BPAS has launched the first version of our new mobile app, which is available for both iPhone and Android devices. For instructions on accessing the BPAS Retire app, please visit www.bpas.com/participants/bpas-retire-mobile-app/. Download the mobile app flyer to view the latest information about the app. In the coming quarters, additional functionality will be deployed into the app, including full online enrollment, investment transfers and more. As always, the full participant website can be accessed through most mobile devices as well.
Archives
Fidelity Investments
Effective 04/27/18, the Fidelity Strategic Income Fund will be closing and merged into a new retail share class of Fidelity Advisor (FA) Strategic Income Fund on or about April 27, 2018. The new retail class launches on the same date as the merger. The merger will permit shareholders in Fidelity Strategic Income Fund to pursue the same investment goals in a larger combined fund that has the same investment objective, policies and benchmark. The fund numbers, CUSIPs, trading symbols, and Tax ID number associated your position in Fidelity Strategic Income Fund will change after the merger. No trades will be allowed into the closing fund after Thursday, April 26th. Note that any trades placed into the closing fund after 4/24 will be rejected and need to be placed manually outside NSCC. More information.
T.Rowe Price
Effective, April 2, 2018, T. Rowe Price International Discovery Fund (PRIDX) and T. Rowe Price International Discovery Fund—I class (TIDDX) will be closed to new investors. This decision does not affect participants in plans that currently offer the Fund. Participants who already have an account in this Fund may continue to buy additional shares, and those who do not may establish new accounts through the plan. More information.
BPAS Hires Texas-Based Wholesaler
BPAS announced today that Joe Long has joined the firm as an External Wholesaler located in the South Central region.
“After an extensive search process, we are pleased to introduce Joe Long as our new external wholesaler in the South Central region,” said Paul Neveu, President of BPAS Plan Administration & Recordkeeping Services. “His background, expertise, and knowledge of the industry will make him a great asset to our financial partners, helping them build their businesses across all plan types and plan sizes. Continuity and stability of relationships are things we pride ourselves on at BPAS.” Read the full press release here.
Year-end Capital Gains Distributions Notice
During December and early January each year, many funds make various capital gain distributions. This may cause a temporary drop in a fund’s share price until the dividend is posted several business days later. For a detailed explanation of this process, please read the full notice here.
Keeping Plan Participant Retirement Accounts Secure with Email Validation
One of the easiest ways to help prevent fraudulent retirement account activity is for plan participants to add a current, valid email address to their account. With an email address on record, BPAS will confirm by email any time activity occurs in their account. Would it surprise you to know that many people still haven’t updated their accounts to include their email address?
Why do we need participants’ email addresses?
Having a current, valid email address on record with BPAS has many benefits:
- Alerts for account login to new devices
- Notification of account activity
- Password resets
- Optional participation in our GoGreen option to receive electronic statements
Why are we asking for your help?
BPAS will never send participants an account link asking them to update personal information, including their email addresses. By having you email the request directly to plan participants we can avoid the possibility that they will think they’re receiving a phishing email or that we’re soliciting unnecessary information. Attached is a sample communication that you can email to plan participants. Although we’ve included a link to the login page, participants can go directly to our Participant login page at https://www.bpas.com/participants.
December 2017 Technology and Service Enhancements at BPAS
Attached is a special multimedia presentation prepared for you by Paul Neveu, President, BPAS Plan Administration & Recordkeeping Services. It highlights the many Technology and Service Enhancements happening at BPAS in our core daily valuation program. The presentation can be viewed from any laptop, tablet, or mobile phone with speakers enabled.
As you can see, the Roadways to Retirement program, which we offer in conjunction with our partners, continues to evolve with new features and technology. We think you’re going to love what we’re doing!
As always, please contact your BPAS representative with any questions.
Eagle Family of Funds
Effective Monday, November 20, 2017, the Eagle Family of Funds will be known as Carillon Family of Funds. With this change, the existing Eagle fund names and cusips will also change. More information.
BPAS releases Spanish financial wellness program
BPAS, working in partnership with Financial Finesse, has released a Spanish version of its financial wellness program. Our expanded education program has been extremely well-received by our adviser partners, plan sponsors, and participants. This release allows us to serve a broader base of customers, particularly in the Puerto Rico marketplace. Be sure to also check out the recently released Spanish version of BPAS.com at bpas.com/es/. For more details about the Financial Wellness program please contact [email protected].
BPAS, que trabaja en asociación con Financial Finesse, ha lanzado una versión en español del programa de bienestar Financial Finesse. Nuestro programa de educación ampliado ha sido extremadamente bien recibido por nuestros socios asesores, patrocinadores del plan y participantes del plan. Esta versión nos permite servir a una base más amplia de clientes, particularmente en el mercado de Puerto Rico. Asegúrese también de comprobar la versión recientemente publicada de BPAS.com en español en bpas.com/es/. Para más detalles sobre el programa de bienestar Financial Finesse comunícate con [email protected].
Eagle Family of Funds
The Eagle Family of Funds has acquired Scout Investment Funds. Effective Monday, November 6, 2017, Eagle will be known as Carillon Family of Funds and US Bancorp will assume transfer agent responsibilities of the former Scout Funds. More information.