401(k) Investment Analysis Services for Plan Sponsors

Investment analysis pricing depends on plan size, complexity, and service level. Most mid-sized plans invest 0.25% to 0.60% of assets for comprehensive fiduciary services including quarterly monitoring. We provide transparent fee proposals with no hidden costs. Our benchmarking often identifies fee savings that exceed our advisory costs. Many plans find the percentage of assets model aligns our interests with growing participant retirement savings.

Three key differences set us apart. First, we generate over 90% of our revenue from corporate retirement plans, not wealth management, so we're true specialists. Second, all our advisors can act as named 3(21) or 3(38) fiduciaries under ERISA, providing direct liability protection. Third, our proprietary 10-point pass/fail methodology evaluates $120+ billion quarterly using institutional measurement techniques.

Target date funds work well for plans where employees lack investment knowledge and you want simplicity. Custom lineups offer more control over asset allocation and potentially lower fees but require ongoing fiduciary oversight. We analyze your participant demographics, risk tolerance levels, and plan objectives to recommend the right approach. Many plans use target date funds as the qualified default investment alternative while offering core funds for engaged participants.

Initial investment lineup evaluation typically takes two weeks from data receipt to final report. Implementation of approved changes depends on recordkeeper timelines, usually 30 to 60 days. Quarterly monitoring becomes routine once established on a regular basis. Annual comprehensive reviews align with your plan year. We handle provider coordination to minimize disruption to plan contributions and participant access.

If you're responsible for selecting or monitoring 401(k) plan investments, ERISA makes you a fiduciary requiring "prudent expert" knowledge. Most plan sponsors lack the expertise, time, or systems to evaluate thousands of mutual funds quarterly. Warning signs include not knowing your funds' expense ratios, no documented monitoring process, or uncertainty about fiduciary liability. The DOL expects documented prudent process regardless of plan size.

A 3(21) co-fiduciary provides investment recommendations and guidance, but you retain final decision authority and share fiduciary responsibility. A 3(38) investment manager assumes full discretionary authority for selecting and monitoring plan investments, assuming that fiduciary liability. Most plan sponsors prefer 3(21) services to maintain control while getting expert advice and liability protection for their retirement savings plan.