PLANADVISER - March/April 2019 - 21

(ARA). Ascensus is one of five founding educational partners-
and the only recordkeeping firm-to sponsor the program.
The three-course, nine-module curriculum for the designation
was designed and created by the ARA, whose programs
are widely regarded as the gold standard in retirement education.
The program was developed by plan sponsors for plan sponsors,
with input from a team of industry experts. Topics include
retirement plan design considerations, plan fiduciary obligations
& risk management, behavioral finance & employee engagement,
vendor management & selection, complying with plan
audits & regulatory requirements, and much more.
Certified Plan Sponsor
Professional Credential Highlights
EXCLUSIVE
Ascensus-the only recordkeeper to be a founding sponsor-
can grant plan sponsors exclusive access to the course.
CONVENIENT
Plan sponsors can take the course online (approximately 30
hours of self-paced multimedia content followed by an online
exam) at their convenience and maintain the CPSP credential
with continuing education.
COMPLIMENTARY
Ascensus clients are eligible to take the course at no cost,
with no restriction on the number of individuals per employer
who may enroll.
It can start with reframing the conversation around business
wellness. WellBusiness makes it easy.
Aligning Retirement Services to What
Businesses Value
Ascensus is using its leadership position in the retirement market
to continue to push the boundaries of what is possible for plans of
all sizes for the benefit of advisers and sponsors alike-and clients
and advisers have taken notice.
In 2018, Ascensus garnered the most PLANSPONSOR
" Best in Class " awards for plans up to $50 million in assets.
In addition, an Ascensus retirement plan client, Farmers State
Bank, was recently recognized by PLANSPONSOR as a best-inclass
401(k) program.
Faith Anderson, senior vice president of Human Resources at
Farmers State Bank, shares how partnering with the right service
provider has enabled the company to deliver this plan achievement:
" Ascensus' partnership and the expertise of their service
team have been critical to our success. From day one, their deep
industry knowledge, alignment with our priorities, and focus on
our business health have been clear, " she says.
" Ascensus views business health holistically, considering
how factors like plan design, plan governance, and participant
outcomes work together to affect our bottom line. "
Farmers State Bank is also a client within Ascensus' Elite
Advisor program, which Anderson confirms has contributed to
the plan's success. Personalized guidance from Ascensus' ERISA
attorneys and regular check-ins with an experienced strategic
account manager keep Anderson up-to-date on her plan health,
allowing her to spend more time focusing on other priorities.
Making WellBusiness Relevant and
Relatable to Advisers
Time is money. Advisers play a pivotal role in guiding employers,
especially in the small business market in which businesses are
less likely to have personnel fully dedicated to overseeing their
retirement plans.
For most advisers, the WellBusiness story is highly relatable
in terms of measuring-and proving-the value of knowledge,
expertise, and time within their own practice. Today's advisers
are asking: Is the value of my services and knowledge clear and
measurable? How am I quantifying the client's investment in me
with proof beyond a written business agreement? Am I spending
the appropriate time on the right things?
The WellBusiness framework seeks to augment the adviser
service model and minimize the time spent coaching employers
on administrative tasks, allowing advisers to spend their time
providing strategic counsel and growing their practices. Ultimately,
advisers know the key to building long-lasting relationships goes
beyond simply helping their clients with financial advice. They may
add value by helping employers see how their services support
broader organizational goals, such as attracting and retaining a
talented, engaged workforce.
The Value of WellBusiness
WellBusiness is reshaping how advisers and employers define
and quantify wellness.
" Through this framework, Ascensus will continue to invest in
the right talent, tools, programs, and partners to help business
owners solve problems-and help advisers position themselves
for success, " says Musto. " These educational programs and valueadd
services are only the beginning as we chart a path toward
greater business wellness for employers. "
" Ultimately, this will lead to stronger retirement plan benefits,
and, in turn, improved financial literacy, better employee savings
habits, and greater financial security for all savers. " ■
To learn more about WellBusiness or the CPSP Credential
Program, call 800-345-6363.
1Pew Charitable Trusts, " Employer Barriers to and Motivations for Offering
Retirement Benefits, " June 21, 2017.
SPONSORED SECTION
PLANADVISER - March/April 2019

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