$9.9 Billion at Stake
Court documents revealed that U.S. Bancorp’s employee retirement plan reported approximately $9.9 billion in assets under management in 2021, a scale that plaintiffs argue should have given the company powerful leverage to secure lower administrative costs.
While co-lead plaintiff Wesaw withdrew as a representative in October, he remains a member of the certified class, which continues to pursue relief on behalf of all affected participants.
Lawyers on Both Sides
The proposed class is represented by Paul M. Secunda of Walcheske & Luzi LLC and Amy R. Mason of Cummins & Bonestroo.
U.S. Bancorp’s defense team includes Melissa D. Hill, Christopher Diffee, Carolyn M. Corcoran, and Abbey M. Glenn of Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP, along with Daniel J. Supalla of Nilan Johnson Lewis PA.
Representatives for the bank did not immediately respond to requests for comment, while counsel for the plaintiffs declined to elaborate on the settlement.
A Broader Industry Reckoning
The US Bancorp 401(k) Fee Class Action adds to a wave of ERISA lawsuits targeting financial giants for failing to protect workers’ retirement savings from high administrative fees — a reminder that even America’s largest employers are not immune from scrutiny when it comes to safeguarding employees’ financial futures.
As the court reviews the deal for final approval, one thing is certain: this settlement could echo across corporate America, serving as both a cautionary tale and a precedent for similar class actions on the horizon.
