The Asteri Collective brings scale, expertise, and advocacy—TRA takes a leading role in shaping its future.
The retirement plan industry is evolving rapidly, with estimates suggesting the development of more than 300,000 new plans in the next few years. In preparation for this expansion and to ensure that Retirement Plan Consultants (RPCs) remain at the heart of the industry, a group of leading consulting practices has launched The Asteri Collective.
Among its inaugural members is The Retirement Advantage, Inc. (TRA), which will have a defining influence on shaping the group’s mission: to drive innovation, enhance collaboration, and promote the essential role of consultants in retirement planning.
Redefining the Role of the Consultant
The Asteri Collective is made up of companies that oversee assets of more than $94 billion, administer 38,000 plans, and serve more than 2 million participants. Together, the companies seek to optimize relationships in the retirement ecosystem while leading the way in technology and data integration.
For TRA, the launch is a natural extension of its long-standing dedication to helping plan sponsors, advisors, and participants succeed. “Being part of this collective has elevated everything about how we show up in the retirement space,” said Matt Schoneman, President of TRA. “We’re still proudly independent, but we’re no longer operating in a silo. We now have a network of like-minded RPCs who challenge each other, share ideas, and push the industry forward together.”
Why It Matters
As automation and consolidation reshape retirement plan services, independent expertise risks being overshadowed. The Asteri Collective, with TRA as a founding voice, emphasizes the importance of human insight alongside technology. RPCs are not just managers; they are advisors and architects of long-term retirement success.
The group’s vision is for a more integrated, transparent, and inventive industry that balances efficiency with customized advice. “Our members are some of the most well-regarded and innovative firms in the business,” stated Ann Slotwinski, Executive Director of The Asteri Collective. “Together, we can advance innovation, promote improved technology, and maintain the position of the Retirement Plan Consultant at the forefront of delivering successful outcomes.”
TRA’s Role Moving Forward
For TRA, becoming part of The Asteri Collective reinforces its dedication to evolving the retirement plan business while preserving its autonomy and client-centric philosophy.
By working together with the collective, TRA taps into shared resources, industry knowledge, and the ability to advocate for technology that more effectively serves plan sponsors and advisors. Meanwhile, the company remains focused on its founding mission: offering retirement plan solutions supported by compliance expertise, personalized service, and long-term value.
To learn more, visit www.astericollective.org
