Retirement investors today are seeking solutions that offer both growth potential and downside protection, and registered index-linked annuities are emerging as a flexible option to bridge the gap between traditional fixed and variable annuities.

In many ways, RILAs resemble fixed indexed annuities but also add a degree of complexity that advisors must be ready to navigate.

Life insurers back variable annuities with funds that resemble mutual funds and multi-year guaranteed annuity contracts — mainly with portfolios of high-grade corporate bonds and other fixed income arrangements, such as mortgage loans. Life insurers power RILAs and fixed index annuity crediting rates by using investment index options.

The most obvious difference between a RILA contract and a fixed indexed annuity is that a RILA is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as a security and can expose the buyer to the risk of investment-related loss of principal. For some investors, the combination of upside potential with a buffer on the downside is the right fit in a long-term retirement strategy.

Advisors interested in learning more about RILAs can join ThinkAdvisor for an educational webcast at 1 p.m. ET on Aug. 26. The discussion will explore how RILAs work, their distinct features and the role they can play in a diversified retirement strategy.

Whether you're new to RILAs or looking to deepen your understanding, this session will provide valuable insights for financial professionals and their clients.

Featured speakers include:

  • Tamiko Toland, co-founder of IncomePath;
  • David Lau, founder and CEO of DPL Financial Partners;
  • Kelli Hueler, founder and CEO of Hueler Companies; and
  • Elle Switzer, director of annuity product management at TruStage.

Registration for the event is available here.

Those unable to attend the live webcast can sign up and watch the presentation on demand.

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