Sponsors of Ascensus 401(k) plans carry fiduciary obligations under ERISA. Recordkeepers do not assume these duties. Some employers hire a third‑party 3(38) investment fiduciary to manage investments; this can shift certain responsibilities, but sponsors still must oversee fees, prudence, and process. A fiduciary review helps protect the organization and its plan committee.
Holland Capital Management in Chapel Hill, NC
The first thing to consider when looking to find a financial advisor in Chapel Hill, NC: who are the team members? That’s critical since your financial well-being requires a lot more than just portfolio management. Along with attention to investments, you will likely need other services.
M. Chad Holland CFA, CFP®
About Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill is a town in Orange and Durham counties, North Carolina, United States. Its population was 61,960 in the 2020 United States census, making Chapel Hill the 17th-most populous municipality in the state. Chapel Hill and Durham make up the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area, which had an estimated population of 608,879 in 2023.
The Problem
Fiduciary responsibility rests with the sponsor, not the recordkeeper.- Third‑party 3(38) arrangements can reduce direct responsibilities but do not eliminate oversight duties.
- Without documentation, sponsors remain exposed to fiduciary breach claims.
Why Benchmarking Matters
- ERISA requires ongoing monitoring of fees, investments, and services.
- Benchmarking creates a documented process evidencing diligence.
- Supports risk management and committee governance.
How Holland Capital Helps
- Independent fiduciary benchmarking for Ascensus plans.
- Peer comparisons across cost, investments, and services.
- Practical steps to fortify governance without disrupting operations.
Our Fiduciary Advantage
Holland Capital Management, led by M. Chad Holland, CFA®, CFP®, is an independent fiduciary advisory firm. We provide objective oversight to protect plan sponsors and strengthen retirement outcomes.
Schedule a no‑cost Ascensus 401(k) fiduciary risk review.
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Location
Chapel Hill, NC - Hours
Monday - 9am-5pm
Tuesday - 9am-5pm
Wednesday - 9am-5pm
Thursday - 9am-5pm
Friday - 9am-5pm - Phone/Fax
P | 877-733-9435
F | (980) 500-1531 - Email Us
chad@hollandcapitalgroup.com
Frequently Asked Questions
+Does the recordkeeper act as a fiduciary?
No. Recordkeepers provide administration and technology; sponsors retain fiduciary responsibility.
+ What does a fiduciary review cover?
Fees, investment lineup, and service arrangements benchmarked against peers with a documented process.
+If we hire a 3(38), are we off the hook?
A 3(38) can assume discretionary investment duties, but sponsors must still select and monitor that provider and oversee overall plan prudence.