Deals & People June 11, 2008

SSgA, Lincoln Relationship Includes Eight New Funds

State Street Global Advisors (SSgA) was selected by Lincoln Financial Group for an extensive sub-advisory relationship.
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According to a press release, the new relationship will include the management of eight investment portfolios that will be available as subaccounts within Lincoln’s variable annuity, variable life insurance, COLI, 403(b), and 401(k) products. The eight new investment strategies include four rules-based portfolios and four capital weighted index portfolios.

The release said the four rules-based strategies aim to capture the traditional value and small-capitalization premium while creating appropriate levels of diversification at both the stock and sector levels. They are:

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  • Lincoln Variable Investment Product (LVIP) SSgA Large Cap 100 Fundk;
  • LVIP SSgA Small/Mid Cap 200 Fund;
  • LVIP SSgA Developed International 150 Fund;
  • LVIP SSgA Emerging Markets 100 Fund.

The four capitalization-weighted strategies will be offered both on a standalone basis and as components of two new series of risk-based asset allocation models. They are:

  • LVIP SSgA S&P 500 Index Fund;
  • LVIP SSgA Small-Cap Index Fund;
  • LVIP SSgA International Index Fund;
  • LVIP SSgA Bond Index Fund.

Those new investment portfolios will also be used as building blocks for a series of risk-based asset allocation strategies within Lincoln’s Choice Plus variable annuity product suite. The relationship also includes the use of SSgA’s SPDR family of exchange-traded funds in PMFM’s 401(k) Toolbox, a fee-based investment advisory and account management service owned by the registered investment adviser (RIA) offered through Lincoln Financial Group affiliates.

More information is available at www.ssga.com or www.lincolnfinancial.com.

Products June 11, 2008

Web site Serves as Forum for Female FAs

Lady Advisor provides resources for female financial advisers.
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Former Citi Smith Barney branch manager Kirsten Lewis launched Lady Advisor (www.LadyAdvisor.com), a subscription-only online resource for financial advisers, according to a press release. Lady Advisor’s mission is “to empower women financial advisers around the world with the information, resources and sense of community they need to have a successful financial services career and a healthy lifestyle,’ the release said.

The Web site includes virtual classrooms, success stories of women from financial advising and outside of it, and a discussion forum. It also features a lifestyle section, where members can discuss striking a healthy balance outside of the office.

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Lewis said she wanted to build a comprehensive and approachable online community in which women FAs, both new and seasoned, could come together. “I wanted to build an inspiring online place where women financial advisers can gather to discuss various topics ranging from work to family, share ideas, herald personal and professional accomplishments, and connect with their peers from around the world,’ she said in the release.

“Whether women financial advisers are just launching their career in the financial services sector, building up their client base, or simply looking to take that next step up the career ladder, Lady Advisor is here to lend a supportive hand,’ Lewis said.

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