Retirement Account Comparison Matrix

ERISA Plan Rollover/IRA Transfer Comparison Matrix	Rollover Comparison	IRA Transfer Comparison	No Comparison Required ^{^[1]}
Advisor presents all the distribution options (including pros and cons of each) for a retirement plan account, including a rollover to an IRA. Advisor lets the client know that they believe rolling the assets into an IRA is what they believe is in the client’s best interest.	X
Advisor presents all the distribution options (including pros and cons of each) for a retirement plan account, including a rollover to an IRA. Advisor provides no indication to the client which option is in their best interest. Client chooses to roll the assets over into an IRA with the Advisor.			X
Client mails in a check from their retirement plan to rollover assets to an existing IRA account with the Advisor.			X
Advisor recommends the client to transfer assets from their existing IRA to a new IRA with the Advisor.		X
Client asks advisor to take over managing their existing IRA without any recommendation from the Advisor.			X
Client makes a standard contribution to an account based on a recommendation from the Advisor.			X
Client makes a standard contribution to an account without consulting the Advisor.			X
Moving assets to a new spousal or beneficiary IRA due to death of IRA account owner.			X
Client opens a non-qualified account.			X

[1] If Advisor only provided the pros and cons of the client’s options available without making any indication as to what the Advisor believes to be in the client’s best interest, then no comparison is required. However, an Advisor should clearly document the education provided to the client in the client file/CRM. Additionally, Advisor should let Advisory Services know that no recommendation was made when paperwork is submitted.