Lisa Shidler

Schwab garners $4 billion in index-only 401(k) assets fast out of the gate

Kevin Chisholm: I don't think you can have the conversation about cost without talking about asset allocation and, ultimately, performance.

Cerulli

CFDD

Charles Schwab

401khelpcenter.com

Phil Chiricotti

Rick Meigs

Kevin Chisholm

Steve Anderson

The days when RIAs were the outsiders at the 401(k) party are fast coming to a close. What's new is that the mass of 401(k) assets 
is getting critical at about $3 trillion; fiduciary advisors are getting appreciated; fat fees and questionable kickbacks are getting exposed and stepping out of line is getting dicier as the Department of Labor tightens the regulatory screws.

The old reasons why the 401(k) business is attractive are still in place: there are fresh assets pouring in every month and when employees leave jobs or retire, they produce rollovers that build up IRA accounts for financial advisors. The drawbacks of getting into the 401(k) business are still in place, too. Dealing with retirement assets is really a second line of business and it remains -- unless you overcharge with hidden fees -- a low margin business with high potential fiduciary liabilities.

Still, the outsourcers, infrastructure and accumulated knowledge for RIAs to capitalize on is growing daily and a the mega-shift of assets away from brokers is making the 401(k) business riskier and riskier -- to ignore.

401(k) Stories

Critics applaud the San Francisco broker's early success but wonder whether such a cost-focused approach is really enough

Schwab garners $4 billion in index-only 401(k) assets fast out of the gate

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