As the Lines Blur, the DC Market Race Heats Up
The defined contribution market once had fairly clear lanes. Retirement plan advisors served one part of the market, while institutional investment consultants largely stayed in...
Fiduciary
Target-Date Funds Are the Default Choice — But They Can’t Be a Default Decision
The Investment Company Institute reports that approximately $4.9 trillion was invested in target-date strategies at year-end 2025.[1] A clear indication that Target-date funds (“TDFs”) have...
A Missing Detail in Your SPD Could Cost You More Than You Think
Most fiduciaries don’t think of their summary plan description as a liability risk. It’s a compliance document—something the recordkeeper drafts, maybe HR reviews, and participants...
The Continued Rise of CITs in the Defined Contribution Market
Collective Investment Trusts (CITs) continue gaining momentum across the defined contribution marketplace as plan sponsors, advisors, and providers increasingly seek lower-cost investment solutions and more...
How AI and HR Technology Are Transforming Employee Access to Benefits
More and more employers are turning to AI and integrated HR technology to help employees easily access the information they need — from payroll and...
Alternative Investments in 401(k)s: What the DOL’s New Safe Harbor Can—and Can’t—Do
When President Trump’s executive order encouraging 401(k) plans to include alternative investments first dropped, it sparked strong reactions. Some advisors warned plans to stay away...
Could a Centralized Clearinghouse Fix 401(k) System Challenges?
Defined contribution plans have come a long way, but the system still struggles with one big reality: people change jobs frequently. Over the course of...
Wealth Advisors Are Coming for the 401(k) Market
Retirement plan advisors (RPAs) and recordkeepers have a real challenge on their hands: wealth advisors are coming for their turf. And honestly, it’s not hard...
Trump Account Matching Has Recruiting Appeal and Compliance Strings Attached
Employer matching on Trump Accounts may sound like a natural extension of the family-first benefits trend that has reshaped recruiting over the past five years. ...
Finding the Middle Path Between Advisors and Record Keepers
Growing tension exists between retirement plan advisors and record keepers as both expand into participant financial services. As defined contribution plan economics tighten — driven...
