NPC Launches ETF-Based 401(k) Program
National Planning Corp. (NPC) has launched a 401(k) retirement plan program designed for small and mid-sized companies that gives all plan participants access to personalized, one-on-one investment advice from a financial advisor. The program uses exchange-traded funds (ETFs) designed and managed by Avatar Associates as the primary investment option.
"The retirement plan market has long been dominated by mutual funds, but the transparency of fees and low cost of ETFs make them an extremely efficient and attractive investment for both plan sponsors and participants," said NPC President Shawn Dreffein. "By using advanced technology for administration and record-keeping, NPC is able to make a high-quality, advice-driven 401(k) program affordable and easy to implement for middle-market companies."
Plan participants can select from five diversified portfolios, managed and rebalanced regularly by Avatar. Participants also have online or telephone access to their plan information.
Teams of 401(k) professionals are located at seven regional offices across the country to help representatives incorporate 401(k)s into their practices and assist them with sales and service.
NPC is one of four firms in the National Planning Holdings Inc. network, the nation‚s seventh-largest independent broker-dealer network. For more information about NPC visit http://www.NatPlan.com.

MG Advisory Launches IMA Platform
MG Advisory, a wholly owned subsidiary of Matrix Settlement & Clearance Services, has launched an individually managed account (IMA) platform that will allow 401(k) participants the flexibility to choose from a list of recognized portfolio strategists for management of their plan assets, with no participant account minimums. Financial professionals will have multiple advisor options, professionally selected funds and increased revenue.
For more information, visit http://www.mgadvisory.com.

Vanguard Launches International Fund
Shares of Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Index Fund began trading in March. The fund offers three low-cost share classes and offers exposure to the developed and emerging stock markets outside the United States in a single portfolio and broadens the firm‚s international index-oriented offerings.
Advisors seeking more information about Vanguard‚s ETFs and low-cost mutual funds can visit https://advisors.vanguard.com.
 
Pershing Enhances Securities-Based Lending Tool
Pershing LLC, a subsidiary of The Bank of New York Co. Inc., has launched an enhanced version of LoanAdvance, its securities-based consumer-lending tool.
The enhanced version provides the ability for consumers to increase borrowing power by pledging assets held in separately managed accounts as collateral for their loans, eliminating the need to liquidate securities or move assets into separate collateral accounts.
Additional information is available at http://www.pershing.com.

Aris Portfolio Generates More Income
Aris Corporation of America, a financial services firm offering integrated wealth, retirement and trust service solutions, has launched Income Builder, an investment solution designed to generate more current income than traditional asset allocation portfolios while maintaining opportunities for capital appreciation.
Income Builder‚s flexible options help advisors meet client needs to accommodate the balance of current income and capital appreciation.
For more information, please visit http://www.ariscorporation.com.

Concord Launches New Web Site
Concord has launched a new Web site (http://www.concordwealthmanagement.com) to highlight its comprehensive managed account platform for banks and other organizations in the fee-based investment advisory business.
T he site illustrates how Concord employs its technological prowess and universal architecture to help financial services organizations compete. Additionally, visitors to the site can access the Concord Dashboard, which provides fee-based advisors with a broad range of analytical tools.