Brightscope Hones in on 403(b)s

According to a press release, the BrightScope Rating analyzes “more than 200 unique data points per plan – such as company generosity, fees and investment menu – to provide a single numerical score indicative of plan quality.” BrightScope provides open access to plan ratings on its Web site, which it says allows “visitors” (read “plan participants”) to “compare plans, find areas for improvement and ways to initiate positive change with plan sponsors.” 

“The addition of 403(b) plan ratings is another step forward on BrightScope’s mission to increase the retirement security of America’s workforce by bringing transparency and efficiency to the retirement plan market,” said BrightScope CEO, Mike Alfred. “The highly rated 403(b) plans that appear on the inaugural list represent some of the best plans in the country – as measured in terms of size, number of participants and employee demographics — and should serve as an example of excellence that all plan sponsors should strive for on behalf of participants.” 

Oh, and yes – they have released a listing of what the firm calls “the Top 25 403b Plans with more than $100 million in assets.”  

More information is available at www.brightscope.com