What is a Rekon™ 401(k) Provider Profile?

A. A summary of key data and features about a retirement plan provider. A 401(k) Rekon provider profile includes product names, resources, hyperlinks to plan information and resources, brief details. See the provider database for this information.

How do you decide which companies are included in the 401(k) provider database?

A. Many factors influenced our initial 401(k) provider list. However, we expect to create Rekon Provider Profiles™ for most major retirement plan providers. Email any suggestions to Feedback@401kRekon.com.

Does 401(k) Rekon recommend 401(k) providers?

A. Absolutely not! We are a research organization that supports financial advisors, broker dealers, and retirement plan providers. We provide information and resources that allow advisors to make the most appropriate decisions for their clients. Only a financial advisor can ‘know his or her client,’ so only an advisor is qualified to make recommendations.

How can I access password-protected data from a 401(k) provider?

A. Advisors must have access to a provider’s website to view the materials. Go to 401(k) Rekon provider database. Select a Provider > “Contact and Demo Sites” > “Websites” for access instructions.

Do I need to check with my compliance department before using materials?

A. Yes, always check. We are not affiliated with any broker dealer, so we do not know which 401(k) resources or 401(k) products are approved at your firm.

How often is the database updated?

A. Whenever a new 401(k) resource is available, or changes are made to a product, we will update as soon as we have the information.

How does 401(k) Rekon remain objective when completing a 401(k) provider profile?

A. We ask 401(k) providers to review their 401(k) Rekon Profiles for accuracy. Our intent is to tell the provider’s story, not provide our opinion on the 401(k) provider. Each financial advisor is best equipped to determine which retirement plan providers are most appropriate for his or her clients. We provide the research so advisors can make decisions and advise their clients.

When does the Beta period end?

A. Sometime in May.

How can I obtain a Beta login?

A. Free beta logins are available from 401(k) Rekon. Login: beta. Password: beta.

Who decides which resources are included in the Rekon 401(k) Provider Profile?

A. Researchers use some discretion when deciding which resources to include. However, we interview wholesalers and other 401(k) provider representatives. We ask which resources are most popular with financial advisors, which resources are unique, etc. Experienced researchers, who are also financial advisors, collaborate with retirement plan provider representatives to determine which resources should be included.

Is every resource of the 401(k) provider included in the Rekon 401(k) Provider Profile?

A. No. The Rekon 401(k) Provider Profile is not intended to include every resource. If you think a resource should be added to a Rekon 401(k) Provider Profile, please email suggestions to Feedback@401kRekon.com.

How do I know which resources or platforms are available at my broker dealer?

A. Check with your compliance department. Also, many retirement plan providers have knowledge concerning which 401(k) resources and 401(k) products are available at your firm, but your compliance department is the ultimate authority.

Why do some links in the 401(k) provider database require a password?

A. Many resources are password protected at the retirement plan provider’s site. 401(k) Rekon provides a description of the resource and directions to obtain it. You have access to the 401(k) provider’s site to view the resource.

How do I know which 401(k) resources are approved for client use?

A. Many resources show either ER (employer use), EE (employee use), or FP (financial professional use) in the title box. As always, check with your compliance department before using any resource.

Will more 401(k) providers be included in the database?

A. Yes. Our researchers are conducting ‘Rekon’ on new 401(k) providers daily. We expect to have over 100 retirement plan providers in the database by mid-2010.

What is the Overview?

A. If a financial advisor is unfamiliar with a retirement plan provider, the Overview tab in our 401(k) provider database is a good place to begin due diligence.

Why are some fields blank?

A. Either the 401(k) plan provider does not have a resource for that field, or we have not entered the data yet. Many 401(k) plan providers are still in the research stage, and data is being added daily. Check frequently for updates.