Invst, an Indianapolis, Indiana-based registered investment advisor (RIA), has announced the acquisition of NS Capital, a Stamford, Connecticut-based registered investment advisor, creating a leading retirement practice to reshape how businesses approach employee retirement solutions.
This acquisition deal creates the INVST Unity Pooled Employer Plan, representing a leap forward in INVST’s ability to provide retirement plan offerings tailored to the evolving needs of businesses and their employees.
As competition for talent increases and traditional pension plans become relics of the past, the future of retirement benefits rests on 401(k) plans. And with questions surrounding the viability of Social Security, businesses are increasingly recognizing 401(k) plans as not just optional but essential components of their employee benefits package. Historically, companies of all sizes have had to deal with exorbitant fees, fiduciary liabilities, and cumbersome administrative demands.
The launch of the Pooled Employer Plan (PEP), which is an initiative born from the Secure Act, known as the most significant legislative shift in 401(k) plan management since the Pension Protection Act of 2006, sets the stage for a transformative solution. PEP enables employers across diverse sectors to consolidate efforts into a single and professionally managed retirement plan while reducing liability and costs associated with 401k plans. This simplifies the process for companies and alleviates them from the risks associated with independently sponsoring a retirement plan.
With the collective power of a PEP, businesses can access comprehensive fiduciary protections and significantly reduce their administrative burdens, all while benefiting from the superior services made possible through economies of scale. And this translates into lower overall costs, streamlined operations, and enhanced retirement offerings that attract and retain top talent.
Invst and NS Capital have been at the forefront of the fiduciary consulting landscape, specializing in 401(k) plans tailored for companies. Recognizing a critical gap in the market, NS Capital launched the Unity 401(k) Pooled Employer Plan in January 2021, becoming one of the pioneering independent PEPs in the nation. And Invst formed the MyInvst401K PEP in 2021 as well.
This early adoption and swift scaling facilitated enhanced bargaining power, enabling them to negotiate unique features and benefits that set their offerings apart from competitors. And together, Invst Unity PEP will create opportunities for businesses of all sizes as they help their employees with financial literacy and retirement planning.
The Invst Unity PEP combined with the Invst IQ Financial Wellness Platform/app for employees, offers the most unique retirement plan in the country. This platform provides participants with sophisticated financial education through courses, videos, articles, and other interactive content.
The Invst Unity PEP is a comprehensive solution built to meet the myriad needs of employers. And it combines critical features such as investment and administrative fiduciary protection, an exceptional lineup of low-cost, high-quality institutional investments, and minimal administrative requirements — offering employers and employees a seamless and cost-effective retirement experience.
This combined entity will utilize the expertise of both firms, unifying their strengths to provide unparalleled value propositions to business clients, transforming the landscape of retirement planning for all businesses.
KEY QUOTES:
“Our mission is to help one million people live the life they want. With this acquisition, we will be able to widen our reach and serve even more companies and their employees, empowering them to achieve their desired quality of life.”
- Scott Jarred, founder of Invst
“Our focus remains steadfast on providing innovative retirement solutions that prioritize both accessibility and quality. By integrating NS Capital’s expertise into our operations, along with our existing breadth of retirement solutions, we are poised to enhance our service offerings significantly. Together, we can ensure that businesses not only meet the retirement needs of their employees but also thrive in today’s competitive market. This is about creating a lasting impact on the lives of our clients and their teams, reinforcing our commitment to a brighter financial future for all.”
- Steven Shackelford, Invst VP of Qualified Plans
“I’ve known Invst for years and have always been impressed by the quality of their advisory services. The alignment of our cultural values—centered around fiduciary advice, client service, and a genuine care for individuals—made this partnership a natural fit.”
- Louis Day, Senior Managing Partner at NS Capital
