Products January 31, 2012

Dalbar Introduces Fee Disclosure Certification Program

Dalbar introduced a Fee Disclosure Certification program for the evaluation of plan provider services.
Reported by

The Certification values the intangibles of services, provides an independent evaluation to plan sponsors and creates a critical role for advisers and third-party administrators (TPAs). Service providers with successful plans, high-quality service and active investment management are evaluated on these factors, not just the cost of the offering.

Plan sponsors receive certification that is evidence of the required evaluations, as well as suggestions for improving their plans. Plan sponsors are expected to engage their advisers to implement improvements under separate or existing arrangements.

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Advisers and TPAs receive free online training to support plan sponsors in their evaluations. Advisers and TPAs are expected to charge fees for this additional support since it goes beyond typical arrangements.

“The benefits of Fee Disclosure Certification creates a win, win, win,” said Kathleen Whalen, managing director at Dalbar. “Service providers win by quantifying the value of their services, plan sponsors win by simplifying compliance, and advisers/TPAs create a new service and revenue opportunity.”

Details of the Fee Disclosure Certification is available at www.ERISAFeeDisclosure.com. 

 

Deals & People January 31, 2012

Alliant Expands Presence in Northeast

Alliant Insurance Services acquired Thesco Retirement Planning Services (TRPS). 
Reported by

TRPS has offices in New York City, Long Island and New Jersey. The firm is headed by President John Cunningham, who has 20 years of 401(k) advisory experience, and helped found the firm in 2001. TRPS was recognized in both 2010 and 2011 as a Top 10 401(k) advisory firm by PLANSPONSOR and voted “Top 300 Most Influential Advisors” by The 401(k) Wire.

“TRPS is excited about the opportunity to become part of the Alliant organization,” Cunningham said. “Both TRPS and Alliant’s retirement services group are committed to the belief that it is our duty as retirement advisers to guide clients through the decision-making process so they truly understand all the issues, challenges, and choices in order to make the right decision.”

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Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

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