Products October 17, 2012

WMSI Launches Rollover Central

 

Wealth Management Systems Inc. (WMSI) has launched its latest Web application, Rollover Central.

 

 

Reported by

In addition to providing a choice of IRA products and streamlining the rollover process, Rollover Central will provide users with expanded educational content, videos and product comparison tools to help employees with their rollover decisions.   

Designed with job changers and retirees in mind, Rollover Central is an integrated plan service that enables plan sponsors and retirement plan providers to educate exiting employees about distribution options so they can make better, more informed decisions about their retirement savings. For those deciding to roll over to an IRA, Rollover Central enables users to compare multiple product options from IRA providers side-by-side to evaluate special offers, investment services and fees and help users select the option that is right for them.   

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

User-friendly screens and new Learning Center and How It Works sections help users get answers to their specific questions whether they are rolling over for the first time, changing jobs or getting ready to retire.  

Most participants who initiate rollovers through the firm’s applications tend to visit and gather information at least twice before transacting, according to John Geli, chief executive of WMSI. “We added the new SAVE and EMAIL capabilities to encourage users to review and compare IRA options online, and to share information with spouses and others who they may consult with when making financial decisions,” Geli said.

WMSI is connected to recordkeepers, servicing more than 12 million participants. More information is at http://www.wealthmsi.com.  

 

Data & Research October 17, 2012

ETF Use on the Rise in RIA Portfolios

 

Risk management remains top of mind as registered investment advisers (RIAs) pursue a strategic mix of products.

 

 

Reported by

RIASs expect to see increased use of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in client portfolios, while aversion to risk remains high, according to a market research study by Invesco.

Advisers surveyed believe ETFs will make up 24% of portfolio allocations over the next 12 months and 33% over the next three years, a 10% increase over results from Invesco’s 2011 survey of RIAs.

Want the latest retirement plan adviser news and insights? Sign up for PLANADVISER newsletters.

Against a lingering backdrop of global economic uncertainty, RIAs see clients remaining vigilant in their aversion to risk, as 91% believe their clients are more interested in minimizing losses than maximizing gains.

“This year’s study continues to show how RIAs are embracing the value of ETFs and the many ways they can be implemented in their clients’ portfolios,” said Bobby Brooks, national sales director for Invesco PowerShares. “But even as the equity markets have enjoyed a strong run year to date, RIAs are still indicating that risk management is a primary focus and they are looking to a variety of products, including alternative assets, to manage risk.”

 

(Cont’d...)

Other key findings in the Invesco study:

RIAs continue to blend active and passive funds in a single portfolio. Forty percent of RIAs agree that now more than ever they are creating client portfolios using a blend of active investment vehicles and passive ETFs. Less than a quarter of RIAs (24%) utilize an exclusively all active management portfolio or an all ETF/passive management portfolio (19%).

Risk management remains a priority. Consistent with the 2011 survey, 40% of RIAs cite managing risk as a predominant philosophy in managing client assets. The survey showed wealth preservation as the most important issue for clients, followed by mitigating risk.

Risk management investment strategies remain unchanged.RIAs continue to mitigate risk in client portfolios by creating a blended asset allocation of active investments and passively managed ETFs (62%) and applying a more conservative asset allocation (56%).

Alternatives, emerging market equities and large-cap funds are drawing more attention. Within actively managed mutual funds, RIAs are most likely to increase capital over the next 12 months in alternatives (46%), emerging market equities (43%) and U.S. large-cap funds (40%).

The RIA Market Research Study was conducted for Invesco by Cogent Research in late August and early September. The study is based on a survey of RIAs around the country with an average of $478 million in investable client assets.

Invesco Ltd. is an independent global investment management firm.

«