John Hancock Funds has launched a new program designed to help retirement plan advisors demonstrate their value and build stronger client relationships. Available on the John Hancock Funds' advisor website, the program, "Focus on Value: What Matters Most to Your Clients – and How to Build on It," includes a guidebook, wholesaler PowerPoint, and plan sponsor toolkit.

In addition, John Hancock participated as a co-sponsor for a survey and study of plan sponsors released in the spring and called: "Can a Professional Retirement Plan advisor Really Make That Much of a Difference?" The survey findings provide first-person insight into ways that plan sponsors believe retirement plan advisors may bring the greatest value to their plans and participants.

"New Department of Labor regulations this year require retirement plan service providers to reveal investment expenses and fees to plan sponsors. The right advisor can help monitor and review fees to ensure compliance," noted Gene Huxhold, senior managing director, investment only retirement plans.