MassMutual Provides Customizable Asset Allocation Funds

With CustomChoice Strategies plans can offer customized investments using asset allocation models developed by Morningstar Associates, LLC, and delivered through a Web-based interface. Sponsors can select funds from the plan’s existing investment lineup to meet Morningstar Associates’ target asset allocations, or they can adjust those asset allocation targets within preset ranges to further align them with the demographics of the plan’s participant base, according to a release.

MassMutual said the strategies can be based on target retirement dates in five- or 10-year increments; or three, four, or five lifestyle categories; or a blend of target retirement dates in 10-year increments, each with three lifestyle categories. Customized model strategies are listed among the investment options available to participants in enrollment materials and on the Web site.

Morningstar will then review the asset allocation targets annually, and the sponsor or adviser will be advised to review and re-authorize the custom strategies.

“MassMutual’s CustomChoice Strategies also creates an opportunity for retirement plan advisers to provide additional value to plan sponsors and participants,’ said Paul Steven Henry, vice president of product development for MassMutual’s Retirement Services Division, in the release. “If an adviser is assuming an investment fiduciary role, CustomChoice Strategies offers an easy-to-use solution that makes it easy to develop and implement unique investment strategies.’