Technology and the Future of Retirement Planning with Morningstar Retirement’s Michael Allen
Retirement technology is rapidly transforming the way advisors and plan sponsors deliver planning advice. In this episode of the 401(k) Specialist Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Brian Anderson sits down with Michael Allen, Morningstar Retirement’s Global Head of Retirement Technology, to explore how innovation is making retirement advice more personalized, scalable, and impactful.
Allen shares insights on how Morningstar turns ideas into digital solutions, the technologies most likely to redefine the participant experience—like AI, predictive analytics, and behavioral nudges—and how innovation stays grounded in what participants really need.
Key Insights:
AI boosts personalization in retirement planning
Michael Allen shares how AI lets Morningstar offer dynamic, personalized advice. Instead of long forms, participants now engage in simple, human-like conversations.
Innovation solves real user pain points
Morningstar’s tools, like “AI Insights,” were built to fix specific issues—such as time-consuming reporting—by highlighting key data instantly.
Advice at scale with human oversight
Morningstar combines AI with trusted forecasting tools. The goal: deliver tailored advice while letting advisors focus on what humans do best.
©2025 Morningstar Investment Management LLC. All Rights Reserved. The Morningstar name and logo are registered marks of Morningstar, Inc. Morningstar Retirement offers research- and technology-driven products and services to individuals, workplace retirement plans, and other industry players. Associated advisory services are provided by Morningstar Investment Management LLC, a registered investment adviser and subsidiary of Morningstar, Inc.
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.
