Press Release

Ascensus Develops 'CalSavvy,' First-Ever AI Chatbot for State Auto-IRA Programs

Issued by Ascensus

Sept. 16, 2025

With “CalSavvy,” the State of California delivers ground-breaking innovation to over 600,000 employers ahead of 2025 CalSavers registration deadline

Sacramento, CA and Dresher, PA —CalSavers and Ascensus announce the launch of CalSavvy, the first AI-powered chatbot designed specifically for state-sponsored auto-IRA programs. With over 600,000 employers mandated to register with CalSavers or offer a qualified retirement plan by the end of 2025, CalSavvy is designed to deliver quality information and streamline user interactions with 24/7 on-demand access.

Reinforcing Ascensus’ commitment to deliver tech-forward and responsible AI solutions for clients, this partnership with the State of California marks a major milestone towards CalSavers’ purpose.

"With CalSavers’ new CalSavvy customer support solution, we're leveraging the power of artificial intelligence to close the retirement savings gap across the Golden State," said California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, who chairs the CalSavers Retirement Savings Board. "This bilingual service empowers both savers and employers with immediate access to accurate information about the CalSavers program, delivering on our commitment to help Californians build a secure financial future."

“Ascensus is pleased to partner with the State of California to deliver this first-of-its-kind solution, helping California to expand retirement access to hundreds of thousands of Californians,” said Peg Creonte, president of Ascensus Government Savings. “This is an exciting expansion of Ascensus’ broader efforts to deploy AI in support of better client experiences and higher standards of delivery. The combination of Ascensus’ AI leadership and CalSavers’ forward-thinking stance on retirement savings availability demonstrates the power of public-private collaboration.”

CalSavvy answers common questions, in English and Spanish, about account setup, contributions, investment options, and retirement planning—without wait times or business hour restrictions. The chatbot helps savers better understand retirement savings concepts and CalSavers program features, making it easier than ever for workers across California to engage with their retirement benefits.

“CalSavers is designed to help Californians take positive financial steps towards retirement security and be part of the fabric for employers doing business in California,” said David Teykaerts, CalSavers Executive Director. “Thanks to Ascensus and our shared spirit of innovation, CalSavvy is now part of that fabric and a vital resource for California businesses.”

Currently, CalSavvy draws from the CalSavers public website and the California State Treasurer’s Office website to answer questions. Whether employers prefer to call for assistance or self-serve, CalSavvy complements existing tools like recorded webinars, videos, and guides to make program onboarding and facilitation easier.

Future enhancements will enable personalized account support and expanded language accessibility.

Ascensus administers two of the largest state auto-IRA programs—CalSavers and Illinois Secure Choice—which together represent 72 percent of the industry’s funded accounts and assets under administration. ¹

About CalSavers

Established as part of California's efforts to address the retirement savings gap, CalSavers provides a retirement savings program for workers whose employers do not offer a pension or retirement plan. By facilitating easy access to a Roth IRA, CalSavers aims to ensure that all Californians have the opportunity to save for retirement directly from their paycheck. The program is a critical tool in supporting the financial independence and security of millions of workers as they plan for a stable and secure retirement.

For more information on the CalSavers Retirement Savings Program, visit calsavers.com.

About Ascensus

Ascensus powers savings plans across America, providing the technology, services, and expertise that help nearly 16 million people save for a better today and tomorrow.

The company is a premier savings program service provider, third-party administrator, and government savings facilitator. Its platforms, industry knowledge, and data-based insights enhance the growth and success of its partners, their clients, and savers through co-branded, private-labeled, and governmental partnerships.

Ascensus offers comprehensive qualified and nonqualified retirement plan solutions, third-party retirement plan administration, 529 education and ABLE savings program administration, corporate- and bank-owned life insurance solutions, and fiduciary and total rewards services.

The company’s brands include Ascensus; Newport, an Ascensus company; and FuturePlan by Ascensus. Ascensus has more than $892 billion in assets under administration and employs more than 5,000 associates as of June 30, 2025.

For more information, visit ascensus.com and ascensus.com/newport.

¹ Georgetown Center for Retirement Initiatives. State Program Performance Data.

Editor's note: This press release has been issued by the company named above, not BenefitsLink. Reliance on information in this press release might be prudent only after an independent review of its accuracy, completeness, efficacy, and timeliness. Reference to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, service mark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not constitute or imply endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by BenefitsLink.