Nationwide Defined Protection Annuity 2.0 Wins Deal of the Year Award

Nationwide and Annexus have clinched the SRP Americas 2026 Award for "Deal of the Year, RILA," in recognition of their groundbreaking Nationwide Defined Protection® Annuity 2.0 product launched in collaboration with American Funds® The Growth Fund of America®.

The award highlights the significant innovation and impact of this product in the structured products and annuities market. The Nationwide Defined Protection Annuity 2.0 introduces a unique strategy by linking a registered index-linked annuity (RILA) to an actively managed mutual fund—a first in the annuities industry. In collaboration with Capital Group’s The Growth Fund of America®—Class F-3, this strategy aligns with evolving market demands. Financial advisors now have access to sophisticated tools offering protection levels of 90%, 95%, and 100% alongside multiple index strategies.

Industry Significance and Innovation

The Nationwide Defined Protection Annuity 2.0 is a testament to industry evolution where traditional annuity products adapt through innovative financial mechanisms. By indexing RILAs to mutual funds like The Growth Fund of America®, investors can potentially achieve higher returns while maintaining a degree of principal protection, thus enhancing investor confidence in retirement savings plans. This innovation empowers financial advisors to address a broader range of client needs, from risk management to achieving financial security over time.

Leadership and Collaborative Vision

Kush Kotecha, President of Annuity at Nationwide, emphasized the transformative impact of the partnership with Annexus and Capital Group, which has been consistently innovative over the past decade. This synergy aims to fortify investor trust and enrich retirement-saving strategies. Nationwide’s commitment to providing robust financial solutions is underscored by its A+ rating from Standard & Poor’s, indicating strong financial health and resilience.

“Our collaboration with Annexus and Capital Group continues to deliver distinct value and innovation for our client base,”

Kush Kotecha, Nationwide's President of Annuity

Product Details and Investor Guidance

It's important for financial professionals interested in Nationwide DPA 2.0 to consult with Nationwide wholesalers or contact the National Sales Desk at 1-800-321-6064 for detailed insights. Investor-facing information is accessible through financial advisors or Nationwide's website.

• The Growth Fund of America® – Class F-3: Mutual fund values reflect total returns. There is no direct investment or ownership in the mutual fund.
• Protection Guarantees: Defined protection levels are determined at the contract's start and may adjust in future terms.
• Market Strategy: Linking RILAs to mutual funds provides a hedge against market volatility while offering growth potential.

Strategic Partnerships Shaping the Future

Capital Group, nearing its 100-year anniversary, has built a reputation for fostering successful investments through its global presence and robust asset management strategies. Annexus, known for its market-leading retirement products, continuously innovates within the annuity market, leveraging academic partnerships to push the boundaries of retirement product offerings. This award-winning collaboration with Nationwide marks a milestone in providing durable and diversified investment solutions to clients, highlighting a new era of financial innovation.