Four ways to affiliate — pick your level of integration.
Every model transfers operational burden and investment-fiduciary risk to Navigate 401K. What changes is how deeply you integrate — from shared ownership to a simple referral.
Shared ownership and integrated operations for firms launching a branded retirement-plan practice — and a structured path to build and eventually transition real enterprise value.
Refer 401(k) opportunities while we serve as the 3(38) fiduciary. You keep your wealth clients, and revenue sharing flows both ways.
Our compliance, technology, and fiduciary platform under your own brand — while you keep 85–95% of revenue and full ownership of client relationships.
For brokers, CPAs, and consultants who meet plan opportunities but don’t want to build expertise — refer them and share in the revenue, with no operational burden.
Compare the models.
| Direct Affiliate | Independent RIA | Independent Contractor | General Referral | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity partnership | Yes — shared ownership | No | No (upgrade path) | No |
| 3(38) fiduciary | Included | We serve as 3(38) | Optional add-on | Handled by Navigate |
| Technology & compliance | Full platform | Shared | Full platform | Not required |
| Brand control | Co-branded | Your brand | Your brand | Your brand |
| Revenue model | Profit share + equity | Two-way referral share | 85–95% retention | Referral fee or share |
| Best for | Firms building & transitioning value | Wealth RIAs adding 401(k) | Solo & small RIA practices | Brokers, CPAs, consultants |
A built-in path to transition your practice.
Through the Direct Affiliate model, your book builds recurring, wealth-management value — and equity participation gives you a real, structured way to step back or sell when the time comes. No scramble for a buyer; a plan you set up years in advance.
Everything a retirement-plan practice needs — without building it.
We assume discretionary investment authority and the associated ERISA liability for enrolled plans.
Model manuals, supervisory procedures, reviews, and a compliance team you can call.
An integrated CRM, plan-and-participant data, and investment due-diligence platform from day one.
TrailGuide and Navigate Wealth convert participants into lasting, fee-generating relationships.
From first conversation to fully integrated.
Let's find the right model for your practice.
Tell us about your book and your goals — we'll map the fit, whether that's a referral relationship or a full equity partnership.