401(k) Roundtable

401(k) Roundtable takes you behind the scenes for a look at what it takes to run a successful retirement plan. A podcast designed for retirement plan sponsors, fiduciaries and members of retirement plan committees, each episode features a guest expert to engage in an informative conversation with host and industry veteran Rick Unser. Get the perspectives and insights you need to make more informed decisions to benefit your plan, employees and business.

401(k) Roundtable is a business podcast hosted by Rick Unser, with 273 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Rick Unser hosts 401(k) Roundtable, a business show with 273 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  401(k) Roundtable

  The Future of Investing: Adapting to a New Market Reality

  Aug 18, 202655 min

  The future of investing isn't just about numbers—it's about embracing a seismic shift in how markets, macro forces, and innovation like AI reshape the landscape. In this episode, Jean Boivin of BlackRock Investment Institute and Greg Hamilton, CIO of a Financial Holding Corporation, reveal how a "fundamentally different" macro environment is transforming asset allocation, risk management, and the very fabric of portfolios. They unpack the five mega forces driving this change, from AI and energy transition to geopolitical fragmentation, and explain why traditional strategic asset allocation no longer holds. You'll hear why private markets, infrastructure, and income-generating assets are becoming more important—and what it means to invest with curiosity and adaptability in an environment where uncertainty is the only constant. If you 'd like to learn more, you can read Blackrock's mid year report here: 2026 Midyear Global Investment Outlook | BlackRock

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  401(k) Roundtable

  Behind the Scenes: How AI Is Transforming Retirement Plans

  Jun 30, 202653 min

  AI is transforming the future of retirement planning — but what does that really mean for plan sponsors and participants today? In a landscape where AI capabilities evolve faster than regulations can keep up, how can financial services stay responsible without falling behind? Rick Unser hosts industry experts Nikki Susman and Brian Casmano to unveil how AI is already reshaping every facet of retirement plans — from onboarding and fraud detection to personalized participant advice and real-time action. You'll discover how leading firms are using AI to make security smarter, streamline compliance, and accelerate product development from months to weeks, while learning why human oversight and responsible governance remain essential to building trust, engagement, and long-term competitive advantage. Whether you're a plan sponsor, advisor, or participant, this episode shows how AI can work for you, secure your future, and help your organization stay ahead in the evolving retirement landscape. Tune in to move from curiosity to confident action and see why embracing AI responsibly is the most critical move you can make right now.

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  401(k) Roundtable

  Behind the Curtain on Mergers & Acquisitions

  May 19, 202651 min

  In this episode of The 401(k) Roundtable, host Rick Unser goes behind the curtain on mergers and acquisitions with two seasoned leaders who live this work every day. Casey Craig, Executive Vice President and Head of the Large, Mega, NfP, and PEO Markets at Empower, and April Bettencourt, Vice President of Global Employee Benefits at VSP Vision, share real ‑ world insights on M&A across financial services and healthcare. Together, they explore why M&A has become such a powerful growth strategy, how organizations think beyond scale to focus on clients and participants, and what can drive sellers to the table. The conversation dives into culture, due diligence, and integration—especially when it comes to people, benefits, and 401(k) plans. From navigating multiple plan structures to communicating change transparently, this episode highlights practical considerations for employers, HR leaders, and retirement professionals working through—or preparing for—M&A.

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  Episode #12

  Has the Moment for Retirement Income Finally Arrived?

  Apr 16, 202658 minS2

  In this episode of The 401(k) Roundtable , host Rick Unser dives into one of the most talked‑about—and most challenging—topics in retirement: turning savings into sustainable income. Rick is joined by Fiona Greig, Global Head of Investor Research and Policy at Vanguard, and Eric Jackson, Benefit Plan Investment Strategist at Chevron, for a candid discussion on why retirement income has lagged behind accumulation and why the focus on solving it continues to grow. The conversation explores the shift from pensions to 401(k)s, the role of behavior and choice architecture, and why "retirement income" is less about products and more about holistic solutions. From in‑plan versus out‑of‑plan strategies and the promise—and pitfalls—of annuities to the growing role of technology, advice, and even generative AI, this episode shares insights relevant for plan sponsors, advisors, and anyone thinking about the next chapter after saving stops and spending begins.

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  Episode #11

  The Resilient Market: What 2025 Taught Us About Long-Term Investing

  Feb 10, 202645 minS2

  In this episode of The 401(k) Roundtable, host Rick Unser welcomes Meera Pandit, Global Market Strategist at J.P. Morgan Asset Management, to unpack the economic story of 2025 and what it means for retirement plans. From market resilience in the face of geopolitical unrest and sticky inflation to the rise of AI-driven investing and concentrated equity markets, Meera shares her perspective on how long-term investors, especially 401(k) participants, can navigate what's next. You'll hear insights on diversification, consumer sentiment, global opportunities, and the importance of staying disciplined in uncertain times. Link to JPMorgan's "Guide to the Market": Guide to the Markets Q1 2026

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