The Fiduciary Hub
A plan sponsor’s guide to fiduciary governance. Practical, educational resources to help you understand — and document — how you’re meeting your legal duties under ERISA.
The Five ERISA Fiduciary Pillars
Under ERISA, plan sponsors who exercise discretion over their 401(k) plan are legal fiduciaries. That role comes with 5 core legal duties owed to plan participants:
Acting solely in the interest of participants and beneficiaries to provide benefits and pay reasonable plan expenses.
Discharging duties with the care, skill, prudence, and diligence of a knowledgeable professional under similar circumstances.
Diversifying plan investments to minimize the risk of large losses unless it is clearly prudent not to do so.
Following the terms of the governing plan documents insofar as they are consistent with ERISA statutory law.
Ensuring advisor and recordkeeper fees, administrative costs, and investment fund expenses are reasonable relative to services provided.
Not sure where your plan stands?
Our complimentary 401(k) Fee & Fiduciary Benchmarking Study gives you a clear look at your plan’s fees and investment lineup.
📚 Fiduciary Resources & Downloads
2026 Fiduciary Calendar
Key compliance deadlines, Form 5500 dates, and quarterly committee review schedule.
3(21) vs. 3(38) Fiduciary Advisor Brief
Understanding co-fiduciary vs full discretionary investment management under ERISA.
Do Alternative Assets Belong in 401(k) Plans?
Evaluating private equity, real estate, and alternatives in participant lineups.
Captive Advisors vs. Independent Advisors
Comparing broker-dealer proprietary products against independent fee-only advice.
2026 Litigation Summary Against Plan Sponsors
Analysis of recent excess fee lawsuits and defense strategies for 401(k) trustees.
Revenue Sharing Guidelines
How indirect compensation and 12b-1 fees impact plan participant investment returns.
Why Should You Benchmark Your Plan?
Demonstrating procedural prudence under ERISA 404(a)(1) through market fee studies.
2026 SECURE Act 2.0 Requirements
Mandatory auto-enrollment, student loan match, and emergency savings account compliance.
2026 Plan Sponsor Fiduciary Checklist
Annual audit preparation checklist for investment committees and HR directors.
Need Fiduciary Guidance?
Charter Wealth Management provides independent ERISA 3(21) and 3(38) fiduciary consulting to plan sponsors in Raleigh, NC and across the US.
Contact Advisory Team