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IRI API standards for annuity connectivity
Product Updates

Zinnia Drives Industry-Wide Shift to Open API Standards for Annuities

GREENWICH, Conn.

Zinnia, a leading life and annuity technology platform, today announced that the Insured Retirement Institute (IRI) has approved four in-force transaction Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), built on the Enterprise API framework contributed by Zinnia, establishing a shared, modern foundation for annuity servicing across carriers and distributors. This milestone accelerates the industry's transition toward real-time, interoperable, API-driven transactions.

Zinnia contributed its Enterprise API framework to the development of these newly approved standards, supporting a more unified approach to in-force servicing across the industry. Through its collaboration with IRI and other stakeholders, Zinnia helped advance a consistent approach to API design—reducing fragmentation and enabling more scalable interoperability across carriers, distributors, and infrastructure providers.

"When Zinnia contributed its API framework to IRI, we had a clear goal, which was to enable carriers and distributors to connect more seamlessly, accelerate integration, and build on shared standards," said George Esposito, CEO of Zinnia. "These approvals mean the industry now has a shared foundation to build on, and Zinnia is the platform where that standardization and adoption actually happens at scale."

The APIs, built on modern REST/JSON architecture, are now live and publicly available, enabling real-time transaction processing and supporting the industry's transition to formless servicing by moving away from legacy, batch-based systems and paper workflows.

The four approved APIs include:

  • One-Time Withdrawal Quote
  • One-Time Withdrawal
  • Systematic Withdrawal Program Setup
  • Systematic Withdrawal Program Update

Zinnia already supports early adoption of these standards, with several carriers committed to implementing the APIs through its platform as part of a broader in-force servicing initiative. The company continues to work with IRI and industry partners to expand the scope of standardized transactions, including a forthcoming Policy Inquiry API and additional transaction types in development.

For policyholders, these advancements translate into faster transaction processing, fewer manual errors, and quicker access to funds, particularly common requests like withdrawals and income updates.

As a member of the IRI Messaging Standards Governance Committee, Zinnia contributes to the development and prioritization of industry standards aimed at improving interoperability across the annuity value chain.

"These standards represent an important step toward greater interoperability across the industry," said Michael Celi, Chief Product Officer of Zinnia. "Efforts like this help accelerate adoption of modern infrastructure, delivering faster, more reliable experiences for policyholders and agents while driving greater efficiency across the ecosystem."

Learn more about how Zinnia is building the standards that will power the next decade of annuity connectivity →

About Zinnia

Zinnia, an Eldridge business, simplifies life and annuity insurance by delivering comprehensive technology solutions for the industry's most critical needs. Zinnia is the infrastructure behind the life and annuity industry, helping carriers move faster, distributors expand access, advisors build confidence, and consumers gain trust. Zinnia is also backed by funds managed by KKR and Vista Credit Partners, leading global investment firms. To learn more, visit zinnia.com.

Contacts

Media Contact: Prosek Partners pro-zinnia@prosek.com

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