Data & Research

The majority of advisers perceive themselves as providing a level of service that merits the title of financial planner (59%), however, 56% fall into the investment planner category.

Companies continue to shift away from stock options and other “appreciation” awards toward a greater emphasis on full-value awards in their equity compensation plans.

Partnering with a professional retirement plan adviser offers benefits for plan sponsors, according to a study for the Retirement Advisor Council. 

Nearly 60% of Canadians are confident in their ability to save for retirement versus fewer than 40% of Americans. 

Only 8% of women strongly agree they are building a large enough retirement nest egg. 

More than half (58%) of Americans indicate they would feel more confident about their finances if they had a financial plan in place.  

Saving for retirement and protecting their families in case of death is important to Americans across generations. 

A study by The American College reveals small business owners show a strong bias for financial advisers of the same gender, with men exhibiting a stronger gender bias.

Four out of 10 employers expect to devote more time addressing retirement plan governance over the next two years. 

Americans could retire up to 10 years earlier and with a higher standard of living if they did so outside of the U.S.

Aon Hewitt released its 401(k) Index Observations for the month of November.

Forty-eight percent of Americans do not feel prepared for retirement.   

401(k) plan participants have adopted a more balanced approach to their portfolios, according to ICI and EBRI.

Despite widespread economic volatility in 2011, 80% of Americans in an Allianz Life survey said they will not focus on financial planning in their resolutions for 2012.

Most U.S. adults have at least one financial New Year's resolution. 

New research shows that economic recovery is being impeded by market-based retirement plans, such as 401(k)s. 

Generations X and Y have embraced the concept of self-directed retirement savings more so than their parents and grandparents.  

Eighteen percent of Americans say planning for retirement is an area they want to work on in 2012.

Creating a self-regulatory organization (SRO) to oversee investment advisers could potentially cost twice as much as adequately funding an enhanced Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) examination program.  

The majority (61%) of middle-market retirement plan sponsors do not feel prepared for new fee disclosure rules.