Products November 30, 2011

MSSB Enhances DC Consulting Capabilities

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney has made enhancements to its consulting capabilities for defined contribution plans. 
Reported by

The firm introduced new tools and capabilities for their Corporate Retirement Directors and Graystone Institutional Consulting Directors, including a customized investment analytic tool, provider searches and benchmarking.

The new investment analytic tool, developed in conjunction with UpTick Data Technologies, incorporates MSSB’s market commentary, proprietary investment manager and fund research and integration with corporate retirement plan clients’ investment policy statements.

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Provider search capabilities were enhanced with the addition of a customized version of the PLANSPONSOR Pathfinder tool. The availability of the Pathfinder tool, along with additional proprietary qualitative RFP capabilities, brings a comprehensive solution to Morgan Stanley Smith Barney clients.

The ability for plan sponsors to make informed decisions on fees is based on accurate, timely data regarding the fees they pay and the services they receive, the company noted. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney worked with Fiduciary Benchmarks, Inc. to develop a tool customized to the benchmarking needs of its clients. 

Deals & People November 30, 2011

AXA Equitable Hires Sales Leader for 401(k) Unit

AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company selected Richard Frink to be its 401(k) national sales manager.
Reported by

Frink is responsible for leading the sales and business development of AXA Equitable’s Retirement Gateway401(k) product to AXA Advisors, LLC – the company’s retail distribution network of approximately 5,000 financial professionals nationwide. His focus is on helping AXA Advisors financial professionals grow their business through 401(k) product education, coaching, sales support and service.   

He will also be responsible for launching third-party distribution of Retirement Gateway nationally (see “AXA Equitable Launches New 401(k) Solution“).  

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Frink will report to Mark Scalercio, senior vice president and head of AXA Equitable’s Employer-Sponsored business. 

Frink has more than 25 years of experience in the retirement plan market. Most recently, he was national marketing director, Retirement Plan Services for New York Life, where he spent the bulk of his career. 

He earned a bachelor’s degree from Long Island University. He also holds the FINRA Series 6, 26 and 63 licenses.  

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