
SECURE 2.0 Makes a Few Changes to Annuities
While not the focus of the bill, annuities gained increased flexibility and availability.

Annuities as Part of Target-Date Funds Grow in Popularity
Cerulli retirement research shows growing interest in TDFs with guaranteed income for plan sponsors’ lifetime income options among consultants.

Annuities’ Bad Rap

Next-Level Options

Guaranteed Income Options May Boost Retirement Confidence
Interest in access to guaranteed lifetime income in retirement rose during the pandemic, but education and adoption has been slow.

Guaranteed Lifetime Income

Participants May Be Hesitant to Invest in Lifetime Income Products
U.S. workers’ interest in putting money into investments that guarantee a portion of retirement income fell in 2021 from the previous year, a new survey shows. But experts say that data should come with some context.
Paper Offers Tutorial for Choosing DC Plan Lifetime Income Investments
Groom Law Group has published a guide that discusses fiduciary duties in the context of providing lifetime income options within defined contribution plans.

Investment Product and Service Launches
PGIM Investments to acquire Green Harvest Asset Management; ProShares launches first U.S. Bitcoin-linked ETF; Pacific Life introduces Invesco V.I. defined outcome funds; and more.

Investment Product and Service Launches
Broadridge enhances fiduciary toolkit for advisers; GoalPath makes managed accounts available on iJoin; BlackRock announces option to include annuities in target-date strategies; and more.
Employees and Employers Are Paying Attention to Annuities
Research from SRI anticipates the annuity market to grow as much as 30% by 2025.
Next-Generation Retirement Plans Will Deliver Customized Retirement Income Solutions
PGIM says evolving technology will enable plan sponsors and advisers to deliver on this promise.

Despite Reservations, Sponsors’ Interest in Annuities is Growing
Advisers should be educated about annuities and how to analyze them to help plan sponsors decide the best products to use.
The Role of Guaranteed Minimum Benefit Riders in In-Plan Annuities
With some riders, participants can enjoy the upside of the market with downside protection.
Gen X Facing the Stark Reality of Retirement
More than any other generation, its members are receptive to in-plan guarantees.
Interim Final Lifetime Income Illustration Rule Published by DOL
The interim final rule includes assumptions plan administrators must use to calculate estimated lifetime benefit payments to be included on retirement plan participant statements.
SECURE Act Is No Lifetime Income Free-For-All
One analyst argues the landmark legislation’s lifetime income disclosure requirement may prove to be more influential than the annuity selection safe harbor.

Legislative and Judicial Actions

With LDI, DC Plans Can Address Individuals’ Retirement Obstacles
Americans in LIMRA Survey Prefer Lifetime Income Over Lump Sums
More than half say they would prefer guaranteed income of $660 a month over a $120,000 lump sum, LIMRA SRI found in a survey.