2026
PLANADVISER Adviser Value Survey

Findings of the PLANADVISER Adviser Value Survey paint a picture of retirement plan advisers’ expanded role.

Adviser Value Respondent Profile

Survey Data: Adviser Value Respondent Profile

Adviser Value Respondent Profile

Types of Defined Contribution Plan(s) Offered
401(k)89.4%
403(b)7.7%
4578.7%
Money purchase1.9%
Multiple employer plan (MEP)/Pooled employer plan (PEP) (adopting employer)1.9%
Profit sharing23.1%
Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)/Combined 401(k) and ESOP (KSOP)5.8%
Nonqualified deferred compensation (NQDC)22.1%
Simplified employee pension (SEP)0.0%
Savings incentive match plan for employees' individual retirement accounts (SIMPLE IRA)0.0%
Other plan types3.8%
Quantity of Assets in the Designated DC Plan*
<$1 million2.4%
$1 million - $5 million14.6%
>$5 million - $10 million2.4%
>$10 million - $25 million19.5%
>$25 million - $50 million11.0%
>$50 million - $100 million14.6%
>$100 million - $200 million7.3%
>$200 million - $500 million6.1%
>$500 million - $1 billion12.2%
>$1 billion9.8%
Participants in the Designated DC plan
<5016.0%
50 - 999.9%
100 - 49925.9%
500 - 99911.1%
1,000 - 4,99921.0%
5,000 - 9,9999.9%
10,000 - 19,9993.7%
>20,0002.5%
Type of Adviser or Consultant Retained to Assist in Investment Selection and/or Plan Design
Yes, an individual adviser25.0%
Yes, an advisory team44.2%
Yes, an investment consultant30.8%
Length of Time Working With Current Adviser or Advisory Team*
<1 year3.8%
1 - 3 years11.5%
3 - 5 years16.3%
5 - 7 years15.4%
>7 years52.9%

Footnote:
*Numbers do not add up to 100% due to rounding errors