Providing Socially Responsible Investing Options in Defined Contribution Plans

Offering a retirement plan to your employees is a great way to offer a competitive benefits package. But what about the investment options your plan provides? As a plan sponsor, you may often assess new investment options for your participants, largely considering the demographics of your participants, such as age, financial literacy, and other types of quantifiable data. Have you ever considered their societal values? Over the past few years, more plan sponsors are considering their participants’ societal values when developing investment menus to craft a strong array of options for their employees. This focus on environmental, social, and government issues within investing is typically known as Socially Responsible Investing (SRI) and is a great way for participants to “put their money where their mouths are” by making a societal impact as they save for retirement.

The Key Services a Retirement Plan Consultant Should Provide

A retirement plan consultant plays an important role in your business, helping you follow fiduciary responsibilities, mitigate risk, and provide an appropriate plan based on cost parameters and employee needs. Businesses rely on consultants to provide objective and knowledgeable guidance, advice, and service.

The extent of services provided by retirement plan consultants can vary significantly; therefore, in searching for an advisor, it is best for you to look for the services most optimal for your plan’s specific needs.

Does Your Retirement Plan Require a Consultant?

In light of the highly volatile market conditions over the past few years, as well as recently added regulatory disclosure requirements, plan sponsors are facing a growing level of fiduciary responsibility and risk. Many plan sponsors seek out the services of a plan consultant to provide them necessary assistance. Because of today’s circumstances, plan sponsors are looking for far more from their consultants than ever before.