TwinStar: the benefits of being global

Accumulator, AXA Equitable's highly successful line of variable annuity products, now has a European offspring starting in the German market. Combining the possibility of return on investment with guarantees that clients want, TwinStar illustrates the benefits that go with being a global group.

Twin Star was created to address the unfortunate tradeoff between high returns and substantial guarantees. Up to now, German clients had to choose between the possibility of getting a high return on investment or a higher guaranteed income stream as they moved into the retirement years. Thanks to innovative guarantee management, TwinStar has solved this dilemma.

With the new product, clients can begin to save for retirement by making monthly payments of as little as 25 euros or paying a minimum single premium of 5 000 euros. The money they provide is used to pay out a guaranteed minimum income benefit.

The key word behind all three formulas offered under TwinStar is flexibility. Clients also have the option of beefing up the basic benefit base with other options, such as occupational disability coverage and survivor pensions and TwinStar offers tax incentives for clients.

AXA Equitable has enjoyed tremendous success with Accumulator since it was introduced in the US market in 1997. Accumulator inspired the development of TwinStar in Germany, an experience that should be repeated in other European countries over the next few months. This latest development stands as proof that the Group's ability to innovate is boosted by its size and its willingness to reuse what works best.