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DOL/EBSA

RIN: 1210-AB32

Publication ID: Fall 2011

Title: Definition of "Fiduciary"
Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the regulatory definition of the term "fiduciary" set forth at 29 CFR 2510.3-21 (c) to more broadly define as employee benefit plan fiduciaries persons who render investment advice to plans for a fee within the meaning of section 3(21) of ERISA. The amendment would take into account current practices of investment advisers and the expectations of plan officials and participants who receive investment advice.
Agency: Department of Labor(DOL)	Priority: Economically Significant
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda	Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Proposed Rule Stage
Major: Yes	Unfunded Mandates: No
CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2510.3-21(c)
Legal Authority: 29 USC 1002 ERISA sec 3(21) 29 USC 1135 ERISA sec 505

Legal Deadline: None

Statement of Need: This rulemaking is needed to bring the definition of "fiduciary" into line with investment advice practices and to recast the current regulation to better reflect relationships between investment advisers and their employee benefit plan clients. The current regulation may inappropriately limit the types of investment advice relationships that should give rise to fiduciary duties on the part of the investment adviser.

Summary of the Legal Basis: Section 505 of ERISA provides that the Secretary may prescribe such regulations as she finds necessary and appropriate to carry out the provisions of title I of the Act. Regulation 29 CFR 2510.3-21(c) defines the term fiduciary for certain purposes under section 3(21) of ERISA.

Alternatives: Alternatives will be considered following a determination of the scope and nature of the regulatory guidance needed by the public.

Anticipated Costs and Benefits: Preliminary estimates of the anticipated costs and benefits will be developed, as appropriate, following a determination regarding the alternatives to be considered.

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite
NPRM	10/22/2010	75 FR 65263
NPRM Comment Period End	01/20/2011
Second NPRM	05/00/2012

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined	Government Levels Affected: Undetermined
Federalism: No
Included in the Regulatory Plan: Yes
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No
Agency Contact: Jeffrey J. Turner Deputy Director, Office of Regulations and Interpretations Department of Labor Employee Benefits Security Administration N 5669, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Room N-5655, Washington, DC 20210 Phone:202 693-8500