NEW YORK American Express retirement services unit has unveiled plans for a Web site that would allow plan sponsors to manage retirement accounts online.
The Plan Management Center will be a password-protected site where plan sponsors can get plan-specific content, communicate with American Express Retirement Services account supervisors, and store documents specific to their plan.
Barb Sorensen, vice president of client relations for American Express Retirement Services, said that providing information in a client-specific Internet environment will help plan sponsors and American Express account supervisors focus on other day-to-day account management and administrative tasks.
Ms. Sorensen said the Web site will allow sponsors to tailor access for their benefit department employees who work directly with customers.
The Web site will offer e-mail alerts; access to plan information such as service agreements, account reviews, and executive summaries; and an encrypted Web e-mail function so account supervisors can send sensitive information.
The site will be tested in January, and a full launch is expected during the first quarter, Amex said. By that time, Ms. Sorensen said, other features such as customized access for industry consultants will also be available.
American Express Retirement Services, which manages $30.9 billion in assets, provides services for defined contribution and 401(k) plans.
