Tag: Volatility Control
Volatility Control Indexes: What Advisors Need to Know Now with Laurence Black (Ep. 102)

Volatility Control Indexes: What Advisors Need to Know Now with Laurence Black (Ep. 102)

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Markets can shift quickly, and understanding the tools behind index design can help you guide clients with more clarity.

How do you sort through complex crediting strategies, and what can index ratings reveal about long-term performance potential?

In this episode, Jeremy Houser speaks with Laurence Black, Founder of The Index Standard®, about how his team evaluates index construction, why volatility control remains important, and how advisors can use clearer forecasting to support client conversations. He explains how metal ratings are assigned, what drives intraday volatility control, and why diversification protects clients as trends shift. Laurence also talks about forecasting methods, expected returns across regions, and the role that transparency plays in product due diligence. 

Key takeaways:

  • Poor performance from some of these indexes explained
  • How index ratings are built using 35 metrics and grouped by peer category
  • Why excess return structures act differently in the current rate environment
  • How volatility control works as an early warning mechanism
  • Why diversified allocations help offset recency bias
  • How The Index Standard® is expanding tools for FIA and IUL due diligence
  • And more!

Connect With Laurence Black:

Connect with Jeremy Houser:

About Our Guest:

Laurence Black is the founder of The Index Standard® and an index advisor to Robert J. Shiller, Sterling Professor Emeritus of Economics at Yale University.

Before founding The Index Standard®, Laurence was Managing Director and Head of Quantitative Indices and Strategies at Barclays, where he oversaw the development of the Barclays index family. In addition to designing some of the first smart beta/factor indices, Laurence spearheaded Barclays’ index partnerships with Professors Robert Shiller and Nouriel Roubini, as well as Novus Partners.

Before Barclays, Laurence was Head of Indices at ABN AMRO in London, where he successfully launched indices with well-known investors such as Jim Rogers and Joel Greenblatt. Before ABN AMRO, Laurence worked at Lehman Brothers, Deutsche Bank, and Credit Suisse.

Laurence holds an MBA from the University of Warwick and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Cape Town. When not thinking about financial matters, he can mostly be found on a tennis court.

Disclosure #: 4998452 – 1225

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Redefining Index Design and Value Creation with Alan Grissom (Ep. 95)

Redefining Index Design and Value Creation with Alan Grissom (Ep. 95)

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Innovation in indexing is reshaping the way advisors deliver value to clients.

What happens when you blend insurance insight with market index design? How can efficiency and transparency create stronger outcomes for clients and advisors alike?

In this episode, Jeremy Houser speaks with Alan Grissom, CEO of 12 South Capital and founding partner of Brooklyn Investment Group, about his journey from building annuity products to designing disruptive indices like the 500 IQ. He shares how his approach to index design is helping advisors align expectations, manage volatility, and unlock meaningful value in fixed index annuities.

Alan discusses:

  • His career path from AIG to leading the S&P index business for insurance and founding Brooklyn Investment Group
  • The design of the 500 IQ index and how it delivers transparency, efficiency, and stronger outcomes for clients
  • Why many volatility-controlled indices underperform and the importance of intraday pricing
  • How interest rate environments impact fixed index annuities and advisor expectations
  • The future of disruptive index design and upcoming innovations from 12 South Capital
  • And more

Resources: 

Connect With Alan Grissom:

Connect with Jeremy Houser:

About Our Guest:

Alan Grissom is the CEO of 12 South Capital, an independent firm focused on creating index-based investment strategies for financial products, and a founding stage partner with the direct indexing firm, The Brooklyn Investment Group.

Prior to founding 12 South Capital in 2022, Alan spent the previous 12 years with S&P Dow Jones Indices, culminating as the Head of Business North America and the Global Head of Insurance with a remit covering over $15 Trillion of assets.

Before joining S&P Dow Jones Indices, Alan held several positions within AIG, including head of annuity products, and was instrumental in establishing the Independent Distribution Channel for life and annuity sales in the US.

Alan has a master’s degree from Vanderbilt University’s Owen School of Management and a bachelor’s degree from The University of Alabama, where he is a member of the Board of Visitors for the Culverhouse College of Business.

4755305 – 0825

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Tom Haines: Forecasting the Future of Fixed Index Annuities (Ep. 81)

Tom Haines: Forecasting the Future of Fixed Index Annuities (Ep. 81)

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2025 holds immense potential for growth and transformation within the fixed index annuity space. High interest rates, changing market dynamics, and evolving client needs are creating new opportunities for financial advisors.

In this episode of the Advisor Mentorship Podcast, Jeremy Houser sits down with Tom Haines, EVP of Capital Markets & Index Solution at Annexus, to discuss projections for 2025 in the fixed index annuity industry.

Tom shares insights from Annexus’s research, the significance of diversification in portfolio planning, and strategies for navigating market volatility. Advisors will gain actionable ideas on balancing client needs for stability and growth.

Tom discusses:

  • Key takeaways from the previous episode with Professor Jeremy Siegel, including projections for the S&P 500’s performance over the next decade
  • The benefits of utilizing volatility-controlled indexes for managing risk and achieving steady returns in fixed index annuities
  • What volatility controlled indices do well when the magnificent 7 does well
  • The importance of diversification across equity, bond, and commodity markets to stabilize portfolios and meet client goals
  • How rising interest rates enhance the competitiveness of fixed index annuities, making them an attractive alternative to bonds
  • Strategies for advisors to position annuities effectively, including assessing fee structures and addressing client expectations for long-term returns
  • And more!

Resources: 

Connect With Tom Haines:

Connect with Jeremy Houser:

About Tom Haines:

Tom leads the index diligence and selection process at Annexus and coordinates the firm’s relationships with asset managers, academic experts, and investment banks. He also plays a pivotal role at Annexus Retirement Solutions, working closely with insurers and asset managers. Prior to Annexus, Tom led Equity Solutions Structuring at UBS Investment Bank and has a rich history in financial markets, including roles at BNP Paribas and NYSE Group. A member of FINRA’s Investment Management Committee and a holder of a bachelor’s degree in Quantitative Finance from James Madison University, Tom’s expertise is well-recognized in the industry.

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