Manning & Napier Launches Advisor Resources Focused on QDIA Due Diligence

FAIRPORT, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Manning & Napier, Inc. MN today launched a new study entitled, "Raising the Bar on Target Date Due Diligence: Demographics Matter," in conjunction with Strategic Insight, an Asset International company. The launch is part of an ongoing series of thought leadership on target date fund (TDF) due diligence from Manning & Napier.

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At the same time, Manning & Napier has launched QDIA Sync^SM, one of the first tools to evaluate QDIA type in light of plan demographics. The tool evaluates five plan-specific aspects and generates a customized, actionable report that guides the fiduciary through an analysis of how demographics impact QDIA suitability.

"Today, there is a clear call to action to the industry as a whole. The most commonly used QDIA due diligence tools and practices need to evolve—specifically when evaluating QDIA suitability in light of a plan's unique demographics," said Jeff Coons, President, Manning & Napier. "Staying ahead of these trends and arming advisors with the resources they need to help their plans may be a fiduciary necessity going forward."

Industry-wide, automatic features like automatic enrollment are growing in popularity, illustrated by the amount of plans using auto-enrollment features (50.2%) and auto-escalation features (44%). As a result, as default investments like target date and risk based funds continue to be a dominant investment option on plan menus, Manning & Napier believes that fiduciaries should take care to diligently monitor and select their QDIA of choice.

Learn more: go.manning-napier.com/demographics

About Manning & Napier, Inc.

Manning & Napier MN provides a broad range of investment solutions as well as a variety of consultative services that complement our investment process. Founded in 1970, we offer equity, fixed income and alternative strategies, as well as a range of blended asset portfolios, such as life cycle funds.

We serve a diversified client base of high-net-worth individuals and institutions, including 401(k) plans, pension plans, Taft-Hartley plans, endowments and foundations. For many of these clients, our relationship goes beyond investment management and includes customized solutions that address key issues and solve client-specific problems. We are headquartered in Fairport, NY and have 518 employees as of March 31, 2015.

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