Products September 17, 2009

MFS Offers Program to Grow Retirement Plan Advisory Business

MFS Investment Management has introduced Advanced (k), a program designed to help retirement platform wholesalers and retirement advisers expand their retirement plan practice.

Reported by

According to a press release, MFS is rolling out Advanced (k) in two phases. Phase I consists of two modules:

  • benchmarking adviser fees and services: provides resources to educate advisers about fee norms and services; and online fee reporting tool benchmarks adviser fees for specific services based on plan demographics.
  • managing strategic client relationships: conducting retirement plan assessments; establishing annual goals and measures; developing annual relationship plans; monitoring progress and gauging client satisfaction; and relationship management training programs.

Each module contains a range of materials including PowerPoint presentations, a guidebook which incorporates value-added tools and deliverables, and numerous practice management resources.

The program will be delivered by the MFS Investment Specialist Group, a team which supports platform wholesalers and retirement advisers who focus on the defined contribution (DC) market, in group and one-on-one settings, as well as conferences and seminars. MFS expects to roll out phase II early in 2010.

MFS partnered with Ann Schleck & Co., a strategic marketing, sales and client service consultant for the retirement industry, to develop and provide Advanced (k).

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Deals & People September 17, 2009

Rampart Hires New Lead for Business Development

Rampart Investment Management, an asset management firm specializing in option strategies, has appointed Richard R. Davis as senior vice president of sales and consultant relations.

Reported by

As the senior vice president of sales and consultant relations, Davis will spearhead the company’s business development program, focusing on institutional and high-net-worth investors, the company said. In addition, Davis will focus on building and enhancing Rampart’s relationship with consultants and partners, and educating them on the benefits of Rampart’s options programs.

Prior to joining Rampart Investment Management, Davis served as the head of consultant relations at Natixis in Boston, where he was responsible for creating and maintaining the company’s institutional consultant relations program.  Davis has also held positions at Geode Capital Management, The Colony Group, David L. Babson & Co., and Standish, Ayer & Wood.

“Beyond just understanding the science of our options investment strategies, Dick comprehends the benefits behind the products Rampart offers,” said Ronald M. Egalka, president and chief executive officer.

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