Facing Defined Benefit Plan Challenges: Issues with Poorly Funded Plans

Moderator: 

Carolyn Trenda, McGuireWoods LLP, USA

This teleconference will provide an overview of the funding and related challenges faced by defined benefit plan sponsors in the US and Canada. 

Topics will include:
•  The regulatory framework for plan funding, including government reporting and participant disclosure requirements, funding waivers, and lump sum and other benefit restrictions tied to plan funding levels.
•  An update on recent legislative and regulatory developments.
•  An outline of the interaction with government regulators and substantive rules when grappling with underfunded plans in corporate reorganizations and other transactions, plant closings triggering “downsizing liability,” and distress and involuntary terminations.
•  Liability (including controlled group liability for US plans) for underfunded plans, both in and out of bankruptcy, including a discussion of bankruptcy priorities and of issues relating to pursuit of foreign companies.

The teleconference will run for 90 minutes altogether, which will include up to 20 minutes for questions and comments from delegates.