401(k) Specialist Podcast

401(k) Specialist’s new biweekly podcast series “The 401(k) Specialist Pod(k)ast” provides retirement and 401(k) advisors with tips and strategies to optimize their business and outperform for their clients. High-profile pundits and personalities engage in smart discussions of relevant topics to educate, inform and entertain listeners.

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401(k) Specialist Podcast

Creating the 'Next-Gen 401(k) Report' with KWP Growth Partners’ Will Prest and Lisa Kottler

April 07, 2025 • Brian Anderson / Lisa Kottler / Will Prest • Season 6 • Episode 115

The inaugural "Next-Gen 401(k) Report" from KWP Growth Partners is being released on April 8, unveiling a dozen transformative trends that are shaping the future of retirement plans, putting the spotlight on 60 leading digital-forward companies that are driving innovation in the workplace retirement plan space.

Will Prest, Managing Partner for KWP Growth Partners and Lisa Kottler, KWP’s Partner of Strategic Growth and Innovation, join this episode of the 401(k) Specialist Podcast to discuss the new report and what makes it a valuable new resource for firms throughout the workplace retirement plan ecosystem.

Key Insights

Next Gen 401(k) Report Launches with 12 Key Trends
KWP Growth Partners released the inaugural Next Gen 401(k) Report spotlighting 60 innovative companies and 12 transformative trends shaping the retirement industry. Designed for advisors, recordkeepers, asset managers, and fintechs, the report helps stakeholders identify emerging opportunities and collaborate for better retirement outcomes.

Collaboration Over Competition in RetireTech
A major takeaway is the growing collaboration between legacy firms and challenger retiretech brands. Instead of competing, firms are forming strategic partnerships—like John Hancock with Swell—to broaden market access, accelerate innovation, and close the retirement coverage gap.

Top Trends: AI, Embedded Solutions & Human-Centered Design
Among the top trends are AI-driven personalization, embedded solutions like guideline and Gusto's payroll integration, and user-friendly, jargon-free design. These trends are enhancing engagement, efficiency, and inclusivity across retirement platforms.