2026
PLANADVISER Adviser Value Survey

The 2026 PLANADVISER Adviser Value Survey was based on responses to the 2025 PLANSPONSOR Defined Contribution Survey, fielded from June 2025 through September 2025.

Out of 4,387 total respondents, 838 plan sponsors indicated they work with an adviser, while 135 reported that they do not; the remaining respondents did not respond to that question. Those who indicated that they work with an adviser were invited to participate in a follow-up survey focused on topics such as respondent demographic data, plan design, investments and governance. From that group, 104 plan sponsors took the follow-up survey, providing broader industry context about the relationship between plan sponsor and plan adviser.

Summary Findings. This year, we report on four distinct sections, two derived from the PLANADVISER Adviser Value Survey (adviser value respondent profile and adviser value findings) and two derived from the 2026 PLANSPONSOR DC Survey (DC Survey respondent profile and DC Survey with/without adviser findings).

Adviser Value Respondent Profile. The findings include the types of defined contribution plans offered; the services used to assist with investment selection or plan design decisions; and the tenure of the adviser or adviser team.

Adviser Value Findings. This segment delves into topics such as the services plan sponsors receive from their adviser or adviser team; ratings of their services; and the last time they renegotiated adviser fees.

DC Survey Respondent Profile. This section reports on the types of defined contribution plans offered; the quantity of assets; and the number of participants in a designated DC plan.

DC Survey With/Without Adviser Findings. In this section, we summarize key DC survey insights relevant to the relationship between plan sponsor and plan adviser, based on who does or does not have an adviser. The comparison between the groups is shown across topics, including automatic enrollment and escalation; retirement income options; true-up provisions; investment vehicles used; and how frequently investment options are reviewed.

For more information about the survey results or how to access additional findings, please contact surveys@issmediasolutions.com..

—Garrett Cox