Laura Varas…bio

Chris J. Brown…bio

About Mast Hill Consulting

Now in its fifth year, MHC consistently delivers on its motto, “your financial services insider…outside™,” by offering clients in-depth understanding of the financial services industry and the unbiased perspective of a trusted, independent third party. MHC’s three practice areas of Research & Insight, Speaking & Facilitation, and Custom Papers & Projects help influence the strategic direction and empower the leadership and field delivery of financial services firms across the country. MHC is honored that over sixty firms and organizations trust MHC’s perspective and insight.

MHC’s body of knowledge focuses on market size data, investor needs, competitive landscape, and best practices. Since 2004, MHC has authored eight large-scale retirement studies published with a variety of distinguished partners including FUSE Research Network LLC, Sway Research LLC, Financial Research Corporation, where MHC was Research Partner for the successful retirement income practice from 2004 until 2008. MHC’s widely-read Building & Positioning Retirement Income Solutions: Innovation from 2005 to 2007 and Beyond reflected and influenced the strategic planning and tactical execution of over 40 asset managers, insurance companies, broker-dealers, institutional retirement providers, software providers, and their distribution forces. In addition, distinguished consulting firms, such as Mercatus Partners LLC and Dover Financial Research, rely regularly on MHC for retirement insight and data.

About Sway Research LLC

The mission of Sway Research is to provide market data and analysis that empowers financial services executives to make decisions, effect change, and grow revenue. Leading manufacturers and distributors of investment products purchase our research in syndicated (i.e. multi-client) reports, through custom research and consulting engagements, and through half- and full-day strategy sessions in which we present our research and views on specific markets and facilitate a strategic discussion among the clients’ senior management team. Sway Research is the leading provider of research and intelligence on the defined contribution investment-only market. Our most recent in-depth DCIO studies—Best Practices in DCIO Sales and Marketing and Aligning an Organization for Platform Sales Success—have enhanced the decisions of senior executives at dozens of asset management companies both large and small. Please visit www.swayresearch.com for more information on our services.