LOUISVILLE, Ky., Nov. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Jefferson National, a leading provider of innovative tax-deferred investing solutions for Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) and fee-based advisors, was recently recognized by Cerulli Associates as the industry's "gold-standard in tackling fee-based structures" for creating the industry's first flat-fee variable annuity (VA).¹

In their quantitative update entitled Annuities and Insurance 2012: Evaluating Growth Capacity, Flows, and Products Trends, Cerulli highlights Jefferson National's "best-in-class strategies of eliminating fees, appreciating how RIAs operate their business, and delivering an impressive technology platform that can be integrated into existing systems." The report further touts Jefferson National's transformation of the variable annuity back to a tax-deferral product, coupled with an award-winning, "distinctive distribution strategy."

"In 2005 we set out to launch the industry's preeminent tax-deferred investing solution by re-engineering the costly, complex, commission-driven variable annuity, disrupting traditional industry distribution, and rebuilding our business model with a singular focus on serving RIAs and fee-based advisors," said Laurence Greenberg, President of Jefferson National. "Our commitment to the fee-based model has resulted in more than $1.4 billion in VA assets with advisors who typically 'don't do annuities,' at a time when tax-efficiency was largely seen as a back-burner issue."

Jefferson National's research indicates that tax-efficiency will continue to become an increasingly vital part of fee-based advisors' business as they seek to optimize overall portfolio performance, as well as counter the inherent tax-inefficiencies of alternative asset classes. Pending tax hikes, including the "fiscal cliff" of December 31 that could escalate the nation's taxes by $500 billion or an average of nearly $3,500 per household, also are likely to drive greater demand for tax-deferred investing solutions.

"We have built a distinctive solution that's the right fit for RIAs in today's volatile market, helping investors accumulate more wealth by deferring tax payments. We expect our flat-fee variable annuity to become even more crucial as advisors face the need to employ alternative strategies and utilize other asset management approaches that tend to be very tax-inefficient," Mr. Greenberg said.

Jefferson National's solution offers unique strategies and tools tailored to meet the needs of RIAs and fee-based advisors, including more than 380 fund options, covering diverse allocation models, high-yield bonds and more than 60 tactical and alternative investment strategies—9 times more funds than the typical VA²  and the industry's most subaccounts with the 5- and 4-star Morningstar Rating™ for three consecutive years.³ 

For more information, please contact Chris Moon at 973-850-7304 or cmoon@jcprinc.com or Deborah Newman at 502-587-3858 or dnewman@jeffnat.com.

About Jefferson National Financial Corp.
Jefferson National  is a leading innovator of tax-deferred investing solutions for RIAs and fee-based advisors and the clients they serve, utilizing a flexible technology platform, highly efficient operations, and cost-effective servicing capabilities. Jefferson National is winner of more than 30 industry awards including the DMA 2010 Financial Services Company of the Year.⁴ Serving a network of 2,000 RIAs and fee-based advisors nationwide, the Company is based in Louisville, Ky., with authority in 49 states and the District of Columbia. To reach our advisor support desk, please call 1-866-WHY-FLAT (1-866-949-3528). To learn more, please visit www.jeffnat.com.

Important Disclosure:
An investor should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the investment before investing or sending money.  The contract prospectus and underlying fund prospectuses contain this information. For a prospectus containing this and additional information, please contact your financial professional.  Read it carefully before investing. The summary of product features is not intended to be all-inclusive.  Restrictions may apply.  The contracts have exclusions and limitations, and may not be available in all states or at all times.

Variable annuities are investments subject to market fluctuation and risk, including possible loss of principal. Your units, when you make a withdrawal or surrender, may be worth more or less than your original investment.

Variable annuities are long-term investments to help you meet retirement and other long-range goals. Withdrawal of tax-deferred accumulations are subject to ordinary income tax. Withdrawals made prior to age 59 ½ may incur a 10% IRS tax penalty. Jefferson National does not offer tax advice. Annuities are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by any bank, nor are they FDIC insured.

Monument Advisor is issued by Jefferson National Life Insurance Company (Dallas, TX) and distributed by Jefferson National Securities Corporation, FINRA member. Policy series JNL-2300-1, JNL-2300-2.

¹Jefferson National's Monument Advisor has a $20 monthly flat insurance fee. Additional fees ranging from $19.99-$49.99 will be assessed for investors wishing to purchase shares of ultra low-cost funds. See the prospectus for details.
²Morningstar data as of 12/31/11.
³Morningstar data as of 08/15/11.
⁴Jefferson National was reviewed by the Direct Marketing Association, including a panel of independent judges and industry peers, and won for re-engineering the traditional commission-based distribution model and replacing it with an unprecedented web-based direct marketing approach.

SOURCE Jefferson National