Participants say plan websites are frustrating

Participants say plan websites are frustrating
A J.D. Power study finds that only 43% of users say it’s easy to locate needed information on retirement plan sites.
SEP 17, 2021

The majority of retirement plans are failing to deliver proactive guidance, and many have made it difficult to find the information that users are seeking on their websites and mobile apps, according to the latest study of retirement plan digital satisfaction from J.D. Power.

The study found that just 24% of retirement investors strongly agree their provider offers proactive guidance and help, while less than half of participants — 43% — found it very easy to locate the information they were looking for on their retirement plan websites and mobile apps.

“Many of these providers have invested significantly in developing digital content and tools to provide education and guidance, but if participants are unaware of those resources or can’t easily find or use them, it’s a huge missed opportunity,” Mike Foy, senior director of wealth management intelligence at J.D. Power, said in a statement.

Among the firms surveyed, Charles Schwab ranked highest in retirement plan digital satisfaction with a score of 725 on a 1,000-point scale, followed by Bank of America (formerly Merrill Lynch) with a score of 703 and AIG Retirement Services with a score of 699.

The best and worst performers in the study were separated by nearly 100 point, “setting the stage for a new battle for retiree hearts and minds that is taking place in digital,” according to the J.D. Power study.

Latest News

The 2025 InvestmentNews Awards Excellence Awardees revealed
The 2025 InvestmentNews Awards Excellence Awardees revealed

From outstanding individuals to innovative organizations, find out who made the final shortlist for top honors at the IN awards, now in its second year.

Top RIA Cresset warns of 'inevitable' recession amid tariff uncertainty
Top RIA Cresset warns of 'inevitable' recession amid tariff uncertainty

Cresset's Susie Cranston is expecting an economic recession, but says her $65 billion RIA sees "great opportunity" to keep investing in a down market.

Edward Jones joins the crowd to sell more alternative investments
Edward Jones joins the crowd to sell more alternative investments

“There’s a big pull to alternative investments right now because of volatility of the stock market,” Kevin Gannon, CEO of Robert A. Stanger & Co., said.

Record RIA M&A activity marks strong start to 2025
Record RIA M&A activity marks strong start to 2025

Sellers shift focus: It's not about succession anymore.

IB+ Data Hub offers strategic edge for U.S. wealth advisors and RIAs advising business clients
IB+ Data Hub offers strategic edge for U.S. wealth advisors and RIAs advising business clients

Platform being adopted by independent-minded advisors who see insurance as a core pillar of their business.

SPONSORED Compliance in real time: Technology's expanding role in RIA oversight

RIAs face rising regulatory pressure in 2025. Forward-looking firms are responding with embedded technology, not more paperwork.

SPONSORED Advisory firms confront crossroads amid historic wealth transfer

As inheritances are set to reshape client portfolios and next-gen heirs demand digital-first experiences, firms are retooling their wealth tech stacks and succession models in real time.