Compliance May 4, 2008

DoL Offers Free Web Cast on Plan Filing Requirements

If you’re confused about the 5500 reporting requirements, the Department of Labor is ready to offer you some free help.
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The U.S. Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) will host a free webcast on May 8 to help employers and plan administrators understand and comply with the Form 5500 Series reporting requirements under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).

According to a press release, this second in a series of Web casts (See DoL to Sponsor Free PPA Webcast) will help employers and plan administrators meet their obligations under ERISA to file timely and accurate financial reports on the operations of pension, health and other benefit plans. The Web cast will address:

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  • ways to avoid common filing errors,
  • how to select the accountant best qualified to audit your plan,
  • what to be aware of when reporting alternative investments, and
  • rules on “blackout notices.”

403(b) Plan Information Also

The Web cast will also provide important information to 403(b) plan sponsors to help them prepare for expanded filing requirements, and preparing for an audit of the plan. The Internal Revenue Service will participate in the event to discuss its late and stop-filer program.

The series is being offered as part of EBSA’s compliance assistance program – Getting It Right – Know Your Fiduciary Responsibilities – to help employers and plan administrators meet their fiduciary responsibilities and avoid potential civil penalties under the law.

  • WHAT: Webcast on Form 5500 reporting requirements
  • WHO: Employers and plan administrators
  • WHEN: May 8, 2008, Noon to 2 p.m. EST

Registration is required and available on a first-come, first-served basis here.

Editor’s Note: If you have trouble accessing the above link, visit EBSA’s Web site at http://www.dol.gov/ebsa and click “Plan Filing Update Webcast” under “Compliance Assistance Seminars.’

Products May 2, 2008

Schwab Unveils Two Equity Offerings

Charles Schwab has launched two Laudus funds with Mondrian Investment Partners Limited that are designed for institutional investors.
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The Laudus Mondrian Institutional Emerging Markets Fund and the Laudus Mondrian Institutional International Equity Fund began operations April 25.

The Laudus Mondrian Institutional International Equity Fund will invest primarily in non-U.S. large capitalization equity securities. The Laudus Mondrian Institutional Emerging Markets Fund will invest primarily in large-capitalization securities in emerging markets, according to the company.

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Both funds will follow Mondrian’s value-oriented process that seeks to identify undervalued securities the manager believes will provide strong returns over a full market cycle.

The two new offerings have an investment minimum of $1 million. Subject to the expense limitation agreement, the net expense ratio of the Emerging Markets Fund will be no more than 1.27%, and the net expense ratio of the International Equity Fund will be no more than 0.90%, Schwab said.

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