When Were Variable Annuities Introduced? 
Variable annuities first manufactured by the Teachers Insurance and Annuities Association-College Retirement Equity Fund -LRB- TIAA-CREF -RRB- in 1952 . Interestingly enough , the first variable annuities were qualified annuities were built for qualified retirement plans or more specifically to fund pensions . Today variable annuities have evolved as a non qualified product as well . 