Browsing Tag
Department of Labor (DOL)
524 posts
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) is a cabinet-level federal agency that focuses on the welfare of American workers. It’s responsible for enforcing labor laws, promoting safe working conditions, and ensuring fair employment practices. The DOL also oversees programs related to unemployment benefits, job training, and workplace safety.
DOL’s 6-Factor ‘Safe Harbor’ Could Reshape 401(k) Fiduciary Playbook
New proposed rule offers a process-driven roadmap for selecting investments—aiming to reduce litigation risk and expand access to alternatives, but raising questions about how much legal protection it truly provides
Industry Leaders React to DOL Proposal Expanding Alternatives to 401(k)s
While many celebrated the proposal, one institution voiced concerns over its potential safe harbor regulation
DOL Unveils Fiduciary Rule Opening Door to Alternative Investments in 401(k)s
Proposed regulation outlines process-based safe harbors for plan fiduciaries, reinforcing ERISA standards while expanding access to private markets and other alternatives for retirement savers
Coming (Very) Soon: Public’s First Look at DOL Proposed Rule on Alternative Investments
With news that the White House OMB has completed its review of the proposed rule stemming from President Trump’s Aug. 2025 Executive Order, the public will finally see what’s in it—and have the opportunity to offer comments
Breaking: DOL Reverts to 5-Part Fiduciary Test After Retirement Security Rule is Struck Down
Following court action this week vacating the Biden-era 2024 Retirement Security Rule, the Labor Department restores its longstanding fiduciary standard and signals no immediate plans for a replacement
DOL Lets Biden-Era Fiduciary Rule Die in Court
Soon-to-be-vacated 2024 “Retirement Security Rule” effort could be replaced by a new Labor Department proposal as early as May 2026
DOL Unveils Proposed Rule on Independent Contractors
The rule would rescind final guidance from 2024 under the Biden Administration
ESOP Participation Up 8% in Past Decade as DOL Expands Employee Ownership Push
New Department of Labor report shows rising Employee Stock Ownership Plan participation, worker ownership growth
155 ERISA Fiduciary Lawsuits Filed in 2025 as Litigation Broadens
Encore Fiduciary report shows ERISA class action filings approached a record high last year with 401(k) plans still the primary target; settlements continue to mount but participant recoveries remain modest compared with attorney payouts
Wait Continues for DOL Proposed Rule on Alternative Assets
With the 180-day executive order deadline for a proposed rule’s release now behind us, sponsors and advisors are watching closely to see whether the proposal delivers clarity—or new uncertainty