fiduciary First guidance
for retirement plan management
Kaizen [改善] A Japanese concept meaning continuous improvement.
At Kaizen Retirement Plan Consultants, we apply this principle through steady progress, strategic refinement, and disciplined retirement plan management.We bring a fiduciary-first approach, providing investment recommendations, plan design support, and participant education with clarity and care. Our focus is on supporting plan sponsors in the structured oversight and administration of their retirement plans, while offering employees access to education and resources to help them better understand their benefits.
what fiduciary means
Retirement plan advisors acting as fiduciaries operate under specific responsibilities defined by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). These responsibilities vary based on the role assumed and the scope outlined in each client agreement.
3(21) Fiduciary Advisor
Provides investment recommendations, due diligence, and ongoing monitoring. The plan sponsor retains final decision-making authority and responsibility for investment selections.
3(38) Investment Manager
When engaged in this capacity, assumes discretionary authority to select, monitor, and replace plan investment options. This authority is limited to the investment function and is exercised in accordance with the plan’s Investment Policy Statement.
In both cases, fiduciary responsibilities are limited to investment-related duties and are defined by the terms of the written agreement. Plan sponsors retain responsibility for overall plan governance and administrative functions unless otherwise delegated.