The award has grown since its launch in 2005, and now includes 18 finalists across three categories. However, one thing remains the same: Our judges look for advisers that represent the best service to plan sponsors and their participants. Retirement Plan Advisers of the Year are not necessarily those with the most plans or assets under advisement (AUA). They are advisers who are doing their part to improve Americans’ retirement readiness.

 This year, to be eligible to be a finalist, advisers had to meet the following minimum criteria: having a majority of business revenue derived from employer-sponsored retirement plans, serving as a fiduciary, being committed to fee-based compensation and using outcome-based metrics of plan success with clients.

 We are pleased to showcase the very best practices from the nation’s very best advisers, adviser teams and multioffice teams, who—by their example—help set new standards for excellence in working with and advising workplace retirement plans.