Institutional retirement services firms that partner with local and regional TPA firms have long used preferred provider programs to attract and build loyalty among the most attractive TPAs. Do TPAs care? Which program components do TPAs value most—and least?

After nearly a decade of intense development, testing and promotion, guaranteed income features are available in only 10,000 to 12,000 defined contribution plans nationally, about two percent of the total. What gives?Advisors aren’t the problem. According to our current research, nearly seven in ten 401(k) advisors are at least somewhat interested in a guaranteed income feature within a DC plan. Among heavy advisors (the 25% of 401(k) advisors who derive 60% or more of their income from 401(k))...

Advisors active in 401(k) acquire about three plans per year on average, an annual sales number that rises to nearly seven plans for the typical Heavy advisor (one who derives at least 60% of total practice revenue from the sale and servicing of 401(k) plans).

Over the past five years or so RIAs rolled into 401(k) big time and in doing so rocked the once familiar business model of more traditional 401(k) advisors. We define two groups of 401(k)-active RIAs.

Section 401(k), added to the IRC by the Revenue Act of 1978, formally sanctioned the use of salary reduction as a source of tax-deferred retirement plan contributions. The law went into effect on January 1, 1980 and the first 401(k) plans became operational after the IRS issued regulations in late 1981 (though a few brave pioneer sponsors did jump the gun).

Our (Brightwork Partners) most recent survey of 600 advisors active in 401(k) gathered information on advisor perceptions about their fiduciary status to plans, the extent to which plans are covered by a formal 3 (21) or 3(38) fiduciary services agreement and whether those services were being provided directly by the advisor or by a third party fiduciary such as Mesirow.

The ongoing surveys of Advisors in 401(k) conducted by Brightwork Partners document major channel shifts over recent years. Looking back to 2005, insurance – and wirehouse – affiliated advisors dominated the sale and service of 401(k) plans; together these two channels comprised 62% of all Advisors active in 401(k). By last year that had fallen to 35%.

Withdrawals from 401(k) plans are now exceeding new contributions as baby boomers age, a shift that could have profound implications for the U.S. retirement industry.

ING's "Retirement Revealed" study examines retirement attitudes and behaviors of working women.

Single Women's Profile