Issue 277:
– News & Research
– Webinar
– 529 Conference 2022: Save the Date

529 Dash, Required Reading for Your 529 Education: The goal of the 529 Dash is to help institutions and financial professionals who help families and employers in the education financial planning process by creating and sharing industry relevant news, product training, and best practices, while also building awareness and understanding of the importance of 529 plans and ABLE accounts.

Please Read, Engage and Share.

Paul Curley, CFA
Director of 529 & ABLE Research
ISS Market Intelligence
paul.curley@issmarketintelligence.com
Twitter: @PaulCurleyBC

Here is what you need to know from stories, research, and data released this week:

• Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB), “MSRB announces members of 2022 Board Advisory Groups.” Editor’s Take: Municipal Fund Securities Advisory Group (MFSAG) was established by the MSRB for the purpose of informing the MSRB of key issues that are top of mind to the 529 and ABLE community. The invaluable information sharing and engagement has served to advance MSRB initiatives and inform rulemaking, and therefore supports the successful growth of municipal fund securities through the benefit of engaging with and building upon a diverse set of industry stakeholders, perspectives, and expertise. Therefore, thank you MSRB for engaging the industry and click the link to learn more.
• Nasdaq Fund Network, “Q4 2021 Performance Report.” Editor’s Take: Nasdaq Fund Network has launched a quarterly scorecard that reports the top-performing 529 fund for each 529 plan. Click the link to view the latest rankings, and to learn more about the methodology of the ranking. Also, you can view Nasdaq Fund Network’s press release here and PLANADVISER’s article on the launch here.
• 529 Insiders, “3Q 2021 529 and ABLE Market Sizing Highlights.” Editor’s Take: What was the 529 and ABLE market sizing as of September 30, 2021? Click the link to learn more.
• ABLE Age Adjustment Act Status Board: The bill would increase the age of onset for eligibility to open an ABLE account from 26 years old to 46 years old. As of February 4, 2022, the bill sponsorship was as follows:
  • Senate (S331): 1 sponsor and 12 cosponsors
  • Congress Sponsorship (HR1219): 1 sponsor and 75 cosponsors

Wednesday, February 16, 2022 at 1pm EST; Register here.

ISS Market Intelligence’s (MI) Q1 2022 529 & ABLE webinar, hosted by Paul Curley, Director of 529 & ABLE Research at ISS MI, and Devin McCarthy, Managing Director at NASDAQ Fund Network, will provide you with:

– 529 analytics update from Nasdaq Fund Network including the launch of the 529 Scorecard and results from its transparency initiative to date
– Data analysis, commentary, and industry updates on 529 and ABLE industry trends in 1Q 2022
– 529 distribution trends from an advisor, direct and employer perspective
– Key themes in 2022 impacting the 529 and ABLE industry

The live 45-minute event will include time for Q&A. This webinar is sponsored by Nasdaq Fund Network, and please register for the webinar here.

Save the Date: 529 Conference 2022 will be held from September 12-14, 2022, at the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes.

Sessions:

• 529 Conference: A highly interactive and educational industry gathering with the entire education financial planning ecosystem.
• 529 Essentials: A session to train professionals on 529 plans and education financial planning in a constantly evolving market.
• ABLE Summit: A session to deliver training, insight, and networking opportunities to support the successful implementation and growth of ABLE accounts.

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