Lathrop GPM Partner Allie Itami has authored a Law360 article outlining key employee benefits policy changes that attorneys should monitor in 2025. The article discusses potential shifts under the new presidential administration regarding fiduciary regulations, ESG investing, retirement policy, cryptocurrency, and health plans.
In the article, Allie highlights the possibility of a shift in the regulatory environment for cryptocurrency, especially with the incoming administration’s alignment with crypto interests. She notes that the previous administration’s guidance on cryptocurrency “has really had a chilling effect” on it as a retirement investment option. She suggests that removing this guidance could be “low-hanging fruit” for the new administration to signal a different approach to crypto.
“Even still,” Itami said she expects states to move first on cryptocurrency investments in retirement, as multiple state governments begin to examine potential crypto investments using public pension funds.
The article also touches on other significant policy areas, including expected rollbacks of a rule expanding the definition of an investment advice fiduciary under ERISA, and changes to regulations on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in retirement plan investments. Additionally, the piece explores the potential for a “Secure 3.0” retirement legislation, and a possible increase in the availability of short-term health insurance plans.
Read the full piece here [SUBSCRIPTION REQUIRED]: 5 Policy Changes Benefits Attys Should Watch for In 2025