News and Education

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued final regulations implementing catch-up contribution requirements introduced by the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 (SECURE 2.0). These final regulations follow the proposed regulations released in January 2025, as detailed in a previous Washington Pulse.

Congress passed the tax bill known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) on July 3, 2025. This article outlines certain retirement and financial provisions included in the OBBBA.

At Ascensus, we have always believed that saving is one of the most powerful tools individuals can use to build financial security. As one of the country’s leading administrators of tax-advantaged savings plans, we serve more than 16 million people who are saving for retirement, education, and disability-related expenses.

Organizations evolve, markets shift, and employee expectations continue to rise, yet compensation structures often stay the same. Regular reviews help ensure your salary architecture aligns with business goals, supports equitable pay practices, and keeps pace with today’s competitive talent landscape. Without these regular assessments, businesses risk misalignment caused by outdated data or unnoticed pay gaps, which can hinder growth and retention. Implementing a review of your salary structure construct allows you to address these risks proactively and maintain a fair, competitive pay strategy. 

As the financial landscape continues to evolve, the environment for bank mergers and acquisitions (M&A) is becoming more prevalent.

While bank consolidation offers many strategic benefits, it also brings new challenges, including the inheritance of the acquired bank’s bank-owned life insurance (BOLI) program. The long-dated nature of life insurance policies adds ownership complexity, especially when those with product and historical knowledge of the acquired BOLI program are no longer with the bank.

Under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), Section 404(c) offers retirement plan sponsors a crucial safe harbor—but only if they meet the necessary requirements. This protection shields fiduciaries from liability for investment outcomes as long as plan participants are given sufficient control and information over their investment choices. 

From Pandemic Shock to Strategic Stability: How Total Rewards Evolved from 2019–2025

Milestone underscores Ascensus’ leadership in education savings and continued growth in state-sponsored programs

Industry Veteran Returns to Ascensus to Lead ABLE Solutions Strategy Amid Market Expansion Driven by SECURE 2.0