Palmetto Retirement Specialists, LLC

Palmetto Retirement Specialists, LLC

Palmetto Retirement Specialists, LLC was established as a South Carolina-based advisory firm specializing in employer-sponsored retirement plans. The firm's principals advise plan sponsors on ERISA fiduciary standards, including plan design, provider selection, and participant education. Its service model targets companies seeking to meet compliance obligations while improving employee retirement readiness. The firm operates as a fee-only RIA, distinguishing itself from commission-based broker-dealers that may face conflicts in plan design recommendations. Palmetto typically works with plans ranging from small businesses with a few employees to mid-market firms with complex plan structures. Services extend to non-qualified deferred compensation plans for executives. The firm reports on plan performance and conducts annual governance reviews. The RIA structure requires Palmetto to act as a fiduciary under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, which the firm positions as its core differentiator. Its professionals must hold or be working toward relevant credentials such as the AIF or CFP. The firm does not manage proprietary investment products, instead selecting from open-architecture platforms. Palmetto's structural differentiator lies in its exclusive focus on retirement plans within a single geographic region. The firm does not offer wealth management or trust services beyond retirement planning, which reduces conflicts but limits its market to plan sponsors. Its succession planning depends on the retention of credentialed professionals who can maintain client relationships.