Bipartisan bill creating retirement ‘lost and found’ reintroduced

Bipartisan bill creating retirement ‘lost and found’ reintroduced
The measure proposed by Sens. Warren and Daines addresses the $8.5 billion sitting in lost retirement plan accounts.
MAY 25, 2021

Sens. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Steve Daines R-Mont., have reintroduced a bipartisan bill — the Retirement Savings Lost and Found Act of 2021to help track retirement accounts as participants move between jobs.

According to investment manager TIAA, an estimated 30% of U.S. workers have left a retirement account at their previous employer. The Government Accountability Office estimated that between 2004 and 2013, an estimated $8.5 billion was sitting in lost retirement plans.

“Millions of Americans lose thousands in savings each year because of lost retirement plans from previous employers and other roadblocks to tracking multiple accounts,” Warren said in a press release.

The bill calls for the creation of a national lost and found for retirement accounts that would use data that employers are already required to report. The bill also would make it easier for plan sponsors to move small accounts into age-appropriate target-date funds, and would require plan sponsors to send lost, uncashed checks of less than $1,000 to the Office of Retirement Savings Lost and Found so that individuals can locate the money and continue to save for their retirement.

The legislation is supported by the Pension Rights Center, American Benefits Council, and the ERISA Industry Committee, the sponsors said in a release.

Latest News

Federal judge dismisses Eltek manipulation lawsuit against Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
Federal judge dismisses Eltek manipulation lawsuit against Morgan Stanley Smith Barney

Nine-month electronic trading freeze and share lending program at the center of dismissed claim.

RIA wrap: Dynamic strikes South Carolina deal to reach $7B AUM milestone
RIA wrap: Dynamic strikes South Carolina deal to reach $7B AUM milestone

Meanwhile, Rossby Financial's leadership buildout rolls on with a new COO appointment as Balefire Wealth welcomes a distinguished retirement specialist to its national network.

Rethinking diversification amid a concentrated S&P 500
Rethinking diversification amid a concentrated S&P 500

With a smaller group of companies driving stock market performance, advisors must work more intentionally to manage concentration risks within client portfolios.

Merrill pays second settlement to former Miami Dolphins player, client of ex-broker
Merrill pays second settlement to former Miami Dolphins player, client of ex-broker

Professional athletes are often targets of scam artists and are particularly vulnerable to fraud.

Schwab touts AI as its biggest growth lever at investor day
Schwab touts AI as its biggest growth lever at investor day

The brokerage giant tells Wall Street it will use artificial intelligence to reach clients it has never been able to serve — and turn the technology's perceived threat into a competitive edge.

SPONSORED Beyond wealth management: Why the future of advice is becoming more human

As technical expertise becomes increasingly commoditized, advisors who can integrate strategy, relationships, and specialized expertise into a cohesive client experience will define the next era of wealth management

SPONSORED Durability over scale: What actually defines a great advisory firm

Growth may get the headlines, but in my experience, longevity is earned through structure, culture, and discipline