Retirement Services Providers Recognized for Communications

The newest addition to the program, launched in conjunction with PLANSPONSOR, recognizes best-in-class marketing and communications to the multi-faceted and highly-competitive retirement marketplace. “Clear, concise education in a creative and user-friendly format are best practices reflected most by winners,” says MFEA Director Kimber Lintz.

Top winners are Putnam Investments and J.P. Morgan Asset Management. Both garnered multiple awards including the Overall Retirement Communications Award, which acknowledges a firm’s all-around, cohesive effort in communicating with retirement plan decisionmakers and participants.

In the Small Asset Class (Up to $5 Billion AUM) Company Category, Saturna Capital won an Introduction/Onboarding Kit award.

Award winners in the Medium Asset Class (Over $5 & Up to $35 Billion AUM) Company Category include:

• Aon Hewitt, given the Newsletter award;
• RidgeWorth Investments, which earned the Thought Leadership/White Paper award; and
• Valic, pulling in the Ongoing Education award.

Award winners in the Large Asset Class (Over $35 & Up to $100 Billion) Company Category include:

• Putnam Investments, given the Overall Retirement Communications, Website, Thought Leadership/White Paper, and Digital Communications awards;
• Lincoln Financial Group, receiving Ongoing Education, Plan Conversion Communications, and Digital Innovation awards;
• Legg Mason, securing the Events & Conferences award;
• Mass Mutual Retirement Services, taking home the Newsletter award;
• New York Life Retirement Plan Services, winning the Special Campaign award;
• Securian Financial Group, getting the Introduction/Onboarding Kit award; and
• TIAA-CREF, earning the Ongoing Education award.

In the Large Plus Asset Category (Over $100 Billion AUM) Company Category, award winners included:

• J.P. Morgan Asset Management, earning the Overall Retirement Communications, Website, and Thought Leadership/White Paper awards;
• Vanguard, pulling in the Introduction/Onboarding Kit, Plan Conversion Communications, and Digital Innovation awards;
• T. Rowe Price, accepting the Ongoing Education and Newsletter awards;
• John Hancock Investments, winning the Digital Communications award; and
• Principal Funds, boasting the Special Campaign award.

Lintz says the expanded emphasis on retirement categories recognizes the significant ways that fund companies help investors reach their retirement goals through the effective use of 401(k)s and other employer programs. She adds that this initiative is consistent with MFEA’s long-standing focus on investor education and engagement in the investment process. “We are pleased to have such a prestigious supporter in PLANSPONSOR, a partner who well understands the importance of education and communication.”

Now in its 18th year, MFEA’s STAR Awards is the mutual fund industry’s preeminent awards competition, recognizing excellence in marketing, communications and digital efforts to investors and intermediaries in three main segments: Retail, Advisor and Retirement. Awards are presented in four asset levels and are evaluated by an industry panel of marketing, communications and digital executives. Retail and Advisor STAR Awards winners will be announced at the STAR Awards Celebration in Chicago on October 21.