Roll over, don't play dead

In my most recent report, Wings of a Butterfly: Regulation, Rollovers and a Wave of Optimization Software, I discuss the challenges the DoL conflict of interest rule poses to the $7 trillion IRA rollover business. These challenges center on the need for advisors to break down 401k plan costs and make apples-to-apples comparisons of proposed rollover solutions. Why focus on the rollover? First, the rollover decision serves as a touchstone in the relationship between client and advisor. Trust sits at the center of recommendation to roll over, and seldom are the vulnerabilities of the client so exposed. The importance of the rollover decision is further magnified by timing. It often takes place at the apex of client wealth, where the consequences of missteps for the investor can be severe. For the advisor, the rollover offers a unique opportunity to capture assets, or at least advise on their disposition, as well as present a coherent strategy for drawdown. The implications of the decision to roll over extend beyond the client advisor relationship to firm strategy, of course. They are particularly relevant to product development and distribution. I'll discuss these implications in a later post.