Frequently Asked Questions

Article last updated: 15/07/09

Q. What is North?

North is AXA’s innovative guaranteed capital and income solution for Australian investors and retirees. North is available for superannuation, pension or ordinary money investors, and offers a choice of over 130 underlying investments (40 with a guarantee).

North is flexible and open-ended which allows contributions and withdrawals, as well as transition to retirement pensions.

What sets North apart are our unique guarantee options – the Protected Growth guarantee, Protected Investment guarantee and the Protected Retirement guarantee.

Q. What are the North ‘guarantees’?

The Protected Investment guarantee option (available over 6 and 8 year terms) guarantees to return all initial capital, all contributions, plus will lock in any growth as a result of positive
investment performance every two years, provided your Account Value exceeds your Protected Balance on your Guarantee anniversary date.

The Protected Growth guarantee option (available over 10 and 20 year terms) guarantees to return all initial capital, all contributions, plus will lock in any growth as a result of positive investment performance each year, provided your Account Value exceeds your Protected Balance on your Guarantee anniversary date.

The Protected Retirement guarantee allows you to remain fully invested in the assets of your choice while still providing the security of a guaranteed retirement income for life. Your Income Benefit is guaranteed for life even if you run out of your own funds while in retirement. Furthermore, each year we will lock in any growth as a result of positive investment performance on your Account Value, provided your Account Value is greater than your Income Base on your Guarantee anniversary date.

With our unique dynamic hedging risk management technique, North allows investors to remain fully invested (100% participation, always) in growth assets of their choice, regardless of market conditions.

Importantly, selecting either of the guarantees can help you accelerate your investment, superannuation or pension strategy by increasing your exposure to growth assets without the downside risk that ordinarily accompanies them.

Q How can I access the North guarantees?

The North guarantees can be accessed via:

• North Investment (Investor Directed Portfolio Service),
• North Personal Superannuation
• North Personal Pension.

To enter a North Investment, Superannuation or Pension plan, you need to speak with your financial adviser.

You adviser will help you determine your initial investment amount, any ongoing contributions or withdrawals, the term and type of guarantee that you choose, as well as the investment strategy that best suits your needs.

If you don’t have a financial adviser, please click here to search for a qualified adviser in your local area.

Q Can I invest in a guaranteed North super account if I’m not sure when I want to retire?

The North guarantee options provide you with flexibility. You can remain in superannuation and make contributions, or switch to pension and receive a guranteed income for life.

For more information on how you can help plan your retirement future using North, speak with your financial adviser.

Q Can I view and update my information online?

Yes. North offers an easy-to-use online website that means checking your investments, making contributions and updating your details are only a click away.

In addition, you can speak with one of our dedicated team in the North Service Centre:

Phone – 1800 North 1 (1800 667 841)

Email – north@axa.com.au