The Financial Times 401 Top Retirement Plan Advisers is an independent listing produced annually (ceased in 2020) by the Financial Times (FT) and Ignites Research, the FT’s sister company. The FT 401 is based on identifying applicants by speaking with large US brokerages, independent advisers, and other wealth managers. Data is then provided by Broadridge Financial Solutions to the FT and Ignites Research. The listing reflects each advisor's status in six primary areas: DC Assets under management, the Growth rate in DC plan business, Specialization in the DC business, Experience advising DC plans, Industry certifications (CFP, AIF, etc.), and Compliance record.

Awards are not indicative of future performance. Working with an award winner is no guarantee of future financial success. Individuals should conduct their own evaluations. Neither the firms nor the advisors pay a fee to The Financial Times in exchange for inclusion in the FT 401.