A Better Mouse Trap? Combining TPA & Recordkeeping Services Can Be a Smart Move

Is your retirement plan team rowing in the same direction?

One of the most common frustrations we hear from plan sponsors is the finger-pointing that can occur when the Third-Party Administrator (TPA) and Recordkeeper are separate providers.

When issues arise, valuable time can be spent determining who’s responsible rather than solving the problem.

Bundling TPA and recordkeeping services with the same provider can offer several advantages:

✅ Improved Efficiency
Data flows more seamlessly between administration and recordkeeping platforms, reducing manual processes and potential errors.

✅ Faster Issue Resolution
With one team responsible for both functions, questions and compliance issues can often be addressed more quickly.

✅ Enhanced Participant Experience
A more integrated approach can lead to smoother payroll processing, participant transactions, and reporting.

✅ Better Plan Oversight
When administration and recordkeeping teams work together daily, it creates greater visibility into plan operations and compliance requirements.

✅ Reduced Administrative Burden
Plan sponsors spend less time coordinating between multiple vendors and more time focusing on their business.

That said, every plan is unique. The best solution depends on your plan’s size, complexity, service needs, and long-term objectives.

The key question isn’t whether services should be bundled or unbundled—it’s whether your providers are delivering the responsiveness, expertise, and value your plan deserves.

How is your current provider relationship working? Have you found advantages in a bundled approach, or do you prefer specialized providers?

If you believe that some of the advantages noted above would benefit your company’s retirement plan we would be happy to provide more information on RSA’s combined recordkeeping and TPA service model offered through our strategic partnership with KTrade.