Controlling funding status volatility is the top priority of pension plan sponsors this year, according to a quick poll by SEI.

Plan sponsors identified the need to implement a liability driven investing strategy as the second most important priority for their organizations, up two spots from last year's poll. Providing senior management and board members with a long-term pension strategy rounded out the top three priorities for plan sponsors in 2013.

"Having felt the impact of low interest rates on their pension liabilities again last year, many plan sponsors will focus on risk management and liability reduction strategies to combat volatility and improve plan funding in 2013," said Jon Waite, director of investment management advice and chief actuary for SEI's Institutional Group.  "As pension investment management grows in complexity, plan sponsors are seeking more sophisticated strategies to reduce pension risks and mitigate the impact of pension expense on overall corporate finances."