Plan sponsors are looking for practical guidance on how to incorporate ESG factors in their investment process and resulting fund line-up for Defined Contribution plans. Investment managers and investment consultants are documenting how ESG factors impact their overall investment decision-making process. As a result, fiduciaries are looking for the right approach to offer ESG-themed funds and ESG integrated funds. The focus of the discussion will cover best practices from a legal and regulatory perspective including the selection and monitoring of investment consultants as fiduciaries. Plan sponsors will gain insight on the do's and don'ts in regards to documenting investment decision-making criteria in their investment analysis, portfolio construction, and due diligence process. The panel will cover guidance on language to consider when recording decisions in meeting minutes, Investment Policy Statements, and fund monitoring.
This program includes:
* Best practices and recommendations after April 2018 DOL guidance for including ESG in DC plans
* What items are the DOL or IRS reviewing when evaluating investment menus with ESG investments.
* Defining ESG related language within an IPS
* Prudent questions plan sponsors should be asking when deciding to add an ESG fund
* Participant requests for a Plan Sponsor to add ESG to a DC plan
Stuart Harris of Davis Wright Tremaine
Stuart Harris is a law partner with Davis Wright Tremaine. Stuart counsels clients on a wide range of employee benefits issues, including the design and administration of qualified retirement plans, nonqualified deferred compensation arrangements, executive incentive programs, and health insurance plans. Stuart's expertise includes 401(k) plans, ESOPs, and stock option plans, as well as group health and cafeteria plans. He works with clients to obtain favorable IRS determination letters for both individually designed plans and pre-approved language plan documents. Stuart represents clients in connection with IRS audits and Department of Labor investigations of retirement plans. His work includes advice on the tax and ERISA implications (including COBRA rules) of all types of employee benefits programs, particularly in the context of larger business transactions including M&A. Stuart is active with the Western Pension and Benefits Conference, Employee Benefits Committee, Taxation Section, American Bar Assoc., and the Taxation Section of the Oregon Bar. Stuart holds a B.A. from Brigham Young University and a J.D. from Cornell Law School.
Bethany Bacci of Stoel Rives
Bethany Bacci is a law partner with Stoel Rives. Bethany counsels public and private employers on employee benefit program compliance and design. This includes qualified and nonqualified retirement plans, health and welfare programs, fringe benefit programs, and executive compensation arrangements. In an evolving regulatory environment, Bethany partners with clients to stay on top of legal developments and current industry trends, such as pension de-risking and self-funding health benefits. She represents plan sponsors in devising, negotiating, and implementing changes to employee benefit programs to address tax qualification issues, align plan design with business objectives, and mitigate risk through use of the IRS and Department of Labor correction procedures. Bethany has extensive experience assisting clients in corporate transactions with identifying potential liabilities, analyzing opportunities for synergy and creating employee communication strategies. She regularly handles plan spinoffs and mergers. Bethany serves as a member of Stoel Rives' Pro Bono Committee and represents pro bono clients through the Stoel Rives night clinic run in partnership with Multnomah County Legal Aid. Bethany is active with the Taxation Section and Health Care Law Section of the American Bar Association and is a member of the board of directors for the Northwest Catholic Counseling Center and Pet Peace of Mind.
Erik Daley of Multnomah Group
Erik Daley is the managing principal for the investment consulting firm Multnomah Group. He is a member of Multnomah Group's Investment Committee and leads the firm's tax-exempt investment consulting practice. Erik regularly consults with clients on a variety of retirement plan-related topics to help manage their fiduciary risks. He is also a frequent speaker on the topic of retirement plan issues at local, regional, and national conferences and industry events. Erik focuses his practice on serving the needs of plan sponsors looking for objective, bias-free advice in the areas of investment consulting, vendor and plan management, and fiduciary governance. Erik is a member of the CFA Institute, the CFA Society of Portland, the American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries, the Portland Chapter of the Western Pension & Benefit Conference and the Society for Human Resource Management. Erik holds a B.B.A. from the University of Iowa.
Registration is free for members and $50 for non-members.
Professional accreditation credits include: AIF, ASPPA, CFP, CLE Oregon State Bar, CPE for CPAs, CEBS, ERPA, JBEA, NIPA, and SHRM.
Please feel free to reach out to WP&BC with any questions.
Direct Questions To:
EMAIL: info@wpbcportland.org
PHONE: (503) 928-8780
Address:1819 SW 5th Ave. #211 Portland, OR 97201
