Products June 7, 2011

VALIC Partners with Mesirow to Offer Investment Services

VALIC is introducing Plan Essentials, a comprehensive platform of investment products and services in partnership with Mesirow Financial.
Reported by

VALIC Plan Essentials offers two investment lineups that have passed a comprehensive filtering process as part of Mesirow Financial’s fiduciary investment support. One lineup is named “The Core,” and consists of funds that track widely followed market indexes. The other option is the “Expanded” investment lineup, which is best-suited for plan sponsors who feel that their employees have a greater level of investment knowledge or simply want more choices; it has more complex investment alternatives and an expanded range of market capitalization, in addition to the Core investment options.   

Plan sponsors who choose VALIC Plan Essentials receive access to a range of services designed to simplify account management, VALIC announced. Mesirow Financial will act as a fiduciary to select, monitor, and make ongoing adjustments to investment portfolios as needed. Each plan sponsor will have a dedicated, experienced account management team; comprehensive employee communications and education materials; and compliance solutions to ensure adherence to plan requirements.  

For more stories like this, sign up for the PLANADVISERdash daily newsletter.

The tools and services available for plan participants are designed to address the growing number of technology and investment savvy employees. Participants can choose a more “hands-on” approach to retirement planning, taking advantage of VALIC’s online educational tools and calculators, though seminars, group meetings, and an on-site financial adviser will also be available should participants prefer a full-service experience.

Products June 7, 2011

ING Offers Expanded Fiduciary Services

ING has expanded its fiduciary services to help defined contribution plan sponsors better navigate their responsibilities under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).
Reported by

Through its relationship with Morningstar Associates, ING will be rolling out Portfolio Blueprint 3(38) to its retirement plan customers.  The service allows employers to delegate fiduciary authority for the selection, ongoing monitoring, and replacement of the plan’s investments to Morningstar Associates, a qualified investment manager as defined by section 3(38) of ERISA. The service will be available to small and mid-sized companies that sponsor 401(k) retirement plans.

“There’s a spotlight right now on retirement plan investment offerings and the obligations and responsibilities of those who select and advise on them,” said Brock Johnson, president of retirement solutions for Morningstar’s Investment Management division. “This service will continue to offer sponsors a diverse menu of high-quality investment options while giving them the confidence that comes with the fiduciary coverage from Morningstar Associates as an appointed investment manager to the plan.”  

Never miss a story — sign up for PLANADVISER newsletters to keep up on the latest retirement plan adviser news.

For more information on ING’s Portfolio Blueprint 3(38) program, including specific terms and availability, contact ING Sales Desk at 1-866-481-3653, option 4.

«