Strategic Insight acquires BrightScope

The 401(k) ratings provider has been snapped up by an asset management data and research provider that's also the parent company of a publication for financial advisers.
NOV 01, 2016
BrightScope Inc., a financial services data provider, has been acquired by Strategic Insight, according to an announcement Nov. 1. Founded in 2008 by two brothers, Mike and Ryan Alfred, San Diego-headquartered BrightScope is well known for its ratings of 401(k) and other defined contribution plans. It also provides sales and distribution data for asset managers and other enterprise channels, as well as an investor-facing, national database of financial advisers. “The financial services industry is going through tremendous change and we believe this combination will give us the platform and products to meet the evolving needs of our customers,” Mike Alfred said. The acquisition by Strategic Insight, a data and research shop for the asset management industry backed by private-equity firm Genstar Capital, expands the company's “data offering and research and development capacity,” and adds retirement data to the company's portfolio, according to chief executive Joel Mandelbaum. New York-headquartered Strategic Insight is also the parent company of the industry publications PLANADVISER and PLANSPONSOR.

Latest News

Merrill lands four advisor teams as May recruiting data shows firm's two-way churn
Merrill lands four advisor teams as May recruiting data shows firm's two-way churn

Merrill's latest hires span Colorado to Louisiana, even as industry-wide recruiting data suggests the firm is losing almost as many advisors as it gains.

Fund manager sues Kandeo, alleges $100 million FinSocial loss
Fund manager sues Kandeo, alleges $100 million FinSocial loss

The $36 million buy allegedly hid inflated books and a $50 million diversion.

Advisor gets $200,000 from Ameriprise in 'emotional distress' lawsuit
Advisor gets $200,000 from Ameriprise in 'emotional distress' lawsuit

“An award citing emotional distress is very unusual,” an industry executive said.

Workplace financial education linked to stronger financial habits, but participation remains low
Workplace financial education linked to stronger financial habits, but participation remains low

New EBRI research found workers who participated in employer financial education reported higher confidence, literacy and financial satisfaction.

The rise of the super advisor: How AI is redefining competitive advantage in wealth management
The rise of the super advisor: How AI is redefining competitive advantage in wealth management

Beyond operational excellence, the winning advisors of the future are the ones who can reach across multiple disciplines without discarding specialist skills.

SPONSORED Direct indexing webinar targets tax-loss harvesting amid market swings

Northern Trust’s Ken Lassner shows advisors how to convert volatility into after-tax portfolio gains

SPONSORED Who builds the income when the pension disappears?

Dan Biagini of American Equity says the steady decline of pensions, longer lifespans and a reset in interest rates are rewriting how advisors build retirement income