Solutions
Open Architecture Platform
NextStep's open architecture approach provides access to thousands of mutual fund options that can be used in constructing a plan's investment menu, and never limits those to only those offered by a single source fund family or an insurance company. As a result, advisors, TPAs and sponsors can virtually choose from the universe of fund options, including institutional class funds, high quality index and enhanced index funds, and exchange traded funds (ETFs).
The "Zero Alpha" Alternative
Transparency, efficiency, access and cost are critical factors in the construction, administration and performance of 401(k) and other defined contribution plans. That's why NextStep empowers and supports advisors and TPAs who wish to offer plan sponsor clients and their participants an investment alternative beyond the more traditional mutual fund approach.
We offer advisors and TPAs a compelling "zero alpha" solution that promotes transparency and addresses excessive investment costs while providing access to high quality investment options such as enhanced index funds, traditional index funds, and exchange traded funds (ETFs).
For more information, send an email to zeroalphadc@nextstepdc.com or call 888-913-3600.
Advisor/TPA Online Resources & Tools
NextStep, through its technology partnership with SunGard/Relius, offers a wide range of web-based resources and tools that allow role-authenticated users to perform a range of important tasks. As a result, advisors and/or TPAs can:
- View fund performance data
- Access fact sheets and prospectuses for plan-specific fund options
- View plan financial totals by investment and source
- View plan financial totals by individual account
- View employee count by participant category
- Offer model portfolios as investment options
- Rebalance model portfolios on-demand or schedule periodic auto-rebalancing
- Download, view or print records or other documents posted for the plan sponsor and financial advisor and investments advisor
- Link to participant information with the same options and data available in the Participant module
- Make changes on behalf of a participant
Enrollment Booklets
NextStep offers employee enrollment booklets through its communication and education partner, Newkirk®. Advisors and TPAs can choose from three booklet options, and the plan-specific booklets are customized and produced via the web using Newkirk's universal publishing system, EnrollPlusŪ.
To view a sample enrollment booklet, click here.
Participant Statements
NextStep also offers quarterly participant statements through its communication and education partner, Newkirk. These Newkirk SuperStatements provide extensive account information, as well as three pages of full-color educational material in an eight-page printed format.
To view a sample of the printed quarterly statement, click here.
Electronic participant statements can also be generated and viewed online within the NextStep platform.
Private Label Branding
Advisors, TPAs and plan sponsors have the option of using a "private label" approach in order to display their logo and other custom images within the NextStep site and on related materials. NextStep offers the following:
- Branded login screen with customized messaging and contact information
- Branded website
- Logo placement on printed quarterly participant statements
- Logo placement on reports generated within the NextStep platform (including electronic participant statements)
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