative solutions like the level-to-level fee exemption – and tax reform – pushing back against Rothification as a means of paying for corporate tax cuts, and outlining a set of retirement policy principles for tax reform ahead of the first reform proposals. And yes, in state capitals like Nevada, which is contemplating its own fiduciary standard, or in Oregon, Connecticut, and California, where state-run alternatives for private sector workers could be problematic.

But here’s the thing that many don’t appreciate. The NAPA 401(k) Summit is responsible for a significant amount of funding for our advocacy efforts on behalf of retirement plan advisors. That’s right – your registration fee doesn’t go to some private equity firm’s bottom line, nor does it simply act to keep a conference company in the business of organizing conferences – it supports advocacy efforts on your behalf, on Capitol Hill, with regulatory agencies, and – these days – in state capitals as well.

I know that April (still) seems a long ways off – but this year more than most the NAPA 401(k) Summit is that advisor experience you won’t want to miss. Even if you have been attending for years, you’ll get more from it than you can imagine – and your support will mean more to the benefit of the nation’s retirement system and retirement security than you may expect.

Join us. Your voice, more than ever, is needed. It’s going to be… Awesome.

Nevin E. Adams, JD

‘Making’ the Lists

Several years ago, I was surprised (and quite pleased) when a friend reached out to tell me that I had made it to one of those retirement industry lists.

I was sure he was pulling my leg, of course – but after a couple of congratulatory emails from other associates, I decided to check it out, and sure enough – there I was.

At the time, I remembered being more than a bit humbled at my inclusion alongside a number of individuals who, at least in my estimation, were a much bigger deal than I. Still, the recognition was gratifying, particularly when you consider how many very special people in so many different walks of life, work hard, make a difference, have an impact, and yet never really get any kind of public acknowledgement.

As much as I like being on those lists, it has been my great good fortune over the years to have a hand not only in evaluating the composition of such accolades, but in determining the categories of recognition. The first, years ago, had to do with plan sponsors rating their providers, followed by the development of the Retirement Plan Advisor of the Year award, and Top 100 Plan Advisors (albeit at another publication). Here I have been glad to have a hand in elevating and expanding the quality and importance of our Top DC Wholesalers (the “Wingmen”), the Top Young Advisor list (our “Young Guns”), and more recently in launching the Top Women Advisor list and this year our first-ever Top DC Advisor Team list.

We’ll be publishing this year’s list of Top Women Advisors shortly – and the list of Young Guns just after the new year (voting on the latter remains open through Dec. 15 at www.napatopyoungadvisors.org). Each year we get more nominations, and yet each year the quality of the candidates rises as well. Clearly the competition, not only “out there,” but here, is fierce. And well it should be.

Each list has unique attributes, of course, and participating in the development and refinement of the criteria – making those lists – is always a learning experience, not least because it gives me the privilege of having those discussions with some of the nation’s leading experts on our panels of judges.

I am pleased and proud to be able to acknowledge the good and valuable work of so many industry professionals – including those who may not make the list, but who nonetheless are making a difference in the nation’s retirement security every day.

But as much as there is to be learned from the evolution of the objective, quantitative standards for each list, there is the learning that comes from the qualitative responses of the nominees – the individuals who not only make those lists – but who, in their words and deeds – make those lists important.

- Nevin E. Adams, JD