Introduction
The role of retirement plan administrators and record keepers has rapidly evolved in recent years with changes in regulations, varying participant demographics, rising participant expectations, climbing fee pressures, and an increasing number of plan participants.
Technology continues to reshape the US retirement industry landscape. The development of digital tools and platforms that prioritize efficiency, security, and personalization has introduced a new era of retirement plan administration. A deep dive into the impending technology trends leading the charge in revolutionizing the retirement plan administration sector. Recordkeepers and retirement plan administration can proactively adopt these trends to stay ahead of the competition.
Technology trends transforming the retirement plan landscape
Technological advancements like software developments, data security measures, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and innovative analytics tools have all revolutionized the retirement plan industry. It makes plan administration more efficient, cost-effective, and secure for recordkeepers and retirement plan administrators.
1. AI-powered risk assessment and participant experience personalization
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a game-changer across multiple industries, and retirement plan administration is no exception. AI enables plan administrators to utilize precise and data-driven insights for risk assessment.
Moreover, AI-driven algorithms can personalize the participant experience and offer tailored education and communication to address clients’ unique needs and preferences. According to Accenture, 75% of high performers in the financial services industry believe AI is the key to enhancing efficiency and differentiation.
2. Enhanced participant engagement through AR & VR
Virtual engagement platforms and technologies are paving the way for improved participant interaction. Retirement plan administrators can now harness the power of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) to create immersive, interactive experiences that facilitate better client engagement rates.
Mobile applications and personalized dashboards also allow real-time tracking of investment portfolios and retirement savings. It enables plan participants to make better-informed decisions and boosts the overall success rates of individual retirement plans.
3. Robo-advisors and chatbots for 24/7 access
The growing prevalence of robo-advisors and chatbots empowers retirement plan administrators to provide participants with 24/7 access to their account information, personalized recommendations, and expert advice. According to a Statista report, the assets managed by robo-advisors worldwide are projected to reach $2.9 trillion by 2025.
The democratization of financial advice ensures that participants at every level have access to the support and guidance they need to make informed decisions for their future.
4. Blockchain for secure transactions
Blockchain technology – the decentralized, secure, and transparent ledger system – offers a groundbreaking opportunity to enhance the security and integrity of financial transactions in retirement plan administration.
The decentralized nature of blockchain promotes increased transparency, as all parties within the network can validate transactions without intermediary services. It ensures accuracy and strict adherence to regulations. Blockchain offers an increased level of security that elevates trust within the industry and addresses client concerns related to privacy and data protection.
5. Cloud-based administration platform
The shift toward cloud-based administration platforms allows recordkeepers and retirement plan administrators greater flexibility, scalability, and reliability. Cloud computing eliminates the need for expensive, on-premise systems, reducing overhead costs and simplifying the management of administrative tasks.
Furthermore, cloud-based solutions enable administrators to aggregate and analyze vast amounts of data, streamlining their services and offering insights that drive better participant outcomes. It becomes beneficial as the participant demographics are widely changing with multiple employers and varying jobs.
Technology leading the way forward
The retirement plan administration industry is experiencing a remarkable transformation due to rapid technological advancements. Embracing these trends will empower plan administrators and record keepers to optimize services.
Automation and digital tools can help reduce administrative costs, save time and energy, streamline processes, improve accuracy, and maximize operational efficiencies. Furthermore, with the advancements in data analytics and AI-driven operations, businesses can gain deeper insight into industry needs and monitor their plan’s performance more effectively.
