Ameritas Launches PEP

Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. has announced the launch of a pooled employer plan, now available on Ameritas’ flexible retirement plan platform.

“Our PEP gives small and mid-size businesses and organizations the opportunity to establish a retirement plan with more ease and alleviates those common roadblocks that cause resistance toward sponsoring a plan,” Jim Kais, executive vice president of retirement plans for Ameritas, said in a statement. “Plan sponsors will now have a viable solution that reduces costs, lessens administrative burdens, and most of all, minimizes financial and legal risk.”

Ameritas will serve as the recordkeeper, with TRG Fiduciary Services serving as the pooled plan provider. LeafHouse Financial, a discretionary investment manager, will act as the plan’s 3(38) investment fiduciary. Charles Schwab Trust Bank will serve as the directed trustee. 

“What’s great about the new pooled employer plan from Ameritas is that both specialist advisors and generalist financial professionals can grow their practice while streamlining administration,” Scott Holechek, vice president of government and nonprofit retirement plans at Ameritas, said in a statement. “With our flexible platform and managed account options, financial professionals can satisfy varying investment appetites and offer personalized plans.”

Ameritas recently announced that Bill Lester will retire as president and CEO of Ameritas Mutual Holding Co. and several related entities at the end of the year. Bob Jurgensmeier will succeed Lester as CEO, as selected by the board. In addition, Susan Wilkinson will become president and chief operating officer. The transitions will be effective on January 2, 2024.