Private and Digital Assets Certificate Program Revealed by NAPA
A new “Private and Digital Assets Certificate” program was unveiled today by the National Association of Plan Advisors (NAPA).
The program is specifically designed to prepare retirement plan advisors to evaluate, communicate, and provide strategic guidance on incorporating private and digital assets into defined contribution plans. NAPA said in a press release today it “equips professionals to navigate evolving regulations, conduct rigorous diligence, and ultimately differentiate their practice.”
The program is targeted to NAPA Retirement Plan Advisors who support DC plans and are interested in private and digital assets with intermediate-level knowledge of DC plan investments.
“Defined benefit pension plans, many of them maintained by unions for their members, have successfully used private market investments for decades, and even some larger 401(k) plans already use private-market investments as part of a managed portfolio that serves as a target-date fund for participants,” said NAPA’s Executive Director Brian Graff. “The Private and Digital Assets Certificate Program now puts retirement plan advisors in the best possible position to evaluate all suitable investment options to help hardworking Americans achieve a secure and dignified retirement.”
Today’s release noted a 50% decline in the number of publicly traded companies between 1996 and 2020 means shrinking traditional public market opportunities. Meanwhile, private investment funds now represent a massive $16 trillion in assets globally.
Recent regulatory shifts are making alternative assets more accessible in DC plans, including a recent White House Executive Order aimed at expanding access to private and digital assets in 401(k) plans.
NAPA’s new Private and Digital Assets Certificate program consists of five online modules, all of which must be completed to earn the Certificate:
• Module No. 1 provides a big-picture overview, followed by a deeper dive into specific asset types and focus areas in Module No. 2 and No. 3.
• In Module No. 4, everything is brought together to prepare candidates to incorporate what they learned into their practice.
• Finally, in Module No. 5, they will complete a due diligence exercise to put the knowledge into action.
To receive the Certificate of completion and CE record, candidates must complete this course in its entirety.
After completing this course, advisors will be able to leverage multi-asset solutions, perform two-level due diligence, align with demographics and sponsors, update key documentation, and document a prudent process.
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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.