Thought Leadership November 23, 2020

Considering Provider Support During a Challenging Year

Stock plan sponsors reflect on provider response as they navigate administration during the pandemic

Sponsored by E*TRADE

Challenges Facing Stock Plan Sponsors:

The most common challenge for stock plan administrators across the industry this year was managing plan designs.


23%	11%	10%	9%
Managing plan design	Support for international participants	Managing tax withholdings	Mobility tracking

Plan Sponsors Received Needed Support During COVID-19:

Plan sponsors are overwhelmingly satisfied with providers’ response during COVID-19.

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	favorablity rating
Consistency of support for plan administrators	94%
Consistency of support for plan participants	94%
Proactive communication of business continuity plans	89%
Overall satisfaction with COVID-19 response	94%

The majority of plan sponsors also reported having experienced little to no disruption or impact as a result of their providers’ COVID-19 response.

Positive Provider Feedback

54%	No disruption/impact
15%	Generally positive
13%	Proactive communication to administrator

However, for those with some negative feedback for the provider set, the most frequently expressed feedback is a lack of communication.

Negative Provider Feedback

38%	Communication lacking
15%	Slower response time
15%	Degraded work quality

* Group Five Stock Plan Administration Benchmark Study

Plan sponsors need a reliable provider—someone they can count on to help them manage their plans and communicate proactively.

Clients gave E*TRADE a 98% favorable rating in providing consistent support during the pandemic

89% rated E*TRADE favorably in delivering proactive communications

While we will never stop being on the forefront of technological advances, service is at the core of who we are. We are committed to building strong, personal relationships so we can anticipate the unique needs of our clients and their participants, especially during these trying times. Our focus is on our clients and working to help them continue to build their plans with the future in mind.

All ratings noted from Group Five 2020 Stock Plan Administration and Financial Reporting Benchmark Study Results. Group Five, Inc. is not affiliated with E*TRADE Financial Corporate Services, Inc. or the E*TRADE Financial family of companies.

E*RADE Financial Corporate Services, Inc. is located at 3 Edison Drive, Alpharetta, GA 30005.

The E*TRADE Financial family of companies provides financial services that include trading, investing, banking and managing employee stock plans.

Employee stock plan solutions are offered by E*TRADE Financial Corporate Services, Inc.

Securities products and services are offered by E*TRADE Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.

In connection with stock plan solutions offered by E*TRADE Financial Corporate Services, Inc., E*TRADE Securities LLC provides brokerage services to stock plan participants.

E*TRADE Financial Corporate Services, Inc. and E*TRADE Securities LLC are separate but affiliated subsidiaries of E*TRADE Financial, LLC.

The laws, regulations, and rulings addressed by the products, services, and publications offered by E*TRADE Financial Corporate Services, Inc. and its affiliates are subject to various interpretations and frequent change. E*TRADE Financial Corporate Services, Inc. and its affiliates do not warrant these products, services, and publications against different interpretations or subsequent changes of laws, regulations, and rulings. E*TRADE Financial Corporate Services, Inc. and its affiliates do not provide legal, accounting, or tax advice. Always consult your own legal, accounting, and tax advisors.