Defined Contribution

THE EVOLUTION OF DYNAMIC QDIAs

Fiduciary Considerations for Decumulation Strategies

Executive Summary

Defined contribution (“DC”) retirement plans have made remarkable progress over the past three decades in helping American workers accumulate retirement savings. A significant part of this success has come from the introduction of plan features that reduce the burdens and roadblocks facing plan participants. The Pension Protection Act of 2006 (“PPA”),  for example, introduced automatic enrollment and qualified default investment alternatives (“QDIAs”) to assist participants in saving more and investing appropriately. With average account balances at an all-time high and an aging workforce, employers are now increasingly looking at new decumulation strategies to assist participants in responsibly withdrawing money during their retirement years.

WHAT IS A DYNAMIC QDIA?

A dynamic QDIA takes a hybrid approach. In this structure, participants begin in a TDF during the accumulation years. Then, at a predetermined point—typically near or close to retirement—they are defaulted into a retirement spending-oriented investment. This two-stage approach retains the simplicity and automation of TDFs while addressing the more nuanced needs of retirees. 

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