Are Pooled Employer Plans (PEPs) a smart solution for expanding retirement coverage—or an overly complex, underregulated space that hasn’t lived up to expectations?
PEPs were designed to help small and mid-sized businesses offer retirement plans with less cost, liability, and administrative work. But despite more than 550 PEPs now on the books, adoption has lagged. Many employers are hesitant, in part because switching to a PEP often means changing trusted providers.
Concerns around conflicts of interest are also growing, especially when Pooled Plan Providers (PPPs) double as advisors or service providers. Experts say the key to PEP success lies in independent oversight, clearer roles, and better plan sponsor education. When implemented well, PEPs can deliver real value—but they’re not one-size-fits-all.
Explore deeper insights in Fred Barstein’s latest WealthManagement.com article, “Are PEPs the Wild West or Are They a Way to Tame It?”
