Event Recap: Legislative & Regulatory Update with Robert Holcomb
Amid the energy of downtown San Francisco’s “First Thursday” and growing excitement ahead of Super Bowl weekend, our chapter convened at Seyfarth’s San Francisco offices for a well‑attended and highly informative Legislative & Regulatory Update featuring Robert Holcomb.
The evening brought together long‑standing members, newly joined members, and a number of first‑time guests—reflecting the strong and continued interest among compensation and benefits professionals in staying ahead of rapidly evolving retirement policy developments.
Robert opened with an overview of the new TRUMP accounts framework, outlined current IRS guidance and pinpointed issues that remain unsettled which plan sponsors and advisors should continue to monitor.
The discussion then turned whether there is momentum for a potential “SECURE 3.0” package. Proposals under consideration include:
- Further strengthening of auto‑enrollment provisions
- Lowering the minimum participation age to 18
- Allowing the use of collective investment trusts within 403(b) plans
To close the session, Robert provided insight into recent executive branch activity, including new opportunities for 401(k) access to alternative investments, evolving Department of Labor audit timelines, and proposed legislation aimed at narrowing the impact of the Supreme Court’s decision in Cornell v. Cunningham. The robust Q&A during the session underscored how directly these developments influence decision‑making for plan sponsors, fiduciaries, and service providers.
Beyond the valuable technical content, the evening was a strong demonstration of our chapter’s Member Value Proposition in action:
- Delivering timely, expert insight into emerging regulatory trends
- Fostering meaningful, cross‑disciplinary connections within the benefits community
- Supporting professional development through informed dialogue
We extend our thanks to Seyfarth for hosting and to all who attended—whether as long‑time members or as first‑time guests exploring our community. We look forward to continuing these important conversations at our upcoming programs.