RADNOR, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Lincoln Financial Group (NYSE:LNC) announces an exclusive strategic collaboration with BlackRock (NYSE:BLK) to help fee-based advisors solve their clients’ retirement income challenges with the development of a new variable annuity, Lincoln Core Income^(SM), built with iShares. Designed with an investment selection comprised exclusively of ETFs, this lower-cost strategy built specifically for fee-based advisors provides guaranteed income for life that can increase each year.

“Retirement savers are facing unprecedented challenges. People are living longer, equity markets are volatile and interest rates remain low, putting more pressure on their savings to work harder for longer to provide adequate income," said Will Fuller, President, Annuity Solutions, Lincoln Financial Distributors and Lincoln Financial Network. "Annuities can provide income for life that is guaranteed and an essential strategy for savers who want to know they have predictable income."

"A shift by advisors towards fee-based models is a growing trend," said Salim Ramji, Head of BlackRock's U.S. Wealth Advisory business. “Lincoln and BlackRock are collaborating to meet the need of advisors looking for simpler ways to help clients meet their retirement income goals with more low-cost, quality options using ETFs.”

This exclusive strategic collaboration combines Lincoln’s expertise in building annuities that deliver guaranteed lifetime income with BlackRock’s iShares portfolio construction and investment management expertise. Lincoln Core Income^(SM), built with iShares, which is anticipated to be available in the first quarter of 2017, will have several notable features:

• No surrender charge;
• Lower cost, all in under 2.0%;
• Guaranteed income that increases each year;
• Underlying funds comprised entirely of iShares ETFs; and
• Return of investment death benefit.

“Fee-based advisors want a simple, transparent and lower cost strategy without a surrender charge that fits the way they serve their clients,” concluded Fuller. "Lincoln Core Income^(SM), built with iShares can provide savers with the equivalent of a paycheck for life that increases every year. We fully expect this product to be welcomed by retiring baby boomers and the advisors that serve them.”

About Lincoln Financial Group

Lincoln Financial Group provides advice and solutions that help empower people to take charge of their financial lives with confidence and optimism. Today, more than 17 million customers trust our retirement, insurance and wealth protection expertise to help address their lifestyle, savings and income goals, as well as to guard against long-term care expenses. Headquartered in Radnor, Pennsylvania, Lincoln Financial Group is the marketing name for Lincoln National Corporation (NYSE:LNC) and its affiliates. The company had $228 billion in assets under management as of September 30, 2016. Learn more at: www.LincolnFinancial.com. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube. To sign up for email alerts, please visit our Newsroom at http://newsroom.lfg.com.

Disclosure

Lincoln Financial Group® affiliates, their distributors, and their respective employees, representatives, and/or insurance agents do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. Any tax statements contained herein were not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of avoiding U.S. federal, state, or local tax penalties. Please consult your own independent advisor as to any tax, accounting, or legal statements made herein.

Variable annuities are long-term investment products designed for retirement purposes and are subject to market fluctuation, investment risk, and possible loss of principal. Variable annuities contain both investment and insurance components and have fees and charges, including mortality and expense, administrative, and advisory fees. The under 2.0% cost will reflect contract charges and fees after contractual waivers. Charges and fees could change in the future. Optional features will be available for an additional charge. The annuity’s value fluctuates with the market value of the underlying investment options, and all assets accumulate tax-deferred. Withdrawals of earnings are taxable as ordinary income and, if taken prior to age 59½, may be subject to an additional 10% federal tax. Withdrawals will reduce the death benefit and cash surrender value.

Investors are advised to consider the investment objectives, risks, and charges and expenses of the variable annuity and its underlying investment options carefully before investing. When available, a pending variable annuity prospectus will contain this and other important information about the variable annuity and its underlying investment options. A registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, but has not yet become effective. Information contained therein and herein is subject to completion or amendment. The securities may not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes effective. When available, a copy of the prospectus may be obtained by calling 888-868-2583. Read it carefully before investing or sending money. Products and features are subject to state availability.

Lincoln variable annuities are issued by The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, Fort Wayne, IN,distributed by Lincoln Financial Distributors, Inc., a broker-dealer. The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company does not solicit business in the state of New York, nor is it authorized to do so.

Contracts sold in New York (contract forms 30070-A-NY and 30070-B-NY) are issued by Lincoln Life & Annuity Company of New York, Syracuse, NY, and distributed by Lincoln Financial Distributors, Inc., a broker-dealer.

All contract and rider guarantees, including those for optional benefits, fixed subaccount crediting rates, or annuity payout rates, are subject to the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company. They are not backed by the broker-dealer or insurance agency from which this annuity is purchased, or any affiliates of those entities other than the issuing company affiliates, and none makes any representations or guarantees regarding the claims-paying ability of the issuer.

LCN-1658247-120616

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