They also have a long revenue tail: With many trusts set to run for 20 years or more, sellers can look forward to decades of administration and money management fees.

FORBES: The new giving game

Packaged products generate annual fees for distribution and administration and for management too, when the funds are managed in-house.

ECONOMIST: Wall Street

Siedle: Do you believe 401k investors should receive a specific breakdown of all fees and expenses related to the administration, recordkeeping and investment management of their plan?

FORBES: Challenges to 401ks Continue: A Conversation with Fred Barstein, CEO of 401kExchange (February 15, 2008 )