Athene and Annexus Enhance BCA 2.0 Fixed Indexed Annuities with New Academic Index Solutions

Annexus, a key innovator in retirement solutions, in partnership with Athene, a major fixed indexed annuities (FIAs) provider, has introduced significant enhancements to the Athene BCA 2.0 Suite of FIAs. The update features the inclusion of the S&P 500® Distance Stabilizer TCA Index, which represents the first S&P DJI index utilizing a distance timer strategy collaboratively developed with Société Générale. This dynamic index adjusts exposure to the S&P 500 to enhance stability and supports Athene’s ability to offer improved participation rates and stable strategy renewal rates for the BCA 2.0 Suite. Additionally, the RAFI™ Harvey GS Index, created in collaboration with Duke University Professor Campbell Harvey, is incorporated to dynamically shift allocations between growth and value equities, aiming to mitigate downside risks in volatile markets. Further innovation is seen with the MSCI MKT MediaStats Multi-Asset Index, developed with Boston College Professor Ronnie Sadka, utilizing proprietary media narrative analysis technology to drive asset selection based on media influence on market behavior. These academic index options complement established indices already featured in the portfolio, including those developed with professors Robert Shiller of Yale University and Jeremy Siegel of Wharton, emphasizing diverse U.S. and global value opportunities. The announcement solidifies the collaboration between insurance product developers and academic researchers to deliver strategically innovative fixed indexed annuities that address market volatility and client retirement outcomes. Financial and insurance professionals can access these advanced BCA annuity products through Annexus-affiliated distribution channels, highlighting their focus on serving retirement financial security through advanced indexed strategies. The updates underscore ongoing efforts in the life insurance and annuities markets to integrate academically-driven, sophisticated indexing methodologies that align retirement products with evolving market conditions and investor risk considerations. Regulatory and licensing disclosures address the roles of various index licensors including MSCI, Goldman Sachs, S&P Dow Jones Indices, Barclays, and WisdomTree, ensuring transparency over intellectual property and product limitations. This development reflects broader market trends in leveraging academic research and big data analytics to refine annuity products' risk and return profiles, enhancing appeal to financial advisors, RIAs, and insurance intermediaries focused on retirement security solutions.