Why it earned this rating
Our assessment
The Advisory MYGA 2-Year offers the top 2-year rate in the Aspida lineup with clean contract features and waiver provisions, earning a Good Option rating appropriate to its short duration and the inherently modest rate environment at 2-year MYGAs.
The short version
For the narrow use case — a fee-based RIA client wanting a 2-year guarantee with principal protection and no commission drag — this works. It is not a rate leader in the 2-year MYGA space broadly, but for someone who values the RIA structure and Aspida's digital platform, it is a competent option.
Key facts
The full review
Is Aspida Advisory MYGA 2-Year a Good Annuity?
Yes, for a specific use case. This is a solid short-term guaranteed vehicle for an RIA client who has money committed for a defined 2-year window. It is less interesting as a rate play compared to the 5- or 7-year options. The main appeal is simplicity and a guaranteed outcome over a short horizon.
Why Someone Would Buy This Annuity
Someone would buy this when they have capital they know they will not need for at least two years, want a guaranteed return during that period, and do not want the complexity or longer commitment of a 5- or 7-year MYGA. It fits naturally as a placeholder strategy — for instance, when waiting to deploy capital into another vehicle or asset class in a few years.
Who This Annuity Is Best For
I think this fits best for an RIA client in their late 50s or older who has a specific 2-year use for their money and wants better certainty than a money market while staying away from bond duration risk. It is not for someone who can commit longer (where the rate is better) or for someone who needs frequent access to principal.
What You're Really Buying Here
A 2-year interest rate guarantee with tax deferral. Nothing more, nothing less. Principal is protected, the rate is locked for exactly two years, and at maturity you get 100% of your contract value back. The rate resets if you let it continue beyond two years.
How the Core Feature Works
The contract credits interest daily at the guaranteed rate for 2 full years. For premiums of $100,000 or more, the current rate is 4.20%. For premiums under $100,000, it is 4.05%. At the end of the guarantee period, 100% of your contract value is accessible without any charges or MVA.
Why the Secondary Feature Matters
Principal protection is important in this context because the buyer is choosing this over alternatives like short-duration bonds or money market funds. Unlike those alternatives, the MYGA rate is locked and the principal is not subject to value fluctuation during the term.
Liquidity and Surrender Schedule
Free withdrawals of up to 10% of contract value are available after the first anniversary. The surrender schedule for excess withdrawals is 9% in year one, 8% in year two, then 0%. An MVA can also apply to excess withdrawals. RMDs are available after 30 days. Nursing home and terminal illness waivers apply after the first anniversary. Given the 2-year term, buyers who may need access within the first year should be cautious.
Fees and Tradeoffs
No annual fees. No rider fees. No M&E charges. The rate is what it is. The tradeoff is that the rate is lower than longer-term options, and the surrender charge in year one (9%) is substantial if you need to access most of your premium unexpectedly.
Product snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Product type | Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuity (MYGA) |
| Guarantee period | 2 years |
| Issue ages | 18–90 |
| Minimum premium | $25,000 |
| Maximum premium | $2,000,000 |
| Current rate | 4.05% / 4.20% (under / at or above $100K) |
| Minimum guaranteed rate | 3.00% after initial guarantee period |
| Free withdrawal | Up to 10% of contract value after year one |
| Surrender schedule | 9% / 8% / 0% |
| Market value adjustment | Yes, on excess withdrawals during the charge period |
| Death benefit | Full contract value, no surrender charges or MVA |
| RMD treatment | Available after 30 days |
| Nursing home waiver | Available after first anniversary |
| Terminal illness waiver | Available after first anniversary |
| Plan types | NQ, Roth IRA, SEP IRA, SIMPLE IRA, 403(b), 457(b), Traditional IRA |
| Distribution channel | RIA channel via DPL Financial Partners only |
| State availability | Not available in NC or NY |
Carrier snapshot
Aspida Life Insurance Company holds an A- (Excellent) rating from AM Best and an A- rating from KBRA. The carrier is backed by Ares Management Corporation with approximately $546 billion in AUM. Founded in 2020 and based in Durham, NC, Aspida operates a fully digital platform and is licensed in 49 states and DC, excluding New York.
Final take
The Advisory MYGA 2-Year is a useful but narrow product. Its best case is as a short-term, clean, guaranteed return vehicle for RIA clients who cannot commit to longer terms. The rate is competitive for the 2-year duration in the advisory channel, but buyers who can hold for 5 or 7 years will generally find better rates in longer durations. This one is for those with a defined short window and a preference for simplicity.