The Standard Adds New Stable Value Offering With The APEX Series

New Suite of Stable Value Products Offers Competitive Guaranteed Rates Through June 2023

PORTLAND, Ore. — Standard Insurance Company (The Standard) has announced The APEX Series, a new stable value investment product that offers four fund options and competitive guaranteed rates through June 2023. The APEX Series expands The Standard's existing stable value portfolio by offering returns that reflect the rising corporate and treasury rate environment.

“Stable value funds continue to be an attractive investment option in a rising interest rate environment,” says Scott Kaplan, assistant vice president of Institutional Products at The Standard. “The APEX Series offers four compelling stable value solutions for retirement investors seeking to take advantage of the current rate environment, while also benefiting from the security and backing of the strong ratings of The Standard.”

The APEX Series provides a conservative investment approach along with a full guarantee of principal and interest by Standard Insurance Company, which has been making good on its promises and guarantees for more than 115 years. The APEX Series consists of four different fund options designed to provide a guaranteed return of principal, along with competitive crediting rates and 100% liquidity for plan participants. Each fund is structured to offer varying rates of return based on its plan-level contract discontinuance provisions:

• APEX Guaranteed Fixed Interest Fund (4.45% Net) Six book value (principal and accumulated interest) installment payments over a five-year period.
• APEX Capital Preservation Income Fund (4.20% Net) Immediate payment at the lesser of book value (principal and accumulated interest) or market value lump sum (market value lump sum would never result in a payout less than principal) or elect to receive six book value installment payments over a five-year period.
• APEX Stable Asset Fund (3.90% Net) Immediate payment at the lesser of book value (principal and accumulated interest) or market value lump sum (market value lump sum would never result in a payout less than principal plus interest accumulated at the 1% minimum interest rate guarantee) or elect to receive six book value installment payments over a five-year period.
• APEX Guaranteed Rate Stable Value Fund (3.55% Net) Full book value (principal and accumulated interest) payment after a 12-month period.

“Stable value funds will continue to play an important role in retirement savings portfolios and we're excited to add the innovative APEX Series to our existing stable value portfolio to meet the needs of the current market environment,” adds Ken Waineo, senior director of Institutional Products at The Standard.

The APEX Series launches January 1, 2023 and is available through defined contribution plans such as a 401(k), 403(b), defined benefit, cash balance and others, depending on the fund. Apex Series may not be available in all states. For more information about APEX Series options, availability and rates, visit standard.com/financial-professional/stable-value/apex-series or contact a Standard Insurance Company representative.

This material is for informational or educational purposes only and does not constitute fiduciary investment advice under ERISA, a securities recommendation under all securities laws, or an insurance product recommendation under state insurance laws or regulations. This material does not take into account any specific objectives or circumstances of any particular investor or suggest any specific course of action. Investment decisions should be made based on the investor’s own objectives and circumstances. Any guarantees under annuities issued by Standard Insurance Company are subject to the company's claims-paying ability.

About The Standard

The Standard is a family of companies dedicated to helping customers achieve financial well-being and peace of mind. In business since 1906, we are a leading provider of financial protection products and services for employers and individuals. Our products include group and individual disability insurance, group life, dental and vision insurance, voluntary (employee-paid) benefits, absence management services, and retirement plans and annuities for employers and individuals. For more information about The Standard, visit standard.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

The Standard is the marketing name for StanCorp Financial Group, Inc., and its subsidiaries. StanCorp Equities, Inc., member FINRA, wholesales a group annuity contract issued by Standard Insurance Company and a mutual fund trust platform for retirement plans. Standard Retirement Services, Inc., provides financial recordkeeping and plan administrative services. Investment advisory services are provided by StanCorp Investment Advisers, Inc., a registered investment advisor. StanCorp Equities, Inc., Standard Insurance Company, Standard Retirement Services, Inc., and StanCorp Investment Advisers, Inc., are subsidiaries of StanCorp Financial Group, Inc., and all are Oregon corporations.