SunGard Teams with iShares to Launch New Exchange-Traded Funds Retirement Plan Solution

SunGard, in conjunction with iShares, a leading global provider of exchange-traded funds (ETFs), will be launching a new solution to help advisors and third party administrators (TPAs) seamlessly incorporate ETFs as standard options in retirement plans. SunGard’s ETF solution offers a cost-effective and automated solution to help defined contribution plans add ETFs to their retirement plans, an otherwise traditionally expensive and operationally burdensome process.

TPAs and advisors using SunGard’s Omni and Relius recordkeeping platforms for benefit administration will be able to access and trade iShares ETFs through an integrated link to the SunGard Transaction Network (STN). ETF custodial services will be provided by Mid Atlantic Trust Company’s ETFxChange platform.

While ETF trading has increased significantly over the last several years, the operational barriers of trading ETFs using mutual fund-driven recordkeeping systems has limited their growth in retirement plans. SunGard will help retirement plan providers that choose to invest in ETFs to do so efficiently using proven systems for mutual funds with enhanced processing specifically for ETFs. SunGard’s ETF solution, integrating STN Funds, Omni and Relius, will help TPAs and advisors trade and settle ETFs like no-load mutual funds. The new SunGard solution will help TPAs or their advisors to integrate both ETFs and mutual funds within 401(k), 457 or 403(b) retirement plans, while helping to minimize operational overhead and disruption.

Darek Wojnar, head of product strategy at iShares, said, “ETFs have continued to experience tremendous growth as investors seek alternative options to fund their retirement. SunGard’s ETF solution will help provide the trading support and operational efficiencies that TPAs and their advisors need to help clients better manage risk through portfolio diversification.”

Kevin Rafferty, president of SunGard’s wealth management business, said, “ETFs are gaining momentum by infusing more transparency and performance into defined contribution plans and the personal investment management process. SunGard’s expertise in integrated trading, recordkeeping and administration will support ETFs within retirement plans, providing investors and their service providers with a broader set of investment options from iShares, a leader in this space.”