OpenArc Corporate Advisory today announced the expansion of its institutional consulting platform to include independent provider search consulting, giving plan sponsors a single fiduciary partner across retirement, deferred compensation, equity compensation, health savings accounts (HSAs), and broader workplace benefits programs.
The new service builds on OpenArc’s established institutional investment fiduciary practice and enables plan sponsors to evaluate, benchmark, and select providers through an objective search process. OpenArc conducts independent requests for information (RFIs) and requests for proposals (RFPs) for both integrated benefits programs and individual plan searches.
As an independent registered investment advisor and institutional fiduciary consultant, OpenArc serves as a 3(38) investment manager or 3(21) fiduciary, providing ongoing investment oversight and governance support. The addition of provider search consulting expands the firm’s ability to support sponsors throughout the full lifecycle of plan evaluation, selection, and monitoring.
Unlike many market participants, OpenArc does not manage investment products, administer plans, or receive revenue-sharing compensation from providers. As a result, its recommendations are based on the needs of plan sponsors and plan participants.
“Plan sponsors are increasingly being asked to evaluate providers and advice across every area of their benefits program, from 401(k) plans and nonqualified deferred compensation programs to equity compensation and HSAs,” said Chad Pigg Fife, Principal Partner, Institutional Consulting and Corporate Business Development at OpenArc Corporate Advisory. “Whether a sponsor is reviewing a single plan or undertaking a broader evaluation of multiple benefit programs, OpenArc serves as the independent fiduciary partner in the room, helping organizations navigate provider complexity, make informed decisions, and fulfill their fiduciary responsibilities.”
The expansion comes at a time when recordkeeping, investment management, participant advice, and wealth management services are becoming increasingly concentrated among large integrated providers. While consolidation can create efficiencies, it can also introduce economic incentives and conflicts that are difficult for plan sponsors to fully evaluate. OpenArc’s consulting model is designed to provide independent analysis and objective guidance throughout the provider selection process.
OpenArc serves mid-market, large-market, and mega-market organizations and has extensive experience across retirement, deferred compensation, equity compensation, and HSA plans. The firm’s institutional consulting team includes Certified Equity Professionals (CEPs) and specialists with deep expertise in equity compensation plan design, administration, and governance. Team members are actively involved in leading industry organizations, including the National Association of Stock Plan Professionals (NASPP) and the Global Equity Organization (GEO), and have been recognized by Barron’s in its list of “Top 100 Consulting Teams” from 2021 through 2025.
OpenArc is a member of the Dynasty Network of independent advisory firms.
Ratings were provided by a third party and should not be construed as an endorsement.
About OpenArc
OpenArc is an independent registered investment advisor and institutional fiduciary consultant serving plan sponsors across retirement and workplace benefits programs, including 401(k), nonqualified deferred compensation (NQDC), equity compensation, and health savings account (HSA) plans. Operating on an open-architecture platform with no proprietary products to sell, OpenArc provides investment fiduciary services, provider search consulting, and employee financial wellness solutions designed to help organizations improve outcomes for participants and meet their fiduciary obligations.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260811001581/en/
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