Fiduciary Wise Helps Retirement Plan Sponsors Navigate Post-Ruling Compliance Challenges

In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision in Cunningham v. Cornell University, which clarified and reinforced legal responsibilities under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), Fiduciary Wise, a national leader in outsourced fiduciary services, is stepping forward to guide retirement plan sponsors through evolving compliance challenges.

The ruling lowers the threshold for prohibited transaction claims under ERISA §1106(a)(1)(C). Now, plaintiffs aren’t required to disprove exemptions under §1108 — instead, the burden of proof is on fiduciaries to show that transactions are both necessary and fairly compensated. This is especially relevant when engaging “parties in interest” such as plan service providers.

“This is a landmark moment for ERISA fiduciaries,” said Don Jones, founder of Fiduciary Wise. “The decision confirms that it’s no longer enough to assume standard service contracts will withstand legal scrutiny. Fiduciaries must now proactively demonstrate that every transaction is both necessary and reasonably compensated. Fiduciary Wise exists to ensure that standard is not only met, but exceeded.”

Who Is Affected by the ERISA Ruling?

In many companies, fiduciary responsibilities fall on HR Directors, CFOs, CEOs, or anyone managing the retirement plan. Unless those duties are delegated to a named fiduciary like Fiduciary Wise, these individuals now face increased personal liability under the clarified ERISA standards.

Fiduciary Wise acts as the named ERISA 402(a) Fiduciary and 3(16) Plan Administrator, offering defensible fiduciary governance and helping clients meet compliance standards while minimizing legal exposure.

How Fiduciary Wise Supports Plan Sponsors

• Establish procedural prudence in selecting and monitoring plan service providers
• Benchmark fees to ensure reasonableness and transparency
• Document fiduciary processes to protect against ERISA litigation risks

Even routine administrative decisions may now come under legal scrutiny. Clear documentation, independent review, and oversight are more important than ever.

“Today’s ruling reminds us that fiduciary liability is real, and the best protection is preparation,” Jones said. “Fiduciary Wise is here to help retirement plans operate with the highest standard of care — and keep participants’ best interests front and center.”

About Fiduciary Wise

Fiduciary Wise is a trusted provider of fiduciary services, serving as an outsourced ERISA 402(a) Fiduciary and 3(16) Plan Administrator. We help employers nationwide reduce liability, manage compliance, and deliver better outcomes for retirement plan participants.

Media Contact

Don Jones
Founder, Fiduciary Wise
Phone: (888) 402-9473
Email: don.jones@fiduciarywise.com
Website: www.fiduciarywise.com