Jackson Expands RILA Suite: Nasdaq 100 Index Now Available with Full Principal Protection Guarantee

Jackson Financial Inc. (NYSE: JXN) is reshaping its retirement investment strategy with significant upgrades to its Jackson Market Link Pro III and Jackson Market Link Pro Advisory III product lines. The move reflects growing demand among retirement investors for tech-sector exposure combined with downside risk management.

The Core Innovation: Principal Protection Meets Growth Potential

What sets the newly enhanced Jackson Market Link Pro offerings apart is the introduction of a 100% buffer protection option alongside the existing 10% and 20% alternatives. This means investors can now access full principal protection while still capturing equity-like returns during favorable market conditions—a balance that has become increasingly attractive in uncertain economic environments.

The products come in two versions: JMLPIII operates on a commission-based model, while JMLPAIII functions as a fee-based alternative, giving financial professionals and their clients flexibility in how they structure their retirement income strategies.

Nasdaq 100: Answering the Tech Sector Call

The addition of the Nasdaq 100 Index represents a direct response to investor interest in technology stocks. Previously, Jackson Market Link Pro investors could access the S&P 500, Russell 2000, MSCI EAFE, and MSCI Emerging Markets. Now, with Nasdaq 100 included, clients gain exposure to the 100 largest non-financial companies on the Nasdaq exchange—capturing much of the AI and software innovation driving market growth.

Importantly, Jackson has eliminated restrictions on index selection across different crediting methods and protection options. This unrestricted approach allows investors to reallocate assets without triggering unwanted tax consequences, providing genuine flexibility in portfolio management.

Multiple Ways to Build Retirement Wealth

Jackson Market Link Pro now offers several crediting methods designed for different risk appetites:

Flexible Term Options: Investors can choose 1-year, 3-year, or 6-year Index Account Option terms. Index gains or losses are calculated at the term’s end, with contract value adjusted accordingly—a straightforward approach that eliminates daily market timing anxiety.

The Performance Boost Advantage: Jackson’s exclusive Performance Boost methodology can generate positive credits even when index returns are flat or negative (within buffer levels). This addresses a common frustration: traditional investments that produce zero gains during sideways markets.

Intra-Term Performance Lock: A transparency feature that lets contract holders lock in interim values at any point during the term, moving that amount to a short-duration fixed account. For investors nervous about market reversals mid-term, this offers meaningful control.

Index Participation Rate on Cap Method: This factor amplifies upside potential when markets perform well, giving investors greater growth participation during bull markets while maintaining downside protection.

Variable Annuity Enhancements Strengthen the Full Suite

Complementing these RILA upgrades, Jackson has strengthened its traditional variable annuity products—Perspective II, Perspective Advisory II, Jackson Advantage, and Retirement Latitudes:

• Higher Guaranteed Withdrawal Rates: Jackson increased Single Life and Joint Life Guaranteed Annual Withdrawal Amount Percentages across multiple living benefit options (Flex Core, Flex Net Core, Flex DB Core, Flex Plus), delivering more reliable income streams for retirees.

• Enhanced Income Growth: The Guaranteed Withdrawal Balance adjustment for Flex Plus benefits now reaches 200%, providing greater guaranteed income growth for clients who delay taking withdrawals until age 70 or after 12 contract years.

Built-In Safety Features

All Jackson Market Link Pro contracts include a death benefit—available at no additional charge—that protects heirs while guarding against market downturns. Additionally, these RILAs carry no annual contract fees, meaning more of investors’ assets remain invested and working toward retirement goals rather than being consumed by administrative charges.

What This Means for Retirement Planning

Jackson’s expanded product suite addresses a critical gap in retirement investing: how to grow wealth while protecting principal against market shocks. The combination of Nasdaq 100 access, multiple protection levels (including the new 100% buffer), and flexible crediting methods creates a toolkit for various retirement scenarios.

Whether investors want tech sector exposure with guaranteed downside protection, or prefer steady growth with capped upside, Jackson Market Link Pro now offers pathways previously unavailable in a single product family.

Financial professionals seeking more details can contact Jackson at 1-800-711-7397 or visit their local wholesaler for comprehensive product guides and prospectus materials.

Important: These are long-term, tax-deferred retirement vehicles. Registered index-linked annuities and variable annuities involve investment risks and may lose value. Earnings face ordinary income taxation upon distribution. Withdrawals before age 59½ may incur a 10% additional tax penalty unless exceptions apply. All guarantees are backed solely by Jackson National Life Insurance Company’s claims-paying ability.