Products June 7, 2011

VALIC Partners with Mesirow to Offer Investment Services

June 7, 2011 (PLANSPONSOR.com) – VALIC has introduced Plan Essentials, a comprehensive platform of investment products and services in partnership with Mesirow Financial.
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VALIC Plan Essentials offers two carefully selected investment lineups that have passed a comprehensive filtering process as part of Mesirow Financial’s fiduciary investment support. The Core investment lineup typically consists of funds that track widely followed market indexes.   

Plan sponsors who feel that their employees have a greater level of investment knowledge or simply want more choices can opt for the Expanded investment lineup, which includes more complex investment alternatives and an expanded range of market capitalization in addition to the Core investment options.   

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According to a news release, plan sponsors who choose VALIC Plan Essentials receive access to a broad range of services designed to simplify account management. Mesirow Financial will act as a fiduciary to select, monitor, and make ongoing adjustments to investment portfolios as needed. Each plan sponsor will have a dedicated, experienced account management team, comprehensive employee communications and education materials, and compliance solutions to ensure adherence to plan requirements.  

The tools and services available for plan participants are designed to address the growing number of technology and investment savvy employees. Participants can choose a more “hands-on” approach to retirement planning, taking advantage of VALIC’s online educational tools and calculators, though seminars, group meetings, and an on-site financial adviser will also be available should participants prefer a full-service experience. 

Products June 7, 2011

ING Offers Expanded Fiduciary Services

June 7, 2011 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - ING announced that it has expanded its fiduciary service offerings to help defined contribution plan sponsors better navigate their responsibilities under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).
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Through its relationship with Morningstar Associates, ING will be rolling out Portfolio Blueprint 3(38) to its retirement plan customers.  The service allows employers to delegate fiduciary authority for the selection, ongoing monitoring and replacement of the plan’s investments to Morningstar Associates, a qualified “investment manager,” as defined by section 3(38) of ERISA.   

According to the announcement, with the Portfolio Blueprint 3(38) service, Morningstar Associates acknowledges its role as a fiduciary, as set forth in ERISA section 3(38) with respect to the selection, monitoring and replacement of plan investment options from those available through ING’s platform. The service will be available to small and mid-sized companies that sponsor 401(k) retirement plans, and it represents one of the fiduciary service programs that customers can select from ING’s Portfolio Blueprint offerings.  

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“There’s a spotlight right now on retirement plan investment offerings and the obligations and responsibilities of those who select and advise on them,” said Brock Johnson, president of retirement solutions for Morningstar’s Investment Management division, in the announcement. “This service will continue to offer sponsors a diverse menu of high-quality investment options while giving them the confidence that comes with the fiduciary coverage from Morningstar Associates as an appointed investment manager to the plan.”  

For more information on ING’s Portfolio Blueprint 3(38) program, including specific terms and availability, contact ING Sales Desk at 1-866-481-3653, option 4.

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