Utica, NY (October 19, 2021). BPAS, a leading national provider of retirement plans, benefit plans, fund administration, and collective investment trusts, has launched BPAStify – an innovative, new fraud prevention tool that is part of the firm’s overall security efforts.

Under BPAStify, a participant requesting certain assistance through the Participant Service Center or other means may require additional scrutiny using a live video identity verification process via smart phone, tablet, or computer. When complete, the recording will be shared with the client’s HR team, who will verify that the caller is truly the employee in question and provide approval to BPAS.

“A few months ago, I was at the airport standing in the TSA Security line,” said Paul Neveu, BPAS CEO. “When I got to the front, the agent asked me to step aside because I’d been randomly selected for additional scrutiny. While waiting, something dawned on me: This situation is analogous to what we’re dealing with in DC plans, with thousands of people running through the airport each day. Like the TSA, recordkeepers have an obligation to invoke additional security measures to protect assets, whether driven by facts, random selection, or behavior. That’s when the idea for BPAStify hit me like a bolt of lightning. I brought the idea back for our people to figure out.”

In the wake of well-published data breaches in 2017 and 2018, retirement service providers across the U.S. have fought a range of new fraud threats within workplace retirement plans. Firms have implemented a bevy of new measures to galvanize their programs, including multi-factor authentication, added security questions, changes to electronic payment polices and other confidential or proprietary measures.

“We started experimenting with this concept a few months ago,” said Joe Buczek, Manager of the BPAS Participant Service Center. “In most call centers, the overwhelming majority of calls are innocuous. However, a small number of calls can raise attention either because of behavior, or facts that seem strange. When we decide to invoke BPAStify, we notify the caller that the account has been flagged for additional scrutiny. The caller’s reaction tells you something right away. When you’re dealing with the real participant, there is almost always an immediate willingness to cooperate; they appreciate the added vigilance to protect their account. In cases where there is a refusal to cooperate or some technological reason why the caller can’t participate, it’s a big red flag. We freeze the account and initiate additional security measures to protect the plan assets.”

A key element of BPAStify is not only authentication and review by the employer, but the fact that, in the event of a fraud attempt, the recording itself could be used by law enforcement to identify and prosecute fraudsters. Considering the dollars at stake, this is something BPAS makes clear on the recorded calls.

“We will continue to refine the BPAStify program and build additional technology around it,” added Linda Pritchard, SVP of BPAS Operations. “There is only one individual who has the right to access an account or attempt to withdraw assets – the actual participant. If we suspect an outside individual may be attempting to gain access to an account, including possible cases of family fraud or domestic fraud, or see situations that just don’t stack up, BPAStify will jump into the ring. We’re pleased to add this new tool to our arsenal of security measures. We have no higher imperative than to protect plan assets for our customers. BPAStify is a real game changer.”

“BPAS focuses on improving technology and developing programs to ensure that participants are knowledgeable about the importance of retirement savings,” added Chrissy DeCaria, Relationship Manager at BPAS, who plays a lead role in the firm’s security initiatives. “We understand how important it is to protect accounts, and we work to educate participants on their vital responsibilities in this process. BPAStify is one more piece of the puzzle. I think participants will appreciate this level of service; anyone who has experienced a fraud attempt will understand why it’s so important. We look forward to using this program when we get that feeling that something just doesn’t sound right. Peace of mind for all parties is a beautiful thing.”

About BPAS

BPAS is a national provider of retirement plans, benefit plans, fund administration, and collective investment trusts. We support 4,200 retirement plans, $110 billion in trust assets, $1.3 trillion in fund administration, and more than 510,000 participants. With our breadth of services, depth of creative talent, and financial resources, we are well-positioned to help our clients solve all their benefit plan challenges without the need to engage multiple providers. One company. One call.

BPAS services: Plan Administration & Recordkeeping, Actuarial & Pension, Collective Investment Trusts, Fund Administration, Fiduciary Healthcare Consulting, IRA, VEBA HRA, Health & Welfare Plans, and Institutional Trust.

BPAS specialty practices: Auto Enrollment Plans, Multiple Employer Trusts/Plans, Plans with Employer Securities, Puerto Rico Section 1081 Plans, VEBA HRA Plans, Cash Balance Plans, Collective Investment Trusts, and Fund Administration.

BPAS subsidiaries: BPAS Trust Company of Puerto Rico, Global Trust Company, Hand Benefits & Trust, and NRS Trust Product Administration.

As a solutions-oriented national practice, we are committed to “Solving Tomorrow’s Benefit Challenges Today.” Visit bpas.com for more information.

Utica, NY (July 13, 2021 ). BPAS, a leading national provider of retirement plans, benefit plans, fund administration, and collective investment trusts, announced today that Maryann Geary has been named President of its Plan Administration and Recordkeeping Services and David Ritchie has been named Executive Vice President of its Health & Welfare division.

Geary has led the company’s Plan Administration & Recordkeeping operations since 2008. Before joining BPAS, she was an owner of Alliance Benefit Group Mid-Atlantic, in Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania. She holds several designations in the retirement field from the American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries, including Certified Pension Consultant, Qualified Pension Administrator, Qualified 401(k) Administrator, Qualified Plan Financial Consultant, and Tax Exempt and Government Plans Consultant. She is also an Enrolled Retirement Plan Agent and is licensed to represent clients before the IRS.

“Maryann has played a vital role in the growth and development of BPAS, while setting the highest standards for the ERISA, technical, and plan design knowledge we possess as an organization,” said Paul Neveu, BPAS CEO. “She brings a keen understanding of technical requirements, combined with a practical approach to plan administration. Maryann has overseen various teams within BPAS, including our national team of Plan Consultants, the Plan Documents and Notices team, the Plan Conversion and Implementation team, TPA Services, and worked across the company on many collaborative projects. As President, Maryann will be able to work her magic in overseeing all operations and lead our administrative, trust, and operational functions of our Plan Administration & Recordkeeping Services.”

“It is a very exciting time to work in the retirement field due to recent legislation,” said Geary. “BPAS will continue to focus on providing unparalleled retirement administration and recordkeeping services with a focus on technology and outsourcing the HR functions for our Plan Sponsors to allow them to focus on growing their businesses.  I am thrilled to be able to lead the way with an amazing team of professionals at BPAS.”

Ritchie, who joined BPAS in 2013, is a national expert on VEBA HRA issues. With more than 20 years of industry experience, he is a leading authority on VEBAs, Consumer-Driven Plans, and COBRA Administration. In his new role, he will lead the company’s Health & Welfare service lines in operations, sales, staffing, service, and compliance.

Since joining BPAS, Ritchie has secured key partnerships to help expand the BPAS Health & Welfare business. The company’s VEBA offering is particularly popular with municipal/public-sector employers, schools and universities, and Taft-Hartley union groups.

“David has been instrumental to the growth of our VEBA and Health & Welfare lines of business,” said Paul Neveu, BPAS CEO. “In addition to his strong leadership skills and strategic thinking, he brings a keen understanding of GASB/OPEB mitigation solutions, union negotiation and bargaining, consumer-driven healthcare options, and COBRA administration. His leadership has been a driving force in expanding the BPAS national brand across a competitive marketplace and building our Health & Welfare practice. We offer one of the best solutions in the market. With Dave at the helm, we have the products, technology, staffing, and expertise to really lead the way.”

“With the continuous rising costs of both healthcare insurance and expenses, Health & Welfare plans are great tools for employers and employees looking to stretch their budgets and create a marketplace of informed consumers,” said Ritchie. We have a compelling story and can help employers enjoy significant additional tax advantages. I’m looking forward to expanding the BPAS brand and building our Health & Welfare business into a truly national brand.”

About BPAS

BPAS is a national provider of retirement plans, benefit plans, fund administration, and collective investment trusts. We support 4,200 retirement plans, $110 billion in trust assets, $1.3 trillion in fund administration, and more than 510,000 participants. With our breadth of services, depth of creative talent, and financial resources, we are well-positioned to help our clients solve all their benefit plan challenges without the need to engage multiple providers. One company. One call.

BPAS services: Plan Administration & Recordkeeping, Actuarial & Pension, Collective Investment Trusts, Fund Administration, Fiduciary Healthcare Consulting, IRA, VEBA/HRA, Health & Welfare Plans, Institutional Trust.

BPAS specialty practices: Auto Enrollment Plans, Multiple Employer Trusts/Plans, Plans with Employer Securities, Puerto Rico Section 1081 Plans, VEBA HRA Plans, Cash Balance Plans, Collective Investment Trusts, and Fund Administration.

BPAS subsidiaries: BPAS Trust Company of Puerto Rico, Fringe Benefits Design, Global Trust Company, Hand Benefits & Trust, and NRS Trust Product Administration.

As a solutions-oriented national practice, we are committed to “Solving Tomorrow’s Benefit Challenges Today.” Visit bpas.com for more information.

Boston, MA (June 22, 2021) – BPAS, a national provider of retirement plans, benefit plans, fund administration, and collective investment trusts, is partnering with MP, an HCM solutions company, to deliver integrated solutions for mutual plan-sponsor clients. The MP-BPAS partnership means 360-degree integration technology links and synchronized data between the plan sponsor, recordkeeper, administrator, and employees.

This new partnership will eliminate manual uploads, reduce data entry errors, and protect data integrity for employers choosing MP for comprehensive payroll services and BPAS for defined contribution (DC) plan administration. Data will be updated automatically between BPAS and MP whenever a change is made to one of the systems for full 360-degree automation to all parties.

“We are excited to support MP and BPAS clients in a new way,” said Jason Maxwell, CEO of MP. “We can now offer seamless, top-tier solutions for plan administration, as well as proactive and reliable HR and payroll services that will save our clients an enormous amount of time.”

Both MP and BPAS offer employers the option to customize and manage service providers across employee benefit, payroll, and accounting services. The two companies are now able to deliver an integration solution that optimizes the employee experience for its clients.

“BPAS is committed to executing and streamlining the plan sponsor experience,” said Paul Neveu, BPAS CEO. “We recognize that payroll providers and DC plan recordkeepers operate in a world of client choice. So, when we can create a partnership where two firms truly optimize the client experience and deliver refreshing new solutions to employers, we’re going to jump at it. It’s like we’re restoring the confident silence back into plan administration.”

MP serves clients across the nation with a high concentration in New England. MP and BPAS began working together through advisor partnerships in 2014. “We have earned our clients’ trust as they outsource their retirement plan needs to us,” added Neveu. “We’re proud of this partnership and are looking forward to a full rollout to clients. Plus, MP will now be a provider of choice for BPAS clients, serving their HR, payroll, and benefits administration needs.”

About MP

MP is a full-service HR and payroll services provider. Founded in 2004, it is headquartered in Beverly, Massachusetts. The company serves clients from all industries and across all 50 states, helping them streamline human capital management to achieve their larger business goals. MP combines best in class technology with proactive and reliable customer service to help clients optimize performance. For more information, visit mp-hr.com.

About BPAS

BPAS is a national provider of retirement plans, benefit plans, fund administration, and collective investment trusts. We support 4,000 retirement plans, $100 billion in trust assets, $1.3 trillion in fund administration, and more than 500,000 participants. With our breadth of services, depth of creative talent, and financial resources, we are well positioned to help our clients solve all their benefit plan challenges without the need to engage multiple providers. One company. One call.

The BPAS family of services includes: Plan Administration & Recordkeeping | Actuarial & Pension | Healthcare Consulting | IRA | VEBA HRA | Health & Welfare Plans | Fiduciary | Collective Investment Funds | Fund Administration | Institutional Trust

Specialty practices include: Auto Enrollment Plans | Multiple Employer Trusts/Plans (MET/MEP) | Plans with Employer Securities | Puerto Rico Section 1081 Plans | VEBA HRA Plans | Cash Balance Plans | Collective Investment Trusts | Fund Administration

BPAS subsidiaries include: Hand Benefits & Trust, NRS Trust Product Administration, Global Trust Company, and BPAS Trust Company of Puerto Rico.

As a solutions-oriented national practice, we are committed to “Solving Tomorrow’s Benefit Challenges Today.” Visit bpas.com for more information.

Utica, NY (February 16, 2021). BPAS, a national provider of retirement plans, benefit plans, fund administration, and collective investment trusts, has created a special solutions-focused consulting team as a resource to plan sponsors and the retirement plan industry on technical matters.

The BPAS Solutions Squad consists of expert professionals in Defined Contribution, Defined Benefit, and Health and Welfare plans, as well as TPA services.

“With the flurry of mergers and acquisitions in recent years, business models are changing,” said Paul Neveu, BPAS CEO. “While there’s considerable technical depth within the industry, some providers are narrowing the services their in-house compliance teams provide, causing gap situations that need to be solved at the client level. We saw how it was adding burdens to Plan Sponsors and knew we had the resources to help.”

While the core focus of BPAS remains on recurring engagements, the expertise of the Solutions Squad allows BPAS to dive in, review complex situations, and work with other parties as an additional business line. BPAS understands that a range of factors and simple miscommunication among parties can give rise to compliance problems for employers. “We understand the sensitivity of these situations, the need for confidentiality, and discretion,” added Neveu. “The key is to identify what went wrong, review possible remedies and take action — not just let the situation fester.”
Maryann Geary, Executive Vice President of BPAS, agreed, saying that BPAS has seen situations where an administrative or operational error occurred and the correction methodology was outside of the provider’s wheelhouse. “There are matters like coverage testing across controlled groups, complex year-end allocations or true ups, or where calculations were done wrong for several years as a result of problems with compensation or the benefits formula,” she said. “There are also jump-ball situations when a plan moves from Provider A to B, where an employer ends up in ‘no-man’s land’ as neither provider is willing to handle certain compliance work. The BPAS Solutions Squad can bring great value to these cases, either as a resource to the employer or to one of the providers.”

“There are also cases where an employer simply wants to fix a spot issue rather than move the entire relationship,” added Vince Spina, President of BPAS Actuarial & Pension Services. “It’s understandable, but with the biggest vendors, they see risk everywhere. They often say no to requests that move from administration into the consulting realm. Our actuarial and DC teams are willing to review situations to see where we can be of assistance. Consulting is what we do for a living. We’ll take a look, have some dialogue. Often, we find a better way to solve the problem.”

The BPAS Solutions Squad can also provide resources to help in working with legal counsel, accounting firms, and IRS and DOL regulators. Naturally, BPAS reserves the right to determine what situations make sense for the Solutions Squad, including timing, scope of engagement and potential fees.

About BPAS

BPAS is a national provider of retirement plans, benefit plans, fund administration, and collective investment trusts. We support 3,800 retirement plans, $100 billion in trust assets, $1.3 trillion in fund administration, and more than 450,000 participants. With our breadth of services, depth of creative talent, and financial resources, we are well-positioned to help our clients solve all their benefit plan challenges without the need to engage multiple providers. One company. One call.

BPAS services: Plan Administration & Recordkeeping, Actuarial & Pension, Collective Investment Trusts, Fund Administration, Custody, Transfer Agency, 3(16)/3(38), Healthcare Consulting, IRA, HSA, VEBA, Consumer-Driven Health Plans.

BPAS specialty practices: Auto Enrollment Plans, Multiple Employer Trusts/Plans, Plans with Employer Securities, Puerto Rico Section 1081 Plans, VEBA/HRA Plans, Cash Balance Plans, Collective Investment Trusts, and Fund Administration.

BPAS subsidiaries: BPAS Trust Company of Puerto Rico, Global Trust Company, Hand Benefits & Trust, and NRS Trust Product Administration.

As a solutions-oriented national practice, we are committed to “Solving Tomorrow’s Benefit Challenges Today.” Visit bpas.com for more information.

Utica, NY (December 2, 2020). BPAS, a national provider of retirement plans, benefit plans, fund administration and collective investment trusts, announced today that Barry Kublin will retire from his position as CEO effective December 31, 2020. He will remain with the company in Board of Director, strategic consulting, and industry advisory capacities. Paul Neveu will succeed Kublin as CEO of BPAS and Chris Hulse will succeed Kublin as CEO of NRS/BPAS trust services.

“It was a great run of 36 years,” said Mark Tryniski, CEO at Community Bank System, Inc. (CBSI), the BPAS parent company. “Barry is a rare individual who is adept at both strategy and execution. He is entrepreneurial and operational, and a serial opportunist — which is how he was able to grow a business from scratch to more than $100 million in annual revenues. We’ll continue to benefit from his vision, expertise, and industry relationships in his new capacity.”

Kublin joined Community Bank in 1985 as VP of Human Resources, where he conceived and launched its initial employee benefits business. Kublin then led the acquisition of BPAS in 1996, which at that time had fewer than 10 employees and $1 million of revenue. Under Kublin’s leadership, BPAS today has more than 365 employees, $100 billion in trust assets, $1.3 trillion in fund administration, and serves more than 450,000 participants.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with BPAS,” Kublin remarked. “Entrepreneurship and leadership are about challenging the status quo and overcoming resistance from its guardians. I have been very fortunate to work with colleagues who welcome change, and look forward to continuing to support the company as a resident in the Caribbean.”

In becoming CEO of BPAS, Paul Neveu will expand his current responsibility over BPAS Plan Administration and Recordkeeping to include BPAS Actuarial & Pension Services, the business operations of Fiduciary Services and BPAS Trust Company of Puerto Rico, Marketing Communications, Accounting, and certain other key areas. Neveu joined BPAS in 2005 after nine years with Federated Investors and several years with Coopers & Lybrand (now PWC) in Boston. Neveu became President of BPAS Plan Administration & Recordkeeping Services in 2015, working under Kublin. He is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire with a dual degree in Business Administration and Music Performance.

“Barry is truly a legend in the industry — a friend and mentor who has shaped me over the years,” said Neveu. “As we move into the future, we recognize the foundational principles that Barry instilled into our culture. They will always be part of the BPAS story. During the transition, we will maintain our focus on continued stable growth and new technology to bring solutions that create efficiencies across our retirement and employee benefit businesses. Our technology focus includes the recent rollout of the BPAS University mobile app; new functionality in our web portals; more financial wellness options for participants; and exciting new developments in our VEBA HRA, actuarial, and IRA businesses. We will always be looking to deliver value for plan sponsors, partners, and participants. It’ll be a fun and exciting time, with an amazing team of professionals leading various business lines within BPAS.”

“Paul has been instrumental in driving the growth and success of the BPAS Defined Contribution business over the years,” said Tryniski. “I am excited about the energy and passion Paul will bring to this new role. We will continue to grow BPAS under his leadership through new and existing client channels, technology, and expanded products and services.”

Chris Hulse, who is CEO of Northeast Retirement Services (NRS) and its subsidiary Global Trust Company (GTC), will assume the additional responsibilities for Hand Benefits & Trust, including its collective investment fund and common fund business, and the trust activities of BPAS Trust Company of Puerto Rico. Chris is responsible for the strategic direction of the firm’s trust business, including daily client servicing and operations. Prior to assuming the CEO position, he was the NRS/GTC Chief Operating Officer for the past 15 years.

“NRS has grown dramatically under Chris’ leadership,” added Tryniski. “He’ll be working closely with Stephen and David Hand as we continue to grow our collective trust business. We look forward to the ongoing contributions of Chris and Paul in their new leadership roles, and recognize Barry for his 36 years of invaluable service in building the BPAS organization.”

About BPAS
BPAS is a national provider of retirement plans, benefit plans, fund administration, and collective investment trusts. We support 3,800 retirement plans, $100 billion in trust assets, $1.3 trillion in fund administration, and more than 450,000 participants. With our breadth of services, depth of creative talent, and financial resources, we are well-positioned to help our clients solve all their benefit plan challenges without the need to engage multiple providers. One company. One call.

BPAS services: Plan Administration & Recordkeeping, Actuarial & Pension, Collective Investment Trusts, Fund Administration, Custody, Transfer Agency, 3(16)/3(38), Healthcare Consulting, IRA, HSA, VEBA/HRA, FSA.

BPAS specialty practices: Auto Enrollment Plans, Multiple Employer Trusts/Plans, Plans with Employer Securities, Puerto Rico Section 1081 Plans, VEBA/HRA Plans, Cash Balance Plans, Collective Investment Trusts, and Fund Administration.

BPAS subsidiaries: BPAS Trust Company of Puerto Rico, Global Trust Company, Hand Benefits & Trust, and NRS Trust Product Administration.

As a solutions-oriented national practice, we are committed to “Solving Tomorrow’s Benefit Challenges Today.”

Utica, NY (October 21, 2020). BPAS, a national provider of retirement plans, benefit plans, fund administration, and collective investment trusts introduced IRARewards, a breakthrough solution to retirement saving. It’s a first of its kind Individual Retirement Account (IRA) funded with cash-back earned by shopping at thousands of participating merchants across the nation.

IRARewards pairs a traditional or Roth BPAS IRA with the EvoShare cash-back solution. EvoShare’s proprietary system turns a percentage of every dollar spent at more than 13,000 local and online stores, restaurants, and other merchants into IRA contributions. EvoShare provides employees with a “set it and forget it” experience where they can spend as usual at participating businesses and receive up to 20% cash back toward retirement. It’s a new, easy, automated way to save for retirement.

“When research showed that 27% of Americans have less than $25,000 saved for retirement, we knew we had to do more,” said Barry Kublin, BPAS CEO. “IRARewards answers the call. It’s a safe, easy way to get employees saving for retirement without hitting their already over-stretched paychecks or budget. We’re pleased to be able to help so many Americans achieve retirement readiness in such a simple way.”

“For too long, employees have only relied on their paycheck to save for the future. Now, they can use both their earnings and their daily spending to grow their nest egg,” said Eugeny Prudchyenko, CEO of EvoShare. With BPAS, we’re able to deliver a one-of-a-kind experience for retirement savers and the retirement industry. Together, we can help millions of American workers achieve their retirement goals.”

IRARewards participants enjoy a single sign-on to their BPAS IRA and any other BPAS account, including their 401(k), health savings account, and VEBA HRA, and EvoShare to manage their accounts. The IRA experts at BPAS take care of the account opening, servicing, questions, funding, and investing.

Participants simply download the Evoshare browser extension and/or securely register their existing credit card(s) to EvoShare using a personalized hyperlink. There is no need for a separate credit card account to get IRARewards. The cash-back earned with IRARewards is in addition to any other credit card incentives; it doesn’t replace them. Participants simply shop and dine as usual at participating merchants. Cash-back earnings are automatically deposited into their BPAS IRA each month.

“It’s truly free money invested into an IRA,” added Brian Douglas, VP, BPAS IRA Services. “It’s like participating merchants are giving people money-off for shopping with them. But, the money they save goes into an IRA. It’s a brilliant way to turn every day spending into generous cash-back rewards and painlessly boost retirement savings. I really think IRARewards is going to be a game changer in the retirement industry.”

For more information, visit IRARewards.com.

About BPAS

BPAS is a national provider of retirement plans, benefit plans, fund administration, and collective investment trusts. We support 3,800 retirement plans, $100 billion in trust assets, $1.3 trillion in fund administration, and more than 450,000 participants. With our breadth of services, depth of creative talent, and financial resources, we are well-positioned to help our clients solve all their benefit plan challenges without the need to engage multiple providers. One company. One call.

BPAS services: Plan Administration & Recordkeeping, Actuarial & Pension, Collective Investment Trusts, Fund Administration, Custody, Transfer Agency, 3(16)/3(38), Healthcare Consulting, IRA, HSA, VEBA/HRA, FSA.

BPAS specialty practices: Auto Enrollment Plans, Multiple Employer Trusts/Plans, Plans with Employer Securities, Puerto Rico Section 1081 Plans, VEBA HRA Plans, Cash Balance Plans, Collective Investment Trusts, and Fund Administration.

BPAS subsidiaries: BPAS Trust Company of Puerto Rico, Global Trust Company, Hand Benefits & Trust, and NRS Trust Product Administration.

As a solutions-oriented national practice, we are committed to “Solving Tomorrow’s Benefit Challenges Today.” Visit bpas.com for more information.

About EvoShare

EvoShare, a microsavings oriented FinTech startup based in Berkeley, California, is the premiere cash-back savings program that is giving employees a new, automated way to save for their retirement and education goals. EvoShare provides employers with a “set it and forget it” experience where employees can spend as usual at over 13,000 participating businesses and receive up to 20% cash back toward a financial account; 401(k) or 403(b) plan, IRA, HSA, student loan, or 529 plan. EvoShare has been featured in Forbes, Inc., Entrepreneur, and The Huffington Post. It won the 2019 DC Genie Award from 401(k) TV for “Best Financial Technology” and was a finalist for KNect365’s 2019 Finovate Award for “Top Emerging Tech Company.”