Despite complaints, Labor Dept. nixes additional fees for 401(k) advisers

The Labor Department has finalized a rule that will deter advisers from receiving additional compensation based on the funds they choose for retirement plans. The rule, which covers investment advice for participants and their beneficiaries, will apply to employees in 401(k) plans as well as clients in individual retirement accounts. The regulation, effective on Dec. 27, 2011, will give advisers two choices on how to provide participants with advice. First, they can receive compensation on a level fee basis, which means they won't be able to receive variable compensation based on the investments they choose. Alternatively, advisers can use a computer model that's certified as unbiased by an independent auditor. That outside auditor will examine whether the model is set up according to generally accepted investment principles. Currently, if an adviser receives variable compensation for his or her investment recommendations to a 401(k) and provides advice, that would give rise to a conflict of interest. These two exemptions would remediate that conflict. Phyllis Borzi, assistant secretary of the DOL, noted that the final version addressed one of the hot-button issues raised by advisers when the rule was proposed in March 2010. At the time, critics claimed the computer model would be biased toward passive investments and against active options. They argued the rule's original language said that it should be designed to avoid selecting options based on factors that could not be expected to persist in the future - such as performance. “The big question is how relevant is historical performance,” said Ms. Borzi on a call with reporters today. “While historical performance isn't always an indicator of what the future will hold, you could provide that information as part of this model, with the caveat that the past isn't always prologue.” RELATED ITEM Tips on tapping Social Security She added that the auditor reviewing the model wouldn't be deciding whether a client should be in active or passive funds. Instead, the auditor will d examine whether the model itself is unbiased and whether it includes a fair representation of passive versus active options, plus a correct disclosure of all fees. Ms. Borzi stressed that the rule did not apply to advisers who aren't fiduciaries.