Northern Trust Offers New Collective Trust Investment Products

The Northern Trust Company Sub-Advised Collective Funds Trust will provide access to the U.S. private and public retirement market, according to a press release. Each collective fund will be marketed and distributed by its respective sub-adviser.

The offering will be supported through the Global Fund Services unit (GFS), which services more than 430 investment managers around the globe encompassing approximately 4,000 funds. As trustee of the funds, Northern Trust will provide due diligence review of all sub-advisers as well as transparent reporting to plan sponsors and record keepers.       

The company noted that collective trust funds typically have a lower cost structure than mutual funds, making them an attractive alternative for plan sponsors with fiduciary responsibility.      

“Collective trust funds are increasingly seen as an attractive vehicle for investment options offered in defined-contribution and 401(k) retirement plans, due to their potential for greater pricing flexibility and other advantages,” said Peter Cherecwich, head of Global Fund Services-North America and chief operating officer for Corporate & Institutional Services at Northern Trust, in the announcement.       

“In today’s increasingly risk- and cost-conscious market, we can offer a fund product that combines efficiency with a thorough oversight process,” said Paul d’Ouville, global head of asset servicing product management for Northern Trust. “For asset management firms launching new strategies or seeking new distribution channels, our collective trust presents a cost-effective solution to help achieve their business goals.”