What Are Alternative QDIAs?

Created by Kelly Knudsen, Modified on Wed, 4 Sep at 8:21 PM by Kelly Knudsen

Qualified Default Investment Alternatives (QDIAs) are investment options in retirement plans, such as 401(k)s, that employers use when participants don’t select their own investments. QDIAs were established under the Pension Protection Act of 2006 to help employers meet their fiduciary obligations while providing participants with a prudent investment strategy. When considering alternatives to traditional QDIAs, plan sponsors can choose from options like target-date funds, balanced funds, and managed accounts, each catering to different risk profiles and financial goals of the participants.

1. Target-Date Funds

Target-date funds are one of the most popular QDIA options. These funds automatically adjust their asset allocation over time, starting with more aggressive investments, such as stocks, and gradually shifting to safer investments, like bonds, as the target retirement date approaches. This automatic rebalancing makes them an attractive option for employers who want to ensure participants' investments become more conservative as they near retirement. Target-date funds also relieve plan participants from making regular investment decisions, making them a common choice among QDIA options [1] [2].

2. Balanced Funds

Balanced funds offer a more static approach, maintaining a fixed ratio of stocks and bonds. Unlike target-date funds, balanced funds do not adjust based on the participant’s age or retirement timeline. Instead, they aim to provide a steady mix of growth and income, making them suitable for participants with moderate risk tolerance who prefer a consistent investment allocation. These funds are appealing as an alternative QDIA because they offer diversification and a balanced approach to both risk and return without the complexity of automatic adjustments [3] [4].

3. Managed Accounts

Managed accounts offer personalized investment strategies tailored to the specific needs of individual participants. In a managed account, a financial professional selects and adjusts the investment portfolio based on factors such as age, risk tolerance, and retirement goals. Managed accounts provide more customization than target-date or balanced funds but tend to come with higher fees due to the hands-on management involved. This makes them a good fit for participants who prefer a more individualized approach to their retirement savings [5] [6].

The Importance of Choosing the Right QDIA

Selecting the right QDIA is a critical fiduciary decision for plan sponsors. Under ERISA, plan sponsors who choose a QDIA and follow appropriate guidelines can qualify for safe harbor protection, shielding them from liability for investment losses participants might experience. Employers must consider the demographics of their workforce, the investment costs, and the long-term benefits of the selected QDIA option. Regular reviews are also essential to ensure that the chosen QDIA continues to meet the best interests of participants [7] [8].

Conclusion

Alternative QDIAs offer plan sponsors flexibility in designing a retirement plan that meets diverse employee needs. Whether through the automated adjustments of target-date funds, the consistency of balanced funds, or the personalized approach of managed accounts, each option helps ensure participants are placed in diversified investments designed to grow their retirement savings over time. By carefully selecting and monitoring these default investment options, plan sponsors can meet their fiduciary duties while supporting employees’ financial security.

References:

[1] SmartAsset. (2023). What Is a Qualified Default Investment Alternative (QDIA)? Retrieved from https://smartasset.com/retirement/qdia

[2] PlanAdviser. (2023). Nuts and Bolts of QDIAs. Retrieved from https://www.planadviser.com/nuts-bolts-qdias/

[3] CAPTRUST. (2023). QDIAs: What Every Plan Sponsor Needs to Know. Retrieved from https://www.captrust.com/resources/qdia-video/

[4] Human Interest. (2023). What is a 401(k) QDIA? Retrieved from https://humaninterest.com/learn/articles/what-is-a-401k-qdia-qualified-default-investment-alternative/

[5] NBOA. (2022). Default Disruption: The Nuts and Bolts of QDIAs. Retrieved from https://www.nboa.org/net-assets/article/default-disruption-nuts-and-bolts-of-qdias

[6] Guideline. (2023). What Is a Qualified Default Investment Alternative (QDIA)? Retrieved from https://help.guideline.com/en/articles/8593852-what-is-a-qualified-default-investment-alternative-qdia

[7] Stradley Ronon. (2023). Fiduciary Considerations: QDIAs and Investment Options. Retrieved from https://www.stradley.com/-/media/files/publications/2023/10/fiduciary-considerations20230831.pdf

[8] U.S. Department of Labor. (2020). Default Investment Alternatives Under Participant Directed Individual Account Plans. Retrieved from https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ebsa/about-ebsa/our-activities/resource-center/fact-sheets/default-investment-alternatives-under-participant-directed-individual-account-plans