Browse 20+ providers in this category.
Featured Providers
-
Cary Street Partners - Richmond, VA
Retirement Plan Advisor
<p>Founded in 2002, Cary Street Partners is a registered investment advisor with a large footprint across the Mid-Atlantic, the Carolinas, Texas, Tenn... -
Blue Rock Financial Group - Wilmington, DE
Retirement Plan Advisor
<p>Founded in 2012, Blue Rock Financial Group is a fee-based Registered Investment Advisor with offices in Wilmington and Rehoboth Beach, serving plan... -
Blueprint Financial Advisors - Charlotte, NC
Retirement Plan Advisor
<p>Planning work comes first at this fee-only Registered Investment Advisor, which does not take on investment management until a financial planning p... -
Heacock & Jones Financial Services, Inc. - Dubuque, IA
Retirement Plan Advisor
<p>Founded in 2000 in Dubuque on the Iowa–Illinois–Wisconsin tri-state, Heacock & Jones Financial Services, Inc. is a fee-only Registered Investme... -
Capital Advisers, Inc.
Retirement Plan Advisor
<p>Independent and objective wealth management is the focus at this Raleigh firm, which works with individuals, families, and institutional clients ac... -
Carbon Collective Investing LLC - Oakland, CA
Retirement Plan Advisor
<p>From its Oakland headquarters in the San Francisco Bay Area, Carbon Collective Investing LLC is a registered investment advisor with a climate-focu... -
Mendel Capital Management, LLC - Little Rock, AR
Retirement Plan Advisor
Mendel Capital Management, LLC is a fee-only investment advisory firm based in Little Rock, AR, dedicated to serving the investment needs of multi-gen... -
Hfg Advisors, Inc. - Kalamazoo, MI
Retirement Plan Advisor
<p>Founded in 1987, HFG Advisors, Inc. works with plan sponsors and individuals who want clear, practical planning and fiduciary support. The firm is ... -
Hibernia Wealth Partners, LLC - Baton Rouge, LA
Retirement Plan Advisor
<p>From its Baton Rouge headquarters, Hibernia Wealth Partners works with clients across the Gulf Coast and has additional offices in the Dallas–Fort ... -
Mcallister Capital Management - Jackson, MS
Retirement Plan Advisor
McAllister Capital Management, established in 1995 by Lyle L. McAllister, Jr., is a registered investment advisory firm based in Jackson, MS. Speciali... -
Stonebridge Financial Group - Wormleysburg, PA
Retirement Plan Advisor
Stonebridge Financial Group is a prominent financial advisory firm with extensive experience in Central Pennsylvania and offices in Wormleysburg and L... -
Mccay Wealth Advisory LLC - Manchester, TN
Retirement Plan Advisor
McCay Wealth Advisory LLC is a fee-only Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) firm based in Manchester, TN, with an additional office in McMinnville, TN... -
Marmo Financial Group, LLC - Johnson City, TN
Retirement Plan Advisor
Marmo Financial Group, LLC is an independent Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) based in Johnson City, TN, dedicated to "Improving Our Clients' Posit... -
Francis LLC - Brookfield, WI
Retirement Plan Advisor
<p>Known for its “Work-Life-Money Balance” approach, Francis LLC focuses on conflict-free retirement plan consulting and workplace financial wellness.... -
Venture Visionary Partners - Sylvania, OH
Retirement Plan Advisor
Venture Visionary Partners is an SEC registered investment advisory firm with offices in Sylvania, OH and Bonita Springs, FL. Founded by Craig D. Find... -
Becker Suffern McLanahan, Ltd. - Mandeville, LA
Retirement Plan Advisor
<p>Four-person BSM Wealth advises retirement plans and private clients from Mandeville on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain in the New Orleans met... -
Lynch & Associates - Newburgh, IN
Retirement Plan Advisor
Lynch & Associates is a registered investment advisor (RIA) based in Newburgh, Indiana, with a focus on providing comprehensive financial advisory ser... -
Delta Financial Advisors, L.l.c. - New Orleans, LA
Retirement Plan Advisor
<p>From its base in the New Orleans metro area, Delta Financial Advisors, L.L.C. works with individuals and families on investment counseling and long... -
Avenir Corporation
Retirement Plan Advisor
<p>Discount-to-intrinsic-value investing is the anchor of Avenir Corporation’s work, drawing on the long-term, margin-of-safety approach associated wi... -
Horan Capital Advisors, LLC - Cincinnati, OH
Retirement Plan Advisor
<p>Founded in 2010, Horan Capital Advisors, LLC is a registered investment advisor with $0.6B in AUM (2026) and offices in the Cincinnati metro area, ...
Delegate Risk with Top 3(38) Investment Managers
For retirement plan sponsors, managing fiduciary liability is often the most stressful aspect of offering a 401(k) or defined benefit plan. Hiring a 3(38) Investment Manager is the most effective way to mitigate this risk. Unlike standard advisors, a 3(38) manager is a named fiduciary under ERISA who has the power to manage, acquire, and dispose of plan assets. By appointing a 3(38) manager, you effectively transfer the responsibility—and the liability—of investment selection and monitoring from your investment committee to a qualified professional.
The Critical Difference: 3(38) Managers vs. 3(21) Advisors
When searching for plan advisors, it is vital to understand the distinction in authority. A 3(21) advisor provides recommendations, but you retain the final say and the ultimate liability. In contrast, a 3(38) Investment Manager takes the "keys to the car." They have full discretion to make changes to the investment lineup without needing your prior approval. This distinction is crucial for sponsors who lack the time or expertise to evaluate complex financial metrics constantly.
Leading ERISA attorneys often recommend the 3(38) model for companies looking to maximize protection against class-action lawsuits related to investment performance or excessive fees.
Key Benefits of Hiring a 3(38) Fiduciary
Partnering with a 3(38) Investment Manager offers tangible benefits beyond peace of mind. These experts streamline plan operations and enhance governance structures.
- Maximum Liability Transfer: The manager assumes legal responsibility for investment decisions, shielding the plan sponsor from claims of imprudent selection.
- Streamlined Administration: Because the manager can replace underperforming funds immediately without committee votes, the plan reacts faster to market changes.
- Compliance and Quality: These managers are held to the highest "prudent expert" standard under ERISA, ensuring your 401k plans utilize high-quality, cost-effective investment options.
Finding the Right Fiduciary Partner
Not all firms are willing or qualified to act as a 3(38) Investment Manager. It requires a specific level of insurance, expertise, and operational capability. When reviewing providers in this category, ask for their Investment Policy Statement (IPS) process and confirm their status in writing. Whether you are running a small business plan or a large corporate fund, utilizing a 3(38) manager is a best practice that protects both the company and the employees' retirement futures.