Serving as an ERISA fiduciary is not just an honor and a privilege; it is a profound responsibility intertwined with the essential qualities of stewardship, governance, and leadership. Eric Dyson, the Executive Director of 90 North Consulting, dedicates each week to engaging with individuals who are deeply committed to achieving excellence beyond the traditional fiduciary role. If you are a member of a retirement plan committee, a plan fiduciary, or an ERISA advisor genuinely dedicated to enhancing the retirement prospects of hard-working Americans, then this podcast is tailor-made for you. Whether you relish in-depth interviews with industry experts discussing crucial topics or seek concise tips for fiduciary best practices, More Than A Fiduciary is your go-to resource. Tune in and elevate your understanding and performance in this crucial domain.
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Discover shows related to Be More Than A Fiduciary, based on actual content similarities. Explore podcasts with similar topics, themes, and formats, backed by real data.
In this episode of Friday Fiduciary Five, Eric Dyson talks about DOL and EBSA guidance for DC plan investment selection. Eric discusses the complexity factor in investment decisions, emphasizing the need for clear definitions in investment policy statements (IPS). He highlights the operational constraints and management issues associated with private assets in target date funds.
The information contained herein is general in nature and is provided solely for educational and informational purposes.
It is not intended to provide a specific recommendation of any type of product or service discussed in this presentation or to provide any warranties, financial advice, or legal advice.
The specific facts and circumstances of all qualified plans can vary, and the information contained in this podcast may or may not apply to your individual circumstances or to your plan or client plan specific circumstances.
The opinions expressed by guests on the Be More Than a Fiduciary podcast are not necessarily the same as the opinions held by 90 North Consulting, or of Executive Director Eric Dyson.
Ira Finn: What Great Service Providers and Benefit Pros Do Differently
Season 1 · Episode 192
Wednesday, May 27, 2026 • Duration 38:27
Learn how a seasoned Total Rewards leader evaluates advisors, builds strategic vendor relationships, and navigates innovation like AI and retirement income—while keeping benefits simple, human, and effective. This conversation pulls back the curtain on what plan sponsors really value and how benefit professionals can stand out.
In this episode, Eric and Ira Finn discuss:
Career path into benefits and total rewards
Networking, conferences, and professional associations (PSCA, NAPA, WorldatWork)
How young benefit professionals can stand out
What makes service providers indispensable vs. replaceable
Future of total rewards, AI, integration, and retirement income innovation
Key Takeaways:
Starting in the call center or “at the bottom of the ladder” can be a powerful foundation, because you learn plans directly through employee questions and real-world issues.
Consistent networking through associations, conferences, and peer groups delivers long-term career leverage and insight that you simply can’t get inside your own company.
The best service providers act as a seamless extension of the HR team: responsive, relationship-driven, and focused on solving problems quickly rather than sending long, dense emails.
Committees need structured, staged education on emerging solutions like retirement income; HR must be the expert in the room and guide that process over multiple meetings.
AI and better system integrations are reshaping total rewards, and those who learn how to harness these tools to save time and improve employee experience will be better positioned for the future.
“It's a people business, and having that personal relationship, being able to answer questions, knowing that I have someone that I could count on, that is critical to me." - Ira Finn
FF5 #101 - ERISA Fiduciary Training
Season 1 · Episode 191
Friday, May 15, 2026 • Duration 10:41
In this episode of Friday Fiduciary Five, Eric Dyson talks about the challenges of ERISA fiduciary training, emphasizing the need for meaningful education that moves beyond simple "box-checking" exercises. He highlights the Behavioral Governance Institute’s innovative approach to learning, which utilizes a Special Purpose Avatar (SPA) to facilitate interactive, high-retention training.
Eric describes a specific scenario in which he used the avatar to assess and sharpen his expertise regarding 408(b)(2) disclosures, benchmarking, and RFPs. By providing scenario-based quizzes and real-time feedback, the avatar ensures a practical, hands-on understanding of complex regulations. Eric encourages service providers and plan committee members to adopt these modernized training methods to better fulfill their fiduciary responsibilities.
The information contained herein is general in nature and is provided solely for educational and informational purposes.
It is not intended to provide a specific recommendation of any type of product or service discussed in this presentation or to provide any warranties, financial advice, or legal advice.
DOL/EBSA Proposed Guidance - 5 Risks and Considerations
Season 1 · Episode 190
Friday, May 1, 2026 • Duration 10:47
In this episode of Friday Fiduciary Five, Eric Dyson talks about the top five potential risks and considerations for ERISA plan fiduciaries in light of proposed guidance from the Department of Labor's Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA). He emphasizes that Safe Harbor is not a shield but a presumption, requiring ongoing monitoring and documentation.
The information contained herein is general in nature and is provided solely for educational and informational purposes.
It is not intended to provide a specific recommendation of any type of product or service discussed in this presentation or to provide any warranties, financial advice, or legal advice.
The specific facts and circumstances of all qualified plans can vary, and the information contained in this podcast may or may not apply to your individual circumstances or to your plan or client plan specific circumstances.
The opinions expressed by guests on the Be More Than a Fiduciary podcast are not necessarily the same as the opinions held by 90 North Consulting, or of Executive Director Eric Dyson.
In this episode of Friday Fiduciary Five, Eric Dyson talks about the Department of Labor and EBSA's proposed rule on selecting investment alternatives for defined contribution plans, which is still in the proposed stage and open to public comment. He outlines five opportunities for fiduciaries: a clearer definition of prudence, a process-based Safe Harbor providing a presumption of prudence, expanded investment flexibility, reduced litigation friction, and improved portfolio diversification opportunities.
The information contained herein is general in nature and is provided solely for educational and informational purposes.
It is not intended to provide a specific recommendation of any type of product or service discussed in this presentation or to provide any warranties, financial advice, or legal advice.
The specific facts and circumstances of all qualified plans can vary, and the information contained in this podcast may or may not apply to your individual circumstances or to your plan or client plan specific circumstances.
Will Hansen: Plan Sponsor Council of America
Season 1 · Episode 188
Wednesday, April 22, 2026 • Duration 27:38
Discover how plan sponsors, HR, and benefits professionals can move from “figuring it out as they go” to confidently running sophisticated 401(k) and 403(b) plans—with free training, powerful credentials, and a national community behind them. This episode breaks down the CPSP credential, PSCA membership, and why better‑educated committees lead to better retirement outcomes.
In this episode, Eric and Will Hansen discuss:
American Retirement Association and its five member organizations
History and mission of the Plan Sponsor Council of America (PSCA)
CPSP credential: who it’s for and how it works
Free virtual classrooms sponsored by advisors and providers
PSCA membership benefits, governance, and fiduciary training for committees
Key Takeaways:
American Retirement Association and its five member organizations
History and mission of the Plan Sponsor Council of America (PSCA)
CPSP credential: who it’s for and how it works
Free virtual classrooms sponsored by advisors and providers
PSCA membership benefits, governance, and fiduciary training for committees
“An educated client is an engaged client.” - Will Hansen
Will Hansen joined the American Retirement Association (ARA) in January 2019 as Chief Government Affairs Officer. Since January 2020, he has also served as Executive Director of the Plan Sponsor Council of America, which is a part of ARA. Previously, Will served as an employee benefits attorney at a multi-national law firm, legislative counsel to a United States Senator, staff director of the United States Congress’ Joint Economic Committee, global employee benefits manager for a Fortune 200 company, and SVP for Retirement & Compensation Policy at The ERISA Industry Committee (ERIC).
FF5 #98 - DOL/EBSA Enforcement Priorities
Season 1 · Episode 187
Friday, April 17, 2026 • Duration 09:29
In this episode of Friday Fiduciary Five, Eric Dyson talks about the Department of Labor's (DOL) new enforcement priorities, as outlined in Field Assistance Bulletin 20-2601. The DOL will focus on egregious conduct, the duty of loyalty, timely investigations, and senior-level reviews.
The information contained herein is general in nature and is provided solely for educational and informational purposes.
It is not intended to provide a specific recommendation of any type of product or service discussed in this presentation or to provide any warranties, financial advice, or legal advice.
The specific facts and circumstances of all qualified plans can vary, and the information contained in this podcast may or may not apply to your individual circumstances or to your plan or client plan specific circumstances.
The opinions expressed by guests on the Be More Than a Fiduciary podcast are not necessarily the same as the opinions held by 90 North Consulting, or of Executive Director Eric Dyson.
Joel Shapiro: Even More on DOL and EBSA Proposed Guidance on Investment Selection
Season 1 · Episode 186
Wednesday, April 15, 2026 • Duration 43:37
The Department of Labor’s new proposed safe harbor could fundamentally reshape how retirement plan fiduciaries think about prudence, litigation risk, and innovation. In this episode, you’ll hear a practical roadmap for committees and advisors to prepare now, before the rule is finalized.
In this episode, Eric and Joel Shapiro discuss:
Scope and intent of the DOL’s proposed investment safe harbor
Prudence as process and the shift from products to frameworks
The six-factor test: performance, fees, liquidity, valuation, benchmarking, complexity
Litigation risk, meaningful benchmarks, and documentation standards
Practical guidance for plan committees, advisors, and the use of 3(21)/3(38) experts
Key Takeaways:
The DOL’s proposed safe harbor is intentionally asset-class neutral and process-focused, offering fiduciaries a clearer roadmap rather than product-specific rules.
Meeting the six factors—performance, fees, liquidity, valuation, benchmarking, and complexity—can create a presumption of prudence, but that presumption is still rebuttable.
Proper documentation of analysis and decisions is just as critical as conducting a prudent process; “showing your work” is central to defending fiduciary actions.
The proposal directly targets perceived abuses in litigation and encourages innovation (including alternatives) without sacrificing participant protections.
Committees should honestly assess their internal expertise and strongly consider engaging a 3(21) or 3(38) fiduciary to help operationalize the safe harbor and ongoing monitoring responsibilities
“For you as fiduciaries, don't pursue innovation for innovation's sake, or don't just jump on whatever the train is for the current trend; you still have to take control of the fiduciary wheel.” - Joel Shapiro
Fiduciary Duties in Selecting Designated Investment Alternatives (Part 2)
Season 1 · Episode 185
Wednesday, April 8, 2026 • Duration 15:14
In this episode, Eric discusses:
Reinforcing process over prediction
Formalizing the six-factor evaluation framework
Strengthening benchmarking practices
Ensuring governance through documentation and monitoring
Key Takeaways:
The proposed guidance emphasizes that prudence under ERISA is about having a sound, defensible process, not choosing perfect investments. The focus remains on consistency and documentation to reduce litigation risk.
Performance, fees, liquidity, valuation, benchmarking, and complexity are now structured into a clearer framework. These factors guide decisions but still require judgment, not checklist thinking.
Poor benchmarking, especially over-relying on custom or self-referential indexes, can hide weak decisions. Fiduciaries should use independent benchmarks that allow for meaningful comparison.
Prudence extends beyond selection into ongoing oversight. A clear Investment Policy Statement, regular monitoring, and the use of qualified advisors help demonstrate a strong fiduciary process.
“If you don't have the expertise to accomplish what you'd like, you should hire it... best practice is for just about all plans to hire an advisor.” - Eric Dyson
In this episode of Friday Fiduciary Five, Eric Dyson talks about the Department of Labor and Employee Benefits Security Administration’s proposed rule on fiduciary duties in selecting investment options for participant-directed plans like 401(k)s, emphasizing prudence, documentation, and due diligence while exploring expanded fiduciary discretion. He expresses his own feedback, raising concerns about the lack of some specificity on required benchmarks and questions the lack of guidance on the use of formal investment policy statements.
The information contained herein is general in nature and is provided solely for educational and informational purposes.
It is not intended to provide a specific recommendation of any type of product or service discussed in this presentation or to provide any warranties, financial advice, or legal advice.
The specific facts and circumstances of all qualified plans can vary, and the information contained in this podcast may or may not apply to your individual circumstances or to your plan or client plan specific circumstances.
Ira Finn is a seasoned expert in Total Rewards with over 10 years as Head of the department. Ira started his career in a customer call center, answering questions about health, wellness, and retirement. Known for his adaptability, leadership, and strategic thinking, Ira has extensive global experience in total rewards, including compensation, equity plans, benefits, and HCM systems. He's managed global rewards through over 40 mergers and acquisitions in the past five years. Ira is also a past president of the Plan Sponsors Council of America, has served on the Empower Retirement client council, and was a member of the American Retirement Association's leadership committee. Outside of work, Ira is a proud dad to three incredible women and two goldens. Stay tuned for insights and stories from this industry leader.
The information and content of this podcast are general in nature and are provided solely for educational and informational purposes. It is believed to be accurate and reliable as of the posting date, but may be subject to change.
It is not intended to provide a specific recommendation for any type of product or service discussed in this presentation or to provide any warranties, investment advice, financial advice, tax, plan design, or legal advice (unless otherwise specifically indicated). Please consult your own independent advisor as to any investment, tax, or legal statements made.
The specific facts and circumstances of all qualified plans can vary, and the information contained in this podcast may or may not apply to your individual circumstances or to your plan or client plan-specific circumstances.
The opinions expressed by guests on the Be More Than a Fiduciary podcast are not necessarily the same as the opinions held by 90 North Consulting, or of Executive Director Eric Dyson.
The specific facts and circumstances of all qualified plans can vary, and the information contained in this podcast may or may not apply to your individual circumstances or to your plan or client plan specific circumstances.
The opinions expressed by guests on the Be More Than a Fiduciary podcast are not necessarily the same as the opinions held by 90 North Consulting, or of Executive Director Eric Dyson.
The opinions expressed by guests on the Be More Than a Fiduciary podcast are not necessarily the same as the opinions held by 90 North Consulting, or of Executive Director Eric Dyson.
The information and content of this podcast are general in nature and are provided solely for educational and informational purposes. It is believed to be accurate and reliable as of the posting date, but may be subject to change.
It is not intended to provide a specific recommendation for any type of product or service discussed in this presentation or to provide any warranties, investment advice, financial advice, tax, plan design, or legal advice (unless otherwise specifically indicated). Please consult your own independent advisor as to any investment, tax, or legal statements made.
The specific facts and circumstances of all qualified plans can vary, and the information contained in this podcast may or may not apply to your individual circumstances or to your plan or client plan-specific circumstances.
The opinions expressed by guests on the Be More Than a Fiduciary podcast are not necessarily the same as the opinions held by 90 North Consulting, or of Executive Director Eric Dyson.
Joel Shapiro brings over 30 years of ERISA and fiduciary consulting experience to the firm’s retirement advisory platform. A former ERISA attorney and seasoned consultant, he focuses on translating complex regulations into practical strategies for Plan Sponsors and strengthening the firm’s ERISA framework. He has advised large Plan Sponsors on plan design, fiduciary governance, and compliance, and is widely recognized for developing ERISA playbooks and best-practice fiduciary models that balance rigor with efficiency. Joel holds degrees from Tufts University, American University’s Washington College of Law (J.D.), and Georgetown University Law Center (LL.M. Taxation), and is a frequent speaker at national retirement conferences.
The information and content of this podcast are general in nature and are provided solely for educational and informational purposes. It is believed to be accurate and reliable as of the posting date, but may be subject to change.
It is not intended to provide a specific recommendation for any type of product or service discussed in this presentation or to provide any warranties, investment advice, financial advice, tax, plan design, or legal advice (unless otherwise specifically indicated). Please consult your own independent advisor as to any investment, tax, or legal statements made.
The specific facts and circumstances of all qualified plans can vary, and the information contained in this podcast may or may not apply to your individual circumstances or to your plan or client plan-specific circumstances.
The opinions expressed by guests on the Be More Than a Fiduciary podcast are not necessarily the same as the opinions held by 90 North Consulting, or of Executive Director Eric Dyson.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/401kguy/
The information and content of this podcast are general in nature and are provided solely for educational and informational purposes. It is believed to be accurate and reliable as of the posting date, but may be subject to change.
It is not intended to provide a specific recommendation for any type of product or service discussed in this presentation or to provide any warranties, investment advice, financial advice, tax, plan design, or legal advice (unless otherwise specifically indicated). Please consult your own independent advisor as to any investment, tax, or legal statements made.
The specific facts and circumstances of all qualified plans can vary, and the information contained in this podcast may or may not apply to your individual circumstances or to your plan or client plan-specific circumstances.
The opinions expressed by guests on the Be More Than a Fiduciary podcast are not necessarily the same as the opinions held by 90 North Consulting, or of Executive Director Eric Dyson.
The opinions expressed by guests on the Be More Than a Fiduciary podcast are not necessarily the same as the opinions held by 90 North Consulting, or of Executive Director Eric Dyson.
