We launched ShareBuilder 401k way back on October 17, 2005 with a mission to help more Americans save. For twenty years, we have stayed relentlessly focused on making 401(k) plans as simple and low-cost as possible for all businesses, from the self-employed to companies with 100+ employees.

While there are over 30 million businesses in America, there are only 700,000 401(k) plans. Every business, no matter its size, should be able to offer an affordable, easy-to-manage 401(k), giving more Americans access to one of the most powerful, tax-advantaged ways to save for the future.

On this 20-year anniversary, we want to give our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to our clients across all 50 United States. Let’s look back at the milestones we accomplished to deliver on our mission to help American save!

Growing Together: Our Journey with Clients Over the Years

2005

• We pioneered the first entirely online quote, purchase, and setup of a 401(k) — a distinction that still sets us apart today.

• We led the way with the first all index-based (all-ETF) 401(k) plan overseen by investment experts with proprietary models, economic data and more to help even solo business owners have 401(k) plans.

2006-2009

• We joined forces with Costco to spread the word that offering a 401(k) can be simple and affordable for small businesses.

• ShareBuilder 401k was purchased by ING Direct, enabling us to reach even more small businesses via their large, small business client base.

2010-2014

• We introduced auto-pricing discounts for our clients to make sure they have one of the most affordable 401(k) plans in the country.

• We expanded our fund line-up to add asset classes that performed well during the Great Recession.

• We added Customer Success Managers to provide more personal assistance to plan sponsors and training for their employees.

• Launched Capital One Spark 401(k) after being acquired by Capital One in 2012 – an offshoot of ShareBuilder 401k with the same great pricing and features.

2015-2018

• Made 401(k)s even simpler with expanded payroll integrations, proxy voting through our Investment Committee, saving calculators, and all-new educational materials.

2019-2025

• The ShareBuilder 401k leadership team purchased the company back from Capital One.

• Added educational videos on YouTube, created the ShareBuilder Blog, and developed more collateral to help employees learn how to be more financially savvy.

• Launched our propriety and digitally simple Solo 401(k) Saver to help more self-employed businesses afford a 401(k) plan.

• Launched plan health reports that give plan sponsors a clear view of how their plan compares to 401(k) benchmarks and highlight opportunities to reduce costs, boost participation, and increase employee savings rates.

The Year Ahead

Much is in store for 2026, including 3(16) administrative service options and new features to help Americans build their wealth smarter while keeping costs low.

Thanks again for helping us celebrate 20 years of empowering businesses and employees to build their future. We send a special shout out to the 60 plans (you know who you are!) that have been with us since the very beginning.

Cheers and happy saving,

Stuart Robertson, CEO & the entire ShareBuilder 401k Team