METHODOLOGY: Between late June and late August 2010, approximately 35,000 survey questionnaires were sent to defined contribution (DC) plan sponsors from the PLANSPONSOR magazine database, as well as to client lists supplied by DC providers; 5,929 total usable responses were received by the close of the survey on September 10, 2010. In order to qualify for rating in the survey, providers needed a minimum of 35 total client responses. In order to be rated in a particular asset category, a provider needed at least 15 client responses in the micro, small, or mid asset categories, and at least 10 responses in the large or mega asset categories. Quartiles for participant services and sponsor services were calculated in each asset category in which a provider qualified for a rating.

In addition to the data published here, customized research reports are available by provider, by market segment, by industry, and by region. For more information, contact Brian O’Keefe (bokeefe@assetinternational.com).