Barra & Associates (Founder Grant Barra) Insurance and Financial Services Brokerage Becomes an Allianz Preferred Shop
Oak Brook, IL, September 25, 2013 --(PR.com)-- Barra & Associates is appointed as an Allianz Preferred shop. "The team has worked hard to make this happen and I could not be prouder of them," said Grant Barra.
This is important because Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz Life), a leading provider of fixed index annuities (FIAs), announced the launch of two enhanced index allocations offering additional choices for retirement accumulation. Available exclusively through the Allianz Preferred platform, the index allocations include the newly created Barclays US Dynamic Balance Index as well as the Russell 2000® Index, which is being offered as a stand-alone option for the first time. The enhancement, launching in 44 states, gives Allianz Preferred FIA customers transparent, diverse, and dynamic indexing options for their retirement strategy.
“We remain competitive by enhancing our products and providing exceptional results for our customers,” said Allianz Life Senior Vice President of Sales, Eric J. Thomes. “Our product innovation efforts continue to raise the bar by making a positive impact on the accumulation potential of our Allianz Preferred products.”
FIAs offered through the Allianz Preferred platform are sold exclusively by insurance producers under Field Marketing Organizations (FMOs) and broker/dealers associated with Allianz Preferred. The enhancements are being added to the three exclusive Preferred FIAs: Allianz 222®, Allianz 360SM, and Allianz 365i®. Each index allocation helps meets unique customer needs.
Barclays US Dynamic Balance Index
The newly created Barclays US Dynamic Balance Index appeals to customers responding to the low-cap environment by offering an uncapped strategy with an annual spread. This index is exclusive to Allianz Life fixed index annuities; no other insurance carriers currently have access to the index. It strives to provide balance by shifting weight daily between the S&P 500®Index and the Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (BCAG) based on realized market volatility. This option uses an annual point-to-point with a spread crediting method and annual reset to capture interest yearly. The Barclays index can be tracked on the market using Bloomberg ticker BXIIUDBI.
Russell 2000® Index
The Russell 2000 Index allocation measures the performance of small-cap companies to meet the needs of customers seeking to diversify1 their accumulation strategy. The crediting methods available on the Russell 2000 Index include monthly sum (with a monthly cap) and an annual point-to-point (with an annual cap). This index replaces the EUROSTOXX 50® Index that is currently available on Allianz Preferred FIAs.
“Adding these index allocations continue to give our products transparency so customers can track how their retirement accumulates,” added Thomes. “By enhancing our products, we offer our customers the opportunity for a stronger and more secure retirement.”
About the Allianz Preferred Platform
The Allianz Preferred sales platform is available to FMOs and financial professionals who meet specific criteria and are committed to quality, heightened regulatory oversight, and ongoing training from both Allianz Life and the industry. In exchange for these commitments, Allianz Preferred members are eligible to gain access to exclusive products and training opportunities.
For more information on Barra & Associates, contact Brandon Johnson at (630) 206-9660. Or, visit the company’s website at www.ifsbrokerage.com.
This is important because Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz Life), a leading provider of fixed index annuities (FIAs), announced the launch of two enhanced index allocations offering additional choices for retirement accumulation. Available exclusively through the Allianz Preferred platform, the index allocations include the newly created Barclays US Dynamic Balance Index as well as the Russell 2000® Index, which is being offered as a stand-alone option for the first time. The enhancement, launching in 44 states, gives Allianz Preferred FIA customers transparent, diverse, and dynamic indexing options for their retirement strategy.
“We remain competitive by enhancing our products and providing exceptional results for our customers,” said Allianz Life Senior Vice President of Sales, Eric J. Thomes. “Our product innovation efforts continue to raise the bar by making a positive impact on the accumulation potential of our Allianz Preferred products.”
FIAs offered through the Allianz Preferred platform are sold exclusively by insurance producers under Field Marketing Organizations (FMOs) and broker/dealers associated with Allianz Preferred. The enhancements are being added to the three exclusive Preferred FIAs: Allianz 222®, Allianz 360SM, and Allianz 365i®. Each index allocation helps meets unique customer needs.
Barclays US Dynamic Balance Index
The newly created Barclays US Dynamic Balance Index appeals to customers responding to the low-cap environment by offering an uncapped strategy with an annual spread. This index is exclusive to Allianz Life fixed index annuities; no other insurance carriers currently have access to the index. It strives to provide balance by shifting weight daily between the S&P 500®Index and the Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (BCAG) based on realized market volatility. This option uses an annual point-to-point with a spread crediting method and annual reset to capture interest yearly. The Barclays index can be tracked on the market using Bloomberg ticker BXIIUDBI.
Russell 2000® Index
The Russell 2000 Index allocation measures the performance of small-cap companies to meet the needs of customers seeking to diversify1 their accumulation strategy. The crediting methods available on the Russell 2000 Index include monthly sum (with a monthly cap) and an annual point-to-point (with an annual cap). This index replaces the EUROSTOXX 50® Index that is currently available on Allianz Preferred FIAs.
“Adding these index allocations continue to give our products transparency so customers can track how their retirement accumulates,” added Thomes. “By enhancing our products, we offer our customers the opportunity for a stronger and more secure retirement.”
About the Allianz Preferred Platform
The Allianz Preferred sales platform is available to FMOs and financial professionals who meet specific criteria and are committed to quality, heightened regulatory oversight, and ongoing training from both Allianz Life and the industry. In exchange for these commitments, Allianz Preferred members are eligible to gain access to exclusive products and training opportunities.
For more information on Barra & Associates, contact Brandon Johnson at (630) 206-9660. Or, visit the company’s website at www.ifsbrokerage.com.
Contact
Barra & Associates
Samantha Smith
630-206-9660
www.ifsbrokerage.com
Samantha Smith
630-206-9660
www.ifsbrokerage.com
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