- iA offers four main segregated fund series: 75/75, 75/100, Ecoflex 100/100, and FORLIFE
- Ecoflex 100/100 includes frequent reset options and offers the highest level of capital protection
- The FORLIFE Series is designed for retirement, offering a guaranteed lifetime income
iA Financial Group was founded in 1892 and is recognized as one of the largest wealth management and insurance groups in Canada. With $346 billion in assets, iA offers a range of investment products, including segregated funds or seg funds. Unlike mutual funds, segregated funds provide guaranteed protection between 75%-100%. In the section below, we take a detailed look at the segregated fund options available with iA Financial Group.
Our iA segregated funds review
iA defines segregated funds as investments that offer significant guarantees on invested amounts. The main segregated fund series offered by iA includes Classic Series 75/75, Series 75/100, Ecoflex Series 100/100, and FORLIFE Series. Also, Classic 75/75 and Series 75/100 are also available in ‘Prestige’ versions. Each series is designed to support a wide range of investors, from those just starting to individuals focused on retirement income and estate planning.
All four series allow your savings to grow while providing guaranteed protection, despite market downturns. Once you select a preferred series depending on your needs, you will have the option to select from the different fund options available. As of now, iA offers eight categories of funds: Managed and index solutions, Income and Specialty Income Funds, Diversified funds, Canadian Equity Funds, Global Equity Funds, U.S. and International Equity Funds, Specialty Equity Funds, and Socially responsible investment funds. This variety of funds makes it easier for investors to build a well-diversified portfolio.
Overall, iA segregated funds in Canada stand out for their combination of strong guarantee options and broad fund selection. They are best suited for investors who want a balance of market growth potential with built-in protection and estate planning benefits.
What types of segregated funds does iA offer?
iA structures its segregated funds into different guarantee series, each designed for a specific investor need. Here is an overview of the four options available:
1. Classic Series 75/75
The iA Classic Series 75/75 is designed for investors who are looking for long-term growth with basic protection. It is suitable for those who are new to segregated funds and are looking for an option that is equivalent to mutual funds.
Some of its key features and benefits include:
- Death and maturity guarantee: The Classic Series 75/75 offers a 75% guarantee on both maturity and death benefit. This means that at least 75% of your invested capital is protected after the maturity period or paid out to beneficiaries in case of death, regardless of market performance
- Lower fees: Because the guarantee level is capped at 75%, this series typically comes with lower fees than options like 75/100 or 100/100. This makes it a cost-effective choice for investors who have budget constraints
- Fund selection from an array of options: With the Classic Series 75/75, you get access to a wide range of segregated funds, which lets you build a diversified portfolio aligned with your risk tolerance and goals
2. Series 75/100
This series is designed for those looking for enhanced estate protection. The Series 75/100 lets you leave a guaranteed inheritance to your beneficiaries while still participating in market performance.
The key benefits and features of Series 75/100 include:
- 100% death benefit: The Series 75/100 offers a 100% death benefit guarantee, ensuring that your beneficiaries receive the full guaranteed amount at death. This makes it a strong option for estate planning
- Maturity benefit: Like the Classic Series, the 75/100 series also offers a 75% guarantee at maturity, despite any market downsides
- Annual resets: This series allows you to lock in market gains through annual resets, which can increase the guaranteed death benefit over time. This feature helps preserve growth and protect accumulated gains from future market downturns. The reset benefit is available till the age of 85
- No limits on fund selection: With iA Series 75/100, you get access to the full range of iA segregated funds across all categories without any cap or restriction on selection
3. Ecoflex Series 100/100
The iA Ecoflex Series 100/100 is designed for investors who want maximum protection without giving up market growth potential. It is the most secure segregated fund option offered by iA, combining 100% guarantees with the ability to participate in market performance.
Its key features and benefits include:
- Death and maturity guarantee: The Ecoflex Series offers a 100% guarantee at both maturity and death, meaning your entire invested amount is protected regardless of market performance
- Frequent reset option: This series allows you to lock in gains up to 4 times per year, helping protect accumulated returns from future market downturns. Unlike Series 75/100, the Ecoflex Series offers more frequent reset options, and you can go for resets up to 4 times per year
- Full market participation with protection: Ecoflex is built to let you invest fully in the markets while still benefiting from complete downside protection
4. FORLIFE Series
The iA FORLIFE Series is designed for investors aged 50 to 75 who want to turn their savings into a stable, predictable income stream in retirement, without giving up access to their capital. Unlike other options in the segregated fund series that focus mainly on growth and protection, FORLIFE is built specifically for retirement income planning, combining investment growth with a guaranteed income for life.
The key benefits and features of the FORLIFE series include:
- Guaranteed lifetime income: The FORLIFE Series provides a guaranteed income stream for life, regardless of market performance
- Savings and income step: The savings phase is where your investments grow and build a guaranteed income base, while in the income phase, you receive regular payments for life. This structure helps transition smoothly from accumulation to retirement income
- Estate protection: In the event of death, the FORLIFE Series includes a death benefit guarantee, helping ensure your beneficiaries receive a protected amount
- Two fund choices: By selecting one of the two available funds, FORLIFE Guaranteed Maximum Income Fund or FORLIFE Guaranteed Income & Growth Fund, you can align your strategy based on your retirement priorities. The former is composed of 100% fixed income, making it ideal for those who want to maximize stable and predictable income. The Guaranteed Income & Growth Fund, on the other hand, is a mix of 70% fixed income and 30% equity, letting you preserve capital and maximize income growth potential
iA segregated funds pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Strong capital guarantees (75%-100%) | Higher fees compared to mutual funds |
| Wide range of fund categories | Income-focused products like FORLIFE may have limited fund flexibility |
| Estate planning benefits | Guarantees fully apply only at contract maturity dates, which vary by series, typically 10–15 years or at a specified anniversary |
| Reset options to lock in market gains over time | |
| Guaranteed income options like FORLIFE for retirement planning |
What other investment products does iA Financial Group offer?
Beyond segregated funds, iA also offers a range of investment solutions that help investors save, grow, and eventually draw income from their investments.
- Registered retirement savings plan (RRSP): An RRSP is an investment plan that helps you build retirement savings. It offers two tax advantages: your contributions are tax-deductible, and your investments grow tax-deferred until withdrawal
- Tax-free savings account (TFSA): A TFSA allows your investments to grow completely tax-free, and withdrawals are also tax-free. It is a flexible option suitable for both short-term and long-term financial goals
- Annuities (guaranteed income): These are specifically designed for retirees and help them receive a stable, regular income in return for a lump-sum contribution. They offer fixed payments regardless of market volatility. With iA’s annuities, you can choose to receive income for life or for a pre-specified period
- Registered retirement income fund (RRIF): An extension of an RRSP, an RRIF lets you convert your retirement savings into retirement income. You must convert your RRSP into a RRIF (or an annuity) by age 71 and begin withdrawals
Are iA segregated funds worth considering?
The value of iA seg funds depends on how well their features align with your financial goals, timeline, and need for protection versus growth. Here is how they can benefit you:
- When you want flexibility in protection levels: iA offers multiple guarantee structures, from cost-efficient 75/75 to full protection under Ecoflex 100/100. This allows you to choose how much downside protection you need, rather than overpaying
- Estate protection: With options like the 75/100 series, iA is particularly strong for estate transfer. The ability to name beneficiaries directly and potentially bypass probate makes it useful for those focused on efficient wealth transfer
- For retirement income: The FORLIFE Series offers guaranteed lifetime income while still maintaining access to capital. This makes iA relevant not just during the savings phase but also when transitioning into retirement
- When you value fund choice: iA provides extensive fund access across categories with minimal restrictions. The company offers access to eight fund categories, letting investors diversify their portfolios
How to buy iA segregated funds with PolicyAdvisor?
You can get in touch with our expert advisors at PolicyAdvisors who will help you get iA segregated fund. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Speak to our advisors: Our expert licensed advisors will assess your financial goals, time horizon, risk tolerance, and estate planning needs. Based on this, they will recommend the most suitable iA segregated fund series for you
- Compare the available fund options: Our advisors will also guide you through the available fund options with iA
- Finish your investment setup: Once the investment setup is complete, finalize the contract by naming beneficiaries, choosing your guarantee structure, selecting funds, and deciding your investment amount
Frequently asked questions
Are iA seg funds in Canada a safe option?
iA segregated fund offers built-in guarantees of 75% to 100% of your invested capital at maturity or death. While they are still market-linked investments, these guarantees help reduce downside risk compared to mutual funds.
What are the different iA segregated fund series available?
iA Financial Group offers four main segregated fund series: Classic Series 75/75, Series 75/100, Ecoflex Series 100/100, and FORLIFE Series. Each series differs based on guarantee levels, fees, and benefits. You can consult with our expert advisors to understand which series best suits your budget and needs.
What is the difference between iA 75/75 and 75/100 series?
The 75/75 series offers a 75% guarantee at maturity and death with lower fees. The 75/100 series, on the other hand, provides a 75% maturity guarantee and a 100% death benefit, making it more suitable for estate planning.
Is Ecoflex Series 100/100 better than other iA segregated fund options?
Ecoflex 100/100 offers the highest level of protection, with 100% guarantees at both maturity and death, along with frequent reset options. However, it also comes with higher fees, so it is best suited for investors who prioritize capital protection over cost.
Do iA segregated funds offer resets?
Yes, iA segregated fund series like 75/100 and Ecoflex 100/100 offer reset options. Through the reset feature, you will be able to lock in market gains periodically, increasing your guaranteed value over time.
iA Financial Group offers a wide range of segregated funds designed for growth, protection, and retirement income. With guarantee options (75%-100%) and diverse fund categories, iA caters to investors at different life stages. This review covers key features, fund types, pros and cons, and who these investments are best suited for.