Data & Research February 1, 2012

BofA Merrill Lynch 2011 Retirement Savings Actions on Par with 2010

Nearly 1.5 million participants within Bank of America Merrill Lynch’s proprietary 401(k) business are actively contributing to their 401(k) plans.
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More than 900,000 employees took a positive savings action in their accounts in 2011, compared to approximately 875,000 in 2010. Of all participants who took some type of savings action during 2011, 76% took a positive action (started or increased contributions), versus 24% who took a negative action (stopped or decreased contributions) – on par with 2010 results.   

As it has for the last few years, Q4 saw the greatest percentage of positive savings actions for all of 2011, largely due to integration with the annual health enrollment period. Of all participants who took some type of savings action during Q4 2011, 442,470 (81%) took a positive action (started or increased contributions), versus 107,170 (19%) who took a negative action (stopped or decreased contributions)—compared to 543,340 (84%) and 101,444 (16%) during Q4 2010, respectively.    

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Bank of America Merrill Lynch saw an 18% increase in plan adoption of its Advice Access service in 2011, with more than 470 plans now live with this service. There was a 2% increase in plan participants using Advice Access, and 3% increase in plan participant use of managed accounts, with more than 140,000 participants using managed accounts. Nearly 25% of active participants in plans offering Advice Access are using the service.   

There was also a 21% increase in the adoption of auto increase, with more than 170 plans now live with this feature, and a 14% increase in the adoption of auto enrollment, with more than 280 plans live with this feature. 

Bank of America Merrill Lynch’s Retirement & Benefit Plan Services reports quarterly on plan participant activities within its proprietary 401(k) business, which services approximately $92.4 billion in total plan assets and nearly 2.6 million total plan participants with balances.

Products February 1, 2012

TD Ameritrade Expands Programs

Independent registered investment advisers (RIAs) have access to a series of new technology assessment tools, educational content and coaching programs from TD Ameritrade Institutional.
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The technology assessment tools are designed to save advisers time and simplify the software selection process. TD Ameritrade Institutional is also launching a tool to help advisers analyze the different technology vendors integrated with Veo, TD Ameritrade Institutional’s adviser trading platform.

  • Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Financial Planning and Document Management Software Assessment Tools
    Advisors take a 20-question survey about their needs, previous experiences with technology and preferences, and then receive customized recommendations with vendor comparisons and reviews.
  • Technology Integration Analyzer
    Veo’s open-access capabilities allow multiple third-party technology providers to integrate with TD Ameritrade Institutional’s adviser platform. The Integration Analyzer tool evaluates these third-party vendors and different integration scenarios to assist advisers in selecting the technology solution for their back office.

TD Ameritrade Institutional also has resources, including new whitepapers, adviser education opportunities and individual coaching programs:

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  • Adviser Education
    TD Ameritrade Advisor Education is a learning management system and knowledge center offering RIAs access to professional development resources, tools and content. The online education platform is designed to help advisers enhance their expertise and develop the skills and talents of employees.
  • Equity Management Program
    TD Ameritrade Institutional teamed with FP Transitions for the TD Ameritrade Equity Management Program. Advisers can receive access to comprehensive succession planning and continuity planning resources, as well as a customized firm valuation.
  • Guide to Building a Brand
    TD Ameritrade Institutional introduced a new white paper to help advisers build a strong brand. “Branding the Boutique Advisory Firm” offers insights on branding strategies and a step-by-step approach to developing a brand.
  • Coaching Programs
    Advisers receive one-on-one coaching and customized plans focused on business growth opportunities, including implementation timelines and accountability metrics.
  • Associate Practice Management Training Program
    The Associate Training & Certification program involves all levels of the organization in helping advisers identify potential growth and efficiency opportunities, as well as leverage TD Ameritrade Institutional practice management resources to help them pursue their goals.

“For advisers focused on growth and profitability, choosing the right technology may be critical to pursuing their goals,” said Richard Whitworth, senior manager of practice management at TD Ameritrade Institutional.

According to the latest TD Ameritrade Institutional RIA Sentiment Survey,two-thirds of RIAs say their top goal in 2012 is to grow their firms by adding clients and increasing revenue. The survey reveals RIAs are also focused on improving profitability (41%), client satisfaction (41%) and productivity (19%) in the New Year. Inefficiencies in business operations and procedures (29%) and personnel issues (29%) top the list of hurdles RIAs want to overcome over the next year, followed by poor time management (25%) and technology issues (19%). In an effort to meet theses top business challenges, more than half of RIAs say they will look to upgrade technology (52%), followed by providing training for staff (49%) and outsourcing (33%) wherever possible.

These results are based on a survey conducted by Maritz Inc. on behalf of TD Ameritrade Inc. A total of 350 RIAs participated in a telephone survey from December 20, 2011 through January 13, 2012.

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