The Guardian Insurance & Annuity Company (GIAC) has expanded investment option line-up for its group retirement products plan sponsors.

Managed by industry investment managers, the extended options are designed for plan sponsors using The Guardian Advantage or The Guardian Choice as the funding vehicle for their qualified retirement plans.

Advantage fund line-up is expanded by 27 new investment options for a total of 101, while 33 new options have been added to the Choice fund line-up, taking the total options to 111.

Using the new options, plan sponsors can select investments from multiple new asset classes and mutual fund families and will include both actively managed and index-based funds.

Extended asset class lineup includes large cap blend, large cap growth, multi sector bond, emerging markets bond, target date, index, as well as socially responsible and sector funds.

Guardian Retirement Solutions 401(k) Product Management and Development vice president Jason Frain said the new fund enhancements reflects the company’s commitment to provide plan sponsors with choice and flexibility, simultaneously offering focus lists with fiduciary support services.

Investment options are thoroughly screened by SWBC Investment Advisory Services, which is an independent third-party registered investment advisor.