There’s a quiet kind of anxiety that often follows people into their golden years. It’s not just about aging—it’s about uncertainty. Will the money I’ve worked a lifetime to save last as long as I do? Will I still be able to live with dignity, independence, and comfort? For millions of Americans approaching or living in retirement, these questions linger in the background, shaping every financial decision and sleepless night. As lifespans grow longer and the economy grows more unpredictable, the traditional models of saving and investing for retirement no longer feel sufficient. Market volatility, inflation, and healthcare costs continue to test the resilience of even the most carefully laid financial plans. In a world where tomorrow seems to change faster than yesterday, one company stands as a symbol of reassurance—Annexus.

Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, Annexus is one of the leaders in reengineering retirement security, transforming how individuals and families protect and grow their wealth through life’s later chapters. At the heart of its mission lies something profoundly human—a belief that financial security is not just about numbers, but about peace of mind. “As people live longer, they need more than savings—they need certainty,” says Ron Shurts, Co-Founder and CEO, Annexus. “Our mission has always been to design solutions that turn financial hope into lasting confidence, so retirees can live the life they’ve earned without fear of outliving their money.”

Bridging Growth and Protection in a Volatile World

Retirement planning today demands a delicate balance between growth potential and principal protection. For decades, investors had to choose between the safety of guaranteed returns and the promise of higher yields tied to the markets. Annexus has challenged that trade-off, engineering innovative annuity and insurance-based products that offer both—protection when it matters and growth when it’s possible. By integrating market-linked performance with safeguards against loss, Annexus empowers individuals to enjoy the best of both worlds. The company’s products are built around a “deflection-first” philosophy—anticipating financial risks before they become financial shocks. Through its proprietary designs and global partnerships with leading institutions such as J.P. Morgan, Barclays, and WisdomTree, Annexus offers access to sophisticated indexing strategies once reserved for institutional investors. “We’ve built our entire ecosystem around protecting people,” says Shurts. “Our clients aren’t just investors—they’re parents, grandparents, and lifelong workers who deserve the same confidence in retirement that they had in their careers.”

Behind Annexus’ innovation lies an unwavering focus on education and partnership. The company understands that the world of annuities, indices, and retirement instruments can seem complex to the average person. To bridge that gap, Annexus works hand-in-hand with financial advisors, providing them with powerful tools, real-time data, and comprehensive training so they can guide clients with clarity and compassion. “Our products are designed to make complex financial concepts simple,” Shurts explains. “When advisors understand our solutions deeply, they can help clients not only make better financial choices but feel more confident about them.” This education-first approach has redefined how retirement conversations happen. Instead of focusing solely on returns, advisors are helping clients focus on longevity, lifestyle, and legacy—what truly matters in the later stages of life.

Turning Uncertainty into Opportunity

Annexus’ approach to innovation is rooted in empathy and real-world understanding. The company’s founders and leadership team bring decades of combined experience not just from financial institutions, but from the very industries that shaped the modern understanding of consumer trust and risk. That human-centered design philosophy has translated into measurable impact. One of its early clients—a financial advisory firm working with middle-income retirees—faced a challenge familiar across the industry: protecting portfolios from volatility while sustaining income flow. Traditional solutions failed to deliver both, leaving retirees anxious and advisors frustrated.

Annexus stepped in with a custom-engineered indexed annuity solution, combining market participation with guaranteed income and principal protection. Within months, the firm’s clients experienced greater stability, and more importantly, peace of mind. The success was not just financial—it was emotional. Retirees reported feeling secure enough to plan trips, spend time with family, and re-engage with life. “That’s what drives us,” Shurts shares. “Every product we build, every strategy we design, is about helping someone live the life they’ve worked for. The numbers matter—but the people matter more.”

Recognized Excellence and Proven Results

The company’s reputation as a pioneer in financial product design, especially for retirement planning, has been cemented by numerous awards and industry accolades.  However, beyond the awards and achievements, what distinguishes Annexus is its unrelenting pursuit of excellence through collaboration. The company’s deep partnerships with leading insurers and global financial institutions ensure that its solutions are not only cutting-edge but also tested and trusted. “Our success comes from understanding that innovation and trust must go hand in hand,” says Shurts. “We innovate responsibly, always with the advisor and the end client in mind.”

The team’s forward momentum continues to accelerate through its strategic alliance with Integrity, one of the largest distributors of insurance and financial products in the United States. With over 500,000 advisors and 200 partner firms, Integrity amplifies Annexus’ reach, bringing its products and expertise to a wider audience across wealth management, life insurance, and healthcare solutions. This partnership is about more than scale—it’s about access. Through Integrity, Annexus ensures that mainstream families and retirees—not just high-net-worth individuals—can benefit from its sophisticated yet approachable solutions. “Retirement planning is still, at its core, a human conversation,” Shurts reflects. “It’s something that happens at the kitchen table, not just in boardrooms. Our partnership with Integrity allows us to meet people where they are.”

Leading the Next Chapter of Retirement Innovation

As the financial landscape continues to evolve, Annexus is setting its sights on the future.

The company is expanding its footprint, with interest in additional insurance carriers and investing in next generation fixed indexed annuities, indices, and partnerships to further enhance product performance and client outcomes. Its goal remains clear: to make financial confidence accessible and enduring. With a focus on personalization, protection, and partnership, Annexus aims to redefine what financial security means in the 21st century. “Retirement should not be a period of worry—it should be a reward,” says Shurts. “We want every retiree to feel empowered, protected, and hopeful about the years ahead.”

In fact, its story is not just about financial engineering—it’s about the human desire for safety, stability, and dignity in life’s later years. Through compassion, expertise, and vision, Annexus has become more than a company. It has become a partner in people’s journeys—a bridge between the uncertainty of tomorrow and the peace of mind we all seek today. Because at the end of the day, retirement isn’t about slowing down—it’s about living fully, without fear. And Annexus is making that possible.