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.

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