Browse 48 providers in this category.
Provider ranking
-
July Business Services
Plan Administrator
Waco, TX
Stats: 8,386 clients • $16.0B under management • 196K participants
Company: Est. 1994 • 700 employees
-
Sharebuilder 401k
Plan Administrator • Pro Score 3.1
Seattle, WA
Stats: 6,500 clients • $2.0B under management • 150K participants
Company: Est. 2005 • 51 employees
-
American Trust Retirement
Plan Administrator
Dubuque, IA
Stats: 5,903 clients • $18.1B under management • 233K participants
Company: Est. 1973 • 202 employees
-
401GO
Plan Administrator • Pro Score 4.3
Sandy, UT
Stats: 5,055 clients • $12.0B under management • 54K participants
Pricing: $25 base fee • $2/employee
Company: Est. 2017 • 105 employees
-
Employee Fiduciary
Plan Administrator
Mobile, AL
Stats: 4,865 clients • $6.8B under management • 107K participants
Pricing: $1,500 base fee • $30/employee
Company: 75 employees
-
J.P. Morgan Asset Management
Plan Administrator
New York, NY
Stats: 4,516 clients • $12.8B under management • 201K participants
Company: 5,000 employees
-
BPAS
Plan Administrator
Utica, NY
Stats: 3,478 clients • $110.0B under management • 348K participants
Company: Est. 1991 • 172 employees
-
Alight Solutions
Plan Administrator • Pro Score 2.4
Chicago, IL
Stats: 2,000 clients • $600.0B under management • 117.0M participants
-
Americas Best 401k
Plan Administrator • Pro Score 3.1
Scottsdale, AZ
Credentials: RIA - Registered Investment Advisor
Stats: 2,000 clients • $1M under management • 40.0M participants
Pricing: $133 base fee • $5/employee
Company: Est. 2012 • 49 employees
-
Betterment at Work
Plan Administrator • Pro Score 3.0
New York, NY
Stats: 2,000 clients • $30M under management
Pricing: $100 base fee • $5/employee
Company: Est. 2009 • 466 employees
-
Sentinel Group
Plan Administrator
Wakefield, MA
Stats: 1,900 clients • $13.0B under management • 260K participants
Company: Est. 1987 • 260 employees
-
Milliman
Plan Administrator
Seattle, WA
Stats: 1,463 clients • $140.5B under management • 2.0M participants
Company: Est. 1947 • 3,500 employees
-
The Vanguard Group, Inc.
Plan Administrator • Pro Score 1.8
Malvern, PA
Stats: 1,400 clients • $523.0B under management
Company: Est. 1975 • 20,000 employees
-
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
Plan Administrator • Pro Score 2.1
Westlake, TX
Stats: 1,179 clients • $341.7B under management • 1.6M participants
Company: Est. 1971 • 4,200 employees
-
NWPS
Plan Administrator
Seattle, WA
Stats: 997 clients • $56.6B under management • 360K participants
Company: 120 employees
-
ForUsAll
Plan Administrator
San Carlos, CA
Stats: 500 clients • $1 under management • 80K participants
Pricing: $120 base fee • $6/employee
Company: Est. 2012 • 58 employees
-
Journey Retirement Plan Services
Plan Administrator • Verified
Grand Rapids, MI
Stats: 199 clients • $160M under management • 9K participants
Company: 20 employees
-
Basic Capital
Plan Administrator • Verified
New York, NY
Pricing: $0 base fee • $5/employee
Company: Est. 2021 • 24 employees
-
Canada Life
Plan Administrator
Toronto, ON
Company: Est. 1931 • 13,406 employees
-
Carry
Plan Administrator • Pro Score 3.0
Credentials: RIA - Registered Investment Advisor
Pricing: $299 base fee
Company: Est. 2022 • 10 employees
-
My Solo 401k Financial LLC
Plan Administrator
Carlsbad, CA
Company: Est. 2009 • 5 employees
-
TIAA
Plan Administrator • Pro Score 1.9
New York, NY
Stats: $600.0B under management
Company: Est. 1918
-
Transamerica
Plan Administrator • Pro Score 2.5
Cedar Rapids, IA
Stats: $416.0B under management
Company: Est. 1946
Navigating the Complex Ecosystem of 401(k) Plan Providers
Selecting the right service providers for your company's retirement plan is one of the most critical decisions a plan sponsor can make. A robust 401(k) plan does more than just help employees save for the future; it serves as a vital tool for talent acquisition and retention. However, managing these plans requires a coordinated effort between several distinct professionals, each handling specific aspects of administration, investment management, and legal compliance. Whether you are launching a startup plan or restructuring an existing large-plan framework, understanding the specialized roles of these providers is essential for minimizing fiduciary liability and maximizing participant outcomes.
The Difference Between Recordkeepers, TPAs, and Advisors
Many plan sponsors confuse the roles of their service partners. While a recordkeeper tracks participant assets and issues statements, a Third-Party Administrator (TPA) typically handles the complex testing required to ensure the plan remains tax-qualified. However, the financial health of the plan often relies on qualified plan advisors. These financial professionals act as investment fiduciaries, helping sponsors build a diverse investment lineup and educating employees on their savings options. By leveraging an experienced advisor, companies can better monitor investment fees and performance, ensuring they meet their rigorous fiduciary duties under federal law.
Prioritizing ERISA Compliance and Audit Readiness
As your company grows, the regulatory scrutiny on your retirement plan increases. Under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), plans with more than 100 eligible participants are generally required to file an audited Form 5500 annually. This is where specialized 401(k) auditors become indispensable. Unlike general corporate audits, a benefit plan audit requires specific expertise in Department of Labor regulations. Similarly, if your plan faces correction programs or complex amendments, engaging ERISA attorneys can protect your business from costly penalties and disqualification. These legal experts guide sponsors through Department of Labor investigations and help structure plan documents to withstand regulatory challenges.
Solutions for Small Businesses and Startups
For smaller organizations, the landscape is shifting rapidly due to legislation like the SECURE Act 2.0, which offers tax credits for starting new plans. Finding the right small business 401(k) solution often involves balancing cost efficiency with scalable technology. Modern providers now offer streamlined "Safe Harbor" plan designs that automatically satisfy non-discrimination testing, reducing the administrative burden on business owners. By utilizing our directory to compare providers by state and specialty, plan sponsors can build a team of experts tailored to their specific size, location, and compliance needs.