Products June 7, 2017

Folio Institutional Revamps Website

Informational materials on the redesigned site include “how to” articles and case studies.
Reported by

Folio Institutional has redesigned its public-facing website to showcase its leading solutions for advisers. Visitors now have a new user interface along with access to the Folio Sightlines blog, featuring interviews with industry experts and “how to” articles. It also offers various client case studies highlighting its work with registered-investment advisers (RIAs) and wealth management firms. A Newsroom section features a speaker’s bureau, calendar of events, press releases and Folio Institutional media coverage.

“Our public website now reflects the key features and benefits of our integrated, paperless platform that make Folio stand out from the competition,” says Greg Vigrass, president of the firm. “The new website better communicates Folio Institutional’s valuable services to our clients, prospects and partners. For example, it notes that our brokerage platform is customizable and API [application program interface]-driven, and explains how our fractional-share, model-based and DOL [Department of Labor]-compliant trading systems help advisers manage accounts of all sizes. It also highlights our sophisticated, automated tax management capabilities that benefit larger accounts.”

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The website is also enhanced to be mobile ready. 

Deals & People June 7, 2017

Ascensus Takes On Cash Balance Provider Kravitz

As a result of the acquisition, Ascensus will serve approximately 50,000 retirement plans.
Reported by

Service and technology provider Ascensus announced the acquisition of Kravitz Inc., an independently owned retirement administration firm and cash balance plan specialist.

Kravitz, founded in 1977, designed its first cash balance plan in 1989 and has since grown into what many describe as the nation’s cash balance plan leader. The firm offers training, education and support on cash balance plans to its clients and an extensive network of financial advisers and third-party administrator (TPA) partners. Employing 85 individuals, it services more than 1,400 clients with retirement plans.

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During a recent conversation with PLANADVISER, Raghav Nandagopal, executive vice president of corporate development and mergers/acquisitions at Ascensus, said the firm is charging full steam ahead on the goal of rapidly building scale, partly through organic growth but also through rapidly paced mergers and acquisitions.

As a result of the acquisition, Ascensus will serve approximately 50,000 retirement plans. Kravitz will maintain its focus on cash balance plans, with Dan Kravitz continuing in a senior leadership role.

“Kravitz is renowned for its cash balance plan expertise, market leadership and client focus—we’re excited for its team of actuaries and retirement plan professionals to join the Ascensus family,” says Shannon Kelly, Ascensus’ president of retirement. “Cash balance plans are sophisticated and complex retirement plans that require a superior level of actuarial acumen; under Dan’s ongoing leadership, we anticipate extending our company’s growth into the mid-market segment.”

“The Kravitz team is looking forward to becoming part of Ascensus and continuing to help our clients save for a more secure retirement,” says Kravitz. “Our clients, employees and industry partners can expect us to keep providing state-of-the-art plan design and expert administration while remaining dedicated to our values of innovation, accountability and integrity.”

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