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CalSavers, Ascensus Launch AI-Powered Chatbot

CalSavers and Ascensus announce the launch of CalSavvy, an AI-powered chatbot designed specifically for state-sponsored auto-IRA programs.

With over 600,000 employers mandated to register with CalSavers or offer a qualified retirement plan by the end of 2025, CalSavvy is designed to streamline user interactions with 24/7 access.

“With CalSavers’ new CalSavvy customer support solution, we’re leveraging the power of artificial intelligence to close the retirement savings gap across the Golden State,” said California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, who chairs the CalSavers Retirement Savings Board. “This bilingual service empowers both savers and employers with immediate access to accurate information about the CalSavers program, delivering on our commitment to help Californians build a secure financial future.”

“Ascensus is pleased to partner with the State of California to deliver this first-of-its-kind solution, helping California to expand retirement access to hundreds of thousands of Californians,” said Peg Creonte, president of Ascensus Government Savings. “This is an exciting expansion of Ascensus’ broader efforts to deploy AI in support of better client experiences and higher standards of delivery. The combination of Ascensus’ AI leadership and CalSavers’ forward-thinking stance on retirement savings availability demonstrates the power of public-private collaboration.”

CalSavvy answers common questions, in English and Spanish, about account setup, contributions, investment options, and retirement planning without wait times or business hour restrictions.

Currently, CalSavvy draws from the CalSavers public website and the California State Treasurer’s Office website to answer questions. The program also complements existing tools like recorded webinars, videos, and guides to make program onboarding and facilitation easier.

Future enhancements will include personalized account support and expanded language accessibility.

Ascensus administers two of the largest state auto-IRA programs—CalSavers and Illinois Secure Choice—which together represent 72% of the industry’s funded accounts and assets under administration.