There is no denying it: sponsors are tired. SECURE 2.0 arrived in waves, and many employers are overwhelmed by rules that seem half-finished, delayed, or constantly “to be determined.”
That fatigue is understandable. For providers, though, it’s dangerous.
The temptation is to reassure sponsors with phrases like “we’ll deal with that later” or “the IRS will clarify.” Unfortunately, fatigue does not excuse noncompliance, and regulators are not sympathetic to exhaustion. Catch-up contribution changes, Roth requirements, and age-based rules aren’t theoretical—they’re operational realities that are already affecting payroll systems and plan administration.
Providers who oversimplify SECURE 2.0 to keep sponsors calm may be setting themselves up for future blame. When something goes wrong in 2026 or beyond, the question won’t be how confusing the rules were. It will be what advice was given and whether risks were clearly explained.
The better approach is honesty. Sponsors don’t need perfection—they need transparency. Telling a client, “This area is unsettled, and here are the risks of waiting,” is far safer than projecting confidence that isn’t warranted.
Providers add real value by managing expectations, not eliminating anxiety. Sometimes the most responsible answer is, “This is messy, and here’s how we’re going to navigate it together.”
That may not feel like salesmanship. It is, however, good risk management.
