In the heart of central Brazil, long, dry seasons lead to wildfires that routinely sweep through a massive savannah called the Cerrado. One remarkable survival adaptation for many Cerrado plants is their sheer biomass, much of which exists underground. Sometimes called the “upside-down forest”, plants and trees have developed deep, subterranean trunk and root systems. In some cases, 70% of the plant exists underground, with roots reaching lengths of over 30 feet, safely shielded from the raging inferno of sun and fire.

We believe the best businesses employ a similar strategy.

At the Cerrado Group, we perform like the upside-down forest. Often hidden from view, but essential to sustained success, our group of high-performing, like-minded achievers exist to help our industry, organizations, plan sponsors and plan participants thrive.

Sure, we understand many essential business functions may attract more attention. We’re well aware our behind the scenes work on retirement plans isn’t flashy. But it’s these deep, stable roots that propel the best businesses forward.

Unlike many others in the retirement industry, The Cerrado Group is completely agnostic. Our focus has been and will always be on doing the right thing for our clients first.

This independence is unwavering, nor will it ever be up for internal debate. We will not be influenced by any outside entity or industry trends. We will confidently ensure positive outcomes for our clients, even if it means we’ll work harder, spend more time and energy, or absorb larger expenses.

Being independent means we’ll source and codify the best thinking from within our industry, but also from outside. We’ll seek non-traditional solutions to persistent issues and we’ll collaborate with any entity or partner that we think can benefit our clients.

We’re not stuck on auto-pilot, doing what’s always been done. As a truly independent organization, we are focused on what can be versus what has been.

Not many organizations, nor individuals, can do the highly-specialized work we do; and our firms individually represent the top tier of all TPA firms in the nation. Together, our strength is fortified, providing a unique and powerful advocate for the entire spectrum of our industry and clients that simply can’t be topped.

Our TPA collective builds its strength on our uncommon diversity, just like Brazil’s Cerrado, where a whopping 5% of the world’s total plant and animal life can be found in this incredible region.

The members of our collective practice in all corners of the country, with a wide breadth of customer experiences and an even larger specialist-skill-set. We’re obsessed with truly understanding every element of the retirement plan industry, and more importantly, sharing that knowledge and experience with the members of our group and our industry.

We enviably enjoy a national presence while being deeply entrenched locally. We’re good on our own, but we’re unequaled together.

Any specialized field contains a unique language, often filled with jargon and acronyms. Safe Harbor, ADP/ACP, ERISA, Form 5500 and 3(16), just to name a few.

We understand the detailed work of retirement plans is complex, which is why we believe the conversations shouldn’t be.

All members of The Cerrado Group enjoy a remarkable level of customer centricity, born from a desire to never lose a client, and a desire to better our industry. We understand that communication, above else, is key to our success. We’ll use language everyone can understand, we’ll take all the necessary time and steps to eliminate worry or confusion and we’ll do it all with a smile.

If you desire clear conversations with proven experts that make you feel confident, comfortable and well-informed, look no further than The Cerrado Group.

Every member of The Cerrado Group believes in enriching the lives of the people we touch and positively contributing to the world at large.

People: this includes our internal associates as well as every client, vendor, and partner within our ecosystem.

World: our local geographies are just the beginning, we look to amplify positivity in communities around the globe.

The Cerrado Group understands that firms have a choice. The best firms accept stewardship as more than keeping clean books, it’s more than looking after the environment, it’s more than being inclusive and encouraging dissenting opinions.

Our members always consider the Group’s values, ethics, and sound business practices. As industry leaders, we realize costs must never be the sole driver of business decisions; rather decisions must include what’s inherently right every time.

The mission and values of any organization mean nothing on paper. The real value is demonstrated in what it does. It’s not about policy. It’s practice that matters. That’s why we hold each other accountable, put our money where our mouth is, elevate humanity always, pursue love over hate and acceptance over judgment.

Accounting for 21% of the country’s land mass, Brazil’s vast tropical ecoregion called the Cerrado is the most biodiverse savannah on the planet. Boasting over 10,000 plant species, nearly 200 mammals, over 800 bird types and almost 300 amphibian and reptile species, the Cerrado’s mix of flora and fauna is unique in all the world.

Notable animals include the giant anteater, capybara, jaguar, cougar, toco toucan, black striped capuchin monkey and giant otter.

Urban pressure and the rapid establishment of agricultural activities in the region have been rapidly reducing the biodiversity of the ecosystems, and the population in the Cerrado region more than doubled from 1970 to 2010, going from 35.8 million to 76 million people.

Notably hot and dry in the summer, contrasted by wet winters, the Cerrado only has the two main seasons.

The combination of human influence, climate change and vast biodiversity put the future of the Cerrado in a perilous balance. Since 2017, almost a quarter of the entire ecoregion has become a protected area.