Sponsor onboarding is a crucial phase for 401(k) recordkeepers as it establishes the foundation of their relationship with clients, yet traditional methods often involve cumbersome processes like SFTP file-sharing, which can lead to delays and dissatisfaction. The complexities of accessing payroll data from thousands of providers and the reliance on third parties contribute to a lengthy and manual onboarding experience, which can erode trust and customer satisfaction. Unified APIs present a modern solution by allowing recordkeepers to streamline data integration across various payroll systems, reducing onboarding time from months to minutes and enhancing overall operational efficiency. By employing unified APIs, recordkeepers can bypass the need for custom SFTP setups, minimize administrative burdens on sponsors, and improve data accuracy, thereby enhancing the sponsor experience and strengthening relationships. Tools like Finch provide specialized APIs tailored for the employment sector, enabling seamless data synchronization and reducing the friction typically associated with onboarding, ultimately benefiting both recordkeepers and sponsors.