Press Release

SPARK Institute Publishes Voluntary API Guidelines to Improve Data Integration Between Recordkeepers and TPAs

Issued by SPARK Institute

May 13, 2025

SPARK Institute today announced the release of its API Integration Guidelines for Recordkeepers and TPAs, a set of voluntary best practices designed to modernize, secure, and streamline data exchange in the retirement plan industry. Developed by SPARK’s Third Party Administrator (TPA) Committee in collaboration with industry stakeholders, the guidelines offer a foundational framework for firms seeking to build or enhance API connectivity across platforms.

“This is about creating a common language,” said Tim Rouse, Executive Director of the SPARK Institute. “These guidelines represent a practical first step toward improving interoperability between recordkeepers and TPAs, while respecting the unique architecture and business needs of each firm.”

The new guidelines outline key use cases—such as census data exchange, deferral elections, loan updates, trust statements, and contribution confirmations—and recommend baseline data fields, suggested API workflows, and security best practices. While not a formal technical specification, the document is designed to help firms align on core processes and reduce friction in data integration.

“We know how much time and effort is lost to inconsistent data formats, manual reconciliation, and outdated connectivity,” said Joe Burt, President of Pension Plan Specialists, PC and Chair of SPARK’s TPA Committee. “Our goal was to build a shared starting point that all TPAs and recordkeepers can work from. This isn’t about mandates — it’s about momentum. These guidelines can help our industry move forward, together.”

Burt, a long-time advocate for API modernization in the retirement space, was a driving force in getting this initial framework completed. The guidelines reflect the consensus of the TPA Committee, which brings together dozens of leading firms serving retirement plan sponsors nationwide.

Looking Ahead

SPARK also announced that upcoming API guideline projects will focus on:

• Participant Balances API — enabling secure, real-time access to participant account data
• Participant Distribution API — supporting efficient processing and confirmation of withdrawals and rollovers

SPARK’s TPA Committee will continue leading these efforts in collaboration with recordkeepers and service providers across the industry.

Download the API Integration Guidelines here.

About SPARK Institute

The SPARK Institute represents a broad cross-section of retirement plan service providers and investment managers. Through its working groups and public policy initiatives, SPARK advocates for innovation, operational efficiency, and improved outcomes for plan sponsors and participants.

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