Employee benefit plan investments often consist of marketable securities, such as common or preferred stocks, bonds, notes, or shares of registered investment companies, or various types of alternative investments such as common/collective trusts, pooled separate accounts, stable value funds, private equity funds, hedge funds, real estate investment trust, securities lending, forward contracts, futures, credit default swaps, and offshore funds.
Resources
The Center and the AICPA have taken a number of steps to compile and develop tools and resources to assist auditors in understanding various types of plan investments and in implementing the various accounting and auditing standards that relate to plan investments. Those resources can be accessed through the following links:
FAS 157, Fair Value Measurements
Find tools, resources, and links to authoritative literature to help you implement the provisions of FAS 157. Learn More>>
Alternative Investments
Alternative investments often are used to achieve higher rates of return. Find tools and resources to help you recognize, understand, and audit alternative investments. Learn More>>
Stable Value Investments
Many defined contribution pension plans offer participants stable value funds as a conservative investment option. Find general and background information on stable value investments, information about the relevant auditing and accounting standards, and tips for applying them. Learn More>>
Investments in Limited Partnerships and Reporting Such Investments on Form 5500 and 103–12 Entities