Sponsors of Empower 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 Hillsborough, NC
The first thing to consider when looking to find a financial advisor in Hillsborough, 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 Hillsborough, North Carolina
Hillsborough
The town of Hillsborough is the county seat of Orange County, North Carolina, United States, and is located along the Eno River. The population was 6,087 in 2010, but it grew rapidly to 9,660 by 2020. Its name was unofficially shortened to "Hillsboro" during the 19th century.
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 Empower 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 Empower 401(k) fiduciary risk review.
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Location
Hillsborough, 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.