The Standard’s new ECI Plus annuity features legacy benefits

PORTLAND, Ore. — July 17, 2023 — The Standard now offers a new fixed indexed annuity that features an optional enhanced death benefit rider and a proprietary BofA Securities index. The Enhanced Choice Index Plus is a single-premium, deferred index annuity for customers seeking growth, certainty and the opportunity to maximize their legacy.

“The ECI Plus is designed to provide benefits for today and tomorrow,” said Rich Lane, vice president of Individual Annuities sales and marketing at The Standard. “The BofA Global MegaTrends Index is a game changer. The index is designed to tap into global innovation and long-term growth trends, while using proprietary technology from Salt Financial.”

For buyers who want their annuity to do more, the ECI Plus includes the optional Legacy Max enhanced death benefit rider. The rider can provide beneficiaries with a death benefit that can grow in two ways — with a guaranteed rollup and a performance-based growth factor.

“Legacy Max is the solution for annuity owners who want to maximize their financial legacy for their family and loved ones,” said Alan Assner, assistant vice president of Individual Annuities at The Standard. “We’re excited to add additional features that address key consumer needs.”

In addition to the new index from BofA Securities, the ECI Plus annuity offers four S&P Dow Jones-based indices and a fixed-interest option:

• BofA Global MegaTrends Index
• S&P MARC 5% ER Index
• S&P 500 Daily Risk Control 5% ER Index
• S&P 500 ESG Daily Risk Control 5% ER Index
• S&P 500® Index
• Fixed interest crediting option

“The BofA Global MegaTrends Index concentrates on four future-focused areas — robotics, the digital economy, millennials and disruptive technology,” said Gabriel Lettieri, managing director and head of Americas Insurance Solutions at BofA Securities. “We are delighted to collaborate with The Standard on this volatility-controlled index and to continue providing innovative solutions to clients throughout the U.S.”

Three of the S&P index crediting strategies offer volatility control. This offers customers the potential for increased growth with less exposure to market fluctuations.

The Standard has a long-standing track record of providing consumer-friendly annuity products and service practices. They’re all backed by the financial strength of the company and proven by more than 100 years of an “A” rating or higher — third of 13 ratings — from A.M. Best Company.

For more information, please contact The Standard at 800.378.4578 or visit standard.com/annuities.