Chris Tobe, CFA, CAIA, brings over 25 years of institutional investment experience and is recognized as a leading authority in stable value investments. As the founder of Stable Value Consultants, Chris has been at the forefront of providing expert consulting and litigation support in the stable value arena.

Expert Litigation Support:

• Stable Value Consultants specializes in providing expert litigation support for ERISA cases involving complex assets, including stable value, target date funds, hedge funds, and private equity. Chris Tobe’s expertise has been instrumental in guiding clients through litigation proceedings related to fees and risk management.

Project Work for Plans:

• Stable Value Consultants has undertaken project work for both public and ERISA plans, offering comprehensive analysis and guidance on stable value investments. This includes reviewing DC lineups for plans ranging from $200 million to $10 billion, ensuring optimal investment strategies aligned with clients’ objectives.

Corporate Projects and Partnerships:

• The firm has also been involved in major corporate projects, collaborating with some of the world’s largest companies to enhance their DC offerings and conduct stable value searches. These partnerships have resulted in tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of corporate clients.

Stable Value Expertise:

• With a deep understanding of stable value products, Chris Tobe has worked directly with large synthetic stable value managers and major insurance companies during his tenure at AEGON Transamerica. His insights have been shared at national conferences and industry events, contributing to the advancement of stable value investment practices.

Thought Leadership and Publications:

• Chris Tobe’s contributions to stable value investing extend beyond consulting, with his 2015 book, “The Consultants and Plan Sponsors Guide to Stable Value,” serving as a comprehensive resource in the field. Additionally, his insights have been featured in leading publications such as the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and Bloomberg, further establishing him as a trusted authority in the industry.

Stable Value Consultants, under the leadership of Chris Tobe, remains dedicated to providing unparalleled expertise and support in stable value investments, empowering clients to navigate complex challenges and achieve their investment objectives with confidence.

Stable value litigation support offers critical assistance to plaintiffs’ firms and defendants alike in navigating complex legal challenges related to retirement plans and investment vehicles. Here’s an overview of the various scenarios in which stable value litigation support consulting services are provided:

1. ERISA Class Action Cases Involving Excessive Fees:

• Consulting to plaintiffs’ firms on ERISA class action cases involving excessive fees in 401(k) plans with index annuities, target date funds, and general or separate account stable value. Expert analysis and testimony are provided to address fiduciary duty breaches and excessive fee allegations.

2. Litigation Involving Mispriced or Mislabeled Securities:

• Offering support in ERISA class action cases involving the fraudulent use of mispriced, mislabeled mortgage-backed securities (MBS) and private mortgages. Expert analysis is conducted to uncover fraudulent practices and assess the impact on retirement plan participants.

3. Bundled Life Insurance Overcharging Cases:

• Consulting to plaintiffs’ firms on ERISA class action cases related to bundled life insurance in 401(k) plans, addressing allegations of overcharging employees. Expert analysis and testimony are provided to evaluate the fairness and legality of the insurance arrangements.

4. COLI/BOLI Insurance Cases:

• Providing consultation to defendant insurance companies in corporate-owned life insurance (COLI) and bank-owned life insurance (BOLI) cases. Expert support is offered to address claims regarding the insurability of hedge funds and related investment products.

5. Stable Value Fund Management:

• Offering consultation to stable value fund managers on purchase-sale agreements and arbitration proceedings. Expert guidance is provided to navigate legal disputes and ensure compliance with contractual obligations.

In each of these scenarios, stable value litigation support consultants leverage their expertise in stable value investments, ERISA regulations, fiduciary responsibilities, and investment management practices to provide thorough analysis, expert opinions, and strategic guidance. By partnering with knowledgeable consultants, plaintiffs’ firms and defendants can effectively navigate legal challenges and pursue favorable outcomes in litigation proceedings.

• Southern Employee Benefits Conference on Stable Value October 2013
• Lexington Employee Benefits Council on Stable Value May 2011
• IFEBP Investments Institutes on Stable Value April 2011
• Southern Employee Benefits Conference on Stable Value March 2011
• Revere Group Chicago Oct 2010 Stable Value
• Stable Value , GAO conference call presentation March 2010
• Stable Value Louisville Employee Benefits Council January 2010 Louisville

• https://commonsense401kproject.com/2022/02/28/stable-value-the-goood-the-bad-and-the-ugly-avoiding-litigation/
• http://www.marketwatch.com/story/imf-study-implies-dangerous-annuity-risk-2013-04-19​
• http://www.marketwatch.com/story/can-annuities-work-2013-05-06​
• http://www.marketwatch.com/story/401k-investments-that-i-hate-2012-12-31​
• http://www.marketwatch.com/story/how-stable-is-your-stable-value-fund-2012-11-21​
• http://www.marketwatch.com/story/safer-than-the-us-government-2013-01-23​
• Measuring Stable Value Risk Structures — A New Scoring System December 3, 2012​
• http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2184534​
• The Big Loophole in the DOL Fee Disclosure Regulations, October 26, 2012​
• http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2167341​
• Stable Value Fall 2012 – Myth Busters Stable Value Consultants Whitepaper September 10, 2012  ​
• Transparency- Times  Transparency in US Life Insurance Investments  October 2017
• London  https://issuu.com/andyagathangelou/docs/transparency_times_october_2017​
• Collective Funds Fuel Growth in Stable Value​
  Stable Times Third Quarter 2007 • Volume 11 Issue 3​
• Editor’s Corner​
• Stable Times First Quarter 2007 • Volume 11 Issue 1​
• Stable Value Excluded from QDIA Based on Faulty Assumptions​
• Stable Times Fourth Quarter 2006 • Volume 10 Issue 4 ​
• Stable Value & Social Security: What Could the Push for Social Security Privatization Mean for Stable Value?   Stable Times Second Quarter 2005 • Volume 9 Issue 2 ​
• The Consultants Guide to Stable Value by Christopher B. Tobe, CFA The Journal of Investment Consulting Vol.7 No. 1 Summer 2004​
• Will the Mutual Fund Scandal Make Equity Washes Easier to Swallow? Stable Value Investment Association Newsletter Third Quarter 2004 • Volume 8 Issue 3 ​
• Is Wrapper Capacity a Concern?, Stable Value Investment Association Newsletter​ Third Quarter 2003 • Volume 7 Issue 3 Chris Tobe, CFA​
• Stable Value– Asset for All Seasons   Plan Sponsor Magazine July 2002 ​

Now that you’ve gained insight into the benefits of stable value investment advice tailored to your needs, you might be interested in exploring specialty investment areas and services to further enhance your portfolio strategy.

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