1980
Our Founding
Ascensus was founded as the The Barclay Group and began providing 401(k) retirement plan design, communication, and recordkeeping services.
1995
Introduction of Open Architecture
In 1995, Ascensus introduced our open-architecture investment platform for retirement plans. This gave our financial advisor partners a more diverse selection of funds and additional flexibility to build a plan that would suit their clients’ objectives.
2004
Established Core Values
2004 was a major year for our company culture and service structure. We officially established the Core Values by which we still live today — People Matter. Quality First. Integrity Always.®
Introduced Fee-Based Solution
We also became the first independent recordkeeper to introduce a scalable, fee-based retirement plan solution for financial advisors.
Entered the HSA Market
We built from this momentum, entering the health savings account (HSA) market immediately after these new savings tools were introduced. Ascensus quickly became an industry leader in HSA education and administration.
2013
Entered College Savings Marketplace
With the acquisition of Upromise Investments in 2013, Ascensus entered the 529 college savings plan industry for the first time. Since then, we’ve grown to be the nation's #1 529 program manager in assets under management as ranked by Strategic Insight.
2015
Industry Recognition
Ascensus was named to the 2015 and 2017 Inc. 5000 lists of fastest-growing private companies in the United States, attributing our continued growth to key partnerships, hard-working associates, and service-oriented culture.
Attracted New Ownership
In late 2015, Ascensus was acquired by private equity firms Genstar Capital and Aquiline Capital Partners, signaling. They’ve expressed their commitment to supporting Ascensus as we continue to build our capabilities and help more people save.
2018
Established Health & Benefits Line of Business
With the acquisition of Chard Snyder in 2018, Ascensus expanded into the consumer-directed health and benefits administration marketplace. Since then, we’ve grown our Health & Benefits line of business via the additions of BPC and HR Simplified.
2019
Launched National TPA Identity: FuturePlan by Ascensus
As part of the evolution our national TPA rollout strategy that began in 2017, Ascensus launched the FuturePlan by Ascensus brand identity. FuturePlan is made up of more than 30 acquired TPAs.
Ownership Group Expands
In early 2019, Ascensus owners Genstar Capital and Aquiline Capital Partners welcomed new investors led by Atlas Merchant Capital LLC, to their ownership group.
Further Industry Recognition
Ascensus was recognized as Retirement Leader of the Year at the 2019 Fund Intelligence Mutual Fund Industry Awards, celebrating the funds, fund leaders, providers, marketers, trustees, and independent counsel who stood out for their successes, achievements, and contributions. Ascensus was honored as a finalist for the same recognition in 2020.
2020
Pandemic Response
Ascensus transitioned more than 95% of its workforce to working from home within a matter of days when the COVID-19 pandemic took hold. Our associates collaborated to sustain client satisfaction levels and network availability.
Ascensus Introduces READYSAVE® Retirement Savings Mobile App
Ascensus launches READYSAVE, its first-ever mobile app for retirement savers. Driven by data and behavioral science, READYSAVE helps savers stay on track, includes accessibility features for visually impaired users, and is offered in English and Spanish.
2021
Ascensus Launches READYSAVE™ 529 Mobile App
We expanded our mobile app reach to education savers with the launch of the READYSAVE 529 app, allowing individuals to manage their accounts on the go.
Change in Ownership
In April, we announced that funds managed by Stone Point Capital, a leading financial services-focused private equity firm, and the private equity team of GIC, Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund, would acquire Ascensus and invest in our continued growth.
Ascensus Announces Hiring Expansion
Ascensus announces plans to add nearly 400 new associates through 2022, supporting growth and investments in expertise, technology, and service; expanded sales territories; and expanded scale and capabilities across its lines of business.
Ascensus and Newport to Combine
In November, Ascensus announced that it had entered into a definitive agreement under which Newport—the Walnut Creek, California-based retirement services provider—would merge with Ascensus, bringing industry leading capabilities in tax-advantaged savings, insurance, and other financial services to an even broader array of advisors, partners, and clients.
2023
Divested Health & Benefits Business
The transaction under which WEX, Inc. acquired Ascensus' Health & Benefits business was completed.
