How do record-keepers differentiate from one another in the crowded $7 trillion defined contribution market? A cynic might say they don't.
The commoditization of services, the lock-step descent of fees across industry, the increasing adoption and role of set-it-and-forget it target-date and managed investment options, all make it difficult for competitors to separate from the pack.
Agnostic analysis exists of record-keeper metrics—how many plan sponsor clients and participants they serve and in what segment of the market. Plan sponsors and advisors can also measure how a record-keeper's proprietary products fare against the seemingly infinite queue of investment options available.
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Nick Thornton
Nick Thornton is a financial writer covering retirement and health care issues for BenefitsPRO and ALM Media. He greatly enjoys learning from the vast minds in the legal, academic, advisory and money management communities when covering the retirement space. He's also written on international marketing trends, financial institution risk management, defense and energy issues, the restaurant industry in New York City, surfing, cigars, rum, travel, and fishing. When not writing, he's pushing into some land or water.
