Group Retirement Plans

Group Retirement Plan Advisory Services

Types of Retirement Plans

We partner with companies of all shapes and sizes to consult on what retirement plan option is the best fit for their unique goals and cultures. Often, the solution is a 401(k) but not always. We provide ongoing advice and services for the following types of retirement plans:


  • 401(k)
  • 403(b)
  • Profit Sharing
  • Cash Balance
  • Pension
  • Simple IRA
  • SEP-IRA
  • Executive Bonus
  • Retention Plans


Retirement Plan Benefits

As a company, offering a retirement plan to your employees is an attractive benefit that can not only help you recruit and retain top talent, but also help your employees ensure their financial well-being during retirement. 

However, administering and managing a retirement plan is a complex task that requires specialized knowledge and expertise.



Fiduciary Roles and Responsibilities

Fiduciaries owe a duty of care and trust to another and must act primarily for the benefit of the other. In the case of retirement plans, fiduciaries are entrusted with handling funds or assets belonging to another party. There are several types of fiduciaries, each with their own set of responsibilities and liabilities.

The Role of Clayton Financial Group as Investment Advisor

The primary role of the Investment Advisor is to provide due diligence on the investments made available to Plan Participants. This can be done in one of two ways.

ERISA 3(21) Fiduciary:

Provides investment advice and recommendations but does not have discretion over the plan's investments.

ERISA 3(38) Fiduciary:

Assumes full responsibility and liability for making investment decisions on behalf of the plan sponsor in the best interest of plan participants.

Choosing an Investment Advisor that can also serve as a fiduciary, such as Clayton Financial Group, can help to mitigate risks and ensure that your company's retirement plan is managed in the best interest of your employees.


In both cases, Clayton Financial Group adds value by:

  • Researching and recommending low-cost fund options and supporting various investment goals
  • Developing and maintaining a Plan Investment Policy Statement
  • Selecting and monitoring the Plan’s Qualified Default Investment Alternative
  • Ensuring the Plan’s investment menu is sufficient to meet the requirements of ERISA 404(c) so that the Plan’s fiduciaries are not responsible for Participant investment decisions
  • Taking part in annual compliance reviews and ensuring adherence to Department of Labor, IRS, and ERISA regulations
  • Providing employee education and support, including personalized financial advice and investment selection assistance
  • Delivering transparent fee analysis and benchmarking against industry standards

Other Fiduciary Roles of a Retirement Plan

There are several other key fiduciary roles associated with a retirement plan including the Employer/Plan Sponsor, the Plan Administrator, the Trustees and the Custodian. In addition to ongoing review of the investment offerings, the investment advisor works closely with the Plan’s other designated fiduciaries to provide them with the information needed to perform their respective plan related duties


Employer/Plan Sponsor

The primary responsibility of the Employer is to sponsor and maintain the Plan. Ultimately, with guidance from their fiduciary partners, the Employer has the authority to design, amend, and terminate the Plan, and appoint and remove the associated Plan fiduciaries through ongoing review of their performance and services provided.


Plan Administrator

A Plan Administrator’s primary responsibility is to ensure the Plan is administered for the exclusive benefit of the Plan participants and their beneficiaries. A Plan Administrator role can be held by either the Employer (represented by an internal employee or committee of employees who generally work with a Third Party Administrator (TPA) but retain most of the discretionary control) or an external third-party provider, also known as an ERISA 3(16) Fiduciary, who would takeover all duties and full discretionary control from the Employer.


While the responsibilities of a Plan Administrator may vary depending on the specific needs of the company and Plan, some common duties include:


  • Administering the Plan in compliance with the Plan document and the rules and regulations governing the Plan
  • Construe, interpret and convey the terms of the Plan
  • Develop processes and procedures necessary to administer the Plan
  • Maintain all records necessary to administer the Plan
  • Assist Participants with their rights, benefits or elections available under the Plan

Most importantly, the Plan Administrator is responsible for retaining suitable agents and counsel necessary to facilitate the performance of the Plan Administrator duties in the event they need assistance in doing so.

Directed Trustee/Custodian

The primary responsibility of the Directed Trustee is to safe keep the Plan assets and direct the investment and distribution of those assets based on the direction of the other parties.


The Importance of Compliance and Regulations

Maintaining compliance with all applicable laws and regulations is a crucial aspect of retirement plan administration. This includes ensuring that the plan adheres to Department of Labor, IRS, and ERISA regulations, as well as conducting regular nondiscrimination testing and filing necessary reports and forms.

A knowledgeable and experienced Investment Advisor can help your company navigate the complex regulatory landscape and ensure that your retirement plan remains compliant and current with any changes in laws or regulations.


Plan Design and Investment Management

An effective retirement plan design should be tailored to your company's and its employees' unique needs and goals. A skilled Investment Advisor can work with you to develop a plan that is both competitive and compliant, offering features such as traditional and Roth accounts, employee matching, and profit-sharing programs.


Selecting a Qualified Investment Advisor

When selecting an Investment Advisor for your retirement plan, it's important to consider factors such as experience, expertise, and the range of services offered.


A qualified Investment Advisor should be able to demonstrate a track record of success in working with their partners to manage retirement plans and have a deep understanding of the relevant regulations and industry best practices.


Some essential qualities to look for include:

  • A solid reputation and industry experience
  • Comprehensive knowledge of regulations and compliance requirements
  • A dedicated team of retirement plan advisors and fiduciaries
  • A focus on low-cost fund options and investment management
  • A commitment to transparent fee structures and benchmarking against industry standards



What Sets Clayton Financial Group Apart

Clayton Financial Group (CFG) is a leading firm with decades of experience in retirement plan advisory services. Our dedicated Retirement Plan Advisors and fiduciaries team is committed to providing personalized, expert advice and support to help your company meet its retirement plan goals.

CFG's unique approach to retirement plans includes:

  • A focus on understanding and embracing the unique culture and goals of our clients
  • A commitment to acting as an ERISA 3(38) Investment Manager, assuming full responsibility and liability for investment decisions
  • A comprehensive range of services, including plan design, investment management, compliance, and employee education
  • A dedication to providing transparent fee analysis and benchmarking against industry standards

Offering a retirement plan to your employees is a significant benefit that can help your company attract and retain top talent. However, managing a retirement plan is a complex task that requires specialized knowledge and expertise. By partnering with a qualified Investment Advisor like Clayton Financial Group, you can ensure that your company's retirement plan is well-managed, compliant, and designed to meet your organization's and its employees' unique needs and goals.


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