Products April 29, 2010

Clark Capital Offers Asset Allocation Models, Fiduciary Services

Clark Capital Management Group offers risk-based asset allocation models designed to protect 401(k) participants from dramatic declines.
Reported by

R. Michael McAleer, vice president of 401(k) Development at Clark Capital, said the firm manages six risk-based asset allocation models specifically designed for use inside of retirement plans. Two of these portfolios incorporate an institutional hedging strategy utilizing put options on the S& P 500 to help participants avoid dramatic declines in their 401(k) accounts.

Three of the models meet qualified default investment alternative (QDIA) requirements.

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In addition, according to an announcement, plan sponsors can elect to have Clark Capital act as an Employee Retirement Income Security Act 3(38) manager or co-fiduciary regarding the investment selection and monitoring of the plan. Clark Capital will oversee the selection of fund managers, ETFs, and investments, and monitor each continually to assure the adherence to portfolio objectives and risk levels.

Clark Capital provides this service at no additional cost when its collective funds are used by the plan.

More information about the company is available at www.ccmg.com.
Products April 29, 2010

MassMutual Aims to Help Advisers, TPAs Win in Small Market

MassMutual Retirement Services said it enhanced product, pricing, and process in order to help retirement plan advisers and third-party administrators (TPAs) in the $5 million and under market.
Reported by

The firm said improvements include making products easier to understand and straightforward pricing that is banded to enable pricing reductions as the plan grows. “Our streamlined sales process and product design make it easier to explain and quote more plans in less time, allowing for more sales opportunities, better plan retention, and the opportunity for more profitable growth,” said Hugh O’Toole, senior vice president and head of sales and client management for MassMutual’s Retirement Services Division, in a news release.

MassMutual offers both fully bundled and TPA service models. The enhanced products include a broad selection of group annuity and registered mutual fund investment options for 401(k) and 403(b) plans, including stable value and multiple target-date options from a variety of fund families on MassMutual’s Smart Architecture investment platform. Value-added services include MassMutual’s RetireSmart participant education tools such as RetireSmart Academy and automated participant education campaigns among others.

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Furthermore, MassMutual offers a suite of materials to assist retirement plan advisers and TPAs in presenting the product to plan sponsors and supporting them on an ongoing basis.

For more information, contact your MassMutual sales representative or contact MassMutual at 1.866.444.2601 or www.massmutual.com/retire.

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