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NEPC Launches Stratum One to Streamline Retirement Management

NEPC, LLC, a premier investment consulting firm, recently announced the launch of Stratum One, a Pooled Employer Plan (PEP) designed specifically to simplify the management of retirement plans. This new initiative aims to enhance participant outcomes by leveraging fiduciary integrity, operational excellence, and cutting-edge technology.

What is Stratum One?

Stratum One is a collaborative initiative involving NEPC as the Pooled Plan Provider and 3(38) investment fiduciary, Empower for recordkeeping and advanced technology, and the National Professional Planning Group (NPPG) serving as the independent 3(16) administrative fiduciary. This partnership is focused on delivering a well-governed defined contribution solution that makes use of the combined expertise of these firms.

The concept behind Stratum One is to alleviate the growing complexity and internal resource demands that come with managing defined contribution plans. With Chris O'Connor, a Partner and Defined Contribution Team Leader at NEPC, emphasizing, “Retirement plans have become increasingly complex for both employers and advisors,” this initiative stands out as a solution catering to these challenges.

The Benefits of Stratum One

1. Centralized Oversight

By consolidating fiduciary oversight, Stratum One ensures that administrators can effectively oversee plan investments. This centralized approach helps in maintaining compliance and operational efficiency.

2. Reduced Administrative Burden

Stratum One aims to lessen the administrative workload on plan sponsors and advisors. This allows them to allocate more time to strategic advice, nurturing client relationships, and improving participant outcomes.

3. Competitive Investment Pricing

Leveraging NEPC's established OCIO platform, Stratum One will offer competitive investment pricing, making it an attractive option for employer-sponsored plans. The goal is to support better long-term financial outcomes for all participants involved.

An Innovative Partnership

Through this innovative aggregation, Stratum One presents a comprehensive suite that spans investments, recordkeeping, administration, and compliance—all under one robust framework.

NEPC, with its three decades of experience in managing defined contribution plans, recognizes the necessity for a holistic solution that accommodates different plan designs and the evolving needs of employers.

4. Accessible Starting Date

The Stratum One Pooled Employer Plan will be available starting May 1, 2026, marking a significant advancement in retirement plan solutions. Employers interested in simplifying their retirement plan management can look forward to being part of this innovative program.

About Key Players

NEPC, LLC is acknowledged as a leading investment consultant, serving over 400 clients and managing approximately $1.9 trillion in assets as of January 1, 2026. Their client-focused model aligns with the long-term challenges facing investors, enhancing high-quality investment strategies.

Empower stands as a leader in retirement services, managing assets for nearly 20 million individuals. Through a blend of workplace and individual retirement plans, Empower emphasizes financial planning and investments, fostering a partnership model aligned with NEPC’s goals.

Lastly, National Professional Planning Group (NPPG) represents a comprehensive consulting entity offering a suite of employee benefit solutions. Their extensive services support compliance for various plans, aligning with the regulatory needs of both large corporations and small enterprises.

Conclusion

The launch of Stratum One exemplifies NEPC’s commitment to enhancing retirement plan management through expert collaboration, aiming for efficient, effective solutions that cater to both employers and plan participants alike.

As the retirement landscape continues to evolve, initiatives like Stratum One pave the way for simplified processes and improved outcomes, reinforcing NEPC’s reputation as an industry leader.