Hana Bank has become the first bank in South Korea to sell a guaranteed variable annuity, a product under which the payout period can be extended depending on investment performance.
Hana Bank said on the 1st that it will sell MIRAE ASSET Life Insurance's (085620) guaranteed variable annuity, designed exclusively for individual retirement pensions (IRP), at branches nationwide. MIRAE ASSET Life Insurance was the first in the country to launch the product, which until now had been sold only through the insurer's own channels and has drawn more than 74 billion won. Hana Bank is the first bank to offer it.
The product invests IRP savings across global stocks and bonds while guaranteeing annuity payments for a set period. Customers can join from age 50 by depositing their savings in a lump sum and can begin receiving payments at any point after age 55. Those already past 55 can start receiving payments as soon as they sign up.
Its defining feature is a guarantee of fixed monthly payments for 20 years, based on the benchmark annuity amount set when payouts begin. Even if the separate account is depleted during the guarantee period because of investment losses or other factors, the contracted amount is paid for the full 20 years. Conversely, if strong investment performance leaves money in the account after 20 years, payments continue until the balance runs out.
With the addition, Hana Bank has expanded its retirement pension lineup beyond principal-guaranteed products such as deposits and installment savings and market-linked products such as funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), to include a product that pursues both investment returns and stable annuity income. The bank sees growing demand for asset management not only in the accumulation phase but also in the withdrawal phase of the retirement pension market, as baby boomers begin retiring in earnest.
An official at Hana Bank said customers can now pursue long-term investment performance with their retirement pension assets while preparing for stable annuity income after retirement, adding that the bank will continue to expand annuity products and wealth management services that reflect investment goals, retirement timing and life stages.
Hana Bank said the product gives IRP subscribers another option to secure a certain level of cash flow while still pursuing investment returns, even as they withdraw assets after retirement.
An official at Hana Bank said customers can now pursue long-term investment performance with their retirement pension assets while preparing for stable annuity income after retirement, adding that the bank will continue to expand annuity products and wealth management services that reflect investment goals, retirement timing and life stages.
