Advisory Services

AKF Consulting Group advises State governments and public entities on all aspects of 529, ABLE, and State-run Retirement Program design, analysis, and marketing. Our municipal advisory services include program design and structure, launch and implementation, investment option evaluation, strategic quantitative analyses, and program administration support. Our non-municipal advisory services include development of governance and best policy practices, marketing performance assessments, investor education initiatives and guidance on legislative and regulatory matters, among others.

End-to-End Program Design

From the development of program timelines, structures and the selection of program managers to the day-to-day management and marketing of the 529, ABLE and State-run Retirement Programs, we provide strategic counsel on every component of plan design, implementation and operation. From our experience, we can address any issue that may arise across the spectrum of State-run Investment Plans.

Industry Benchmarking and Landscape Analysis

Our comprehensive view of the 529, ABLE and State-run Retirement landscapes allows us to provide our clients with detailed industry analyses and trend comparisons on everything from investment offerings to administrative and regulatory protocols. Our intricate understanding of industry developments and trends also enables us to help establish appropriate benchmarks for plan comparisons.

Program Manager Selection and Evaluation

Staffed by a team of veteran professionals, we take an active role in program manager selection and ongoing performance monitoring, developing rigorous evaluation criteria and clear-cut performance metrics. Our knowledge of service providers across multiple sectors enables us to cast a wide-net in reaching potential partners for our clients.

Program Administration

We advise clients on all aspects of contract considerations, requests for proposals, staffing and participant-relations needs associated with the day-to-day administration of their 529, ABLE and State-run Retirement Programs. Our assistance also includes tracking key Program metrics to assess ongoing Program performance.

Program Conversions

Our experts assist with and advise on all aspects of program conversions and transitions, including applicable conversion-related agreements, technology matters, participant communications, investment mapping and records management. Importantly, we also build conversion timelines to keep projects on track, always aiming to avoid unexpected issues and delays.

Governance and Fiduciary Training

We have worked with a wide range of entities that administer 529, ABLE and State-run Retirement Programs. Each authorizing entity brings a different level of governance experience and as a result we have established industry training on plan governance matters and we work hard to promote best practices for State entities.

Legislative and Regulatory Guidance

Conducting regular legislative, regulatory and market analysis, AKF Consulting Group provides ongoing counsel to clients on the impact of legislation and regulations on plan designs, operations and communications. Given our broad experience analyzing statutes nationwide, we also regularly assist with the drafting stages of legislation and regulations.

Consumer Marketing

With experience that dates to the creation of the earliest 529 Plans and includes extensive retail retirement platforms, AKF professionals have assisted with the development of strategic marketing campaigns for some of the country’s leading State-run Investment Plans. We intuitively understand different marketing channels and assist our clients in maximizing the reach of their Programs.

Professional Education

AKF Consulting Group is a trusted source of industry insight, providing comparative analyses and 529, ABLE and State-run Retirement market trend overviews to the professional communities that support State-run Investment Plans, including program managers, certified public accountants, disability advocates and retirement plan stakeholders. Our goal is to help educate key industry participants on all the nuances of 529, ABLE and State-run Retirement Programs.

Quantitative Analyses and Modeling

We design customized, multi-scenario quantitative and comparative analyses that offer valuable insights into Program growth drivers to inform future strategies. Analytics include framing fee structures, determining sustainability, projecting loan repayments, and budgeting revenues and expenditures. Our quantitative and analytical capabilities are tailored to incorporate the intricacies and nuances of 529, ABLE and State-run Retirement Programs.