Manager streamlines separately managed account platform for pension savings. Last month Philadelphia-based asset manager Clark Capital Management brought its Navigator platform to bear on 401(k) plans through its new Navigator Simplified 401(k) program.

Zacks Investment Management introduced a similar program a few months ago by combining its LifeCycle investment strategies with FOLIOfn's trading technology.

"The Pension Protection Act underscores the fact that retirement-plan participants need more support in building and preserving their retirement savings," says Harry Clark, president and CEO of Clark Capital. "The Navigator 401(k) provides participants with peace of mind through the institutional-quality protection strategy that is built on top of our best of breed multi-manager platform."

Six flavors

The Navigator 401(k) addresses the educational component of employers' and plan sponsors' fiduciary responsibilities and provides a seamless investment option for plans that implement automatic enrollment

The Navigator Simplified 401(k) addresses the educational component of employers' and plan sponsors' fiduciary responsibilities, can be adopted as a qualified default investment alternative as specified by the Department of Labor, and provides "a seamless investment option for plans that implement automatic enrollment," according to a Clark Capital press release.

The 401(k) program includes six portfolios -- fixed income, four growth equity strategies and a "global" exchange-traded fund -- and based on the Navigator platform.

The Navigator Simplified 401(k) will be available on several advisor platforms by the end of this month.

Clark Capital has around $1 billion in assets under management. -FWR

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