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It’s hard to believe it’s been two years since we introduced our Select Retirement Income (RI) and Retirement Income Plus (RI+) portfolios in February 2023, with the aim of expanding the options for investors in decumulation.

The RI range has five risk-rated portfolios that are built to tackle the unique challenges of drawing an income from investments, which are very different from the risks faced while building wealth. The RI+ range has five more risk-rated portfolios that are designed to blend guaranteed income – provided by Just Group’s Secure Lifetime Income (SLI) – with a carefully managed investment portfolio.

Both the RI and RI+ ranges offer investors in drawdown some protection against sequencing and longevity risk and help advisers meet the Consumer Duty rule to “avoid causing foreseeable harm”. By reducing the need to sell assets in unfavourable markets to generate income, more of the assets stay invested for longer, increasing the opportunity to outperform without increasing the overall risk for the investor.

Standing out after the FCA thematic review

Last year’s review of Retirement Income Advice by the FCA put the spotlight on sustainable income in retirement. While it praised good practices, it also called out firms that weren’t fully considering the unique needs of clients in decumulation versus accumulation. That’s where our RI products stand out as they have been built specifically to tackle these challenges and help investors enjoy a smoother, more secure retirement journey.

A smart and secure way to draw income in retirement

Our RI+ portfolios are built with one goal in mind, to give investors in drawdown a smarter, more secure way to generate income. By incorporating Just Group’s guaranteed income asset through their Secure Lifetime Income solution, we can create a steady income stream that works seamlessly alongside the managed portfolio.

This income is guaranteed for life, doesn’t fluctuate, and isn’t tied to market movements which gives investment managers more flexibility to optimize risk elsewhere. It also helps soften sequencing risk, provides longevity protection, and can even be used to manage tax liabilities. If there’s extra income, clients can save it for later, reinvest it, or boost their legacy pot.

Delivering strong performance

Both the RI and RI+ portfolios have consistently delivered strong, risk-adjusted returns in comparison to widely recognized retirement income benchmarks, such as IA Mixed Investment 20-60% as shown in the performance table below. These products have provided reliable growth, demonstrating their ability to generate sustainable income while managing risk.

SLI Risk Profile 3 – Performance as of 31 January 2025

Please note, past performance isn’t a guide for future returns.

As retirement planning continues to evolve as clients approach to retirement changes, our RI and RI+ portfolios remain at the forefront, offering investors in drawdown a smarter, more secure way to generate income. By combining guaranteed income with a managed investment approach, these portfolios help mitigate key risks like sequencing and longevity while keeping assets working for longer.

Contact us today if you’d like more information on our RI portfolios and how they can help your clients.