Jackson Expands Alternative Investment Education in 2013

"The size and scope of our wholesaling staff make it very difficult for anyone else to match the breadth and depth we can offer in education and resources," he added.

The 2013 initiative is a continuation of the 400 educational events held by Jackson in 2012. The effort is part of a larger push by some insurance and annuity manufacturers to switch their focus from guaranteed living benefit products to instead offering alternative investments as a diversification tool.

"Although financial advisors continue to seek ways to incorporate alternatives within client portfolios, many are unclear on how to effectively utilize these asset classes and confidently explain alternatives to their clients," Clifford Jack, executive vice president and head of retail for Jackson, said in a statement. "At Jackson, we are dedicated to educating representatives on alternative investments so they may help their clients consider new ways to manage risk in their portfolios."

This year, Jackson will offer:

• 30 regional half-day training events beginning Feb. 26 in Albuquerque, N.M.
• Six national full-day training sessions beginning in June in Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York and San Francisco
• 120 alternative education training sessions, kicking off in May
• 130 alternative investments continuing education training sessions throughout the year
• Virtual training seminars
• Quarterly alternative market webcasts
• Monthly alternative investment conference calls

"The importance of incorporating alternative investing strategies into portfolios has become evident, given continued volatility and increased correlations in the traditional equity market," Jack added. "Utilizing alternative asset classes can help advisors construct counter-correlated portfolios, which address market fluctuations and provide the potential for greater returns with less risk."