Creating the ‘Next-Gen 401(k) Report’ with KWP Growth Partners’ Will Prest and Lisa Kottler
The inaugural “Next-Gen 401(k) Report” from KWP Growth Partners is being released on April 8, unveiling a dozen transformative trends that are shaping the future of retirement plans, putting the spotlight on 60 leading digital-forward companies that are driving innovation in the workplace retirement plan space.
Will Prest, Managing Partner for KWP Growth Partners and Lisa Kottler, KWP’s Partner of Strategic Growth and Innovation, join this episode of the 401(k) Specialist Podcast to discuss the new report and what makes it a valuable new resource for firms throughout the workplace retirement plan ecosystem.
Key Insights
Next Gen 401(k) Report Launches with 12 Key Trends
KWP Growth Partners released the inaugural Next Gen 401(k) Report spotlighting 60 innovative companies and 12 transformative trends shaping the retirement industry. Designed for advisors, recordkeepers, asset managers, and fintechs, the report helps stakeholders identify emerging opportunities and collaborate for better retirement outcomes.
Collaboration Over Competition in RetireTech
A major takeaway is the growing collaboration between legacy firms and challenger retiretech brands. Instead of competing, firms are forming strategic partnerships—like John Hancock with Vestwell—to broaden market access, accelerate innovation, and close the retirement coverage gap.
Top Trends: AI, Embedded Solutions & Human-Centered Design
Among the top trends are AI-driven personalization, embedded solutions like guideline and Gusto’s payroll integration, and user-friendly, jargon-free design. These trends are enhancing engagement, efficiency, and inclusivity across retirement platforms.
SEE ALSO:
‘RetireTech Map 1.0’ Highlights Retirement Plan Industry Innovators
‘Next-Gen 401(k) Report’ Details 4 Key Challenges Facing Workplace Retirement Plan Market
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.
Lisa Kottler is Partner of Strategic Growth & Innovation at KWP Growth Partners, where she collaborates with C‑suite leaders to shape go‑to‑market strategies, drive growth, and harness emerging fintech and retirement technologies. With deep roots in fintech and startups, Lisa previously built NFP’s retirement division into a nationally recognized leader and has held leadership roles at Voya, CIGNA, and Schwab.
She was among the first to develop a digital 401(k) pooled employer plan (PEP) tailored for startups and remains a key voice at the intersection of behavioral finance, tech innovation, and retirement access. As a recognized thought leader and policy advocate, Lisa has been named one of the “100 Most Influential People in the DC Industry” by 401kWire for three consecutive years.
In her current role, she co-leads KWP’s inaugural Workplace RetireTech Map and Next‑Gen 401(k) Report, helping bridge legacy providers and fintech innovators—what she describes as “being Google Translate” between the two. Outside consulting, Lisa regularly speaks at industry events and advises on retirement access solutions for small and mid‑sized businesses.
