Want to start a TPA

[Guest JimJ]

Any good links, websites, previous posts, books, etc. to find out more information on the proper way to start a TPA. Things to consider, pro's and con's, type of organization, yadda yadda yadda.....

Thanks,

JimJ

PS - daily environment, web & vru capabilities. DC only.

[Erik Read]

Why? Kidding - there are a few good sites out there that you can affiliate with, for the VRU and Web interface, I'd look at "partnering" with other sites before putting up the capital to create your own.

Call a few TPA's that you know that run the same structure (hopefully outside your competition area) and ask them what headaches you might be able to avoid with their insight.

Aside from that, and this web site - not sure of anyothers that you might be able to use.

Good luck.

[david rigby]

I certainly endorse the comment about this website. Don't forget the Operating a Pension Consulting Firm Message Board.

[Guest JimJ]

Thanks to you both. (by the way pax, its 7 pm go home) That seems to be all I am able to find as well. Concerning the website and VRU, I was thinking to simply integrate the options offered by whichever software vendor I would choose. (i.e. - trustmark, relius/quantech, investlink, etc.) Are you proposing another idea, and if so, any sites specifically?

[Erik Read]

Okay - check the brief today - Principle just came up with a link for TPA's.

In partnering, what I mean is, your firm would do admin, docs and filings, and partner with a "recordkeeper". Principles new platform does just that. There are numerous others out there, and I know of a few TPA's that have the systems in house, and will provide their recordkeeping - including the web and VRU - to your clients, along with a no-compete clause to your firm for the admin and docs.

Trustmark by the way - is now officially Schwab Retirement Technologies - so picking up that software bundle will put the Schwab name into your program even if you don't use Schwab for the investments. More food for thought.

If you'd like more info - shoot me an e-mail privately - I'm usually against touting a provider on the boards - I only mentioned Principle above because they're in the news today.

Good Luck!