Issue 436

529 Dash, Required Reading for Your 529 Education: 
The 529 Dash e‑newsletter helps institutions, financial professionals, employers, and families navigate education financial planning by sharing timely industry news, product insights, market data, and best practices while promoting awareness of 529 plans and ABLE accounts.

Please Read, Engage and Share.

Paul Curley, CFA
Executive Director
ISS Market Intelligence
paul.curley@issmarketintelligence.com

News, Research & Market Data Released

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

  • AKF Consulting, “Education Savings Nation 2026.” Editor’s Take: Congratulations to AKF Consulting on the release of its latest 529 market report, and thank you for citing ISS Market Intelligence. We encourage readers to review, bookmark, and share this valuable industry resource.
  • Alaska529, “Workplace.” Editor’s Take: Thank you to Alaska529 for highlighting how employers can incorporate 529 plans into their benefits packages. Be sure to explore the workplace resources and watch the Education Trust of Alaska 25th Anniversary video here for additional insights and inspiration. 
  • Ohio Tuition Trust Authority (OTTA), “529 Short Course: Grandparents.” Editor’s Take: Congratulations and thank you to the Ohio Tuition Trust Authority for creating this educational nine-part series focused on grandparents and 529 plans. The short course offers practical guidance and is well worth a watch for families and industry professionals alike.
  • State of Wisconsin, “Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions Awards College Savings Program Management Contract to TIAA-CREF Tuition Financing, Inc.” Editor’s Take: The Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions has awarded a new contract to TIAA to continue managing the state’s Edvest 529 direct-sold plan and, in partnership with Voya Investment Management, the advisor-sold Tomorrow’s Scholar plan. Thank you to the state for sharing this update for me to release to our audience and click the link to learn more.
  • Fidelity Investments, “3 keys to picking a 529 plan.” Editor’s Take: Selecting the right 529 plan can make a meaningful difference in long-term education savings outcomes. In addition to its practical checklist, Fidelity Investments illustrates the potential impact of consistent annual contributions over time. Take a look today.
  • 529 Insiders, “2Q 2026 529 & ABLE market sizing highlights.” Editor’s Take: More than 18 million 529 accounts and over 250,000 ABLE accounts were open and funded as of June 30, 2026. Review the latest market-sizing data, industry trends, and key insights, and feel free to share the report with your network.
Events: 529 Conference 2027 by ISS MI

Save the Date Information:

Liked this newsletter?

Please consider forwarding the 529 Dash to a colleague and encouraging them to subscribe here.

 
November 2nd, 2026
Contact Us
EDITORIAL: Paul Curley
paul.curley@issmarketintelligence.com
Advertising: Paul Curley
paul.curley@issmarketintelligence.com
   
Subscribe to 529 Dash
LinkedIn
Twitter
linkedin icon linkedin icon
Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. and/or its subsidiaries (“ISS STOXX”).
702 King Farm Boulevard Suite 400, Rockville, MD, 20850 United States
Contact Us