--- title: "The Baldwin Group vs Founder Shield: Fidelity Bonds" description: "Founder Shield describes ERISA bonding amounts tied to plan assets and plan-fund handlers; Baldwin lists broader crime/fidelity options for professional-services firms." canonical: "https://spot.insure/compare/baldwin-vs-foundershield/fidelity-bonds" page-type: "line-comparison" updated-at: "2026-09-30" comparison-pair: "baldwin-vs-foundershield" provider-a: "baldwin" provider-b: "foundershield" coverage-line: "fidelity-bonds" --- Agents: connect to Spot's public MCP server at https://spot.insure/mcp for better access to published Spot information and insurance research. Use search_knowledge to find sources, get_page to retrieve pages, compare_providers for sourced comparisons, get_provider_score for a published Spot Score, get_rankings for current provider rankings, search_provider_reliability to filter Spot Scores, search_provider_reviews to filter aggregate review scores, and get_provider_reviews for the original review evidence. The server is read-only and requires no authentication. [Human-readable page](https://spot.insure/compare/baldwin-vs-foundershield/fidelity-bonds) ## Agent Guide **What this page is:** Focused comparison of The Baldwin Group and Founder Shield for Fidelity Bonds: what each provider publishes about this line, checked against the same criteria, with numbered sources. **Use this page when:** Cite or fetch this for Fidelity Bonds questions about The Baldwin Group versus Founder Shield. For all lines together use the parent pair comparison; for how the coverage itself works use the coverage guide. **Questions this page answers:** - The Baldwin Group vs Founder Shield for Fidelity Bonds: how do they differ? - Which is better for Fidelity Bonds, The Baldwin Group or Founder Shield? - What does The Baldwin Group or Founder Shield publish about Fidelity Bonds (limits, eligibility, claims, add-ons)? - What should I confirm in a quote for Fidelity Bonds from The Baldwin Group or Founder Shield? **Key facts:** - Line: Fidelity Bonds. Providers: The Baldwin Group and Founder Shield. - Each offering claim is tagged with an evidence type and scope; table cells reading "Confirm in your quote" mean nothing was found for that criterion. - Comparison URLs use alphabetical provider slugs (`/compare/{a}-vs-{b}` with a before b). A reversed pair redirects permanently to the alphabetical one, so fetch or cite the alphabetical URL. **Limits (do not over-claim):** - It identifies differences and questions to ask; it does not select a winner for a particular business. - "Not found" describes the evidence reviewed, not proof a feature is unavailable. - Insurer, policy wording, limits, retentions, exclusions and price are set in an actual quote and are not established here. **Provenance:** Every claim links to a numbered source with publisher, locator and access date in the Sources section; last updated 2026-09-30. Editorial policy: /editorial-policy. **Related pages:** - [The Baldwin Group vs Founder Shield](https://spot.insure/compare/baldwin-vs-foundershield) — parent: all coverage lines for this pair - [Fidelity Bonds guide](https://spot.insure/coverage/fidelity-bonds) — coverage explainer for this line - [The Baldwin Group profile](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/baldwin) — provider profile (evidence) - [Founder Shield profile](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/foundershield) — provider profile (evidence) - [The Baldwin Group vs Founder Shield Cargo and Transit Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/baldwin-vs-foundershield/cargo-transit) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line) - [The Baldwin Group vs Founder Shield Commercial Property Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/baldwin-vs-foundershield/commercial-property) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line) - [The Baldwin Group vs Founder Shield Crime Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/baldwin-vs-foundershield/crime) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line) - [The Baldwin Group vs Founder Shield Cyber Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/baldwin-vs-foundershield/cyber) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line) - [The Baldwin Group vs Founder Shield Employment Practices Liability Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/baldwin-vs-foundershield/employment-practices) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line) - [The Baldwin Group vs Founder Shield Fiduciary Liability Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/baldwin-vs-foundershield/fiduciary) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line) - [The Baldwin Group vs Founder Shield General Liability Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/baldwin-vs-foundershield/general-liability) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line) - [The Baldwin Group vs Founder Shield Representations and Warranties Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/baldwin-vs-foundershield/representations-warranties) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line) - [The Baldwin Group vs Founder Shield Umbrella and Excess Liability Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/baldwin-vs-foundershield/umbrella-excess) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line) - [The Baldwin Group vs Founder Shield Workers’ Compensation Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/baldwin-vs-foundershield/workers-compensation) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line) - [AIG vs The Baldwin Group Fidelity Bonds](https://spot.insure/compare/aig-vs-baldwin/fidelity-bonds) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line) - [AIG vs Founder Shield Fidelity Bonds](https://spot.insure/compare/aig-vs-foundershield/fidelity-bonds) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line) - [The Baldwin Group vs Beazley Fidelity Bonds](https://spot.insure/compare/baldwin-vs-beazley/fidelity-bonds) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line) - [The Baldwin Group vs CNA Fidelity Bonds](https://spot.insure/compare/baldwin-vs-cna/fidelity-bonds) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line) - [The Baldwin Group vs Coverdash Fidelity Bonds](https://spot.insure/compare/baldwin-vs-coverdash/fidelity-bonds) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line) - [The Baldwin Group vs Gallagher Fidelity Bonds](https://spot.insure/compare/baldwin-vs-gallagher/fidelity-bonds) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line) # The Baldwin Group vs Founder Shield: How Do They Compare for Fidelity Bonds? Founder Shield describes ERISA bonding amounts tied to plan assets and plan-fund handlers; Baldwin lists broader crime/fidelity options for professional-services firms. ## Research Scope and Use Use this comparison to evaluate The Baldwin Group and Founder Shield for Fidelity Bonds against the same documented criteria. It identifies differences and questions to confirm; it does not select a winner for a particular business. Offering claims are what each provider publishes about this line unless marked otherwise. “Not found” describes the evidence reviewed, not proof that a feature is unavailable. Confirm the insurer, policy wording, limits, retentions, exclusions and cost in an actual quote. ## Summary Founder Shield’s ERISA bond description names covered plan-fund dishonesty and statutory minimum amounts; The Baldwin Group lists commercial crime/fidelity bonds but does not identify an ERISA form or bond limit. [3](https://baldwin.com/business-insurance/industries/professional-services/ "Professional Liability Insurance & Services") [9](https://foundershield.com/coverage/erisa-fidelity-bond/ "ERISA Fidelity Bond") ## What Is the Baldwin Group? Baldwin’s Insurance Advisory Solutions group describes commercial-risk and employee-benefit services for businesses and private-risk management for high-net-worth individuals and families; its business-insurance page outlines a five-step RiskMap process. [1](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1781755/000178175526000018/bwin-20251231.htm "The Baldwin Insurance Group, Inc. Form 10-K for fiscal year ended December 31, 2025") [2](https://baldwin.com/business-insurance/ "Business Insurance") [The Baldwin Group profile](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/baldwin) ## What Is Founder Shield Insurance? Founder Shield is a broker for venture-backed startups: you apply online in under 15 minutes, and an advisor shops its 200+ carrier markets to build a program that changes as your products and locations change. It doesn't insure you itself, so ask which insurer carries each policy. [4](https://foundershield.com/ "Founder Shield") [5](https://foundershield.com/startup-insurance/ "Startup Insurance") [6](https://foundershield.com/insurance-faqs/general-faqs/how-do-you-decide-which-carriers-to-approach/ "How Do You Decide Which Carriers to Approach?") [7](https://foundershield.com/insurance-faqs/general-faqs/what-if-our-company-grows-a-lot-or-things-change-during-the-year/ "What If Our Company Grows A Lot or Things Change During the Year?") [8](https://foundershield.com/terms-of-service/ "Terms of Service") [Founder Shield profile](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/foundershield) ## What Are Fidelity Bonds? Fidelity coverage can reimburse certain losses when employees steal money or property they handle. If employees manage company funds, customer property or benefit-plan assets, identify each owner and compare the required protection for each interest. [11](https://content.naic.org/glossary-insurance-terms "Glossary of Insurance Terms") [12](https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ebsa/employers-and-advisers/guidance/field-assistance-bulletins/erisa-fidelity-bonding-requirements.pdf "Field Assistance Bulletin No. 2008-04: Guidance Regarding ERISA Fidelity Bonding Requirements") [13](https://asset.trvstatic.com/download/assets/cri-3001.pdf/98f30f1063c911eeb2f1deb19c93b21f "Crime Terms and Conditions") ## Key Differences in Fidelity Bonds ### ERISA-specific scope Founder Shield describes an ERISA fidelity bond for plan sponsors, fiduciaries and third-party administrators, with theft and embezzlement of plan assets among its covered acts. Baldwin lists crime/fidelity-bond options for professional-services clients but does not specify ERISA coverage. If the requirement arises from a retirement plan, ask Baldwin for an ERISA-specific form and verify the covered fund handlers. [9](https://foundershield.com/coverage/erisa-fidelity-bond/ "ERISA Fidelity Bond") [3](https://baldwin.com/business-insurance/industries/professional-services/ "Professional Liability Insurance & Services") ### Bond amount and placement Founder Shield states the federal ERISA minimum as 10% of funds handled, generally from $1,000 to $500,000, with up to $1 million for plans holding employer securities; those are statutory figures, not its own limit. Baldwin describes brokerage without published amounts. Ask both for the required bond amount and the issuer’s underwriting terms. [9](https://foundershield.com/coverage/erisa-fidelity-bond/ "ERISA Fidelity Bond") [3](https://baldwin.com/business-insurance/industries/professional-services/ "Professional Liability Insurance & Services") ## What to Confirm in Fidelity Bonds Quotes - Does Founder Shield’s quote satisfy the plan’s required bond amount and identify all fund handlers? Can Baldwin place the same ERISA form and who issues it? ## Offering Details | Criteria | Baldwin Commercial Fidelity Bond Brokerage and Advisory | Founder Shield ERISA Fidelity Bond | | --- | --- | --- | | Role in This Line | The source describes The Baldwin Group’s brokerage or advisory role for Commercial Fidelity Bond. It does not identify Baldwin as the risk-bearing insurer for a particular placement. [3](https://baldwin.com/business-insurance/industries/professional-services/ "Professional Liability Insurance & Services") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: The cited company page describes its brokerage/advisory role and does not name the issuer for a buyer-specific placement..) | Founder Shield is a retail insurance brokerage, described on its site as “the innovation arm of The Baldwin Group,” and places Founder Shield ERISA Fidelity Bond with third-party carriers rather than underwriting the policy itself. [10](https://foundershield.com/about-us/ "About Us") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: About-us page; applies to Founder Shield's brokerage model generally, restated here for this line..) | | Issuing Insurer | Confirm in your quote. | Founder Shield says it places policies, including Founder Shield ERISA Fidelity Bond, only with carriers rated A- or better by AM Best, chosen for the client's industry. It does not name the issuing insurer for this line; that depends on which carrier the policy is placed with. [6](https://foundershield.com/insurance-faqs/general-faqs/how-do-you-decide-which-carriers-to-approach/ "How Do You Decide Which Carriers to Approach?") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: General carrier-selection FAQ, not specific to this line's placements..) | | Who It’s For | Baldwin lists professional-services firms among the commercial sectors for which it can arrange crime/fidelity-bond options. The page does not establish a bond applicant’s eligibility or identify a surety. [3](https://baldwin.com/business-insurance/industries/professional-services/ "Professional Liability Insurance & Services") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: This is the audience or client context named on Baldwin’s page, not an underwriting decision or guarantee of product availability..) | Founder Shield says this bond is required for plan sponsors offering a retirement plan, the fiduciaries who manage it, third-party administrators, and even small businesses with a simple 401(k). [9](https://foundershield.com/coverage/erisa-fidelity-bond/ "ERISA Fidelity Bond") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: ERISA Fidelity Bond product page..) | | Coverage Features | Baldwin lists a commercial crime/fidelity bond as an option for professional-services clients. It does not describe a specific bond form, protected obligee, covered employee conduct or bond amount. [3](https://baldwin.com/business-insurance/industries/professional-services/ "Professional Liability Insurance & Services") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: The statement reports Baldwin’s marketed coverage or advisory description only. No individual quote, binder, policy form, schedule or endorsement was reviewed; policy entitlement and terms remain unknown..) | Founder Shield lists theft and embezzlement of plan assets, forgery, misappropriation and larceny by those who handle a benefit plan's funds as what an ERISA fidelity bond covers. [9](https://foundershield.com/coverage/erisa-fidelity-bond/ "ERISA Fidelity Bond") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Product page; the issued bond and its terms control actual coverage..) | | Limits and Retentions | The reviewed source does not state a buyer-specific limit, retention, deductible or coverage schedule. Confirm the quote and issued policy or bond. [3](https://baldwin.com/business-insurance/industries/professional-services/ "Professional Liability Insurance & Services") (Evidence: Not publicly disclosed; scope: No buyer quote, binder, policy or bond form was available in the reviewed public sources..) | Founder Shield's page states the federal ERISA bonding requirement: at least 10% of plan funds handled, with a minimum bond of $1,000 and a maximum of $500,000 (up to $1 million for plans holding employer securities). This is the statutory minimum, not a Founder Shield-specific limit. [9](https://foundershield.com/coverage/erisa-fidelity-bond/ "ERISA Fidelity Bond") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Product page describing the ERISA statutory bonding requirement..) | | Risk Services | Baldwin describes market navigation and tailored risk and insurance advice for accountants, architects, engineers, financial advisers, lawyers, consultants and surveyors. [3](https://baldwin.com/business-insurance/industries/professional-services/ "Professional Liability Insurance & Services") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: These are company-described brokerage and risk-advisory services; account-specific service commitments and third-party terms are not established..) | Confirm in your quote. | | How to Apply | Confirm in your quote. | You request Founder Shield ERISA Fidelity Bond through Founder Shield's website or an insurance advisor rather than binding coverage directly; Founder Shield says its placement team then approaches carriers on the client's behalf. [10](https://foundershield.com/about-us/ "About Us") [6](https://foundershield.com/insurance-faqs/general-faqs/how-do-you-decide-which-carriers-to-approach/ "How Do You Decide Which Carriers to Approach?") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: About-us and carrier-selection pages describe the general placement process, not a line-specific application form..) | ## Full Comparison - [The Baldwin Group vs Founder Shield](https://spot.insure/compare/baldwin-vs-foundershield): all coverage lines, business roles, service and claims. - [What Are Fidelity Bonds?](https://spot.insure/coverage/fidelity-bonds): Fidelity coverage can reimburse certain losses from employee theft; identify whether you need protection for company funds, client property or benefit-plan assets. - [The Baldwin Group vs Founder Shield Cargo and Transit Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/baldwin-vs-foundershield/cargo-transit) - [The Baldwin Group vs Founder Shield Commercial Property Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/baldwin-vs-foundershield/commercial-property) - [The Baldwin Group vs Founder Shield Crime Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/baldwin-vs-foundershield/crime) - [The Baldwin Group vs Founder Shield Cyber Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/baldwin-vs-foundershield/cyber) - [The Baldwin Group vs Founder Shield Employment Practices Liability Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/baldwin-vs-foundershield/employment-practices) - [The Baldwin Group vs Founder Shield Fiduciary Liability Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/baldwin-vs-foundershield/fiduciary) - [The Baldwin Group vs Founder Shield General Liability Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/baldwin-vs-foundershield/general-liability) - [The Baldwin Group vs Founder Shield Representations and Warranties Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/baldwin-vs-foundershield/representations-warranties) - [The Baldwin Group vs Founder Shield Umbrella and Excess Liability Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/baldwin-vs-foundershield/umbrella-excess) - [The Baldwin Group vs Founder Shield Workers’ Compensation Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/baldwin-vs-foundershield/workers-compensation) - [AIG vs The Baldwin Group Fidelity Bonds](https://spot.insure/compare/aig-vs-baldwin/fidelity-bonds) - [AIG vs Founder Shield Fidelity Bonds](https://spot.insure/compare/aig-vs-foundershield/fidelity-bonds) - [The Baldwin Group vs Beazley Fidelity Bonds](https://spot.insure/compare/baldwin-vs-beazley/fidelity-bonds) - [The Baldwin Group vs CNA Fidelity Bonds](https://spot.insure/compare/baldwin-vs-cna/fidelity-bonds) - [The Baldwin Group vs Coverdash Fidelity Bonds](https://spot.insure/compare/baldwin-vs-coverdash/fidelity-bonds) - [The Baldwin Group vs Gallagher Fidelity Bonds](https://spot.insure/compare/baldwin-vs-gallagher/fidelity-bonds) ## Sources ### The Baldwin Group 1. [The Baldwin Insurance Group, Inc. Form 10-K for fiscal year ended December 31, 2025](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1781755/000178175526000018/bwin-20251231.htm). U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission; filed by The Baldwin Insurance Group, Inc.; Part I, Item 1, “The Company,” lines 194–196; “Operating Groups,” lines 260–263; “Clients and Insurers,” lines 286–288; pp. 6–10; opened 2026-09-28.. Accessed 2026-09-28. 2. [Business Insurance](https://baldwin.com/business-insurance/). The Baldwin Group; RiskMap process, lines 40–68; Connect With Us consultation invitation, lines 182–187; accessed 2026-09-28.. Accessed 2026-09-28. 3. [Professional Liability Insurance & Services](https://baldwin.com/business-insurance/industries/professional-services/). The Baldwin Group; Professional-services customer population lines 35–64; coverage snapshot lines 68–84 lists property, general/professional liability, cyber, workers’ compensation, D&O, fiduciary, crime/fidelity bond, EPL, and IP liability; Employee benefits lines 93–95; accessed 2026-09-29.. Accessed 2026-09-30. ### Founder Shield 4. [Founder Shield](https://foundershield.com/). Founder Shield; Opening broker description; Specialized Practices; Smart Tech, Smarter People; quote and sign-in links. Accessed 2026-09-15. 5. [Startup Insurance](https://foundershield.com/startup-insurance/). Founder Shield; What Coverage Does your Startup Need?; Why Startups Choose Founder Shield; Industries We Serve; Essential Policies to Consider section. Accessed 2026-09-15. 6. [How Do You Decide Which Carriers to Approach?](https://foundershield.com/insurance-faqs/general-faqs/how-do-you-decide-which-carriers-to-approach/). Founder Shield; FAQ answer on carrier selection: works exclusively with A-rated (AM Best) carriers, matched by industry appetite. Accessed 2026-09-23. 7. [What If Our Company Grows A Lot or Things Change During the Year?](https://foundershield.com/insurance-faqs/general-faqs/what-if-our-company-grows-a-lot-or-things-change-during-the-year/). Founder Shield; Carl Niedbala answer, November 25, 2024: operational changes and coverage adjustments. Accessed 2026-09-15. 8. [Terms of Service](https://foundershield.com/terms-of-service/). Founder Shield; Opening agreement; License Status; Representations and Disclaimers Related to Products or Services; Fees and Charges; Void Where Prohibited. Accessed 2026-09-15. 9. [ERISA Fidelity Bond](https://foundershield.com/coverage/erisa-fidelity-bond/). Founder Shield; What Is ERISA Fidelity Bond Insurance?; Who Needs ERISA Fidelity Bond Insurance Coverage?; What Does ERISA Fidelity Bond Insurance Cover?. Accessed 2026-09-23. 10. [About Us](https://foundershield.com/about-us/). Founder Shield; “Founder Shield is the innovation arm of The Baldwin Group”; company history and mission. Accessed 2026-09-23. ### Fidelity Bonds Guide 11. [Glossary of Insurance Terms](https://content.naic.org/glossary-insurance-terms). National Association of Insurance Commissioners; Fidelity; Surety Bond. Accessed 2026-09-16. 12. [Field Assistance Bulletin No. 2008-04: Guidance Regarding ERISA Fidelity Bonding Requirements](https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ebsa/employers-and-advisers/guidance/field-assistance-bulletins/erisa-fidelity-bonding-requirements.pdf). U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration; Q1–Q3 pp.2–3; Q2 pp.2–3. Accessed 2026-09-16. 13. [Crime Terms and Conditions](https://asset.trvstatic.com/download/assets/cri-3001.pdf/98f30f1063c911eeb2f1deb19c93b21f). Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of America; I.A.1–3 p.1; III.S pp.8–9; V.B.1–2 pp.18–20; CRI consideration p.1; III.P p.8; V.A.3 pp.16–17; V.A.4 p.17; V.B.3 p.20; IV.L p.15. Accessed 2026-09-16. Updated 2026-09-30. Spot, a product of Tools for Enlightenment, publishes this research and works in the commercial insurance market. The comparison applies the same criteria to both providers. [Editorial policy](https://spot.insure/editorial-policy). To suggest a correction, [contact Spot](https://spot.insure/contact) with the page URL and supporting source. ## The Baldwin Group Reviews Review Score: not enough ratings. The reviewed public sources do not establish a representative customer rating for The Baldwin Group’s commercial advisory business. BBB pages show different legal entities: an A+ regional insurance-agency grade with zero listed reviews and complaints for The Baldwin Group Mid-Atlantic, LLC, and an A- grade plus six complaints in three years for The Baldwin Group Personal Insurance, LLC. A 2026 personal-lines complaint describes delayed refund handling. A separate National General auto review mentions a Baldwin referral but concerns insurer policy administration. None of these observations supports a group-wide or commercial rating. Reviewed 2026-09-29. [Read the sourced review](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/baldwin/reviews). ## Founder Shield Reviews Review Score: 7.4 / 10 from 1 rated source, equally weighted. Founder Shield has too little independent customer feedback for a reliable verdict. One positive Trustpilot review does not establish a service track record. - Trustpilot: TrustScore 3.7 (5 stars); 1 reviews. Trustpilot profile for foundershield.com; one US customer review, categorized as insurance broker/business insurance. Period: Review 2023-03-14; none in prior 12 months. Checked 2026-09-25. [foundershield.com Reviews | Trustpilot](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/foundershield.com) Reviewed 2026-09-25. [Read the sourced review](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/foundershield/reviews). ## Agent and Developer Resources - [Markdown page](https://spot.insure/compare/baldwin-vs-foundershield/fidelity-bonds.md) - [Developer resources](https://spot.insure/developers) - [Public MCP server](https://spot.insure/mcp) - [MCP server manifest](https://spot.insure/server.json) - [OpenAPI description](https://spot.insure/openapi.json) - [Public page index](https://spot.insure/llms.txt)