Encouraging signs

Variable annuities have endured a turbulent time since they were first launched into the UK at-retirement market more than two years ago. While the initial concept of offering the opportunity to gain market upside while benefiting from guarantees seems sound, these products have also been dogged by criticism from those who dub the products as expensive and overly complicated. The majority of variable annuity providers were US players and it was hoped that the entrance of a big UK player would do much to improve competition and really open up the UK variable annuity market on a grand scale. ...