The Standard Offers Clients Indexed Crediting Choices With New Annuity Design

Enhanced Index Select Annuity includes a variety of options for interest crediting and surrender charge periods to meet the needs of a wider array of buyers

PORTLAND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Standard Insurance Company (The Standard) today announced the launch of its enhanced Index Select Annuity, a single-premium, deferred index annuity that credits interest based on the performance of the S&P 500 index.

The Standard’s Index Select Annuity offers clients a choice of surrender charge periods, including five-, seven- and 10-year options. Clients can also select their preferred interest crediting strategy, as the product can include rate cap, participation rate or fixed interest crediting.

“The participation rate crediting option is a change for us, as we wanted to offer clients the choice to purchase the type of accumulation strategy that best meets their needs,” said Chris Conklin, vice president of Individual Annuities at The Standard. “Clients like the idea of not having a limit on the amount of interest crediting they could receive each year and want the potential to earn interest based on the growth of the S&P 500 index.”

Tying the annuity’s performance to the S&P 500 allows purchasers to benefit from increases in the index while being protected from market downturns. This can be especially helpful for clients who select the participation rate interest crediting option, as it won’t limit the amount they’re credited at the end of each year.

“Most consumers know and understand the S&P 500 index based on how widely it is reported on each day,” said Conklin. “That transparency for clients is important to us, as they can better understand how their annuity’s value is growing. With so many complex annuity designs currently in the market, we created our enhanced Index Select Annuity to offer consumers a simple and understandable way to grow and protect their assets.”

In addition, Index Select Annuity 5 is available for purchase by individuals up to 93 years old — one of the highest issue ages available on the market today. Often, annuity owners wishing to switch companies find that few annuity products are available as they grow older, as many annuity companies have no product offerings for those above age 90 — many of which even limit issue ages at age 85. The Standard’s enhanced offering provides a sound option for older clients who are looking for a safe place for their money.

About The Standard

The Standard is a leading provider of financial products and services, including group and individual disability insurance, group life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance, group dental and vision insurance, absence management services, retirement plans products and services, individual annuities and investment advice. For more information on The Standard, visit www.standard.com.

The Standard is the marketing name for the subsidiaries of StanCorp Financial Group, Inc.: Standard Insurance Company; The Standard Life Insurance Company of New York; Standard Retirement Services, Inc.; StanCorp Equities, Inc.; StanCorp Mortgage Investors, LLC; StanCorp Investment Advisers, Inc.; StanCorp Real Estate, LLC; and Standard Management, Inc.

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Source: The Standard