Guardian Offers Bundled Solution to Small Plans

According to the announcement, the addition of a fully bundled third-party administration service option will complement Guardian’s existing network of third party administrators. To offer brokers and clients the option of full service capabilities, Guardian will utilize the established third party administration center that currently supports other retirement business within the firm.

“By leveraging the firm’s existing service operations and expertise, Guardian is able to enter the full service arena swiftly and seamlessly,” said James Consolati, Vice President at Guardian, in the announcement. “For clients who opt for the bundled approach, we’ll handle the participant recordkeeping and third party administrative service requirements.”

In addition, Guardian introduced a new funding option for qualified retirement plans, The Guardian Choice. As an alternative to the flagship Guardian Advantage group annuity, which is geared toward smaller and start-up plans, The Guardian Choice is a group variable funding agreement ideally suited for existing plans with more than $1 million in assets.

Each funding option offers a range of investment options from well-known fund companies. Investments are selected and monitored by an independent registered investment adviser and investment advice is available to participants for a fee.

Guardian said these latest enhancements are designed to meet the needs of a broader spectrum of emerging and entrepreneurial companies.