Athene Protector Fixed Indexed Annuity Review

This article discusses an in-depth review of the Athene Protector Fixed Indexed Annuity. Athene Protector is a deferred, fixed-indexed annuity that may be a good option if you are looking for accumulation, return of premium on surrender, the safety of principal, good indexing options, and leaving a legacy. After extensive research and due diligence, I have provided an in-depth and unbiased analysis of this plan.

The review of the Athene Protector Fixed Indexed Annuity will be broken into multiple subcategories:

Product Description
Rates and Costs Associated with the Athene Protector Fixed Indexed Annuity
Riders
What Makes This Product Stand Out?
What I Don’t Like
Company Details
Conclusion

Product Description - Athene Protector Fixed Indexed Annuity

The Athene Protector is a Fixed Indexed Annuity (FIA) plan that offers the annuitant (annuity investor) an opportunity to earn a market index-linked return without having to incur the risk of market downside. This is a suitable plan for people who want to accumulate a corpus for retirement and aim to grow and protect their retirement savings. This plan is also suitable for people who want protection from unpredictable circumstances and want an option to surrender their annuity at any time during the Withdrawal Charge period and receive their initial purchase premium.

Let’s have a look at the high-level fine print of Athene Protector Fixed Indexed Annuity, and then we will discuss each point in detail.

The Athene Protector Fixed Indexed Annuity is almost identical for both policy tenures, except for the crediting strategies and surrender charge schedule. For ease of discussion and better clarity, we will discuss the Athene Protector 7 Fixed Indexed Annuity for the rest of the article.

How does the Athene Protector Fixed Indexed Annuity policy work?

Any annuitant (maximum age at the time of policy issue: 85) can purchase the Athene Protector Fixed Indexed Annuity with a minimum initial purchase amount of $10,000, and in return, he will earn market index returns (calculated through a formula that we will discuss shortly), credited as per the chosen crediting period. Apart from the regular crediting period, there are various events that may trigger earnings credit: On free withdrawals, for a long-term care event or terminal illness or injury event, or when a death benefit is payable.

The Athene Protector Fixed Indexed Annuity offers the annuitant to choose from one or more of the seven indexes to determine his earnings crediting formula. The S&P 500 index has 1 point-to-point strategy with a cap, and the other six indexes have 1-year point-to-point strategies with participation rates. In addition, there’s also a fixed-rate guaranteed interest strategy to choose from (making a total of 8 strategy options). We will discuss each available index briefly:  

S&P 500 Index: The S&P 500 index is one of the most popular and oldest indexes in the world. It tracks 500 large-cap publicly traded stocks listed in the United States. It is a reliable index and has often succeeded in the test of time. It is very important to note that the Athene Protector Fixed Indexed Annuity offers the S&P 500 index with caps in place, meaning that your interest-earning capacity is capped. However, it is worth noting that the cap rate that is currently being offered by Athene is very decent when compared to other annuity providers. These rates tend to change frequently; I will discuss more on the rates shortly. 
S&P 500 FC Index: The annuity also offers the S&P 500 FC index. It is important to know that, unlike the regular S&P 500 Index, the S&P 500 FC Index applies a volatility control mechanism, because of which the range of both the positive and negative performance of the index is limited. So, keep in mind that both these indexes function differently, and thus S&P 500 FC Index’s return will be lower than that of the S&P 500. 
AI-Powered Global Opportunities Index - AI-Powered Global Opportunities Index (AiGO) is a multi-asset strategy that uses the power of IBM Watson and Equbot's proprietary Artificial Intelligence capabilities to turn data into investment insight. AiGO is designed to track a strategic combination of a diversified portfolio of ETFs (and one HSBC index) that represents global equities, fixed income, and inflation-sensitive assets in an attempt to deliver resilient market growth across different market cycles. This is a very new index that was launched in March 2023, and it targets a 7% volatility.
HSBC AI-Powered US Equity Index: The HSBC AI-Powered US Equity Index (AiPEX) is an index developed by HSBC that uses IBM Watson’s AI engine to create a risk-controlled, excess return index comprised of approximately 250 U.S. publicly traded companies, adjusted monthly, that is intended to provide growth through a variety of market conditions. The AiPEX Index was created in August 2019 and targets a 6% daily volatility.
BNP Paribas Multi Asset Diversified 5 Index: The BNP Paribas Multi Asset Diversified 5 Index is a rules-based index that seeks to measure the performance of a diverse range of asset classes comprised of eight components (three equity futures indexes, three bond futures indexes, and two commodities index. On a daily basis, the BNPP MAD 5 Index dynamically rebalances the weightings of the components according to a proprietary methodology that seeks to identify weights for the components that would have resulted in the Hypothetical Portfolio with the highest past returns.
NASDAQ Fast Convergence Index: The NASDAQ Fast Convergence Index is powered by BofA (Bank of America) and uses a proprietary technology that aims to reduce risk and increase performance by adapting faster to changing market conditions. It has a 107.95% exposure in the NASDAQ 100 TR Index (which contains 100 of the most prominent large-cap stocks). It is important to know that this index employs a performance control mechanism wherein a portion of the returns of the Nasdaq FC Index is capped at 4% for the preceding one-month period. The NASDAQ FC Index was created in January 2020 and targets a 12.5% annualized realized volatility. 
UBS Innovative Balanced Index - The UBS Innovative Balanced Index (UBSIBAL) leverages unique signals that aim to provide an early read into the U.S. macro environment and inform an all-weather tactical allocation to equities, commodities and bonds. The signals include US inflation expectations and a Nowcast of US economic growth, generated using key datasets from UBS Evidence Lab, the largest sell-side alternative data offering of its kind.  This is also a very new index and applies a volatility control mechanism. 

You will notice that besides the S&P 500 index, all the index applies a volatility control mechanism, because of which the range of both the positive and negative performance of the index is limited. However, to make up for this, the company offers a higher participation rate on some of these indexes.

Note: In addition to allocating the funds in the following indexes, the annuitant also has the option to allocate funds at a fixed interest. These Fixed Rates tend to change from time to time. The Fixed Value Rate at the time of writing this article was 5%.

Rates and Costs associated with the Athene Protector Fixed Indexed Annuity

The earnings crediting formula

The earnings crediting formula is the most important part of this annuity discussion. It is important to know that we don’t simply get the index return credited to our annuity. There are a few rates and caps that the company has in place that affect our earnings. These rates tend to change over time, and the updated rates can always be checked on the company’s website.

The formula to calculate the earnings credited is:

For Strategies with Participation: (Participation Rate % X Index Return)
For Strategies with Caps: Index return over a given crediting period with a maximum potential of earning the cap rate

Let’s have a look at the Athene Protector rate sheet (as of 1 September 2023) to understand how the earnings are determined.

The first thing to note is that we have seven indexes. The S&P 500 has a 1-year point-to-point strategy with cap rate. Besides the S&P 500, each index has 1-year point-to-point strategy with participation rate. Additionally, we have a fixed rate strategy to choose from. All in, we get to choose from a total of eight strategies (seven index-based and one fixed). The company displays three types of crediting strategies across these rates (Participation, Cap, and Fixed). The Participation rate (index allocation rate) and the strategy caps are the most important.

Let’s quickly go through the terminologies described by Athene:

Participation Rate (PR): The participation rate describes the annuitant’s participation percentage in a return of an index. For example, suppose the participation rate is 60%, and the index returned 10% over the agreed time. In that case, the annuitant will be eligible for only 60% of the return, i.e., 6%. 
Cap Rates: It means at what rate your interest-earning capacity is capped. For example, if an index returned 12% but the contract’s cap rate is 6%. In this situation, the annuitant will be eligible for an interest credit of 6% only. It doesn’t matter how much the index goes above the cap rate; the maximum interest that can be earned is the cap rate.
Bailout Feature: If Athene lowers the declared 1-year point-to-point index strategy annual cap rate below the Bailout Cap rate, you’ll have full access to your annuity’s accumulated value - free of any charges - for up to 30 days after the contract anniversary in which the Bailout Cap Rate was pierced. After the 30-day Bailout window, all withdrawal charges and MVA will apply.
Fixed Account Rate: If you opt for a fixed account rate, you simply earn the fixed rates for a particular period specified by the company before your policy begins. These rates usually tend to be very low as compared to other fixed avenues, such as CDs and MYGAs, so you should avoid fixed rates in a general scenario. The 1-year fixed rate on this policy at the time of writing this article was 5%. 
Guaranteed Minimum Interest Credit: If the total interest credited to your annuity’s Accumulated Value is less than the Minimum Interest Credit at the end of your Withdrawal Charge period, you will automatically receive a one-time interest credit equal to the difference. The Minimum Interest Credit is based upon a percentage of your Initial Premium less withdrawals. At the time of writing this article, the guaranteed minimum interest rate was 20%, meaning that at the end of the withdrawal charge period (7 years in this example), if your annuity didn’t earn 20% of the initial premium paid (assuming no withdrawals), you will receive a one-time interest credit equal to the difference.

Out of all these indexes, at this point in time, I would prefer the S&P 500 index and the BNP Paribas Multi Asset Diversified 5 Index the most. S&P 500 because of its global importance, higher transparency, and relatively higher cap rate, and BNP MAD because of its decent real performance and relatively high index allocation rate (participation rate) offered by the company.

I would not choose the AI-Powered Global Opportunities Index and the UBS Innovative Balanced Index at this point because they are very new indexes, having less transparency and limited return data.

Surrender Charge

Should your needs change unexpectedly, and you need to take an excess withdrawal (a withdrawal that is above the free withdrawal amount available in a given contract year), you may be entitled to access additional monies, although certain charges and penalties may apply. Any amount withdrawn in excess of the remaining free withdrawal amount is subject to a Surrender Charge. Below is the Surrender Charge schedule for Athene Protector Fixed Indexed Annuity 7.

In case you need to surrender your policy, a Market Value Adjustment (MVA) will be applied to the portion of the withdrawal or surrender that exceeds the free withdrawal amount during the withdrawal charge period.

The surrender charge schedule is different for the different tenures of annuities. For a quick comparison of surrender charges across different products of Athene, you may visit their fixed indexed annuities product page here.

The surrender charge of Athene Protector Fixed Indexed Annuity is pretty much in line with all the other annuity issuers.

Contract/Administrative Charge

The Athene Protector Fixed Indexed Annuity levies no annual contract or administrative fees

Riders

The return of premium rider is the main highlight of Athene Protector Fixed Indexed Annuity. The Athene Protector Fixed Indexed Annuity comes with a built-in paid return of premium rider that allows the annuitant to get protection from unpredictable circumstances. It gives the annuitant an option to surrender their annuity at any time during the withdrawal charge period and receive their entire initial purchase premium. This rider is useful if you anticipate surrendering your policy during the withdrawal charge period and do not want to incur Market Value Adjustments on your surrender value.

Rider Cost: For the built-in return of the premium rider, a charge of 0.40% is deducted annually

Is this the ideal rider for you? This is a mandatory rider costing 0.40% of your annuity's value annually. Although the expense isn't excessive, its utility may be limited.

It can only be exercised during the withdrawal charge period, which for this annuity is either 5 or 7 years. Individuals who anticipate needing to surrender their annuity within that timeframe typically would not opt for an annuity to begin with. Even if unforeseen circumstances arise that necessitate an early surrender, one can proceed according to the regular contract terms. Specifically, the surrender value for a standard Athene annuity is the greater of: (i) the Accumulated Value (minus any withdrawal charges or Market Value Adjustments) or (ii) the Minimum Guaranteed Contract Value.

Since this rider is mandatory with this particular annuity, opting out isn't a possibility. Nonetheless, it's important to understand that this feature doesn't offer any highly extraordinary benefits.

Also, as with most annuities, the Protector FIA has free in-built confinement and terminal illness waivers.

Confinement Waiver: After the first contract year, an annuitant can withdraw up to 100% of the contract’s accumulated value if he is confined to a Qualified care facility for at least 60 consecutive days. No withdrawal charge or MVA applies if the owner qualifies for this benefit. Diagnosis must occur after the contract is issued, and written proof with supporting documentation is required from a qualified physician.

Terminal Illness Waiver: After the first contract year, an annuitant can withdraw up to 100% of the contract’s accumulated value if he is diagnosed with a terminal illness with a prognosis of 12 months or less. No withdrawal charge or MVA applies if the owner qualifies for this benefit. Diagnosis must occur after the contract is issued, and written proof with supporting documentation is required from a qualified physician.

What makes this product stand out?

Some of the features that I like about the Athene Protector Fixed Indexed Annuity are

Higher Caps on the S&P 500 Index - Compared to other similar annuities, Athene offers a higher cap on the S&P 500 Index.
Option of Uncapped Strategies - Strategies with low caps should not be actually considered true indexing strategies because these Caps limit the earning potential of an index significantly. If I choose a good index, but it has a Cap of, say, 4%, then essentially, I am settling for 4% right from the beginning; so why should it be called an “indexing” strategy in the first place? But, the good thing with the Athene Protector Fixed Indexed Annuity is that it provides uncapped strategies for all other indexes (BNPP MAD 5 Index, NASDAQ FC Index, and the AiPEX Index, etc.). Uncapped strategies are a true way of taking an upside exposure of an index. Although, Participation rates still apply to these indexes, at the time of writing this article, all these indexes were being offered with a very high participation rate.
Minimum Interest Credit - Your Accumulated Value is safeguarded against any market downturns. The Minimum Interest Credit feature enhances this guarantee. If the total interest credited to your Accumulated Value is below the Minimum Interest Credit at the end of your withdrawal charge period, the difference will automatically be added as a one-time interest credit. This credit is calculated as a percentage of your Initial Premium after accounting for withdrawals and charges.
Multiple Lifetime Withdrawal Options
Free Confinement and Terminal Illness Waiver

What I don’t like

The only popular index that this plan offers is the S&P 500. All other indexes are volatility-controlled indexes, which limits the upside potential of returns.

While this annuity plan is decent, most annuitants would not need the “return of premium” feature that comes attached to this annuity with at an extra cost. This feature only appeals to a very limited number of annuitants, who want to be completely safeguarded against any unpredictable circumstances. For most annuitants who are looking to buy an Athene Fixed Indexed Annuity, you may consider checking out our reviews of Athene Ascent Pro, Athene Agility, Athene Accumulator, Athene AccuMax, and Athene Performance Elite Fixed Indexed Annuities.

Company Details

You must always keep in mind that, unlike CDs, annuities are not guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or any other federal insurance agency. An annuity's "guarantee" is only as strong as the insurance company that issues the annuity, so it is always important to assess the issuing company before buying an annuity.

Athene Annuity and Life Company

Athene Annuity and Life Company have been in the business since 2009. It is one of the largest providers of fixed and fixed indexed annuities in the US for many years and has been regularly in the top ten Fixed Indexed Annuity Sales.

It is rated as follows by the rating agencies:

Athene Annuity and Life Company have managed to maintain decent ratings for many years. It is considered to be strong and stable financially. In 2020, the company paid out nearly $12.6 billion in claims. As of year-end 2020, some of the other financial highlights for Athene Annuity include its:

$11.9 billion in total sales / direct written premium for three months ended March 2023.
$8.7 billion of total stockholders’ equity
$257.7 billion in total assets

Thus, going by the operating history and financial numbers, we can safely gauge that you can trust your savings with Athene Annuity and Life Company.

On January 1, 2022, Athene Holding Ltd. merged with Apollo Global Management, Inc. (NYSE: APO). Apollo is a high-growth, global alternative asset manager listed on the NYSE that serves institutional and individual investors across the risk-return spectrum in yield, hybrid, and equity strategies.

Conclusion

With the advancement in healthcare and technology, the average American today is living longer than ever. So, it’s very important to have a stream of income that can grow safely and steadily and have the ability to provide a guaranteed income during the retirement years. This not only helps you mitigate the risk of outliving your income but also ensures that you continue to live a decent life even in your retirement.

The Athene Protector is a fixed-indexed annuity that helps you grow and accumulate your savings with much less risk. Through its return of premium benefit rider, it provides the annuitant with a safeguard against unforeseen circumstances by allowing them to surrender their annuity at any time during the withdrawal charge period and receive their entire initial purchase premium.

If you are considering buying a Fixed Indexed Annuity that works best for protection and at the same time, accumulating tax-deferred income to your retirement account, the Athene Protector FIA may be a decent product to look after. Although, you must keep in mind that this is not the best annuity for someone who is looking for lifetime income payments or enhanced withdrawals.

We understand that choosing the right annuity can be a complex decision, influenced by a myriad of factors such as market conditions, individual financial goals, and evolving life circumstances. To better serve you in this critical decision-making process, we regularly conduct in-depth reviews of various annuity products, examining features, costs, and potential benefits. To delve deeper into our extensive reviews, click here.