The role of personalization in retirement plans is an increasing industry focus as a way to potentially ensure successful outcomes. So, what is Morningstar Retirement’s view on the importance of personalization in the industry?

We asked Morningstar’s Chris Weirath, Head of Business Development and Client Success, that very question, as well as how managed accounts fit in. It’s a fascinating discussion that also touched on the convergence of wealth management and retirement planning.

We began by asking Chris a bit about herself, something not found in her LinkedIn profile.

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The 2Q 2024 Quarterly Market Perceptions Study from Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz) was recently published. The study provides valuable insights into participant demand for in-plan guaranteed lifetime income solutions, such as annuities, highlighting key differences among generations and demographic groups. Ben Thomason, Head of Defined Contribution Distribution at Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, is here to discuss these insights.

He explains the various participant tools to help address their retirement concerns, awareness of those tools, and more.

A lot is happening with Collective Investment Trusts (CIT). Morningstar recently reported that they’ve finally overtaken mutual funds as the most popular target-date vehicle, and bills are now in the House and Senate to allow them in 403(b)s.

This means that firms like Great Gray Trust Company are well-positioned to take advantage of what’s ahead. The company has been around for quite some time but recently rebranded to better position itself in the CIT space. President and CEO Rob Barnett recently joined us to discuss the company’s past and future, as well as CIT innovation, trends, and misconceptions.

Sponsored by Great Gray Trust Company.