THE VARIABLE ANNUITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
About THE VARIABLE ANNUITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
THE VARIABLE ANNUITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY is listed in our database based on their SEC registration. As a registered fiduciary, they are legally required to put your interests first — this is the gold standard for financial advice.
THE VARIABLE ANNUITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY has 4 complaints on file (80.00 per 100 clients). This is above the industry average of ~0.15 per 100 clients — a yellow flag worth discussing with them directly. Their fee-only fee model is standard for the industry.
No major structural conflicts identified based on their SEC filings — they don't appear to have proprietary product incentives, and any custody arrangement reported on their Form ADV is generally the standard regulatory-custody category that applies to fee-only advisers. Bottom line: THE VARIABLE ANNUITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY is reasonable to consider, but do your due diligence — ask about fees, read their Form ADV brochure, and get any recommendations in writing.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring THE VARIABLE ANNUITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
“What is your all-in fee, including fund expenses?”
Their disclosed model is fee-only. Ask for the total cost including underlying fund fees, trading costs, and any platform charges.
“Are you a fiduciary at all times — not just sometimes?”
THE VARIABLE ANNUITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY is registered as a fiduciary, but confirm this applies to ALL recommendations — some firms switch hats when selling insurance or annuities.
“How are you compensated when you recommend a specific product?”
No commissions disclosed — but always confirm in writing that no third-party compensation applies to any recommendation.
“Can you explain the 4 complaints on your record?”
Regulatory complaints don't always indicate wrongdoing, but you deserve a direct explanation. Ask what happened and how they've changed their practices since.
“Can I see your Form ADV Part 2A brochure before our next meeting?”
This is the legal disclosure document that details fees, conflicts, and disciplinary history. Every SEC-registered advisor must provide it. Read it before signing anything.
Compensation Model
Compensation type disclosed on SEC Form ADV Item 5C. Filed 46155. Specific fee percentages are available in this firm's Form ADV Part 2A brochure at adviserinfo.sec.gov.
Conflict of Interest Analysis
Broker-Dealer Affiliated: No
No broker-dealer affiliation. Lower risk of commission-driven advice.
Insurance Licensed: No
Not insurance licensed. Cannot sell you annuity or insurance products directly.
Custody per Form ADV Item 9: No
Form ADV Item 9 does not report custody. Client assets are held at an independent qualified custodian and the adviser doesn't have withdrawal or fee-deduction authority beyond what triggers the SEC's custody rule.
Proprietary Products: No
Uses only third-party investment products. No proprietary product conflicts.
Regulatory & Disciplinary History
18 regulatory action(s), 4 customer complaint(s)/arbitration(s), 1 termination(s) from a firm disclosed on Form ADV Item 11.
ResolvedTotal complaints on record: 4
Complaint ratio: 80.00 per 100 clients
Industry average is approximately 0.15 complaints per 100 clients. A ratio above 0.30 is considered elevated.
Firm Details
| Legal Name | THE VARIABLE ANNUITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY |
| CRD Number | #104561 |
| SEC Registered | Yes |
| Registration Date | 1971-12-12 |
| States Registered | TX |
| Assets Under Management | $32.9B |
| Number of Clients | 5 |
| Employees | 1700 |
| Compensation Type | fee-only |
| Last ADV Filing | 46155 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is THE VARIABLE ANNUITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY a fiduciary?
Yes. THE VARIABLE ANNUITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY is a registered investment adviser (RIA) with the SEC, which means they are legally required to act as a fiduciary — putting your interests ahead of their own.
How does THE VARIABLE ANNUITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY charge clients?
THE VARIABLE ANNUITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY uses a fee-only compensation model. Full fee details are in their Form ADV Part 2A brochure at adviserinfo.sec.gov.
Does THE VARIABLE ANNUITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY have any complaints?
Yes. THE VARIABLE ANNUITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY has 4 complaint(s) on record. Their complaint ratio is 80.00 per 100 clients (industry average: ~0.15).
How does THE VARIABLE ANNUITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY compare to other advisors in HOUSTON?
THE VARIABLE ANNUITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY has a Trust Score of 40/100. There are 235 registered advisory firms in HOUSTON. Use our city page to compare firms side by side.
Where does this data come from?
All information is sourced from SEC Form ADV public filings (mandatory regulatory disclosures) and FINRA BrokerCheck records. Last updated: 2026-06-24. We do not accept payment from financial advisors.
Data source: SEC Form ADV (Parts 1 and 2A) filed with the Investment Adviser Registration Depository (IARD). Filing date: 46155. Last data refresh: 2026-06-24. AdvisorRanked does not verify the accuracy of SEC filings. This is not financial advice.