Retirement Plan
Advisor Trends

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

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
• Frequency of formal RFP activity per year
• 3(21)/3(38) fiduciary status
• Use of DC aggregator firms

Topical Themes:

• Availability, types and components of financial wellness programs offered
• Use of and interest in MEPs/PEPs, health savings accounts, emergency savings accounts and 401(k) student loan matching and SECURE 2.0 provisions
• Service and support needed for plan advisors, sponsors and participants

DC Plan Investment Design

• Number and types of investment options recommended
• Number of target date fund providers used
• Target date fund selection criteria and brand recommendations
• Likelihood of recommending new innovative target date fund features
• Types of QDIAs offered
• Availability and types of retirement income solutions offered
• Frequency of evaluating DC plan investment menus
• Participant rollover recommendations
• Top criteria for managed accounts
• Reasons for recommending or not recommending ESG investments

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

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