AXA is said to be working on the release of a new variable annuity product, according to MoneyMarketing. AXA have been planning the product since the latter part of 2007, but had to put it on hold because of the banking crisis. However, Paul Evans who works in the annuity department at AXA admits work had restarted on the product, but refused to give a time lime for release. Mr Evans said that “…we are looking at launching a variable product. The market emerged in 2007/08 and obviously the guarantees were not well priced and the providers have all gone home or fundamentally changed their products.” He said the new product should learn the valuable lessons from the past about pricing and the attractiveness of this type of product.
Corporate pension sales at the company fell 15 per cent to £287m in 2009. This compares to a figure of £337m in 2008. Mr Evans appears to apportion some of the blame of the initial commission market. He said the company wanted to avoid being involved in a “buy-now-while-stocks-last pre-RDR commission opportunity for group pensions.” Many experts agree with this notion and argue it would be bad for the pension industry as a whole.
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