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In Practice February 15, 2011
Intangible Qualities Make Recordkeepers Attractive
Consultants who advise plan sponsors on large-plan service provider
selection said "cultural fit" and "brand strength" were two of the most important qualities to look for.
Reported by Fred Schneyer
The DST Retirement Solutions survey asked, “How important is it for providers to utilize proprietary technology?” Seventy-eight percent of the consultants surveyed said it was not an important criterion for plan sponsors in the selection process. The top reasons why providers were selected in recent searches were pricing, cultural fit, brand strength and the commitment of the organization, as well as experience with large plans, the survey found.
Consultants advise sponsors to select service providers that differentiate on value-add services focused on participant and plan sponsor user experiences.
The authors of the survey advise that outsourcing core recordkeeping technology is appropriate if the technology is controlled by the service provider. Outsourced services and functions, including participant statement output, participant communication kits and newsletters, and trustee services, are also appropriate when the provider demonstrates control over the subcontractors or outsourcer.
The survey was commissioned in 2010 by DST Retirement Solutions and conducted by Oculus Partners, LLC, a strategic advisory firm serving the retirement industry.
“This research suggests that large-plan service providers can maximize their value proposition to plan sponsors by leveraging the technology investment and service expertise of a trusted outsourcer while focusing on the areas of their business that set them apart-their core business competencies and service differentiators,” said Jude Metcalfe, president, DST Retirement Solutions, in the news release.
DST Retirement Solutions’ research included surveys of 24 consultants representing 19 leading financial services consulting firms. Consultants interviewed had experience conducting provider searches in the defined contribution marketplace for plans with more than $100 million in assets.