World Investment Advisors, a Santa Barbara-based RIA, announced a partnership with fintech provider Pontera to enable its over 350 financial advisors to “securely manage workplace retirement plan assets” for their clients. World’s advisors now have access to Pontera’s platform to manage, trade and report on clients’ held-away 401(k) and other workplace retirement accounts.
“Teaming with Pontera is emblematic of our dedication to providing our advisors with the tools and flexibility they need to offer clients the most comprehensive set of wealth management services possible,” said Troy Hammond, CEO of World.
The Pontera platform employs a secure layer, designed to protect client data, for advisors to manage workplace retirement accounts without taking custody of the assets or needing credentials to access the accounts.
Hammond added: “In today’s market, advisors must be able to manage all of their clients’ assets, including those in workplace plans. Pontera’s platform directly addresses this need, enhancing their ability to deliver holistic advice and further strengthening the value proposition of our wealth platform.”
Peter Nolan, SVP, Head of Revenue at Pontera, said: “Americans rely heavily on their workplace retirement plans, and they deserve professional guidance on these critical assets, especially during volatile financial markets like we’re experiencing. Our secure platform equips World’s advisors to deliver that essential, holistic advice, integrating retirement savings into a comprehensive wealth strategy and helping clients build a more secure financial future.”
In March, World announced the launch of World Managed Account Platform (WorldMAP), an open-architecture, multi-custodial investment and portfolio management platform. In January, World’s broker-dealer affiliate, World Investments, acquired Freeman & Vannauker, a $190 million Freehold, New Jersey-based firm.
Michael Madden, Contributing Editor and Research Analyst at Wealth Solutions Report, can be reached at michael.madden@wealthsolutionsreport.com.
