Indexed annuities, also known as equity-indexed annuities or fixed-index annuities, have become a popular investment option for retirees who want to receive a guaranteed stream of income during their retirement years. These annuities were first introduced in the 1990s, and their popularity has grown steadily over the years. In this article, we will discuss how indexed annuities started and how they have evolved over time.

Origins of Indexed Annuities

The first indexed annuity was introduced in the mid-1990s by a company called Keyport Life Insurance Company. At the time, the stock market was experiencing significant growth, and many investors were looking for ways to take advantage of this growth without exposing themselves to the risks associated with investing in the stock market.

Indexed annuities were designed to provide a way for investors to participate in the growth of the stock market while also providing protection against market downturns. They are a type of fixed annuity that is linked to a stock market index, such as the S&P 500. The rate of return on an indexed annuity is based on the performance of the index, but with a cap or limit on the maximum return that can be earned.

The early versions of indexed annuities were not very popular because they were complex and difficult to understand. Many investors were also skeptical about the guarantees that were being offered by insurance companies, particularly after a number of insurance companies went bankrupt in the 1990s.

However, as the stock market continued to grow, and interest rates declined, indexed annuities became more attractive to investors who were looking for a safe and secure way to invest their money. Insurance companies also began to offer more generous guarantees on indexed annuities, which made them more appealing to investors.

Evolution of Indexed Annuities

Over the years, indexed annuities have evolved and become more popular among investors. The basic concept of an indexed annuity remains the same, but there have been several changes and improvements to the product over time.

One of the biggest changes to indexed annuities has been the addition of various features, such as income riders and death benefits. Income riders provide a guaranteed stream of income for a specific period, such as 10 or 20 years, or for the life of the contract holder. This feature is particularly attractive to retirees who want to ensure that they have a guaranteed source of income during their retirement years.

Death benefits provide a payout to the beneficiary if the contract holder dies before the end of the contract period. This feature is attractive to individuals who want to ensure that their loved ones are taken care of after they pass away.

Another significant change to indexed annuities has been the introduction of different indexing strategies. Initially, indexed annuities were linked only to a single stock market index, such as the S&P 500. However, insurance companies began to offer annuities that were linked to multiple indices or custom indices.

Some indexed annuities also offer a choice of indexing strategies, such as a point-to-point strategy, a monthly averaging strategy, or a high-water mark strategy. These strategies allow investors to choose the one that best suits their investment goals and risk tolerance.

Regulatory Changes

Indexed annuities have also been affected by regulatory changes over the years. In 2008, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) proposed a rule that would have subjected indexed annuities to regulation as securities. However, the insurance industry opposed this rule, and it was ultimately withdrawn.

In 2010, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) introduced a model regulation for indexed annuities, which provided uniform standards for insurance companies to follow when offering these products. This regulation required insurance companies to disclose certain key features of indexed annuities to customers, such as the cap rate, participation rate, and margin or spread. The regulation also required insurance companies to provide customers with a standard disclosure document that explains the features and risks of indexed annuities in plain language.

The NAIC model regulation was designed to provide greater transparency and consumer protection in the sale of indexed annuities. Prior to the regulation, there was a lack of standardization in the sale of these products, and some insurance agents were accused of using high-pressure sales tactics and making false or misleading statements to customers.

The NAIC model regulation was adopted by many states, and insurance companies that sell indexed annuities are now required to comply with the disclosure and suitability standards set forth in the regulation.

In addition to the NAIC model regulation, indexed annuities are also subject to regulation by state insurance departments and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Insurance agents and broker-dealers who sell indexed annuities must be licensed and registered with these regulatory bodies and must comply with their rules and regulations.

Conclusion

In summary, indexed annuities were first introduced in the mid-1990s as a hybrid product that combined features of fixed and variable annuities. They were designed to provide investors with the potential for higher returns than traditional fixed annuities while also providing protection against market downturns.

Over the years, indexed annuities have evolved and become more popular among investors, with the addition of various features and indexing strategies. They are also subject to regulatory oversight by the NAIC, state insurance departments, and FINRA, which has helped to provide greater transparency and consumer protection in the sale of these products.

Indexed annuities are not suitable for everyone, and investors should carefully consider the features and risks of these products before investing. It is important to work with a licensed and qualified insurance agent or financial advisor who can provide guidance and advice on the suitability of indexed annuities for an individual’s investment goals and risk tolerance.