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How Long Has Athene Been in Business?

Athene has been a player in the retirement services and insurance arena for a relatively short, but impactful, period. The company was founded in 2009, making them roughly 15 years old as of late 2024. Despite its relatively young age, Athene has experienced remarkable growth and has established itself as a significant force in the industry.

Athene’s Rapid Rise: A Deeper Dive

Founded amidst the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, Athene emerged with a clear vision: to provide retirement security through a diverse range of annuity products and reinsurance solutions. Their business model, focusing on acquiring blocks of annuity business from other insurers and carefully managing their investment portfolio, proved incredibly successful.

Athene’s early years were marked by a series of strategic acquisitions, which significantly expanded their asset base and customer reach. These acquisitions, combined with organic growth in sales, propelled the company into a leading position in the fixed annuity market. Their initial focus on fixed annuities allowed them to build a solid foundation, managing risk effectively and generating stable returns for their policyholders.

Key Milestones in Athene’s History

2009: Founding of Athene Holding Ltd. The company began its journey with a focus on acquiring and managing retirement savings assets.
Early Acquisitions: Athene quickly expanded through strategic purchases of existing annuity businesses, substantially increasing its assets under management.
Expansion into Reinsurance: Athene broadened its service offerings to include reinsurance solutions for other insurance companies, enhancing its revenue streams and risk diversification.
Initial Public Offering (IPO): Athene went public in December 2016, marking a significant milestone in its growth trajectory and providing further capital for expansion.
Merger with Apollo Global Management: In January 2022, Athene merged with Apollo Global Management, a leading alternative investment manager. This merger created a powerful combination, integrating Athene’s annuity expertise with Apollo’s investment management capabilities.

The merger with Apollo Global Management has allowed Athene to leverage Apollo’s investment expertise to enhance returns and further strengthen its financial position. The partnership has also enabled Athene to expand its product offerings and explore new growth opportunities in the retirement services market.

Athene: A Future Focused on Retirement Security

Looking ahead, Athene is poised to continue its growth trajectory, driven by the increasing demand for retirement income solutions and its strong financial foundation. The company remains committed to providing innovative annuity products and exceptional service to its policyholders, helping them achieve their retirement goals with confidence.

Athene’s dedication to innovation, coupled with its strategic partnership with Apollo Global Management, positions it as a leader in the evolving retirement landscape. The company is focused on adapting to changing demographics and market dynamics to deliver long-term value to its customers and stakeholders.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Athene

1. What Type of Company is Athene?

Athene is primarily a retirement services company specializing in annuities and reinsurance. It provides fixed, fixed indexed, and immediate annuities to individuals and offers reinsurance solutions to other insurance companies.

2. Is Athene a Reputable Company?

Yes, Athene is considered a reputable company. It has a strong financial rating from major rating agencies like A.M. Best and Standard & Poor’s, reflecting its financial strength and ability to meet its obligations to policyholders. However, like all financial institutions, it’s important to do your own research and understand the specific products offered before making any decisions.

3. What Products Does Athene Offer?

Athene primarily offers a range of annuity products, including:

Fixed Annuities: Provide a guaranteed interest rate for a specified period.
Fixed Indexed Annuities: Offer the potential for growth based on the performance of a market index, while providing downside protection.
Immediate Annuities: Provide a stream of income payments that begin shortly after purchase.

4. Who Owns Athene?

Athene is owned by Apollo Global Management following the merger in January 2022. This merger combined Athene’s annuity expertise with Apollo’s investment management capabilities.

5. What is Athene’s Financial Strength Rating?

Athene’s financial strength is rated by various rating agencies. While specific ratings can change over time, Athene typically holds strong ratings from agencies like A.M. Best and Standard & Poor’s. These ratings indicate a strong ability to meet its financial obligations. It’s always best to check the latest ratings directly from the rating agencies’ websites.

6. Is Athene a Safe Company to Invest In?

Investing in any financial product carries risk, and annuities are no exception. Athene, with its strong financial ratings, is considered a relatively safe company compared to some other insurance providers. However, the safety of your investment depends on factors such as the specific annuity product, its terms, and your individual risk tolerance. It is crucial to carefully review the product’s features and consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

7. How Does Athene Make Money?

Athene generates revenue primarily through:

Investment Income: Managing the assets backing its annuity contracts and generating returns through various investments.
Premium Income: Receiving premiums from policyholders purchasing annuity contracts.
Reinsurance: Earning premiums from reinsuring other insurance companies’ annuity business.

8. How Does the Athene Merger with Apollo Affect Policyholders?

The merger with Apollo Global Management is intended to benefit policyholders by providing access to Apollo’s expertise in investment management, potentially leading to enhanced returns on their annuity contracts. It also strengthens Athene’s financial position, contributing to the company’s long-term stability.

9. Where is Athene’s Headquarters Located?

Athene’s headquarters is located in Pembroke, Bermuda. However, the company also has a significant presence in the United States, with offices in various locations.

10. How Can I Contact Athene?

You can contact Athene through their website, by phone, or by mail. Contact information can be found on their official website under the “Contact Us” section.

11. What is the Athene Annuity and Life Assurance Company?

The Athene Annuity and Life Assurance Company is one of the primary operating subsidiaries of Athene Holding Ltd. It is responsible for issuing and managing annuity contracts. Other subsidiaries include Athene Annuity and Life Company and Athene Life Re Ltd.

12. What Should I Consider Before Purchasing an Annuity from Athene?

Before purchasing an annuity from Athene, you should consider:

Your Financial Goals: Determine if an annuity aligns with your retirement income needs and overall financial plan.
Your Risk Tolerance: Understand the risk profile of the specific annuity product and ensure it is appropriate for your risk tolerance.
Fees and Charges: Review all fees and charges associated with the annuity, including surrender charges and administrative fees.
Product Features: Understand the features of the annuity, such as interest rate guarantees, death benefits, and withdrawal options.
Consult a Financial Advisor: Seek professional advice from a qualified financial advisor who can help you assess your needs and determine if an annuity is the right choice for you.