Proposed Rule on Prohibited Transaction Exemption Procedures

The Department of Labor (DOL) has released a proposal that would supersede the Department’s existing procedure governing applications for exemptions from the prohibited transaction provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Internal Revenue Code. The Secretary of Labor is authorized to grant such exemptions and provide procedures for relief. Highlights of the proposal suggest substantially stricter standards and additional criteria for obtaining prohibited transaction relief, if implemented.

The DOL emphasizes that it will apply a high level of scrutiny to any retroactive exemption—including ensuring that no participants were harmed—and suggests contacting the agency before engaging in the transaction. Any information provided to the Office of Exemption Determinations, including during the pre-submission process, becomes part of an administrative record that is open for public inspection.

The DOL states that a previously issued exemption is not determinative of whether a future exemption would be approved under the same fact pattern. The DOL also proposes additional requirements in the application for exemption, several of which are highlighted below.

• The reason(s) for engaging in the exemption transaction
• Any material benefit that a party involved in the exemption transaction may receive because of the transaction
• The costs and benefits of the exemption transaction to the affected plan(s), participants, and beneficiaries—including quantification of those costs and benefits, if possible
• A detailed statement that describes possible alternatives to the exemption transaction and why the applicant did not pursue those alternatives
• A description of each conflict of interest or potential instance of self-dealing that would be permitted if the exemption is granted
• A statement that the transaction will be in the best interest of the plan and its participants and beneficiaries
• A statement that all compensation received, directly or indirectly, by a party involved in the exemption transaction will not exceed reasonable compensation within the meaning of ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code
• All statements made to the DOL, the plan, or, if applicable, the qualified independent fiduciary or qualified independent appraiser cannot be materially misleading at the time the statements are made
• A statement whether any prior transactions have occurred between the plan or plan sponsor and a party involved in the exemption transaction

The proposal modifies the definition of a qualified independent appraiser. It also addresses contractual obligations, prohibits indemnifications, and requires detailed information regarding relationships with any party or its affiliates (including past engagements) in an effort to determine independence. Similarly, the proposal expands requirements of qualified independent fiduciaries by prohibiting indemnifications, requiring fiduciary liability insurance sufficient to cover damages resulting by a breach of the independent fiduciary, and certifying that the exemption transaction complies with impartial conduct standards and the independent fiduciary has no conflicts of interest that could affect their judgement.

Under the proposal, applicants would have a duty to promptly notify the DOL of any material changes to representations made during the application process or after approval of the exemption, including disclosing whether a participating party in the exemption is the subject of an investigation or enforcement action. The changes would apply 90 days following receipt of a final rule in the Federal Register. Comments on the proposed rule must be submitted to the DOL by April 14, 2022.