UK Firm to Launch PEP Recordkeeping Solution in the U.S.

Smart, a retirement technology business and global recordkeeper, has announced it will make available its recordkeeping solution for pooled employer plans (PEPs) in the U.S. next year.

Under the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act, pooled plan providers  may start offering PEPs beginning January 1.

According to Smart, its 100% cloud-based technology will provide an easy-to-use, turnkey and affordable solution for retirement plan advisers of all experience levels and employers. The UK-based firm says its technology “is the only U.S. offering purpose-built for PEPs and the facilitation of lifetime income in retirement plans that the SECURE Act allows.”

Features of the recordkeeping platform include intuitive setup and a guided proposal process; plans designed for startups and small businesses; real-time data insights at home-office, plan and participant levels; and white labeling, Smart says. Employers will also benefit from an easy-to-use dashboard that automates tasks to reduce the administrative burden and communicate with participants. Participants will gain a digital experience across a range of devices, access to real-time account information and tools to manage their investments.”

The company applies its technology to other recordkeeping engagements and uses a conflict-free approach to partner with financial services entities such as asset managers, banks, advisers, administrators and insurers.

Smart’s U.S. division will be led by Jodan Ledford as CEO. Ledford was most recently chief client officer at Legal & General Investment Management Americas. More information about Smart is at https://www.smart.co/usa.