Equitable Holdings Taps Bitcoin-Linked Annuities in Retirement Investment Push
Equitable Holdings has introduced a new feature to its Structured Capital Strategies (SCS) variable annuity portfolio, called SCS Premier. This is the first bitcoin-linked index investment option tied to the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF within a registered index-linked annuity.
The launch of SCS Premier adds more flexibility to Equitable's retirement investment options. It combines bitcoin-linked exposure with multi-index 'Optimal Mix' segments and 'Dual Direction Downside Advantage' features, aiming to balance growth potential with partial downside protection for investors.
The introduction of a bitcoin-linked index option does not change the near-term focus on stabilizing profitability after recent net losses and addressing margin pressure from legacy higher-margin RILA blocks running off amid growing competitive intensity. The merger agreement with Corebridge Financial is also crucial, as both firms are focused on retirement and protection solutions.