Core Insights - The retirement industry is experiencing significant developments in 2024, with major record keepers like Fidelity and Empower launching new retirement income products [1][5][8] - Adoption of retirement income products is gradually increasing, driven by ongoing education and infrastructure improvements within the industry [3][4][6] - The introduction of middleware solutions is facilitating better connectivity between retirement plans and record keepers, enhancing the availability of retirement income products [9][12][14] Industry Developments - The retirement industry is evolving slowly, but recent announcements indicate a growing number of solutions being introduced, with around 30 new products from major asset managers [2][6] - The Pension Protection Act of 2006 significantly boosted the popularity of target date funds, suggesting that similar regulatory changes could enhance the adoption of auto income solutions [7] - 2025 is anticipated to be a pivotal year for in-plan guaranteed solutions as record keepers continue to strategize on product offerings [5][8] Adoption and Education - There is a focus on educating various stakeholders, including advisors, consultants, and plan sponsors, to facilitate the adoption of retirement income products [3][4] - The due diligence process for retirement plan advisors is crucial, especially given the variety of new products available, which requires careful consideration of plan demographics and participant needs [16][17] Technology and Infrastructure - The technology side of the retirement industry is seeing increased activity, with many record keepers working on connecting to middleware solutions to offer a range of retirement income products [12][14] - The infrastructure for accommodating retirement income products is being built out, with some record keepers already connected and others in the process of establishing connections [11][13]