Asset Management

Break Through the Defined Contribution Market

Asset management message2

Contact Us

Jared F. Baucom

Jared F. Baucom

Managing Director, Global Sales & Marketing

Do You Need a Target-Date Product Line to Expand into the 401(k) Market? 

 

The DC market is notoriously fee-sensitive, and the product landscape is dominated by simple, transparent, low-cost investment vehicles. It’s also top-heavy—more than three-quarters (79%) of target-date assets are concentrated among the top-five managers.

As plan sponsors look to consultants and intermediaries to take more control over investment lineups, will opportunities emerge for single-strategy managers in the defined contribution investment-only (DCIO) space? With significant growth in outsourced chief investment officer (OCIO) assets in the defined contribution (DC) space over the last three years, we believe the answer is “yes.”

DC Recordkeepers: Plan QDIA Designations, 2020

Source: Cerulli Associates, in partnership with the SPARK Institute and DCII

Target-date funds are by far the most prevalent QDIA in 401(k) plans. Given their favored status as the default and common designation as “Tier 1” investments, these strategies have captured a growing share of DC flows over in recent years. Specifically, target-date series now account for nearly 60% of all new contributions to 401(k) plans (see The Cerulli Report—U.S. Defined Contribution Distribution 2020: Adapting to Changes in the Regulatory Environment). The distinct majority of 401(k) plans specify a default investment account of some kind, although adoption lags somewhat in the “micro” market.

Connect With Us

Learn what it will take to win mandates and participate in flexible asset allocation options, as well as determine what types of plans and intermediaries to influence in the 401(k) market.

Learn More

Retirement Practice

Subject Matter Experts

Bing Waldert

Bing Waldert

Managing Director, U.S. Research

Bio →

Bing Waldert

Bing Waldert

Managing Director, U.S. Research

Bing Waldert leads Cerulli’s U.S. Research team comprising seven research practices that cover all elements of the U.S. asset management, wealth management, and retirement markets. He has authored Cerulli reports on the wealth management industry, high-net-worth market, the annuity industry, and retirement markets. He is a frequent board-level and C-suite speaker and well-regarded industry thought leader. He has spoken in front of the Investment Company Institute (ICI), the Asset Management Association of China (AMAC), the Investments and Wealth Institute (IWI), and the Money Management Institute (MMI).

He has worked on client projects on emerging manager expansion strategies, independent registered investment advisors (RIAs), multi-family offices (MFOs), investment platforms, and the outsourced chief investment officer (OCIO) industry. In addition, he has advised multiple private equity firms on acquisitions in the wealth management space.

Full biography here.

Anna Fang

Anna Fang

Associate Director, Data Analytics

Bio →

Anna Fang

Anna Fang

Associate Director, Data Analytics

Anna’s responsibilities include the management of Cerulli’s data visualization efforts across all publications. She plays a key role in executing Cerulli’s data warehousing and data automation initiatives. She also supports and trains analysts in data analytic tools and data literacy. Anna began her tenure at Cerulli Associates as an Editor on U.S. publications and later transitioned to an Analyst on the Retirement team.

Prior to joining Cerulli Associates, Anna was at Wellesley Investment Advisors. In her role, she complied and organized client reports and marketing materials for financial advisors.

Full biography here.

Shawn O'Brien, CFA

Shawn O'Brien, CFA

Director

Bio →

Shawn O'Brien, CFA

Shawn O'Brien, CFA

Director

Shawn oversees the Retirement practice at Cerulli Associates. In this role, Shawn oversees and mentors a team of analysts responsible for publishing research on the trends in defined contribution (DC) and IRA markets. Additionally, Shawn provides strategic oversight to Cerulli’s consulting projects focused on opportunities in the retirement space. Shawn frequently speaks at industry summits and conferences. Shawn is also responsible for overseeing the firm’s Data Analytics team.

Prior to joining Cerulli Associates, Shawn was a researcher at Harvard Business School where he co-authored case studies alongside professors Adi Sunderam and Luis M. Viceira focused on investment management for individual and institutional investors. Shawn started his career in investment operations at SSgA where he covered the firm’s equity collective investment trusts and institutional separate accounts.

Full biography here.

Strategic consulting graphic blue 1640x917

Strategic Consulting

Understand where to allocate resources to achieve your objectives. We can help you determine which initiatives are likely to be successful and those that may not achieve the desired effect. In an increasingly competitive market, our objectivity and experience can help you to advance your firm’s unique strengths.

Learn More

You may also be interested in

  • Annual report
  • The Cerulli Edge

We use cookies to improve your site experience, distinguish you from other users and support the marketing of our services. These cookies may store your personal information. By continuing to use our website, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device. For more information, please visit our Privacy Notice.