News

 Fee disclosure regulations, in-plan guarantees, target-date strategies and retirement planning optimism will significantly impact the retirement plans industry in 2012, predicts Chuck Cornelio, president of Lincoln’s Retirement Plan...

American workers spend a lot of money on somewhat average daily expenses like coffee and lunch, according to a Workonomix survey by Accounting Principals.

Nearly 1.5 million participants within Bank of America Merrill Lynch’s proprietary 401(k) business are actively contributing to their 401(k) plans.

Independent registered investment advisers (RIAs) have access to a series of new technology assessment tools, educational content and coaching programs from TD Ameritrade Institutional.

 U.S. Bank National Association entered into a definitive agreement with Union Bank, N.A.

Larry Petrone was appointed as kasina’s head of research.

Curian Capital, LLC hired Keith Johnson as vice president of practice management.  

More than three-quarters (76%) of financial advisers who moved to an independent business model report they are better off financially, according to a Fidelity Investments study, “Fidelity Insights...

The 403(b) Transparency Taskforce launched the 403(b) Model Disclosure Form—transparency standards for disclosure of fees and services in the public school 403(b) marketplace. 

Putnam Investments appointed James F. Bumpus as the firm’s head of strategic accounts.  

Two-thirds (66%) of those who work with a financial adviser have an understanding of how much of their retirement savings they will withdraw annually at retirement.

A white paper called “The Savings Crisis of Working Americans: The Retirement Industry Call to Action” is available from the Legg Mason Retirement Advisory Council (LMRAC).

Under new Department of Labor rules, retirement plan sponsors must provide fee disclosures to participants by May 31, 2012.

Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz Life) launched the Allianz 365i Annuity and Income Maximizer Rider.

MassMutual's Retirement Services Division announced a topic lineup for its RetireSmart interactive participant education series for 2012.

Bennett Group Financial Services (BGFS) launched four mutual funds consisting of A shares available through financial professionals, banks, brokerages and insurance companies for their clients.

The long-run outlook for the global stock market is likely to be attractive despite a backdrop of elevated market volatility, below-average growth expectations, and near-0% short-term interest rates,...

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

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

NFP Advisor Services Group offered a complimentary, first-year Financial Services Institute (FSI) membership to all 1,400 of its financial advisers.