During an unprecedented and confusing time, we hope to provide solace in the form of reassurance. This is why we’d like to share with you our recent recognition as a way of letting you know that we are here to stay and committed to serving you.
ACG was recently recognized by the National Association of Plan Advisors (NAPA) as the 12th largest retirement plan advisor team in 2019. We have received this recognition from NAPA since 2017 when the award was established. NAPA is an affiliate of the non-profit American Retirement Association, formerly the American Society of Pensions Professionals and Actuaries. To be considered for the award, firms had to submit applications which included information about their firm, notably their defined contribution (DC) assets under advisement.
Each year, PLANADVISER magazine recognizes the top quantitative standouts from our Retirement Plan Adviser Survey with the Top 100 Retirement Plan Advisers awards. Top 100 designees are named according to the dollar value of qualified plan assets under advisement, as well as the number of plans under advisement. To become eligible for this quantitative listing, advisers must complete the annual Retirement Plan Adviser Survey, fielded each September. ACG is considered a Large Team with $3.5 Billion or more in Retirement Plan Assets Under Advisement.
In order to provide individualized advice to participants, ACG is audited annually by DALBAR to comply with the fiduciary safe harbors in the Eligible Investment Advice Arrangement requirements. ACG expands its engagement with DALBAR to include a review to validate our §3(38) Investment Management processes and custom model portfolios used as Qualified Default Investment Alternatives (QDIA).
Who is DALBAR?
DALBAR is the financial community’s leading independent expert for evaluating, auditing, and rating business practices, customer performance, product quality, and service. DALBAR has a 30-year history recognized by industry and government as an independent third-party expert in the business of providing evaluations, ratings, and performance due diligence. DALBAR certifications are recognized as marks of excellence in adviser services, communications, electronic, and telephone services. DALBAR is the only ratings firm with an SEC no-action letter exempting its evaluations from the testimonial rule. Given its history, reputation, and our extensive involvement in fiduciary adviser training, we believe that DALBAR meets or exceeds the expertise and proficiency required to conduct audits required by ERISA Section 408(g)(5).