Athene Launches Retirement Annuity

March 12, 2012

A new fixed annuity from Athene Annuity & Life Assurance Company — the the US subsidiary of Bermuda’s Athene Holding — offers a simple solution to millions of Americans whose retirement dreams are being challenged by volatile equity markets and a persistently low personal savings rate, the company reported today [Mar.12].

ATHENE MaxRate is a multi-year guarantee annuity with a choice of five or seven-year guarantee periods.

It is designed for individuals who are comfortable locking-in money in exchange for the opportunity to earn a higher rate of return, based on their personal savings goals. Seven-year guaranteed rates are currently 4.15 percent in the first year and 3.15 percent in years 2-7; for five years, the rates are 3.85 percent in year one and 2.85 percent in years 2-5, the Company noted in a release.

“We designed ATHENE MaxRate to provide shelter from the storm of uncertainty in today’s financial markets,” said Chris Grady, head of retail for Athene Annuity. “It’s an easy-to-understand fixed annuity for savers who want a tax-deferred vehicle to protect and grow their retirement nest eggs, at guaranteed interest rates that are among the highest in the industry.”

While most traditional fixed deferred annuities allow limited access to money during the surrender charge period, the Company noted, ATHENE MaxRate focuses on accumulation and total return.

It provides a 30-day window at the end of each guarantee period during which contract holders can request a partial withdrawal, surrender their annuity, or convert it into a guaranteed stream of income without incurring a market value adjustment or any withdrawal charges.

If no action is taken during the 30-day window, the annuity will automatically begin a new guarantee period of the same duration with a new guaranteed interest rate.

A subsidiary of Bermuda-based Athene Holding, Athene Annuity & Life Assurance Company provides income solutions that help Americans prepare for retirement.

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