An investment policy statement or IPS is a written declaration intended to provide a defined benefit or defined contribution plan’s investment fiduciaries with a framework for decision-making regarding various types or categories of investments. An improperly designed IPS or the failure to adhere to an IPS’ provisions can spell trouble with regulators and plaintiff lawyers who represent participants in breach of fiduciary lawsuits. A periodic examination of an investment committee’s conformance to its plan’s IPS is essential for maintaining confident assurance at the committee level.
Our host will discuss recent events that caused the written investment policy to emerge as a vital plan governance document, why a periodic formal review is needed, and the seven key topics on which an IPS process audit focuses.
About our host
Ronald E. Hagan is chairman of Roland|Criss’ Risk Standards Committee. Ron has over 25 years of experience helping clients examine and improve their risk management practices for employee benefit plans qualified under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. He is the engaging host of Roland|Criss’ weekly podcast and quarterly webinar series.
