Managing a defined contribution plan, such as a 401(k) or 403(b) plan, has become increasingly complex in recent years. Plan sponsors must manage a multitude of responsibilities – from complying with ongoing regulations and documenting fiduciary processes to overseeing investments and benchmarking fees, to supervising the recordkeeper – all with the goal of helping their employees be more “retirement ready.”
When serving as an ERISA fiduciary to the investment advisory services we provide to your plan, we take a 360-degree view, incorporating all aspects of your plan design, investment menu oversight, vendor analysis and benchmarking, employee engagement and financial education programs, and fiduciary process management. Our dedicated investment consultants and vast range of solutions can empower your organization to make more informed and confident decisions about your retirement plan.
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When Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors (collectively, “Morgan Stanley”) provide “investment advice” regarding a retirement or welfare benefit plan account, an individual retirement account or a Coverdell education savings account (“Retirement Account”), Morgan Stanley is a “fiduciary” as those terms are defined under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and/or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”), as applicable. When Morgan Stanley provides investment education, takes orders on an unsolicited basis or otherwise does not provide “investment advice”, Morgan Stanley will not be considered a “fiduciary” under ERISA and/or the Code. For more information regarding Morgan Stanley’s role with respect to a Retirement Account, please visit www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/dol. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. Morgan Stanley does not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals are encouraged to consult their tax and legal advisors (a) before establishing a Retirement Account, and (b) regarding any potential tax, ERISA and related consequences of any investments or other transactions made with respect to a Retirement Account.
CRC#5500254 (06/2026)