Broker Check

Plan Sponsors

The responsibilities of Plan Sponsors as they relate to their organization's retirement plans have significantly increased in response to new regulations. Hamilton Cavanaugh can offer a broad range of services to Plan Sponsors who wish to outsource certain related functions and can provide solutions to the many challenges Plan Sponsors face today. Among these are:

  • What is the day-to-day role of the Plan Sponsor in each program?
  • Which administrative services are required and who will perform them?
  • What are the fees associated with each retirement program and are they reasonable?
  • What information needs to be communicated to employees?
  • What is the process for core daily transactions (enrollments, contributions, loans, hardships, distributions, etc.)?
  • What are the service standards?
  • How will high quality service be ensured?

Since these matters have a lasting impact on a Plan Sponsor's day-to-day experience and the employees they serve, Hamilton Cavanaugh is committed to partnering with each Plan Sponsor to ensure their Plans are both efficient and competitive, as well as valued by their employees.

When implementing a new retirement plan or amending an existing one, it is critical to provide comprehensive services specifically tailored to the objectives of each organization and the unique needs of its employees. Hamilton Cavanaugh's goal is to assist Plan Sponsors with the development and ongoing management of their retirement plans, including exploring their various options. Our Plan consulting services include:

  • Plan Review and Recommendations
  • Plan Design and/or Analysis
  • Investment Provider Review
  • Plan Utilization
  • Fee Structures
  • Auto Enrollment
  • Roth Feature
  • Self-Directed Brokerage Account Options
  • Compliance/Fee Disclosure Regulations
  • Fiduciary Obligations

Executive Compensation Solutions

  • Plan Design and/or Analysis of 457(b) and/or 457(f) Plans
  • Coordination with Qualified Plans
  • Administrative Procedures Review

By offering a comprehensive range of services and flexibility so that Plan Sponsors can choose the services that best meet their organization's needs, Hamilton Cavanaugh strives to make the demanding job of a Plan Sponsor more manageable.

 

Hamilton Cavanaugh helps to eliminate many of the administrative burdens that accompany retirement plans. By acting as a liaison between third-party providers, such as record-keepers and investment advisors, Hamilton Cavanaugh can ensure the cohesive and cost efficient delivery of services to Plan Sponsors. We support Human Resources, Payroll, Finance, and Pension Committees with their responsibilities by offering a wide range of services and flexibility, allowing Plan Sponsors to select the particular expertise they require. Hamilton Cavanaugh strives to simplify the demanding obligations of the Plan Sponsor. The services we provide include:

  • Monitoring transactions (including loans, withdrawals, and contract exchanges)
  • Monitoring financial hardship distributions (including notifying Plan Sponsors to cease contributions for 6 months)
  • Communicating technical and regulatory updates to Plan Sponsors
  • Facilitating compliance with requirements for:
    • Annual Form 5500 processing
    • Annual Non-Discrimination Testing
    • Annual Independent Audit
    • Annual Qualified Default Investment Alternative (QDIA) Notices
    • Plan Documents and Summary Plan Descriptions
  • Interfacing with record-keepers to resolve remittance issues, eligibility and vesting questions, etc.
  • Assisting with employer contribution calculations
  • Counseling employees regarding retirement distribution options, minimum required distributions, asset allocations, etc.

 

Hamilton Cavanaugh recognizes the success of a retirement plan is largely driven by the level of understanding and appreciation employees have for the plan. Employees view their benefits program as a key component of their overall compensation package, and their retirement plan as critical to helping them build financial security. Encouraging participation in the Plan originates with a strong focus on participant education and communication. This process begins by:

  • Introducing new Plans at orientation and/or group enrollment meetings
  • Reviewing Plan highlights
  • Discussing investment basics
  • Examining the new or amended investment menu.

In our effort to provide employees with a level of comfort with their investment decisions, we meet with participants regularly to answer questions. We recognize each investor has a risk tolerance and individual portfolio profile which must be considered to successfully make appropriate recommendations. In an effort to consider this and reinforce participants' understanding of their plan, we provide:

  • One-on-one meetings
  • Group events such as Lunch & Learn seminars
  • A dedicated toll-free participant call center staffed by licensed professionals
  • A comprehensive website