Salt Financial Partners with FTSE Russell to Innovate Risk-Managed Index Solutions for Investments
In a significant development within the financial services sector, Salt Financial, known for its expertise in custom index design and risk analytics, has partnered with FTSE Russell, a prominent global index provider. This collaboration aims to create innovative indices catering to a variety of financial products including annuities and structured notes. The partnership is positioned to meet the surging demand for investment options that offer both growth opportunities and downside protection for investors.
Recent reports underline the strong momentum within the annuity and structured products markets. According to LIMRA, U.S. annuity sales surged to a record $432.4 billion in 2024, while the structured products market expanded to $149.4 billion in the same year, reflecting a nearly 46% increase year-over-year. These dynamics highlight an industry-wide trend where risk mitigation and investor protection are paramount objectives for consumers. High satisfaction levels reported among users of annuities further emphasize the need for tailored investment products that can respond to these demands.
Tony Barchetto, CEO of Salt Financial, emphasized the need for distinct indices developed specifically for retirement and investment solutions that offer downside protection. He noted, “These market signals make it clear that insurance carriers, investment banks, asset managers, and distributors need differentiated indices for the growing market for retirement and investment products with downside protection.” Through this alliance with FTSE Russell, Salt Financial aims to leverage its technological prowess and innovative index design capabilities to extend its reach to a wider global audience. The goal is to assist issuers in creating scalable index solutions that cater to investors’ needs.
Guillaume Flinois, Head of Engineered Product and Indices at FTSE Russell, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “FTSE Russell is excited to work with Salt Financial to explore new risk-controlled indices. This collaboration blends Salt Financial’s advanced risk solutions with our expertise in research and index construction, paving the way for the creation of distinctly engineered indices suitable for the indexed annuity market.”
Salt Financial is recognized for its cutting-edge risk analytics and index design, utilizing its proprietary truVol® Risk Control Engine which empowers clients with advanced risk management strategies and performance enhancement measures. Currently, over $7 billion in assets are linked to indices powered by Salt, indicating a robust foundation of trust in their innovative solutions.
The financial environment continues to evolve, driven by consumer preferences for products that not only seek growth but concurrently provide security against market fluctuations. The partnership between Salt Financial and FTSE Russell not only underscores the importance of adaptability in financial products but also reflects a proactive approach to addressing the complexities of modern investment landscapes. As they embark on this journey together, the firms are set to play a vital role in shaping the future of risk-managed investment solutions, thereby impacting investors' ability to navigate an increasingly unpredictable market landscape.
For more information about their offerings and approaches to risk management, visit Salt Financial's official website.