Nonqualified Plans — employee benefit plans not subject to the regulations imposed by the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) of 1974. Examples of nonqualified plans
include plans falling under other, more specific laws (e.g., workers
compensation, unemployment compensation, disability insurance) and unfunded
plans maintained solely to provide benefits for certain employees in excess of
the limitations imposed on benefits and contributions for tax purposes (e.g.,
benefit plans for executives or highly compensated employees, such as stock
option plans).