Ascensus Targets Nonprofit Market with 403(b) Pooled Employer Plan
The National Nonprofit 403(b) Pooled Employer Plan (PEP), a new retirement solution designed to help nonprofit organizations simplify plan administration and broaden access to scalable retirement benefits, was officially launched today by Ascensus.
Available through open distribution to advisors nationwide, the 403(b) PEP offering expands Ascensus’ suite of pooled retirement plan solutions and reflects the company’s broader strategy to scale pooled plans as a key driver of future retirement growth.
“Demand for simpler, more scalable retirement solutions continues to grow, and pooled plans represent one of the most important ways we can deliver that at scale.”
Dan Morrison, President of Retirement at Ascensus
“As we look forward, PEPs are a core pillar of our retirement strategy at Ascensus,” said Dan Morrison, President of Retirement at Ascensus. “Demand for simpler, more scalable retirement solutions continues to grow, and pooled plans represent one of the most important ways we can deliver that at scale. Our National Nonprofit 403(b) PEP brings together fiduciary support, administrative efficiency, and integrated technology to help advisors and organizations operate more effectively while improving outcomes for participants.”
Morrison added that the nonprofit segment is underserved and a priority area for future focus and investment. “School teachers, healthcare workers, and employees of nonprofit organizations dedicate their careers to serving others. We view it as our responsibility to ensure they have access to high-quality retirement solutions that help more of these savers save more,” Morrison said.
The National Nonprofit 403(b) PEP offers a bundled administrative model, with Newport serving as the pooled plan provider and administrative fiduciary, Ascensus serving as recordkeeper, and Aprio providing independent investment fiduciary oversight.
The launch builds on Ascensus’ continued expansion in the pooled plan market as the company says organizations and advisors are increasingly seeking retirement solutions that reduce complexity, improve efficiency, and support stronger governance. Earlier this year, Ascensus introduced additional pooled employer plan offerings to meet evolving advisor and employer needs, reinforcing its commitment to expanding access to flexible retirement plan solutions across market segments.
This focus on scaling pooled solutions and expanding access reflects Ascensus’ broader strategy to build a more powerful, integrated retirement platform. In support of this strategy, the company announced last month that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire AmericanTCS—bringing together combined capabilities, greater scale, and an expanded fiduciary and administrative platform that is expected to accelerate Ascensus’ ability to deliver on this strategy for plan sponsors and participants upon closing. That transaction is expected to close in Q3 2026.
Dresher, Pa.-based Asensus supports over 16 million savers, oversees $913+ billion dollars in assets under administration, and employs more than 5,000 associates as of March 31, 2026. For more information on Ascensus PEP offerings, visit: https://www.ascensus.com/solutions/retirement/defined-contribution/meps-peps/
SEE ALSO:
• Equitable Launches 403(b) PEP Aimed for Nonprofits
• Group Urges Lawmakers to Allow CITs in 403(b)s for 14.5 Million Faith-Based and Nonprofit Workers
• Ascensus, OneDigital Partner on PEPs
Veteran financial services industry journalist Brian Anderson joined 401(k) Specialist as Managing Editor in January 2019. He has led editorial content for a variety of well-known properties including Insurance Forums, Life Insurance Selling, National Underwriter Life & Health, and Senior Market Advisor. He has always maintained a focus on providing readers with timely, useful information intended to help them build their business.