The PLANADVISER Top Retirement Plan Advisers recognition is based solely on self-reported quantitative data about an adviser’s practice, including amount of retirement plan assets under advisement and number of plans under advisement. Because this recognition is based solely on quantitative figures, there is no judging or subjective measurement. The period used for consideration for award recognition is typically the previous calendar year. Neither advisory firms nor their employees pay a fee in exchange for this award.

To be considered a 2022 NAPA Top DC Advisor Team, advisers had to submit an application form to NAPA-Net. The list focuses on investment advisory teams, rather than individual investment advisers, and on the defined contribution practice specifically. Teams are ranked based on Assets under Advisement (as of 12/31/2022). The complete list can be found here: https://www.napa-net.org/top-dc-advisor-teams-2022.

The PLANSPONSOR Retirement Plan Adviser of the Year includes winners across four categories: individual, small team, large team and mega team. Judges look for advisory practices that employ industry best practices across a number of areas, including the implementation of auto enrollment, auto escalation and re-enrollment, especially at higher levels than the industry norms. Advisers that are successful in the award program need to demonstrate a commitment to outcomes-based measurement and encourage plan sponsor clients to create plans not that are just in the best interest of the company but are in the best interest of participants. This award does not evaluate the quality of services provided to clients and is not indicative of future performance. Neither the advisors nor their parent firms pay a fee to PLANSPONSOR in exchange for the Retirement Plan Adviser of the Year award.

The Financial Times 401 Top Retirement Advisors is an independent listing produced annually by Ignites Research, a division of Money-Media, Inc., on behalf of the Financial Times (October 2020). The FT 401 is based on data gathered from advisors, regulatory disclosures, and the FT’s research. The listing reflects each advisor’s status in six primary areas: DC plan assets under advisement (AUA), DC AUA growth rate, specialization in DC plans, years of experience, advanced industry credentials and compliance record. A total of 855 advisors applied for the award, of which 401 were selected (47%). This award is not indicative of the advisor’s future performance. Neither the advisors nor their parent firms pay a fee to the Financial Times in exchange for inclusion in the FT 401.