Escalent
Escalent
Cogent Syndicated

Retirement Plan Advisor Trends examines the role of advisors across all channels, with a focus on retirement plan specialists managing at least $50M in DC plan assets. The report benchmarks the leading DC plan providers and DC investment managers on key brand equity and experience metrics to help firms grow market share and strengthen plan advisor loyalty.

NEW THIS YEAR: We are excited to introduce Evoke™, Escalent’s proprietary qualitative research tool to help uncover how plan advisors feel about recommending DC plan sponsor clients join an open multiple employer plan (MEP) or a pooled employer plan (PEP). Grounded in behavioral science and 32 scientifically validated emotional categories, Evoke translates visual choice into rich emotional insight.

Services provided to DC plan sponsors and participants
• Impact of fee disclosure regulations
• Number of plan providers typically recommended
• Number and type of investment options typically recommended
• QDIA option used most often
• Target date fund recommendation

Value

The report will enable subscribers to:

Understand Advisor Needs
Hear firsthand what DC advisors need to better support plan sponsors and plan participants

Track Competitors
Track how your competitors perform on key brand, service and loyalty metrics

Strengthen DC Advisor Loyalty
Develop programs that match plan advisors’ expectations for service and support to build loyal relationships

Methodology

  • 400 advisors across the National wirehouse, Regional, Independent, RIA and Bank channels
  • Retirement plan advisors evaluated by DC AUM
  • Web-based survey
  • 34 DC plan providers (including 8 digital) and 43 DC investment managers evaluated

Areas of Inquiry

Plan Advisor Profile

Practice Overview:

  • Distribution of DC plan producers by DC AUM
  • Comparison of DC specialists vs. non-specialists
  • Number & size of DC plans managed

Topical Themes:

  • Use of AI within current DC practice
  • Data breach incidence rates
  • Availability, types and components of financial wellness programs offered
  • Use of and interest in MEPs/PEPs, health savings accounts, emergency savings accounts, 401(k) student loan matching and SECURE 2.0 provisions
  • Must-have components of advisor service and support
  • Essential plan provider website features

DC Plan Investment Design

  • Number and types of investment options recommended
  • Use of different types of alternatives
  • Number of target date fund providers used and selection criteria
  • Likelihood of recommending new innovative target date fund features
  • Types of QDIAs offered
  • Retirement income solutions: availability/types offered; hurdles to adoption and success metrics
  • Top selection criteria for managed accounts

DC Plan Provider & DC Investment Manager Brand Equity

  • Awareness, impression and consideration of leading plan providers and investment managers
  • Performance on critical brand attributes that drive selection
  • Strengths, weaknesses and growth potential of the leading firms
  • Brand engagement within the past six months across 15 types of contact
  • Thought leadership recall and best-in-class examples  

DC Plan Provider & DC Investment Manager Use and Experience

  • Number of plan providers and investment managers used
  • Overall market penetration of the leading firms
  • Satisfaction with and loyalty to current DC plan providers and DC investment managers
  • Performance on critical service and support ratings that drive satisfaction and loyalty
  • Changes in DC plan provider and DC investment manager recommendations

Subscription Details

Publication Date: November 2026
Deliverables:

  • Detailed report including a summary of findings and strategic implications
  • Custom data cuts and survey work by senior analysts
  • Customized strategy session and presentation designed to deliver actionable results and facilitate strategic planning

Investment: $40,000

2026-RPA Fact Sheet
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