OppenheimerFunds Introduces (k)ustom Advisor Program

The (k)ustom Advisor Program offers practical implementation tactics for plan sponsors to consider seizing a new opportunity in the highly regulated defined contribution market. The Program provides a consulting framework to help plan sponsors:

     1) evaluate a 401(k) plan's participant demographics and underlying investments;

     2) assess the platform capabilities of recordkeepers and third party providers;

     3) develop a semi-custom TDF implementation roadmap; and

     4) manage their fiduciary oversight.

Program resources include a webinar series and print materials, advisor-focused checklists, deep-dive practical information and discussion guides.

"Seventy-five percent of 401(k) plans today offer pre-packaged target date funds. While appealing for their simplicity, these funds may not be flexible enough to meet the diverse needs of an entire workforce," said Kathleen Beichert, Head of Retirement, OppenheimerFunds. "At the same time, while fully custom TDFs can offer greater control, they potentially add administrative responsibilities for the plan sponsor. We believe that semi-custom TDFs can provide the best of both worlds, enabling sponsors to offer tailored retirement plan solutions while easing much of the administrative burden for themselves."

The Department of Labor has encouraged consideration of custom solutions in retirement plans which allow closer monitoring of investment objectives, performance and underlying fund fees. "As adoption of TDFs increases, we want to help educate DC plan sponsors about the fiduciary requirements and best practices associated with implementing them. For example, sponsors would have less latitude to remove underperforming funds in a pre-packaged TDF than they would in a semi-custom TDF," said Paul Temple, East Coast National Retirement Sales, OppenheimerFunds. "In addition, by boosting advisors' knowledge of this next generation retirement plan offering, we can help enhance their conversations with clients, enabling them to maintain and grow their retirement practices."

* Target date funds allow individuals to select a single investment option that evolves over time to meet a set retirement time horizon. Semi-custom TDFs are target date funds that allow retirement plan sponsors more flexibility and control to select underlying investments and adjust allocations, while also leveraging recordkeeper and third party capabilities to simplify some of the process. (Recordkeepers manage the day-to-day operations of a 401(k) plan, track plan data and participant accounts and investment selections, and often facilitate participant education.) Cerulli Associates projects that assets in custom and semi-custom TDFs could reach $218 billion in 2016.

About OppenheimerFunds

OppenheimerFunds, a leader in global asset management, is dedicated to providing solutions for its partners and end investors. OppenheimerFunds, including its subsidiaries, manages more than $217 billion in assets for over 13 million shareholder accounts, including sub-accounts, as of June 30, 2016.

Founded in 1959, OppenheimerFunds is a high conviction asset manager with a history of providing innovative strategies to its investors. The firm's 16 investment management teams specialize in equity, fixed-income, alternative, multi-asset, and factor-weighted-ETF strategies. OppenheimerFunds and its subsidiaries offer a broad array of products and services to clients, who range from endowments and sovereigns to financial advisors and individual investors. OppenheimerFunds and certain of its subsidiaries provide advisory services to the Oppenheimer family of funds, and OFI Global Asset Management offers solutions to institutions. For more information, visit oppenheimerfunds.com.

The date in a target date fund's name refers to the approximate year when an investor in the portfolio is assumed to retire and likely would stop making new investments in the portfolio, and may plan to start withdrawing money. Using an asset allocation "glide path," (how the asset allocation changes as the target date nears) the portfolios generally become progressively more conservative until and after the approximate date of an investor's "transition" into retirement. An investment, including the principal value, in a target date fund is not guaranteed and a portfolio can suffer losses, including losses near, at, or after the transition date, and there is no guarantee that a portfolio will provide adequate income at and through the investor's retirement.

Mutual funds are subject to market risk and volatility. Shares may gain or lose value. Asset allocation cannot eliminate the risk of fluctuating prices and uncertain returns. Diversification does not guarantee profit or protect against loss.

Shares of Oppenheimer funds are not deposits or obligations of any bank, are not guaranteed by any bank, are not insured by the FDIC or any other agency, and involve investment risks, including the possible loss of the principal amount invested.

Before investing in any of the Oppenheimer funds, investors should carefully consider a fund's investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. Fund prospectuses and summary prospectuses contain this and other information about the funds, and may be obtained by asking your financial advisor, visiting oppenheimerfunds.com, or calling 1.800.CALL OPP (225.5677). Read prospectuses and summary prospectuses carefully before investing.

Oppenheimer funds are distributed by OppenheimerFunds Distributor, Inc., 225 Liberty Street, New York, NY, 10281

© 2016 OppenheimerFunds Distributor, Inc. All rights reserved.

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