American Equity Investment Life Holding Company (AEL) builds and sells fixed index annuities (FIAs) and fixed rate annuities aimed at helping people near retirement preserve capital and create a stable income stream. Its FIAs offer a guaranteed minimum interest rate plus an index-linked return tied to an index like the S&P 500, allowing potential growth without direct stock market downside risk. The company earns mainly from the investment spread (the gap between portfolio income and credited interest) and fees from its annuity products. AEL distributes through independent agents, IMOs, banks, and broker-dealers rather than direct-to-consumer channels, giving it broad U.S. reach. In 2024, Brookfield Reinsurance acquired AEL, a move intended to strengthen its capital efficiency and growth path in the competitive insurance market. The overarching goal is to provide secure retirement solutions that protect principal while offering reliable, tax-deferred growth and income for retirees.
Company Size
501-1,000
Company Stage
Acquired
Total Funding
$253M
Headquarters
West Des Moines, Iowa
Founded
1996
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