Independent financial advisers (IFA’s) are predicting growth in the variable annuity market, says research by Metlife Europe. 49 % of IFAs expect the market for variable annuities or pension products with unit-linked guarantees to grow over the next year. Other similar research with a UK compliance firm suggested 60 % of IFA’s expect an increased number of product launches and providers to boost confidence in the market.
In June MetLife launched a personal pension offering capital and income guarantees to protect clients against market falls. They are dedicated to spreading the word about the value of pensions with unit-linked guarantees, which still constitute a nascent market in the UK. They provide an excellent solution for advisers and their clients to the uncertainty posed by inflation and stock market volatility.