Be More Than A Fiduciary

Eric Dyson

Serving as an ERISA fiduciary is not just an honor and a privilege; it is a profound responsibility intertwined with the essential qualities of stewardship, governance, and leadership. Eric Dyson, the Executive Director of 90 North Consulting, dedicates each week to engaging with individuals who are deeply committed to achieving excellence beyond the traditional fiduciary role. If you are a member of a retirement plan committee, a plan fiduciary, or an ERISA advisor genuinely dedicated to enhancing the retirement prospects of hard-working Americans, then this podcast is tailor-made for you. Whether you relish in-depth interviews with industry experts discussing crucial topics or seek concise tips for fiduciary best practices, More Than A Fiduciary is your go-to resource. Tune in and elevate your understanding and performance in this crucial domain.

  1. FF5 #97 - Fiduciary Duties in Selecting Designated Investment Alternatives

    12H AGO

    FF5 #97 - Fiduciary Duties in Selecting Designated Investment Alternatives

    In this episode of Friday Fiduciary Five, Eric Dyson talks about the Department of Labor and Employee Benefits Security Administration’s proposed rule on fiduciary duties in selecting investment options for participant-directed plans like 401(k)s, emphasizing prudence, documentation, and due diligence while exploring expanded fiduciary discretion.  He expresses his own feedback, raising concerns about the lack of some specificity on required benchmarks and questions the lack of guidance on the use of formal investment policy statements. Connect with Eric Dyson:  Website: https://90northllc.com/ Phone: 940-248-4800 Email: contact@90northllc.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/401kguy/  The information contained herein is general in nature and is provided solely for educational and informational purposes. It is not intended to provide a specific recommendation of any type of product or service discussed in this presentation or to provide any warranties, financial advice, or legal advice. The specific facts and circumstances of all qualified plans can vary, and the information contained in this podcast may or may not apply to your individual circumstances or to your plan or client plan specific circumstances. The opinions expressed by guests on the Be More Than a Fiduciary podcast are not necessarily the same as the opinions held by 90 North Consulting, or of Executive Director Eric Dyson.

    11 min
  2. FF5 #96 - An Update - Private Assets in DC Plans

    MAR 27

    FF5 #96 - An Update - Private Assets in DC Plans

    In this episode of Friday Fiduciary Five, Eric Dyson talks about the Department of Labor's (DOL) proposed rule on private assets like private equity, credit, and real estate in defined contribution plans. The rule, expected for public comment very soon, will likely emphasize the fiduciary process for selecting and monitoring investments rather than setting specific asset allocation caps. Dyson highlights the importance of liquidity, valuation, and fee transparency in managing private assets. He suggests that committees and advisors should develop a clear evaluation framework, document decision-making processes, and align these with appropriate experts.  Connect with Eric Dyson:  Website: https://90northllc.com/ Phone: 940-248-4800 Email: contact@90northllc.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/401kguy/  The information contained herein is general in nature and is provided solely for educational and informational purposes. It is not intended to provide a specific recommendation of any type of product or service discussed in this presentation or to provide any warranties, financial advice, or legal advice. The specific facts and circumstances of all qualified plans can vary, and the information contained in this podcast may or may not apply to your individual circumstances or to your plan or client plan specific circumstances. The opinions expressed by guests on the Be More Than a Fiduciary podcast are not necessarily the same as the opinions held by 90 North Consulting, or of Executive Director Eric Dyson.

    14 min
  3. George Fraser: Creating Opportunity and Easing Financial Stress with GigMatch

    MAR 25

    George Fraser: Creating Opportunity and Easing Financial Stress with GigMatch

    George Fraser is Founder and Chief Revenue Officer at GigMatch. This new “APP” will address the 96% of Americans who are currently feeling financial stress daily. Developed with his partner Tom Kmak, GigMatch will provide “HOPE” through opportunities to enhance income and lifestyle both today and in retirement. Before GigMatch, Fraser spent 34 years partnering with employers to craft exemplary retirement plans, execute their fiduciary responsibilities, and change the dynamic for retirement plan participants with a simple and easy-to-understand model.  Shlomo Benartzi and his team at UCLA, Carnegie Mellon, and Cornell conducted extensive research based on his “Pennies on the Dollar®” educational concept. In 2017, Fraser was named the inaugural recipient of 401 (k) Specialist Magazine's “TAPO”, Top Advisor for Participant Outcomes. In 2022, Fraser was named PLAN ADVISER Retirement Plan Adviser of the Year in the Community Impact and Giving Back category. He is a Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist (CRPS), Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF), Professional Plan Consultant (PPC), and Certified Behavioral Financial Analyst (CBFA). In this episode, Eric and George Fraser discuss: Shifting retirement messagingVisualizing financial progressLeveraging side gigsEmpathizing with real-life challenges Key Takeaways: Focusing on hope and empathy instead of fear or shame helps participants feel capable of saving and encourages proactive financial behavior.Concrete, relatable examples like pennies or props make abstract concepts such as compounding and long-term savings easier to grasp and remember.Connecting personal skills, passions, or unused assets to curated income opportunities allows people to increase earnings while maintaining lifestyle and meaning.Acknowledging individual circumstances and offering practical, achievable solutions builds trust, reduces shame, and motivates consistent financial action. “How have we been making people feel in this country about saving for retirement? It’s time to stop shaming them to save. It’s time to stop creating fear. We can have hope and optimism, and that is key. We need to have empathy.” - George Fraser Connect with George Fraser: LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/drgeorgecfraser/  Connect with Eric Dyson:  Website: https://90northllc.com/ Phone: 940-248-4800 Email: contact@90northllc.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/401kguy/  The information and content of this podcast are general in nature and are provided solely for educational and informational purposes. It is believed to be accurate and reliable as of the posting date, but may be subject to change. It is not intended to provide a specific recommendation for any type of product or service discussed in this presentation or to provide any warranties, investment advice, financial advice, tax, plan design, or legal advice (unless otherwise specifically indicated). Please consult your own independent advisor as to any investment, tax, or legal statements made. The specific facts and circumstances of all qualified plans can vary, and the information contained in this podcast may or may not apply to your individual circumstances or to your plan or client plan-specific circumstances. The opinions expressed by guests on the Be More Than a Fiduciary podcast are not necessarily the same as the opinions held by 90 North Consulting, or of Executive Director Eric Dyson.

    36 min
  4. FF5 #95 - 404c Protection

    MAR 20

    FF5 #95 - 404c Protection

    In this episode of Friday Fiduciary Five, Eric Dyson talks about ERISA 404(c) protection. He emphasizes the importance of this regulatory Safe Harbor, which shields fiduciaries from liability for participant-directed investment outcomes if certain conditions are met. Key requirements include offering a broad range of investment options, daily liquidity (although not explicitly stated in 404(c) - the norm for these days),  and sufficient information for informed decisions. Also required disclosures to participants that the plan intends to comply with ERISA 404(c).  Eric notes that many plans may not fully comply, especially with explicit 404(c) disclosures. He advises plan fiduciaries to revisit their compliance, confirm distribution of 404(c) notices, and document their processes to ensure they meet all requirements. Connect with Eric Dyson:  Website: https://90northllc.com/ Phone: 940-248-4800 Email: contact@90northllc.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/401kguy/  The information contained herein is general in nature and is provided solely for educational and informational purposes. It is not intended to provide a specific recommendation of any type of product or service discussed in this presentation or to provide any warranties, financial advice, or legal advice. The specific facts and circumstances of all qualified plans can vary, and the information contained in this podcast may or may not apply to your individual circumstances or to your plan or client plan specific circumstances. The opinions expressed by guests on the Be More Than a Fiduciary podcast are not necessarily the same as the opinions held by 90 North Consulting, or of Executive Director Eric Dyson.

    11 min
  5. Mike Dever: Brandywine Risk Replacement Strategies

    MAR 18

    Mike Dever: Brandywine Risk Replacement Strategies

    Mike is the founder (in 1982) and CEO of Brandywine Asset Management, a featured subject of three books, numerous interviews and articles, and the author of a best-selling investment book. Brandywine has invested significant amounts over the past four decades in research to develop proprietary investment strategies and manage client assets pursuant to several successful investment programs. All of Brandywine’s investment programs are characterized by their ability to provide always-on downside protection while maintaining unconstrained upside exposure. In this episode, Eric and Mike Dever discuss: Maintaining upside exposure while limiting lossesCombining protection with additional return sourcesTaking advantage of market dips through disciplineControlling risk beyond traditional diversification Key Takeaways: Focus on participating fully in growth opportunities while implementing strategies that actively reduce the impact of market declines. This approach allows you to capture most of the upside while protecting against large losses, ultimately supporting stronger long-term performance.Integrate downside protection with small, diversified return-driving strategies that work systematically. This combination helps cover the cost of protection while still generating incremental gains, ensuring that safety measures don’t come at the expense of growth.Use structured, rules-based approaches to respond to temporary market declines. By reinvesting strategically during these dips, you can take advantage of lower prices and improve compounded long-term results, turning volatility into opportunity rather than risk.Embed risk management directly into your investment approach rather than relying solely on shifting asset allocations. This method provides a more consistent, predictable way to manage volatility, ensuring that downside protection is built into the strategy itself instead of left to chance. “If we can stop a loss from being down 20% but it's only down 13, now we're recovering from a higher level.” - Mike Dever Connect with Mike Dever: Website: www.brandywine.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikedever/  Connect with Eric Dyson:  Website: https://90northllc.com/ Phone: 940-248-4800 Email: contact@90northllc.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/401kguy/  Brandywine Asset Management Inc. is a Registered Investment Adviser with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Brandywine's Form CRS and other disclosure documents can be found on the SEC's website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov, using CRD#307564. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. BRANDYWINE'S PRODUCTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED. PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT NECESSARILY INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS. THERE IS THE RISK OF LOSS AS WELL AS THE OPPORTUNITY FOR GAIN WHEN INVESTING WITH BRANDYWINE. NOT FDIC INSURED. MAY LOSE VALUE. NO BANK GUARANTEE. FOR FINANCIAL PROFESSIONALS. The information and content of this podcast are general in nature and are provided solely for educational and informational purposes. It is believed to be accurate and reliable as of the posting date, but may be subject to change. It is not intended to provide a specific recommendation for any type of product or service discussed in this presentation or to provide any warranties, investment advice, financial advice, tax, plan design, or legal advice (unless otherwise specifically indicated). Please consult your own independent advisor as to any investment, tax, or legal statements made. The specific facts and circumstances of all qualified plans can vary, and the information contained in this podcast may or may not apply to your individual circumstances or to your plan or client plan-specific circumstances. The opinions expressed by guests on the Be More Than a Fiduciary podcast are not necessarily the same as the opinions held by 90 North Consulting, or of Executive Director Eric Dyson.

    32 min
  6. Don Trone - The Behavioral Governance Institute - Special Purpose Avatar

    MAR 11

    Don Trone - The Behavioral Governance Institute - Special Purpose Avatar

    For a demo of the Behavioral Governance Special Purpose Avatar - contact Eric Dyson at edyson@90northllc.com  Don Trone, GFS™, is the CEO of the Behavioral Governance Institute (BGI), where he leads the development of Special Purpose Avatars (SPAs) designed to accelerate the professional development of leaders, stewards, and fiduciaries with governance responsibility. Widely known as the “Father of Fiduciary,” he has spent decades shaping fiduciary standards and governance practices. He was the founding CEO of fi360, the Center for Board Certified Fiduciaries, and the Foundation for Fiduciary Studies, and previously directed the Institute for Leadership at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. A former U.S. Coast Guard helicopter rescue pilot, Don brings real-world experience from high-stakes environments to his focus on clarity, foresight, and accountability in governance. He has also testified before the U.S. Senate Finance Committee and the Department of Labor on fiduciary best practices. In this episode, Eric and Don Trone discuss: The origins of the Behavioral Governance Institute and why fiduciary standards alone are not enoughHow leadership behaviors and decision-making frameworks influence retirement outcomesThe development of “Special Purpose Avatars” is designed to support governance professionalsHow AI-powered avatars can deliver personalized professional development and training Key Takeaways: Behavioral governance expands the traditional fiduciary framework. Instead of focusing only on procedural prudence, it integrates leadership, judgment, ethics, and decision-making into governance responsibilities.AI-powered avatars are emerging as powerful tools for professional development. By curating expert knowledge in closed systems, these avatars help professionals strengthen their understanding of complex governance and fiduciary responsibilities.The future of professional education is shifting from traditional classroom-style programs to on-demand learning experiences. AI avatars enable a “Netflix-style” training model where professionals control when, how, and what they learn.Mastery-based learning loops represent a major advancement in professional education. Instead of allowing professionals to pass certification tests with partial understanding, avatars keep users in a training loop until they demonstrate full mastery of the subject. “If we had a better understanding of how certain leadership behaviors impact the quality of decision-making outcomes, we could have a material positive impact on the management of investment decisions.” - Don Trone Connect with Don Trone: Website: https://www.3ethos.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-trone-89873013/  Connect with Eric Dyson:  Website: https://90northllc.com/ Phone: 940-248-4800 Email: contact@90northllc.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/401kguy/  The information and content of this podcast are general in nature and are provided solely for educational and informational purposes. It is believed to be accurate and reliable as of the posting date, but may be subject to change. It is not intended to provide a specific recommendation for any type of product or service discussed in this presentation or to provide any warranties, investment advice, financial advice, tax, plan design, or legal advice (unless otherwise specifically indicated). Please consult your own independent advisor as to any investment, tax, or legal statements made. The specific facts and circumstances of all qualified plans can vary, and the information contained in this podcast may or may not apply to your individual circumstances or to your plan or client plan-specific circumstances. The opinions expressed by guests on the Be More Than a Fiduciary podcast are not necessarily the same as the opinions held by 90 North Consulting, or of Executive Director Eric Dyson.

    43 min
  7. Robin Green - What Plan Sponsors Want

    MAR 4

    Robin Green - What Plan Sponsors Want

    For over 30 years, Robin has helped Investment Consultants, Retirement Plan Advisors, and recordkeepers better understand their competition, improve efficiency, elevate client service, and win new business. She began her career as a retirement plan sponsor in healthcare and manufacturing before moving into consulting roles with Deloitte and North Highland, and later serving as Head of Research at Ann Schleck & Co. Following its sale to fi360, she became a Senior Vice President overseeing the Fiduciary Score. In 2018, Robin founded WinMore Plans and relaunched the Practice Management Benchmarking Study for retirement plan advisors. Today, she partners with hundreds of advisory firms nationwide, providing benchmarking, coaching, win/loss analysis, and valuation services to help advisors implement practical growth strategies. In this episode, Eric and Robin Green discuss: Positioning the advisor as a true business partnerCapturing a history of plan accomplishmentsDelivering meaningful financial wellness supportClarifying contracts, data use, and rising expectations Key Takeaways: Advisors should be treated as strategic partners, not just investment technicians. Committees can formalize this by adding a recurring Strategic Business Discussion as the first agenda item each year. This ensures the retirement plan aligns with the company’s broader goals and workforce strategy.An important and very useful deliverable to consider; a concise document that tracks major milestones like fee reductions, vendor changes, and plan design improvements. This goes beyond an annual report by highlighting long-term strategic progress. It strengthens continuity during leadership turnover and supports the advisor’s value in RFP situations.In many cases, employers now expect help for participants beyond the retirement plan itself. Advisors should support broader financial wellness, including debt, budgeting, and outside assets. For many participants, this may be their only access to professional financial guidance.Sponsors should review recordkeeper contracts to understand participant outreach and data usage. Decisions about who can contact participants must be intentional and documented. Advisors who provide strategic insight and participant-level impact will stand out in today’s higher-expectation environment. “The plan sponsor, I want you to focus on your advisor as your business partner. Ask them, What am I missing? What else should we be doing here? And will you be my strategic business partner, not just tactical investment information?” - Robin Green Connect with Robin Green: Website: https://winmoreplans.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robingreen/  Connect with Eric Dyson:  Website: https://90northllc.com/ Phone: 940-248-4800 Email: contact@90northllc.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/401kguy/  The information and content of this podcast are general in nature and are provided solely for educational and informational purposes. It is believed to be accurate and reliable as of the posting date, but may be subject to change. It is not intended to provide a specific recommendation for any type of product or service discussed in this presentation or to provide any warranties, investment advice, financial advice, tax, plan design, or legal advice (unless otherwise specifically indicated). Please consult your own independent advisor as to any investment, tax, or legal statements made. The specific facts and circumstances of all qualified plans can vary, and the information contained in this podcast may or may not apply to your individual circumstances or to your plan or client plan-specific circumstances. The opinions expressed by guests are not necessarily agreed by, or the same opinions of 90 North Consulting or of Eric Dyson.

    22 min
5
out of 5
28 Ratings

About

Serving as an ERISA fiduciary is not just an honor and a privilege; it is a profound responsibility intertwined with the essential qualities of stewardship, governance, and leadership. Eric Dyson, the Executive Director of 90 North Consulting, dedicates each week to engaging with individuals who are deeply committed to achieving excellence beyond the traditional fiduciary role. If you are a member of a retirement plan committee, a plan fiduciary, or an ERISA advisor genuinely dedicated to enhancing the retirement prospects of hard-working Americans, then this podcast is tailor-made for you. Whether you relish in-depth interviews with industry experts discussing crucial topics or seek concise tips for fiduciary best practices, More Than A Fiduciary is your go-to resource. Tune in and elevate your understanding and performance in this crucial domain.

You Might Also Like