June 2021 Assessment of Umbrella Funds

**Title**: Evaluating Umbrella Funds for Your Company’s Retirement Needs

In this episode of the Gracefun podcast, Mark Meridian, a certified financial planner professional, discusses the essential factors to consider when evaluating an umbrella fund for retirement savings. Watch the full video to gain insights into what to look for in an umbrella fund provider for your company’s specific needs.

### Factors to Consider in Evaluating an Umbrella Fund Provider

When evaluating an umbrella fund, it’s crucial to consider several key aspects such as:
1. **Membership Requirements**: Minimum number of members and monthly contributions.
2. **Governance and Representation**: Fund governance, compliance, and transparency.
3. **Fund Size and Growth**: Economies of scale, fees, and fund management.
4. **Investment Strategies**: Default options, alternative strategies, and performance.
5. **Risk Benefits**: Life, disability, and critical illness covers offered.
6. **Costs and Fees**: Evaluation of all fees on a like-for-like basis.
7. **Service Providers and Conflicts of Interest**: Conflict management and independent consultancy.
8. **Member Communication**: Frequency and sophistication of member communication.

### Understanding the New Retirement Savings Cost Disclosure Standard

With the new retirement savings cost disclosure standard, it’s now easier for employers to compare like with like when assessing quotations from different umbrella fund providers. The standard breaks down costs into four separate components: investment management charges, advice charges, administration charges, and other charges.

### Expert Assistance for Your Umbrella Fund Evaluation

At Gray Swan, we have assisted numerous clients with a review of their umbrella fund offerings. Our independent consulting services can help you select the most suitable umbrella fund provider and implement best practices for pre- and post-retirement investment strategies. *Contact us* today to engage with our team of experts and ensure that your company’s retirement needs are met with a tailored umbrella fund solution.

### Conclusion

There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to umbrella fund providers. Each company’s specific requirements need to be addressed. Watch the complete video to gain valuable insights into evaluating umbrella funds for your company’s retirement needs.