Transforming with Purpose
Dear Thrivent clients:
In last year’s annual report, we eagerly shared that Thrivent was embarking on a transformation to be built on our strong financial foundation: to become a leader in financial advisory. We emphasized Thrivent’s commitment to growth and relevance to serve generations, now and into the future.
The year that followed could not have been anticipated or imagined—a global pandemic, market volatility, civil and political unrest.
We’re pleased to share that Thrivent not only weathered the storms of 2020, but we managed the business well and made strides toward our goals.
Despite tremendous market volatility, Thrivent’s assets under management and advisement grew to $162 billion at year-end. We paid $329 million in dividends to clients, $1.76 billion in insurance benefits and $556 million in guaranteed retirement income.
Our financial professionals were beside you each step of the way—answering questions, navigating uncertainties and helping you achieve financial clarity. Thrivent never stopped issuing insurance contracts, and we even offered payment deferments for clients experiencing hardship. We can proudly say we were there when you needed us most.
Our adjusted surplus grew to $12.8 billion, the strongest in our organization’s history. This allows us to maintain stability through volatile financial environments and have the strength to prepare for the future. As testament to our diligent financial stewardship on your behalf, in June, credit rating agency AM Best reaffirmed Thrivent’s A++ (Superior) rating, its highest of 16 ratings, and gave us a stable outlook.
As part of our transformation, we made investments in our business with you in mind. We redesigned our website for easier navigation. We transitioned many of our paper forms to electronic forms, and we took steps to consolidate our systems to create a more seamless experience for you.
We also invested in Thrivent’s future. We reimagined our brand to become more visually modern, savvy and approachable. We launched our first-ever national advertising campaign to build awareness. Today, whenever you explore thrivent.com, see us in an advertisement or have a conversation with a financial professional, you will experience our purpose-based approach to finances.
Our long legacy of generosity—a hallmark of our organization—remains as strong as ever. We are honored to support you in your personal generosity, while joining together to collectively make a difference in our communities as we help humanity thrive.
Through all of this, we remain unequivocally committed to our shared purpose to help you make the most of all God has given you. We are unwavering in our promise to help you achieve financial clarity, enabling lives of meaning and gratitude.
Even during uncertain times, Thrivent is well-positioned to serve you for years to come. Thank you for trusting us to help you thrive with purpose.
Every business decision is made with our current and future clients in mind, in fulfillment of Our Purpose and Our Promise.
Our Purpose
We believe humanity thrives when people make the most of all they’ve been given.
Our Promise
We help people achieve financial clarity, enabling lives full of meaning and gratitude.
In early summer, we introduced a modern, new brand. We also launched our first-ever national advertising campaign to help more people experience our purpose-driven approach to finances.
Our technology
We enhanced our digital programs to better serve you in a virtual environment. We simplified website navigation, transitioned paper forms to electronic versions and consolidated internal systems—all with the intent to create an easier experience for you.
Our products and services
We expanded our financial product offerings to help you continue to use money as a tool to meet your short- and long-term goals in life. We introduced:
- A new variable annuity to help you save for and receive income in retirement.
- Two new Thrivent Mutual Funds to help diversify your portfolio based on your personal goals and investment needs.
Our generosity programs
We offered virtual opportunities, shared creative ideas and developed timely giving campaigns so you could make a difference in a year when so many in our communities needed help.
You
Everything we do is based on your needs, desires and goals. And we are grateful for the opportunity to serve you.
Responding to COVID-19 with resilience and care
Thrivent moved swiftly to provide guidance and support—all while caring for the safety and well-being of you and our workforce.
In a year marked by the pandemic, we were there to fulfill our promises to more families who lost loved ones. Recognizing loneliness and isolation in extended care facilities, we took a holistic approach to caring for our clients.
Offering Thrivent contract owners an extended grace period for life and health insurance premiums and loan repayment assistance and resources for Thrivent Credit Union1 borrowers.
Providing frequent market commentaries from our Asset Management team. This commentary was designed to help you understand and make informed decisions based on a sometimes rapidly changing market environment.
Quickly and seamlessly moving our 2,100+ financial professionals and 3,500+ employees from their offices to their homes. We equipped them with technology and resources to safely serve you while also ensuring their safety and well-being.
Transitioning our in-person client events to virtual settings. In doing so, 58,000 clients attended a financial event. Additionally, more than 65,000 clients attended other online Thrivent social, educational, religious, patriotic and charitable events for a total attendance of 123,000.
Helping to support and reassure you. Our client service professionals answered nearly 1 million calls and the Virtual Advice Team, our over-the-phone financial professionals, responded to nearly 50,000 more.
We are strong, stable and here for our clients
clients (June 2021)
management/
advisement*
insurance claims paid*
clients (June 2021)
management/
advisement*
insurance claims paid*
We are recognized by others
named to the list
for nine years
in a row.4
2020 Mutual Fund Service Award for providing
best-in-class telephone service to mutual fund shareholders
named to the list
for nine years
in a row.4
2020 Mutual Fund Service Award for providing
best-in-class telephone service to mutual fund shareholders
We put purpose into action
donated by Thrivent,
clients and others*
by our client
service professionals*
insurance
claims paid*
donated by Thrivent,
clients and others*
by our client
service professionals*
insurance
claims paid*
Thrivent 2021 Financial Results
Advice & solutions
for a range of needs
and financial advice that align with your needs and priorities.
¹Deposit and lending services are offered by Thrivent Credit Union, the marketing name for Thrivent Federal Credit Union, a member-owned notfor-profit financial cooperative that is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration and doing business in accordance with the Federal Fair Lending Laws. Insurance, securities, investment advisory and trust and investment management accounts and services offered by Thrivent, the marketing name for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, or its affiliates are not deposits or obligations of Thrivent Federal Credit Union, are not guaranteed by Thrivent Federal Credit Union or any bank, are not insured by the NCUA, FDIC or any other federal government agency, and involve investment risk, including possible loss of the principal amount invested. Must qualify for membership in TFCU.
²Dividends are not guaranteed.
³Ratings based on Thrivent’s financial strength and claims-paying ability. Does not apply to investment product performance.
4 “World’s Most Ethical Companies” and “Ethisphere” names and marks are registered trademarks of Ethisphere LLC. For details, visit Ethisphere.com.
Thrivent is the marketing name for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Insurance products issued by Thrivent. Not available in all states. Securities and investment advisory services offered through Thrivent Investment Management Inc., a registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC and a subsidiary of Thrivent.
The Virtual Advice Team is a team of licensed financial advisors and professionals available to assist you during designated business hours. Our team offers a full variety of products and services. If you prefer to meet with a local financial advisor or professional, our team can connect you with someone in your area. Whether you work with the Virtual Advice Team, or with a local Thrivent financial advisor or professional, there will generally be no difference in the fees and expenses you will incur.