A 401k recordkeeper is the company responsible for the day-to-day administrative tasks of a 401k retirement plan. They track participant contributions, maintain records of investments and account balances, issue account statements, and help ensure the plan complies with IRS reporting and operational requirements. Recordkeepers typically do not provide investment advice, design the plan, or make discretionary compliance decisions unless they have explicitly agreed to take on those fiduciary responsibilities. They often work alongside custodians, who hold plan assets, and financial advisors, who provide investment guidance. Many recordkeepers also offer online dashboards or tools to help participants monitor and manage their accounts.