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EBSA News Release: [10/23/2007]
Contact Name: Gloria Della or Richard Manning
Phone Number: (202) 693-8664 or x4676
Release Number: 07-1602-NAT

U.S. Department of Labor announces final rule on default investment alternatives for participant-directed plans

Regulation to boost workers' retirement savings

WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today unveiled a final rule establishing qualified default investment alternatives, making it easier for employers to automatically enroll workers in their 401(k) and other defined-contribution plans. The final rule, which resulted from the Pension Protection Act (PPA), is projected to increase retirement savings in 401(k)-type plans by as much as $134 billion by 2034.

"This is a key component of the Pension Protection Act and will help many more workers and their families build a nest egg for a secure and comfortable retirement," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao.

The regulation implements PPA provisions providing relief to plan fiduciaries who invest the assets of participants who do not provide investment direction (such as automatically enrolled workers) in "qualified default investment alternatives" or QDIAs. The QDIAs described in the rule will encourage the investment of employee assets in investment vehicles appropriate for long-term retirement savings.

"The new default options will be an essential element in the success of automatic enrollment plans to help workers achieve retirement security," said Assistant Secretary of Labor Bradford P. Campbell. "This regulation will ensure that workers in qualified default alternatives are automatically invested in a mix of fixed income, equity and other assets appropriate for long-term retirement savings."

A fact sheet detailing the final regulation can be found at www.dol.gov/ebsa. The final rule is to be published in the Oct. 24 edition of the Federal Register.

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