Products March 22, 2011

Insurance Company Launches Portfolio Construction Tool

Jackson National Life Insurance Company developed an online tool to help advisers build customized investment portfolios for their clients.  
Reported by

Jackson National said the Portfolio Construction Tool was designed to help advisers leverage its available investment options within its variable annuity offering. There aren’t asset allocation restrictions and advisers can select the mix of subaccount options that best meet their clients’ retirement income needs.

The tool, which is available for appointed producers who register on www.jackson.com, will aid advisers by aggregating historical performance information, subaccount analytics and educational materials, all on one platform. Filters give advisers the ability to screen investment options by asset class, portfolio manager, investment style, expenses and performance, reports Jackson. Advisers can expand their research on any particular investment option through links to marketing and educational materials, including fact sheets, brochures, and videos.

Want the latest retirement plan adviser news and insights? Sign up for PLANADVISER newsletters.

The Portfolio Construction Tool is the latest in a series of products and services designed by Jackson National to help advisers create customized retirement income solutions. In October 2010, Jackson introduced LifeGuard Freedom Flex, the industry’s first customizable guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefit (GMWB). In 2007, Jackson introduced the Living Benefits Selection Center, which enables advisers to quickly and easily identify the living benefit option(s) most closely aligned with the personal retirement income objectives of their clients. 

Data & Research March 22, 2011

Nearly Half of Advisers Don’t Focus on Rollovers

In its “Advisor Assets in Motion” report, Cogent Research found nearly 50% of advisers are not winning as many rollover assets as they could be.  
Reported by

From its findings, Cogent divided advisers into three tiers of achievement in capturing the rollover market. “Low” rollover advisers have up to $3 million in rollover assets, “mid” rollover advisers have between $3 and $5 million, and “high” rollover advisers have more than $5 million in rollover assets.  About one-third of advisers would fall into the highest tier, Cogent found.

Moreover, the highly successful rollover advisers convert more retirement accounts and the size of those accounts is 2.4 times larger, averaging $344,000, than advisers who fall into the second tier in terms of rollover success. 

Want the latest retirement plan adviser news and insights? Sign up for PLANADVISER newsletters.

The study highlights a significant opportunity for both asset managers and advisory firms to focus on winning both individual retirement accounts (IRAs) and employer-sponsored retirement plan conversions, Cogent said. “These assets are available to be won and those who work hardest succeed at winning them,” said David Feltman, Managing Director for Syndicated Research. “Given the propensity of retirees to move their employer-sponsored account at retirement, these funds are a ripe opportunity.” 

«