Pension Risk Matters : Pension Risk News & Analysis : Investment Governance, Inc. : Pension Risk & Investment

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I am delighted to co-present on May 14, 2013 from 1:00 pm to 2:40 pm EST for Business Valuation Resources about the urgent need to properly assess pension fund economics as part of any opinion of value.This is a particularly timely topic as the U.S. Department of Labor seeks to designate appraisers as a fiduciary for an assessment they render about an ERISA plan such as an Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP"), 401(k) plan and/or defined benefit plan.

The session is entitled "Valuation and ERISA Fiduciary Liability: How to Protect Yourself." Speakers include:

• Dr. Susan Mangiero, CFA, certified Financial Risk Manager, Accredited Investment Fiduciary Analyst, trained appraiser and past president of the Connecticut chapter of the National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts (Fiduciary Leadership, LLC;
• Mr. Robert Schlegel, ASA, MCBA and past president of the Indiana chapter of the American Society of Appraisers (Houlihan Valuation Advisors); and
• Senior ERISA attorney James V. Cole II, with the Groom Law Group.

Click here to register for this ERISA valuation program.

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Speedy and insightful as always, ERISA attorney Stephen Rosenberg has commenced a series of blog posts that describes his view of the "hot off the press" conclusions made by the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in Tibble v. Edison. Click to access the March 21, 2013 Tibble v. Edison opinion. This ruling will no doubt receive much attention in the coming days as jurists and ERISA fiduciaries digest its content. Some will view this adjudication as yet another reminder that prudent process must be undertaken and can be demonstrated with respect to a host of issues (although the outcome is mixed in terms of plaintiff versus defendant "wins"). Issues include the selection of investment choices and the fees paid accordingly. Click to access the amicus brief filed by the U.S. Department of Labor in support of the plaintiffs.

In his first post about yesterday's opinion, Attorney Rosenberg points out that the timeline that determines ERISA's six-year statute of limitations was deemed to have started "when a fiduciary breach is committed by choosing and including a particular imprudent plan investment" and did not continue by virtue of the investment mix remaining in the plan. He further asserts that defendants will want the clock to begin on the day an investment option is first introduced and that "any breach of fiduciary duty claims involving that investment that are filed later than six years after that date are untimely."

I will leave court commentary to the legal experts. Click to access the Boston ERISA & Insurance Litigation Blog for his analysis about this case and many more.

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Despite a plethora of information about how to implement shortcuts to enhance workplace productivity, fiduciaries need to ask themselves whether a "jack in the box" approach that equates speed with care and diligence is worth pursuing.

This topic of shortcuts came up recently in a discussion with appraisal colleagues about the dangers of using a "plug and play" model to estimate value. Although New York Times journalist Mark Cohen rightly cites the merits of having a business valuation done, he lists all sorts of new tools such as iPhone valuation apps that some might conclude are valid substitutes for the real thing. Rest assured that punching in a few numbers versus hiring an independent and knowledgeable third party specialist to undertake a thorough assessment of value is a big mistake, especially if the underlying assumptions and algorithms of a "quick fix" solution are unknown to the user. See "Do You Know What Your Business is Worth? You Should," January 30, 2013.

It's bad enough that a small company owner opts for a drive-in appraisal. It's arguably worse when institutional investors do so, especially as their portfolios are increasingly chock a block with "hard to value" holdings. In the event that a valuation incorrectly reflects the extent to which an investment portfolio can decline, all sorts of nasty things can occur. A pension, endowment or foundation could end up overpaying fees to its asset managers. Any attempts to hedge could be thwarted by having too much or too little protection in place due to incorrect valuation numbers. Asset allocation decisions could be distorted which in turn could mean that certain asset management relationships are redundant or insufficient.

Poor valuations also invite litigation or enforcement or both. As I wrote in "Financial Model Mistakes Can Cost Millions of Dollars," Expert Witnesses, American Bar Association, Section of Litigation, May 31, 2011:

"Care must be taken to construct a model and to test it. Underlying assumptions must be revisited on an ongoing basis, preferably by an independent expert who will not receive a raise or bonus tied to flawed results from a bad model. Someone has to kick the proverbial tires to make sure that answers make sense and to minimize the adverse consequences associated with mistakes in a formula, bad assumptions, incorrect use, wild results that bear no resemblance to expected outcomes, difficulty in predicting outputs, and/or undue complexity that makes it hard for others to understand and replicate outputs. Absent fraud or sloppiness, precise model results may be expensive to produce and therefore unrealistic in practice. As a consequence, a “court or other user may find a model acceptable if relaxing some of the assumptions does not dramatically affect the outcome.” Susan Mangiero, “The Risks of Ignoring Model Risk” in Litigation Services Handbook: The Role of the Financial Expert (Roman L. Weil et al, eds., John Wiley & Sons, 3d ed. 2005).

In recent months, it is noteworthy that regulators have pushed valuation process and policies further up the list of enforcement priorities. Indeed, in reading various complaints that allege bad valuation policies and procedures, I have been surprised at the increased level of specificity cited by regulators about what they think should have been done by individuals with fiduciary oversight responsibilities. Besides the focus of the U.S. Department of Labor, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has brought actions against multiple fund managers in the last quarter alone. Consider the valuation requirements of new Dodd-Frank rules (and overseas equivalent regulatory focus) and it is clear that questions about how numbers and models are derived will continue to be asked.

For further reference, interested readers can check out the following items:

• "Mitigating Risks of Breach of Fiduciary Duty Claims," June 16, 2011;
• "SEC Charges Eight Mutual Fund Directors for Failure to Properly Oversee Asset Valuation," December 10, 2012;
• "SEC Charges New York-Based Fund Executives for Overvaluing Assets During Financial Crisis," November 28, 2012; and
• "SEC Charges Hedge Fund Adviser and Two Executives With Fraud in Continuing Probe of Suspicious Fund Performance," October 17, 2012.

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In a related online interview for the Professional Liability Underwriting Society ("PLUS"), Chartis Executive Vice President Rhonda Prussack cites financial distress (including the filing for bankruptcy protection) as a significant concern for ERISA fiduciary liability. She adds that a troubled plan sponsor may see the value of company-issued securities plummet which in turn could trigger an ERISA "stock drop" case if such securities are part of the mix for a 401(k) or profit-sharing plan. A company seeking to save cash may switch from a defined benefit plan to a cash balance plan which in turn could pave the way for a lawsuit over allegations relating to the change in design. A company in trouble could shut down factories, instigate large-scale layoffs and/or cut back benefits, all of which lead to unhappy individuals who are more likely to sue. Ms. Prussack emphasizes that happy workers are less likely to sue. She further adds that plan participant actions are likely to take the form of putative class actions.

The bottom line is that there is a long list of potential risk exposures for ERISA fiduciaries and a continued need to mitigate liability.

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According to its September 6, 2012 press release, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") settled with two Portland, Oregon investment advisory firms for $1.1 million. At issue was whether investors were harmed due to the allegedly hidden revenue-sharing arrangements in place that may have resulted in a less than neutral basis for recommending certain funds. Neither party admitted or denied the regulator's charges. See "SEC Charges Oregon-Based Investment Adviser for Failing to Disclose Revenue Sharing Payments," September 6, 2012.

The issue of revenue sharing is unlikely to go away, especially with multiple regulators paying close attention now. The SEC had said that it plans to ask more questions about the independence, or lack thereof, that characterizes the relationship between professionals who give advice and the brokers and/or asset managers they use. Mr. Marc J. Fagel, Director of the SEC's San Francisco Regional Office, states that there will be a continued focus on "enforcement and examination efforts" related to "uncovering arrangements where advisers receive undisclosed compensation and conceal conflicts of interest from investors."

 The U.S. Department of Labor ("DOL") is likewise investigating whether revenue-sharing arrangements are being adequately disclosed. A few months ago, DOL settled with Morgan Keegan and Co. According to published accounts, monies will be returned to nearly a dozen pension plans by Morgan Keegan for having received a fee in exchange for recommendations it made about hedge fund vehicles. Morgan Keegan will also need to disclose whether it is acting as an ERISA fiduciary. See "Morgan Keegan settles with DOL over revenue-sharing accusations" by Darla Mercado (Investment News, April 16, 2012). 

Given recent court activity, more will be said later on by this blogger about when the practice of revenue-sharing could make sense and when there could be problems.

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According to Troutman Sanders ERISA attorneys Jonathan A. Kenter and Gail H. Cutler, the outcome of a recent 401(k) plan lawsuit known as Tussey v. ABB did more than force the sponsor to write a check for $37 million. It led to lessons learned about the need to regularly review record-keeping and investment management fees, negotiate for rebates if possible and adhere to documented investment guidelines. What it did not resolve was "whether the record keeping costs of a 401(k) plan may be borne exclusively by those participants whose investment funds enjoy revenue sharing...while participants whose accounts are invested in investment funds with no revenue sharing pay little or nothing."

In "The Next Frontier in Fiduciary Oversight Litigation?" (April 27, 2012) they suggest that courts will likely be asked to opine as to whether ERISA fiduciaries have justified prevailing revenue sharing arrangements, taking allocation and class-based fee levels into account. Their recommendation is to decide on a disciplined approach that makes sense rather than making arbitrary decisions. Allocation rules to consider include the following:

• Apportion record keeping fees on a pro-rata basis so that each participant is only charged his or her "fair share." Credit any revenue sharing received back to the "funds or participants as part of a periodic expense balance true-up."
• Levy the same record keeping fee for each participant. Allocate revenue sharing monies ratably "to all investment funds or participants."
• Adopt a combined pro-rata and per capital allocation such that a record keeping fee would consist of a fixed amount and a variable amount. Imposing a cap on total fees could be included.
• "Hard wire the allocation method in the plan document" so that how record keeping fees are charged becomes a settlor function versus a fiduciary task.

In 2007, the ERISA Advisory Council's Working Group on Fiduciary Responsibilities and Revenue Sharing Practices reviewed industry practices as a way to improve disclosure for 401(k) plan participants. One recommendation made to the U.S. Department of Labor thereafter was to categorize payments for certain professional services as settlor functions and thereby protect fiduciaries from allegations of breach. Another request was for clarification that revenue sharing is not a plan asset "unless and until it is credited to the plan in accordance with the documents governing the revenue sharing."

With ERISA Rule 408(b)(2) fee disclosure compliance just ahead, numerous questions remain. This had led litigators and transaction attorneys alike to comment that further lawsuits and enforcement actions are likely to follow.

Note: Interested persons can read "Final Regulation Relating to Service Provider Disclosures Under Section 408(b)(2)," published the U.S. Department of Labor in February 2012.

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In recent discussions with asset managers, pension trustees and consultants, investment fraud continues to attract attention. It is no surprise that people want to know more about what constitutes bad practice versus crossing the line, especially in the aftermath of a devastating few years of economic losses. New disclosure regulations are another catalyst for learning more about how to avoid trouble. Email your request if you want more information about what can be done to detect fraud and/or would like to receive research and thought leadership on the topic of investment fraud.

Impending changes to fiduciary standards and allegations of fiduciary breach likewise continue to create a stir.

In "The EBSA Cracks Down on Retirement Plan Advisors," AdvisorOne's Melanie Waddell (March 26, 2012) describes a material increase in enforcement actions brought by the U.S. Department of Labor ("DOL"), Employee Benefits Security Administration ("EBSA"). Besides effecting nearly 3,500 civil cases in 2011, EBSA closed 302 criminal cases with "129 individuals being indicted," "75 cases being closed with guilty pleas or convictions" and an excess of $1.3 billion in monetary damages collected. Quoting Andy Larson with the Retirement Learning Center, the article mentions fiduciary negligence as a key concern of regulation and a driving force behind a proposed expansion of ERISA fiduciary duties to numerous professionals who work with retirement plans in an advisory capacity.

ERISA Attorney David Pickle points out that fraud and embezzlement of 401(k) plan money have been investigated for years by the DOL and U.S. Department of Justice ("DOJ") but recent investigations are being done now as part of the formal Contributory Plans Criminal Project ("CPCP"). He observes that "the DOL is conducting an increasing number of investigations of financial service providers, including registered advisers, banks and trust companies (both as trustees or custodians but also as asset managers), and consultants. For other insights about ERISA pain points, read "An Excerpt From: K&L Global Government Solutions (R) 2012: Annual Outlook."

According to the ERISA enforcement manual, civil violations include:

• Failure to operate a plan prudently and for the exclusive benefit of participants
• Use of plan assets to benefit the plan administrator, sponsor and other related parties
• Failure to properly value plan assets at the current fair market value
• Failure to adhere to the terms of a plan (assuming that those terms are compatible with ERISA)
• Failure to properly select and monitor service providers
• Unlawfully taking action against a plan participant who seeks to exercise his or her rights.

Criminal violations include:

• Embezzlement of monies
• Accepting kickbacks
• Making false statements.

The "oops - I didn't know" strategy is unlikely to serve those who work with or for pension plans. The spotlight continues to focus on ways to improve the management of $17+ trillion U.S. retirement system and rightly so. There is so much at stake for millions of people.

George Washington said that "In executing the duties of my present important station, I can promise nothing but purity of intentions, and, in carrying these into effect, fidelity and diligence.

ERISA and public pension trustees are likewise tasked to be faithful and diligent, among other things. For those who choose a different path, the outcome can be dire indeed. Jail time and stiff penalties as well as legal costs are a few of the potential costs associated with a fraud conviction, not to mention shame and the loss of income.

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According to a March 30, 2011 regulatory update from attorneys at Goodwin Procter, ERISA litigation may increase as the result of U.S. Department of Labor ("DOL") efforts. Click to access "Regulatory Update - DOL Initiatives Potentially Affecting ERISA Litigation."

For one thing, should the definition of fiduciary be expanded, more persons will have potential liability. The pushback from various segments of the financial services industry has been considerable, leading to an extension of the time allowed for official comments through April 12, 2011.

A second hurdle to overcome emphasizes disclosure and takes the form of a final rule that goes into effect for plan years that start on or after November 1, 2011. Specifically, plan participants who are allowed to self-direct their investments must now be given granular performance and fee information about "designated investment alternatives," including identification of asset managers and arrangements and restrictions on brokerage accounts and participants' flexibility (or lack thereof) to give orders.

A third new item on the growing ERISA compliance checklist, if adopted by the DOL, will force service providers to submit a written statement of what services it will offer to the retirement plan(s) and copious data about how it expects to be indirectly and directly compensated.

I concur with the authors that more rules likely beget more lawsuits. Part of the current ills that the DOL seeks to cure is to make sure that a sufficient quantity and quality of information is available to decision-makers.

Clearly, more and better datapoints can be helpful. Absent an inflow of information, what are decision-makers doing now to properly carry out their fiduciary duties? Understanding what is or is not being conveyed as billions of dollars are committed is of significant import in terms of good process.

Note to Readers:

• Click to read the 469 page transcript of March 1, 2011 testimony on the topic of an expanded definition of ERISA fiduciary.
• Click to read the 387 page transcript of March 2, 2011 testimony on the topic of an expanded definition of ERISA fiduciary.

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For those in need of help, click to access the "Troubleshooter's Guide to Filing the ERISA Annual Report" (U.S. Department of Labor, October 2010). This 70-page publication includes a handy reference chart that relates to the Form 5500 and Form 5500-SF (for small firms), along with related attachments. Another helpful resource is "FAQs About The 2009 Form 5500 Schedule C."

School's still out regarding the extent to which plan sponsors will be able to comply with new rules. So far, Schedule C seems to be a sticking point with numerous questions being asked about how to properly report "indirect" versus "direct" compensation to service providers.

As more pension plans allocate monies to mutual funds, hedge funds, private equity funds and funds of funds, they will need to report details about fees paid to these organizations as they too are now deemed service providers.

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According to Attorney Fred  Reish, Managing Director at Reish & Reicher, the "word on the street" is that the new 408(b)(2) regulation - sent from the U.S. Department of Labor to the Office of Management and Budget on March 3 - will be an "interim final regulation and will have a delayed effective date." He adds that "effective" refers to the date on which people must begin complying with its terms. ERISA attorney Reish adds that:

My sense is that the delayed effective date will be somewhere between January 1, 2011 and 12 months after the regulation is issued. However, that is just a guess. That effective date would probably apply only to new plan clients. That is, there would probably be a transition period for existing  plan clients. Also, it is not yet clear whether the regulation will apply to individual retirement accounts, but it could."

For background on this important disclosure rule, see "The DOL's Proposed 408(b)(2) Regulation: Impact of the Mandated Disclosures on Registered Investment Advisers (RIAs)" by Fred Reish, Bruce Ashton and Debra Davis (February 2008).

Also see "Private Pensions: Additional Changes Could Improve Employee Benefit Plan Financial Reporting" (United States Government Accountability Office, December 2009).

I will post further information about fees paid to plan service providers in coming weeks.

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With so many companies in the red when it comes to defined benefit plans, a green light from the U.S. Department of Labor to consider liabilities when making investing decisions is a big deal.

That's why over one hundred pension fiduciaries have signed up for a Financial Research Associates, LLC conference about liability-driven investing. Chaired by Dr. Susan M. Mangiero, CFA and Accredited Investment Fiduciary Analyst, the event promises to be timely and informative. Following the conference is a workshop entitled "Derivatives in an LDI Framework".

Led by Dr. Mangiero, founder of Pension Governance, LLC and Managing Member with BVA, LLC and Mr. Gavin Watson, Business Manager with the RiskMetrics Group, workshop attendees will hear about the following topics.

1. Identifying Liability-Driven Objectives and Alternative Solutions

2. Derivative Instrument Strategies

3. Modeling and Valuation Issues

Despite the many challenges of managing pension risk, fiduciaries now have some concrete solution possibilities to consider.

Editor's Note:
I'll return in a few days with much more (!) to say about LDI.

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