Ascensus seals deal for beefy $3.9B 401(k) business

Ascensus seals deal for beefy $3.9B 401(k) business
The third-party administrator will take over 2,300 plans from its long-time partner, Mutual of Omaha.
MAR 28, 2024

Ascensus is looking to solidify its market-leading status in the retirement savings sector through an agreement with Mutual of Omaha. The companies announced Thursday that Ascensus, one of the top third-party administrators and group retirement savings program providers, is acquiring the insurer's 401(k) record-keeping business.

This move comes after more than two decades of partnership between the two entities, with Ascensus already providing extensive support services for the business it’s snapping up.

According to an analysis by Capitalize, nearly three-fifths of American workers today – including more than 71.5 million private-sector employees – have access to 401(k) retirement plans, marking a new high for the space.

“We are honored that Mutual of Omaha, a company we have respected throughout our many years of partnership, has entrusted Ascensus with the retirement savings futures of their valued clients and savers,” Ascensus president Nick Good said in a statement.

It’s been almost nine months since Good took over as president in a leadership baton pass announced last July. He currently reports to his predecessor David Musto, Ascensus’ CEO and chair.

Under the terms of the agreement, Ascensus – which already oversees more than 154,000 retirement plans covering almost 5 million workers as of December 31 – will take over the administration of more than 2,300 retirement plans, catering to the needs of 65,000 savers, and managing assets exceeding $3.9 billion.

Details regarding the financial aspects of the deal were not disclosed.

Both companies emphasized that the transition will be seamless for plan sponsors and participants, as they will continue to use the Ascensus portal to access their services.

Following the transaction, the TPA says participants will have complimentary access to Financial Finesse Essentials, its suite of virtual coaching and planning tools, and benefit from its continued investment in technology.

"[W]e determined after a thorough strategic review of our 401(k) business that transitioning it to Ascensus would be in the best interest of our customers and our company,” said Stacy Scholtz, executive vice president at Mutual of Omaha.

Here's why an active overwrite options strategy is perfect for today's market

Latest News

Culture x capital: A new frontier for RIAs & UHNW clients
Culture x capital: A new frontier for RIAs & UHNW clients

In a saturated market of PE secondaries and repackaged alts, cultural assets stand out as an underutilized, experiential, and increasingly monetizable class of wealth.

LPL Financial on target to retain 90% of Commonwealth financial advisors, Wolfe Research analyst says
LPL Financial on target to retain 90% of Commonwealth financial advisors, Wolfe Research analyst says

However, Raymond James has had success recruiting Commonwealth advisors.

Elon Musk's DOGE compromised critical Social Security data, whistleblower claims
Elon Musk's DOGE compromised critical Social Security data, whistleblower claims

A complaint by the Social Security Administration's chief data officer alleges numbers, names, and other sensitive information were handled in a way that creates "enormous vulnerabilities."

Hedge funds win review of SEC’s short sale disclosure rule
Hedge funds win review of SEC’s short sale disclosure rule

The New Orleans-based 5th Circuit has sided the industry groups arguing the commission's short-selling rules exceeded its authority.

Carlyle to acquire intelliflo from Invesco, spinning off RedBlack for US RIAs
Carlyle to acquire intelliflo from Invesco, spinning off RedBlack for US RIAs

The deal will see the global alts giant snap up the fintech firm, which has struggled to gain traction among advisors over the years, for up to $200 million

SPONSORED How advisors can build for high-net-worth complexity

Orion's Tom Wilson on delivering coordinated, high-touch service in a world where returns alone no longer set you apart.

SPONSORED RILAs bring stability, growth during volatile markets

Barely a decade old, registered index-linked annuities have quickly surged in popularity, thanks to their unique blend of protection and growth potential—an appealing option for investors looking to chart a steadier course through today's choppy market waters, says Myles Lambert, Brighthouse Financial.