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Archive for July 2022

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  • Insurance Agents Are Unknowingly Breaking DOL Rules, Attorney Says

    {July 27th, 2022} by Tracey Longo

      A number of insurance agents may be violating U.S. Department of Labor rules by accepting “conflicted compensation” from annuities sales for rollovers from retirement assets because their insurance companies haven’t educated them, according to Fred Reish, a partner in the law firm of Faegre Drinker. Click HERE to read the full story via Financial […]

    Wink’s Demo on Index Intel!

    {July 26th, 2022} by Wink's Intel Pros

    Hybrid indices have been the primary source of indexed insurance companies’ product management efforts over the past few years. An insurance company has difficulty being taken seriously in their indexed offering, without one of these “uncapped” index offerings.  “Insurance companies used to be protective about the sales of volatility-controlled/proprietary/bespoke indices because they were new” states […]

    Life Insurance In Retirement: The Retirement Power Hour

    {July 26th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore

    I had a personal experience that changed my life and motivated me to work in the life insurance industry.  Click HERE to check it out! -sjm

    UBS launches US equity-focused Climate Aware Equity Index to help investors meet environmental and financial goals

    {July 26th, 2022} by UBS

    NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–UBS today announced the launch of the US version of the UBS Climate Aware Equity Index, which is a rules-based strategy that aims to provide investment exposure to the long-term theme of transitioning to a low carbon and climate resilient economy. he index aims to serve the increasing demand for investment and retirement products […]

    Great American Life Launches New Registered Index-Linked Annuity For Investment Advisors

    {July 26th, 2022} by Great American Life Insurance Company

    CINCINNATI–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Great American Life Insurance Company® expanded its fee-based product line with the launch of the new Index Achiever® Advisory registered index-linked annuity (RILA). Designed to complement clients’ existing portfolios and strengthen their financial plan, this product offers market-linked growth opportunity and reduced risk with several types of partial downside protection to choose from. In comparison to […]

    As the First Variable Annuity Turns 70, TIAA’s CREF Proves as Powerful as Ever

    {July 26th, 2022} by TIAA

    NEW YORK, July 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — The same conditions that made the TIAA CREF variable annuity so revolutionary when it was introduced in July 1952 are again demonstrating the value of the innovative solution on its 70th anniversary. Between 1940 and 1950, Americans faced skyrocketing inflation that almost halved their purchasing power. At the same time, life expectancy […]

    Allianz Life Announces Enhancements to Accumulation Advantage Annuity

    {July 26th, 2022} by Allianz Life

    MINNEAPOLIS – July 19, 2022 – To help clients who are looking for growth potential paired with a level of protection from market volatility, Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz Life) has released enhancements on its Allianz Accumulation Advantage® fixed index annuity (FIA). The FIA has been re-engineered to offer more competitive rates, along with […]

    Oceanview Life Names James Ryan Executive Vice President of Marketing

    {July 26th, 2022} by Oceanview Life and Annuity Company

    PHOENIX–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Oceanview Life and Annuity Company (“Oceanview Life”), an insurance company, today announced that James Ryan has been appointed Executive Vice President of Marketing, effective July 11, 2022. Mr. Ryan will be responsible for Oceanview’s marketing function while also playing a key role in business development and relationship management activities. He will be based in […]

    Account Value Drop Cools Annuity Exchanges: Nationwide’s Eric Henderson

    {July 26th, 2022} by Allison Bell

    Falling stock prices can hurt efforts to help variable annuity owners take advantage of improving product guarantees. Eric Henderson, president of Nationwide Annuity at Nationwide Financial, talked about that challenge Friday, in an interview. Click HERE to read the full story via ThinkAdvisor

    Fee-Based Advisors Feel More Successful: American College

    {July 26th, 2022} by Allison Bell

    Fee revenue tends to make U.S. financial advisors and life insurance agents feel as if they’re getting somewhere. Researchers at the Center for Women in Financial Services, an arm of the American College of Financial Services, gathered data on the mood-enhancing properties of fee revenue when they conducted a survey of about 800 U.S. advisors […]

    Post-Pandemic Life and Your Clients’ Life Insurance Needs

    {July 26th, 2022} by Wade Deward

    I know I am not alone in thinking that since the start of the pandemic, time has lost all meaning. What used to feel like an hour now sometimes feels like a day, and what used to take a month now happens in a minute. However, like many others, I’ve come to realize that what […]

    House Again Asks SEC for an Index-Linked Annuity Filing Form

    {July 26th, 2022} by Allison Bell

    The House Appropriations Committee is still trying to persuade the Securities and Exchange Commission to make things easier for issuers of registered index-linked annuities. The committee has added a provision asking the SEC to create a filing form just for RILA issuers in a comment on its SEC funding recommendations for federal fiscal 2023. Click […]

    Global Atlantic’s First Structured Annuity Has a Moving Floor

    {July 26th, 2022} by Cyril Tuohy

    Global Atlantic Financial Group has jumped into the market for structured annuities with a product that has a dynamic, moving “floor” to protect against losses. Click HERE to read the full story via Life Annuity Specialist     “I can’t think of anyone that currently does the same as this,” said Peter Lamond, variable annuity product director […]

    5 Biggest Life Markets in the World, Now

    {July 26th, 2022} by Allison Bell

    The United States still has the biggest life insurance and annuity market in the world, and, in 2021, it was one of the faster-growing large markets. The Swiss Re Institute, a research arm of Swiss Re, has posted country-by-country premium data, expressed both in U.S. dollars and in local currencies, in its latest world insurance report. Click HERE […]

    After a blistering 2022 in life/annuity sales, expect a cooler 2023, S&P says

    {July 26th, 2022} by Steven A. Morelli

    The life insurance and annuity industry were definite winners in the pandemic with their highest growth in premium in a decade, but that momentum might slow into the four years, according to the latest market report from S&P Global. Even before the Federal Reserve started raising interest rates, the industry was benefiting from conditions around […]

    The Most Worry in Years: Americans Are Increasingly Anxious About a Recession As Inflation Cuts into Spending Power

    {July 26th, 2022} by Allianz Life

    Allianz Life study finds majority of Americans say their income is not keeping up with rising expenses Key findings: 66% worry that a major recession is right around the corner, up from 48% at this time last year 82% say they worry about rising inflation continuing to have a negative impact on the purchasing power […]

    Tontines Are Alive, and They Could Compete With Annuities in the U.S.

    {July 26th, 2022} by Allison Bell

    Some retirement policy specialists want to create a new U.S. personal pension program based on tontines. Financial professionals who paid attention to the history lessons in their early licensing exam courses may have vague memories of tontines being a problem that U.S. life insurers outgrew. Click HERE to read the full story via ThinkAdvisor

    The Standard Recognized as a Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion

    {July 26th, 2022} by The Standard

    PORTLAND, Ore.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Standard Insurance Company (The Standard) scored 100% on the Disability Equality Index and was named a “Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion” by the American Association of People with Disabilities, the nation’s largest disability rights organization, and Disability:IN, the global business disability inclusion network. “We’re thrilled to be included on the 2022 Disability Equality Index […]

    New Study: More Than Two-Thirds of Americans Don’t Know that Social Security is Protected Against Inflation

    {July 26th, 2022} by Nationwide

    COLUMBUS, Ohio, July 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Continued financial repercussions from the pandemic, new concerns over market volatility and high inflation are leading two-thirds of Americans (66%) to worry more now than they did before about their retirement income, according to the Nationwide Retirement Institute‘s ninth annual Social Security Consumer Survey. That’s a 10 percentage-point spike from 2021. […]

    Wade Pfau Takes a Balanced Look at a Retirement Product Some Advisors Love to Hate

    {July 26th, 2022} by Ed McCarthy

    Variable annuities are big business. According to LIMRA, total variable annuity sales were $32.3 billion in the fourth quarter of 2021, an increase of 17% from the prior year. For the full year 2021, total sales were $125.6 billion, 27% higher than the prior year. But if you want to start a debate among financial […]

    Northwestern Mutual Earns Perfect Score in Leading National Index for Disability Inclusion

    {July 26th, 2022} by Northwestern Mutual

    MILWAUKEE, July 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Northwestern Mutual announced today that the company earned its fourth consecutive perfect score on the Disability Equality Index (DEI) – one of the most trusted and comprehensive national benchmarks for measuring disability inclusion in the workplace. “Northwestern Mutual continues to take meaningful steps to strengthen its culture of inclusivity – one […]

    Fidelity National Financial Announces Second Quarter 2022 Earnings Release and Conference Call

    {July 26th, 2022} by Fidelity National Financial, Inc.

    JACKSONVILLE, Fla., July 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Fidelity National Financial, Inc. (NYSE: FNF) (the “Company”), a leading provider of title insurance and transaction services to the real estate and mortgage industries and a leading provider of insurance solutions serving retail annuity and life customers and institutional clients through FNF’s wholly-owned subsidiary, F&G, will release second quarter 2022 earnings […]

    Most Gen Zers Prefer Financial Advice from TikTok, YouTube

    {July 26th, 2022} by Alex Padalka

    Financial advisors are competing with video social media platforms to provide financial advice to Gen Z investors — and losing, according to a recent survey. Just 24% of Gen Z consumers rely on a financial advisor for financial advice, marketing company Vericast says it found in a survey of 1,000 adults in the U.S. Click HERE to […]

    The 60/40 Strategy Will Make a Comeback: Morgan Stanley

    {July 26th, 2022} by Tassia Sipahutar

    The classic 60/40 portfolio, where investments are split 60% in stocks and 40% in bonds, is merely resting and isn’t dead, Morgan Stanley’s chief cross-asset strategist said, after the strategy had its deepest first-half dive since 1988. The approach offers higher estimated long-term returns in the U.S. and Europe over the next decade than at […]

    Patrick Bet-David and PHP Agency Join Integrity to Accelerate Growth and Serve More People

    {July 26th, 2022} by Integrity Marketing Group

    DALLAS, July 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Integrity Marketing Group, LLC (“Integrity”), a leading distributor of life and health insurance and provider of wealth management and retirement planning solutions, today announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire PHP Agency, an industry-leading field marketing organization (“FMO”) based in Addison, Texas. As part of the acquisition, […]

    Equitable told teachers their variable annuity fees were $0.00, SEC says

    {July 26th, 2022} by Tobias Salinger

    Equitable Financial Life Insurance agreed on July 18 to pay $50 million to settle SEC fraud charges alleging that it sent “materially misleading” account statements to 1.4 million annuity holders over the past six years. Equitable, a target of critics who assert the company is predatory toward teachers, a core market for the annuities industry, left out […]

    Brad Rhodes: Some reasons why women should consider annuities for retirement

    {July 26th, 2022} by Salisbury Post (NC)

    Below are some reasons why women should consider using annuities to create more prosperous, less stressful retirements. If you’re a woman in or near retirement, let me ask you this: “How do you plan to take what you’ve so diligently saved and turn it into a lifetime stream of dependable, predictable, tax-advantaged income?” Click HERE […]

    William Lako : With high inflation and volatility, do annuities make sense?

    {July 26th, 2022} by Marietta Daily Journal (GA)

    Rising interest rates, high inflation, and a declining stock market can push many investors to question their investment selection, especially those looking at retirement in a few short years. As such, the Secure Retirement Institute reported total U.S. annuity sales are at their highest since 2008. Does it make sense to purchase annuities in times of volatility and uncertainty? […]

    4 Financial Steps to Care for Your Child with Special Needs

    {July 26th, 2022} by Josh Monroe

    Article excerpt: Once the special needs trust is created, it needs to be funded with enough assets to provide for your child for the rest of their life. If you do not have enough savings and other assets, life insurance can be an excellent tool and is used by many parents to create instant liquidity […]

    Economic Headwinds Are Eroding American Retirement Confidence

    {July 26th, 2022} by FA Staff

    A series of bad headlines could be taking its toll on retirement savers. For the first time in several years, retirement confidence fell in BlackRock’s “Read on Retirement” survey. After peaking at 68% last year, the number of respondents saying they are on track for retirement declined to 63% in this year’s survey. A total […]

    How Advisors Can Better Help Managing Decumulation

    {July 26th, 2022} by Lauren Drapeau

    Prudent investors typically spend decades building wealth for retirement. With the help of their financial advisor, they create and update a financial plan and develop a portfolio of investments to accumulate the wealth they will use to fund their post-working years. One day, they finally reach retirement.  Click HERE to read the full story via […]

    Equitable to Pay $50M for Misleading Teachers on Annuity Fees

    {July 19th, 2022} by Melanie Waddell

    The Securities and Exchange Commission announced fraud charges late Monday against Equitable Financial Life Insurance Co. for providing account statements to about 1.4 million variable annuity investors that included materially misleading statements and omissions concerning investor fees. Equitable agreed to pay $50 million to harmed investors, most of whom are public school teachers and staff […]

    The Evolution of the Index with Sheryl Moore

    {July 19th, 2022} by John Hilton

    An explosion in the growth of proprietary indices and indexed products continues. But regulators are circling. What will the next generation of indexed products look like? Indexed products are popular, offering apparent upside and little downside. But regulators are wary. The growth of proprietary indices has critics claiming consumers are confused and misled by rosy […]

    NAIC subgroup tees up another crackdown on IUL illustrations

    {July 19th, 2022} by John Hilton

    After a five-month hiatus, a state regulator group met today to again consider tightening Actuarial Guideline 49A to rein in life insurance illustrations. The Indexed Universal Life Illustration Supgroup held a short call to restart its discussion on the problematic IUL illustrations. Adopted in 2015, AG 49 failed to bring IUL illustrations in line, so […]

    It’s chock-full of good articles!

    {July 19th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Just getting caught-up on my reading, and Steve Howard‘s Broker World is chock-full of good articles this month. Luke Cosme made a great point that all viable solutions need to be considered, when it comes to life insurance products. Don Levin reminded me of the power of the hand-written note in his contribution. Charlie Gipple, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC® had a piece […]

    Global Atlantic announces new registered index-linked annuity to help retirees balance growth potential and risk management

    {July 19th, 2022} by Global Atlantic Financial Group

    NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Global Atlantic Financial Group (Global Atlantic), a leading financial services company, announced the launch of ForeStructured Growth, the first registered index-linked annuity (RILA) to be issued by a company subsidiary. The annuity provides retirees with meaningful growth potential alongside interest crediting strategies designed to limit the risk of performance losses. Interest crediting options include […]

    Protective Launches Protective® Aspirations Variable Annuity Product

    {July 19th, 2022} by Protective Life Corporation

    BIRMINGHAM, Ala.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Protective Life Corporation, a wholly owned U.S. subsidiary of Dai‑ichi Life Holdings, Inc. (TSE:8750) today announced the launch of its Protective® Aspirations Variable Annuity product, issued by its principal subsidiary Protective Life Insurance Company (“Protective”). According to a 2022 consumer survey,1 the most important service consumers of all ages seek from a financial professional is “understand how […]

    Symetra Enhances Registered Index-Linked Annuities Suite

    {July 19th, 2022} by Symetra

    BELLEVUE, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Amidst ongoing market volatility, Symetra Life Insurance Company today announced new enhancements to its suite of registered index-linked annuities (RILAs), including new indexed account choices for Symetra Trek® Plus, and a new Auto Return Lock feature available for all RILAs. Symetra Trek® Plus new indexed account options—Symetra added five new optional indexed account choices with a 10% […]

    Penn Mutual introduces new Accumulation Indexed Universal Life

    {July 19th, 2022} by The Penn Mutual LIfe Insurance Company

    HORSHAM, Pa., July 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company (Penn Mutual), a Fortune 1000 company, announces the introduction of Accumulation Indexed Universal Life (AIUL), a permanent life insurance product providing protection and cash accumulation potential backed by more than 175 years of financial strength. “AIUL offers clients strong upside accumulation potential with downside protection […]

    Finseca and NAIFA work together to address unnecessary burdens placed on the professionals dedicated to providing financial security for millions of Americans

    {July 19th, 2022} by Finseca and NAIFA

      WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 15, 2022) –  The following joint statement from Finseca and NAIFA was issued today regarding the National Conference of Insurance Legislators’ (NCOIL) advancement of a resolution regarding Recruitment, Retention, and Diversity within the Life Insurance Agent Profession. “Helping more Americans achieve financial security starts with a financial plan and having access to a financial security […]

    Some State Lawmakers Troubled by Private Equity’s Growing Life & Annuity Stake

    {July 19th, 2022} by Allison Bell

    State lawmakers are wondering what they should think about the growing role of private equity fund owners in the life insurance and annuity sector. Members of the National Council of Insurance Legislators, a group for state lawmakers with an interest in insurance, recently held a well-attended session on the private equity ownership issues today, at […]

    Central banks to continue with interest rate hikes

    {July 19th, 2022} by INN Insider Pro

    Series of large interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve put pressure on central banks around the world to follow suit and counter rising inflation and a strong dollar. An analysis by the Financial Times reveals that central banks are now opting, more than at any time this century, for large rate hikes of 50 […]

    Life insurers see increased variable universal life sales compared to universal life and indexed universal life products, according to annual Milliman survey

    {July 19th, 2022} by Milliman, Inc.

    SEATTLE , July 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Milliman, Inc., a premier global consulting and actuarial firm, today released the results of its 15th annual Milliman study of universal life (UL), indexed universal life (IUL), and variable universal life (VUL) issues. The study is based on a survey of 27 UL/IUL/VUL companies and focuses on current topics that impact these […]

    Can a Registered Index-Linked Annuity Protect Your Clients in a Down Market?

    {July 19th, 2022} by Robert Bloink and William H. Byrnes

    With interest rates rising and the stock market showing no signs of a rebound, many clients may be considering whether now might be the right time to lock some of their funds into an annuity product. Registered index-linked annuities (also known as “RILAs,” index-linked annuities or buffer annuities) have surged in popularity in recent years. For […]

    Q2 Life, Health and Annuity Earnings Calendar: A Return to Volatility

    {July 19th, 2022} by Allison Bell

    Publicly traded life, health and annuity issuers are about to tell investors what rising interest rates, inflation and geopolitical uncertainty did to their earnings in the quarter that ended June 30. Issuers could also face questions about the recent increase in COVID-19 hospitalization counts. Click HERE to read the full story via ThinkAdvisor

    ‘Great Resignation,’ Covid-19 forcing employers to sweeten benefits

    {July 19th, 2022} by Gregg Greenberg

    Employers seeking to hold onto their top talent had better boost their benefits offerings — and not necessarily the financial ones. Click HERE to read the full story via InvestmentNews

    State Lawmakers Question Insurer Life Policy Buyout Offers

    {July 19th, 2022} by Allison Bell

    Some U.S. life insurers have tried to shed life insurance policy guarantee risk by using temporary cash incentives to persuade the holders to surrender their policies. A group for state insurance lawmakers said Saturday that state insurance regulators should try to block insurers’ efforts to make temporary life insurance policy buyout offers. Click HERE To […]

    Annuities Are Still Too Complicated: Robert Powell

    {July 19th, 2022} by Allison Bell

    Robert Powell helps the annuity writers talk to the annuity distributors. Powell is vice president of wealth management sales at iPipeline, a financial services distribution technology company based in Exton, Pennsylvania. The teams he leads support wealth management and insurance distributors. Click HERE to read the full story via ThinkAdvisor

    USAA Customers Have a Strong Grip on Their Life Policies: Researchers

    {July 19th, 2022} by Allison Bell

    USAA — a policyholder-owned insurer that has historically focused on serving military veterans and their relatives — may be the big U.S. life insurer with the lowest policy lapse rate. A team of researchers led by Ralph S.J. Koijen has presented data supporting that conclusion in a new analysis of how economic slumps affect which […]

    Clients’ Universal Life Policies Might Contain a Retirement Planning Boost

    {July 19th, 2022} by Allison Bell

    Many clients who come in with newly purchased individual life insurance policies may have something extra in their portfolios: long-term care benefits. Two actuaries at Milliman — Carl Friedrich and Michelle Krysiak — have included a section on long-term care riders in a new report on sales of U.S. individual universal life, indexed universal life […]

    Integrity Announces Innovative Industry Trailblazer Bryan Hunsaker as President, Integrity Contact Centers

    {July 19th, 2022} by Integrity Marketing Group

    DALLAS – JULY 14, 2022 – Integrity Marketing Group, LLC (“Integrity”), a leading distributor of life and health insurance, and provider of wealth management and retirement planning solutions, today announced Bryan Hunsaker will become President, Integrity Contact Centers. Hunsaker will oversee Integrity’s expansive contact center and telephonic agent efforts. He will also work closely with other members of Integrity’s […]

    Annuities Industry Among Beneficiaries Of Surging Interest Rates

    {July 19th, 2022} by Edward Hayes

    While there is mixed reaction to the Federal Reserve’s decision to raise interest rates by a record-breaking 75 basis points, the annuity industry is benefiting, and those that offer the products are making sure clients know about them. Annuities are investments commonly associated with their monthly payouts. Many use these investment vehicles as a regular […]

    Economic Outlook Suddenly Not So Dire

    {July 19th, 2022} by Rich Blake

    It’s the dead of summer, but for advisors and investors there’s a hint of spring-like hope in the air, sort of. For starters, as Dealbreaker pointed out, how much worse can it get?  In other words, just because the stock market endured its worst first-half since 1970, with the S&P 500 losing 21% since its January peak, […]

    E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley Study Reveals Education Costs Are a Leading Reason Young Investors Dip Into Retirement Savings

    {July 19th, 2022} by E Trade

    ARLINGTON, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley today announced results from the most recent wave of StreetWise, its quarterly tracking study of experienced investors. As graduation season comes to a close, results show the impact education costs have on investors just embarking on their investment journeys: Young investors are withdrawing early to pay for education. Of the nearly […]

    Northwestern Mutual Expands Business Accelerator for Black Entrepreneurs to Include Five Promising Tech Startups

    {July 19th, 2022} by Northwestern Mutual

    Program provides each startup with $100,000 and access to training and resources MILWAUKEE, July 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Northwestern Mutual, in partnership with gener8tor, today announced the addition of five tech startups to its Black Founder Accelerator program – an initiative the company launched this past year to provide targeted resources and financing to promising Black entrepreneurs nationwide. “This next […]

    Inflation, Recession and Healthcare Costs Continue to Keep Americans Age 50+ Up at Night When It Comes to Their Retirement, New F&G Survey Finds

    {July 19th, 2022} by Fidelity & Guaranty Life

    DES MOINES, Iowa, July 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Four out of five Americans age 50+1 (80%) say they are worried about inflation in retirement, according to a new survey from F&G, a leading provider of insurance solutions serving retail annuity and life customers and institutional clients. This feeling is even more acute among pre-retirees (84%) vs. 76% of […]

    Simplicity Acquires Chesapeake Brokerage Becoming the 40th Business to Join the Fast-Growing Group

    {July 19th, 2022} by Simplicity Group

    SUMMIT, N.J., July 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Simplicity Group (“Simplicity”) today announced the acquisition of Chesapeake Brokerage (“Chesapeake”), a Delaware-based firm specializing in the distribution of life, LTC and annuity products to independent agents and advisors. With this new partnership, Simplicity welcomes Jeff Levy and Marge Levy as Partners, both of whom will continue to manage the day-to-day business operations of Chesapeake, while transitioning […]

    Simplicity Completes its 41st Acquisition, Welcoming Life Policy Pros to the Group and Founder Michael Kelly as Partner

    {July 19th, 2022} by Simplicity Group

    SUMMIT, N.J., July 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Simplicity Group (“Simplicity”) today announced the acquisition of Life Policy Pros, Inc. (“Life Policy Pros”), a NJ-based firm specializing in the distribution of life insurance to independent financial advisors and insurance agents. With this new partnership, Simplicity welcomes founder Michael Kelly as the group’s newest partner. “Mike Kelly has tremendous experience in the […]

    Ty J. Young Wealth Management Acquires Annuity Pros, LLC

    {July 19th, 2022} by Ty J. Young Wealth Management

    ATLANTA, July 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Ty J. Young Wealth Management, one of Atlanta’s largest financial advisory practices, has announced it has acquired Annuity Pros, LLC. The acquisition of the Gulf Breeze, FL based financial services firm marks Ty J. Young’s 22nd acquisition in the past four years as part of its rapid nationwide expansion. “It’s our honor to have the opportunity to serve […]

    Brighthouse Financial Announces Conference Call to Discuss Second Quarter 2022 Results

    {July 19th, 2022} by Brighthouse Financial, Inc

      CHARLOTTE, N.C.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Brighthouse Financial, Inc. (Brighthouse Financial) (Nasdaq: BHF) announced today that it plans to hold a conference call and audio webcast to discuss its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2022, at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Friday, August 5, 2022. The call will follow the issuance of the Brighthouse […]

    More Than Half of Black Employees Say the Pandemic Caused Them to Re-Evaluate What Matters Most Financially

    {July 19th, 2022} by Lincoln Financial Group

    RADNOR, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The pandemic’s onset in the U.S. has surpassed the two-year mark and the crisis has had long-term effects on financial attitudes and behaviors across various demographics—including a few silver linings. According to Lincoln Financial Group’s (NYSE: LNC) 2021 Retirement Power® study, Black employees are more likely than the total population to report the pandemic […]

    MassMutual Releases Inaugural Sustainability Report

    {July 19th, 2022} by MassMutual

    SPRINGFIELD, Mass., and BOSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) today released its 2021 Sustainability Report, highlighting the company’s long-standing commitment and progress across key environmental, social, and governance (ESG) topics. The inaugural report emphasizes that sustainability is integral to how MassMutual delivers value and stability for its stakeholders, and details the company’s efforts to advance diversity, […]

    Horace Mann announces second-quarter results were affected by higher-than-historical average catastrophe activity and equity market declines

    {July 19th, 2022} by Horace Mann Educators Corporation

    SPRINGFIELD, Ill.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Horace Mann Educators Corporation (NYSE:HMN) today announced it experienced second-quarter catastrophe losses well above the company’s 10-year historical average. In addition, the significant equity market declines during the quarter resulted in unfavorable DAC unlocking. “The confluence of external events that is temporarily impacting our financial performance does not detract from our unwavering commitment […]

    Global Atlantic subsidiary named to Ward’s 50 top life and health insurers for thirteenth consecutive year

    {July 19th, 2022} by Global Atlantic Financial Group

    NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Global Atlantic Financial Group, a leading financial services company, today announced that its subsidiary, Forethought Life Insurance Company, has been named a Ward’s 50® top life and health insurance company for the thirteenth consecutive year. Forethought Life Insurance Company is the primary issuer of annuities and preneed life insurance products for Global Atlantic. No other […]

    Pacific Life Updates Underwriting Guidelines to Expand Life Insurance Options to Individuals Living With HIV

    {July 19th, 2022} by Pacific Life

    NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Pacific Life has expanded its offering of life insurance coverage to eligible individuals living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). “In keeping with our progressive approach to underwriting, we are leveraging the latest medical advancements in therapeutics for HIV in order to offer coverage to individuals living with this chronic condition,” said Dawn […]

    Protective Life Corporation Names Kathryn Cox Senior Vice President and President of Protection Division

    {July 19th, 2022} by Protective Life Corporation

    BIRMINGHAM, Ala.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Protective Life Corporation (Protective), a wholly owned U.S. subsidiary of Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc. (TSE:8750), today announced that Kathryn Cox has joined the company as senior vice president and will serve as president of the company’s Protection Division, effective July 12, 2022. In her role, Cox will lead sales, new business operations, product development and underwriting […]

    AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Guardian Life Insurance Company of America and Its Subsidiaries

    {July 19th, 2022} by AM Best

    OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A++ (Superior) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICR) of “aa+” (Superior) of Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (Guardian Life) (New York, NY) and its core subsidiaries, Guardian Insurance & Annuity Company, Inc. (Wilmington, DE) and Berkshire Life Insurance Company of America (Pittsfield, […]

    AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Global Atlantic Financial Group Limited and Its Subsidiaries

    {July 19th, 2022} by AM Best

    OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICR) of “a” (Excellent) of Commonwealth Annuity and Life Insurance Company (Brighton, MA), First Allmerica Financial Life Insurance Company (Brighton, MA), Forethought Life Insurance Company (Indianapolis, IN), Accordia Life and Annuity Company (Des Moines, IA), […]

    Pacific Life Recognizes Wholesalers for Contributions to the Industry

    {July 19th, 2022} by Pacific Life

    NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Pacific Life is a platinum corporate sponsor of the Association for Wholesaling Diversity (AWD) and continues to invest in efforts that increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in the financial industry. Sponsoring AWD is especially important for Pacific Life as it employs a large wholesaling team, and AWD is dedicated to the ongoing […]

    Pacific Life Responds to Need for More Flexibility and Market Protection with New Annuity Offerings

    {July 19th, 2022} by Pacific Life

    NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Pacific Life has launched Pacific Choice® 2, a new variable annuity, along with a new optional living benefit—Investment Guard. Pacific Choice 2 is an enhanced version of Pacific Life’s flagship variable annuity—Pacific Choice®—which has been available to consumers for nearly a decade. Pacific Choice 2 was designed to be more flexible and […]

    Reg BI Makes FINRA’s Top Customer Arb List, a First

    {July 19th, 2022} by Melanie Waddell

    Arbitration cases related to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Regulation Best Interest have, for the first year, made the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority’s top dispute resolution list. Through May 2022, breach of Reg BI comes in at No. 14 on FINRA’s most recent dispute resolution statistics under the category Top 15 Controversy Types in Customer Arbitrations. Click HERE […]

    A Top LPL Advisor and Advocate Talks Secure Act 2.0, DOL Fiduciary Rule

    {July 19th, 2022} by Jane Wollman Rusoff

    The Department of Labor’s Obama-era fiduciary rule is dead — but not forgotten. LPL Financial’s Government Relations Council chair, Judy VanArsdale, meets regularly with congresspeople and senators in Washington to talk about legislation that could affect clients and the industry, and the short-lived rule still comes up. Click HERE to read the full story via […]

    Annuity Sales Went BOOM in Second Quarter, Setting Record

    {July 19th, 2022} by Cyril Tuohy

    Limra is estimating overall annuity sales in the second quarter at $75 billion to $76 billion, an all-time high for any three-month period. Click HERE to read the full story via Life Annuity Specialist             Wink’s Note: Wink will publish the second quarter’s sales in August 2022.  Wink’s Sales & Maret […]

    FAs Weigh In: ‘Definitely Not Going Back to Suit and Tie’

    {July 19th, 2022} by Rita Raagas De Ramos

    FA-IQ reached out to advisors to ask: What changes have you implemented in the way you run your practice because of the Covid-19 pandemic? Do you expect those changes to stick even after the pandemic is over? Click HERE to read the full story

    NAILBA Charitable Foundation 2022 Grant Application

    {July 19th, 2022} by NAILBA

    In a time when competition for grant money is fierce, the NAILBA Charitable Foundation is dedicated to providing funds to well-run charities in our communities that may not otherwise have access to additional funding. Visit our GRANTS page for complete details on how to help a charity in your community apply for a grant from the NAILBA […]

    Top Causes of Death in U.S. for 2021 by Age Group

    {July 18th, 2022} by Mary Pat Campbell

    Yesterday, CDC updated the provisional 2021 database of death data on WONDER, and there was no longer censored data for 2021. Huzzah! There may still be some small details that get changed before the CDC adds 2021 to the finalized death data set, as there does require review and data cleaning before finalization. Even before […]

    NAIFA’S TOP LEADERS, RENOWNED KEYNOTES, AND AN OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST HIGHLIGHT NAIFA-FL EVENT

    {July 18th, 2022} by NAIFA

    The NAIFA-FL Financial Advisors Sales Symposium featured nationally known keynote speakers, insightful educational breakout sessions, and a high-powered panel discussion by members of NAIFA’s top national leadership, including President Lawrence Holzberg, LUTCF, LACP, President-Elect Bryon Holz, CLU, ChFC, LUTCF, CASL, LACP, Secretary Tom Cothron, LUTCF, FSCP, and CEO Kevin Mayeux, CAE. Main stage speakers included […]

    Appeals Court Overturns Bribery Conviction of Insurance Entrepreneur

    {July 18th, 2022} by Leslie Scism

    A federal appeals court ordered a new trial for imprisoned insurance executive Greg Lindberg, who was convicted of attempting to bribe a state insurance commissioner with campaign contributions to secure more favorable regulatory treatment for his insurers. Mr. Lindberg’s seven-year prison sentence is among the stiffest for white-collar defendants in recent years. Click HERE to read the full […]

    Investors Pour Cash Into Higher-Yielding Fixed Annuities

    {July 18th, 2022} by Leslie Scism

    Losses on stocks and bonds, plus higher interest rates, have turned investors toward fixed-rate annuities, a haven that is offering decent yields for the first time in years. Second-quarter sales of various types of annuities are projected to top $74 billion, setting a record, according to life-insurance-industry-funded research firm Limra. That would be more than […]

    Recorded Webinar: The Evolution of the Index

    {July 18th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore

    Hey there. Were you busy on Wednesday? Have a migraine? Have to call-in sick because of your kid? Fear not! My webinar was recorded. See here!  

    Simplicity Group Agrees to Acquire LifePro Financial Services and Will Welcome Heather Ulz and Ben Nevejans as Partners

    {July 18th, 2022} by Simplicity Group

    SUMMIT, N.J., July 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — The Simplicity Group (“Simplicity”) today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire LifePro Financial Services, Inc. (“LifePro”), a San Diego-based financial products distribution business serving independent financial professionals across the country with a range of financial planning and sales and marketing supports. The agreement with LifePro marks […]

    4 Things to Consider Before Buying a Deferred Income Annuity: FINRA

    {July 18th, 2022} by Melanie Waddell

    Deferred income annuities, also referred to as longevity insurance, are often purchased as an alternative to a pension by those seeking a set amount of guaranteed income in their later years, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority explains in a new notice. But investors should do their homework before buying DIAs. Click HERE to read the […]

    Michelle DeCarlo Of Lincoln Financial Recognized As 2022 Woman Worth Watching

    {July 17th, 2022} by Lincoln Financial Group

    RADNOR, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Lincoln Financial Group announced today that Michelle DeCarlo, senior vice president and divisional chief information officer of IT for the company’s corporate functions, was named by Profiles in Diversity Journal to its 2022 “Women Worth Watching® in STEM” list. Each year, this esteemed award recognizes high-achieving women in the science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) […]

    The Evolution of the Index with Sheryl Moore: July 13th

    {July 12th, 2022} by Jamie Johnson

    An explosion in the growth of proprietary indices and indexed products continues. But regulators are circling. What will the next generation of indexed products look like? Indexed products are popular, offering apparent upside and little downside. But regulators are wary. The growth of proprietary indices has critics claiming consumers are confused and misled by rosy […]

    A MYGA? Fixed-Indexed Annuity? New Product Straddles Categories.

    {July 12th, 2022} by Cyril Tuohy

    Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink, publisher of Wink’s Sales & Market Report, said Ibexis’ MYGA Plus is employing the same kind of “performance triggered strategy” that has been used on indexed annuities for decades. A rise in the index simply triggers a higher payout on the product. “Ibexis is just guaranteeing the declared rate for a period […]

    Historical Snapshot the heck out of that!

    {July 12th, 2022} by Jamie Johnson

    Starting with the 2Q2022, we will begin taking Historical Snapshots of our product specifications. This functionality gives you access to product specifications from past quarters.   Wonder what the bonus used to be on that annuity? Check out the Historical Snapshot. How high was the street level compensation on that contract two years ago? A […]

    Policyholders wait as Greg Lindberg insurers remain stuck in receivership

    {July 12th, 2022} by John Hilton

    Of the nearly 84,000 policyholders of the Southland National Insurance Corp., currently in receivership, all but two are expected to receive their full policy value thanks to the backstop provided by state guaranty associations. Southland is one of four insurers owned by troubled billionaire Greg Lindberg. All are in a receivership supervised by the North […]

    New Life and Annuity Guarantees Are Still Out There

    {July 12th, 2022} by Allison Bell

    Life and annuity issuers have been a little quiet in recent weeks, but some announcements about new products, new alliances and other strategy choices have been trickling out. Here’s a look at the ideas that seem to be shaping the new moves. 1. Offer guarantees. The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Co. has introduced an Accumulation […]

    Life Application Activity Loses COVID-Era Luster

    {July 12th, 2022} by Allison Bell

    Your clients’ purchases of life insurance policies may now look more like they did before the COVID-19 pandemic started. Consumers filed 6% fewer applications for individual life insurance in June than they filed in June 2021, according to MIB Group’s new U.S. application activity report. But activity was strong earlier in the year, and overall […]

    Stock Market Volatility Could Hammer Some Annuity Issuers: Analysts

    {July 12th, 2022} by Allison Bell

    The financial wind howling outside may have knocked some shingles off some life and annuity issuers’ roofs in the second quarter. A Morgan Stanley team led by Nigel Dally sizes up the companies’ storm resistance in a new earnings preview article. The second quarter ended June 30. UnitedHealth Group, a health insurer, will kick off […]

    Jackson to Report Second Quarter 2022 Financial Results

    {July 12th, 2022} by Jackson Financial Inc.

    LANSING, Mich.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jackson Financial Inc.1 (NYSE: JXN) (Jackson®) will announce financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2022 after market close Tuesday, August 9, 2022. Jackson’s press release and supplemental financial materials will be available at investors.jackson.com. Jackson will host a conference call and webcast Wednesday, August 10, 2022 at 10 a.m. ET to review […]

    AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company and Its Subsidiaries

    {July 12th, 2022} by AM Best

    OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A++ (Superior) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICR) of “aa+” (Superior) of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) (domiciled in Springfield, MA) and its life/health subsidiaries, C.M. Life Insurance Company and MML Bay State Life Insurance Company (both domiciled in Enfield, CT). […]

    Protective Launches Protective Aspirations Variable Annuity Product

    {July 12th, 2022} by Protective Life Corporation

    BIRMINGHAM, Ala.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Protective Life Corporation, a wholly owned U.S. subsidiary of Dai‑ichi Life Holdings, Inc. (TSE:8750) today announced the launch of its Protective® Aspirations Variable Annuity product, issued by its principal subsidiary Protective Life Insurance Company (“Protective”). According to a 2022 consumer survey,1 the most important service consumers of all ages seek from a financial professional is “understand how […]

    Global Atlantic subsidiary named to Ward’s 50 top life and health insurers for thirteenth consecutive year

    {July 12th, 2022} by Global Atlantic Financial Group

    NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Global Atlantic Financial Group, a leading financial services company, today announced that its subsidiary, Forethought Life Insurance Company, has been named a Ward’s 50® top life and health insurance company for the thirteenth consecutive year. Forethought Life Insurance Company is the primary issuer of annuities and preneed life insurance products for Global Atlantic. No other […]

    Principal Launches New Variable Annuity Buffer Funds to Help Safeguard Investors From Market Volatility

    {July 12th, 2022} by Principal

    DES MOINES, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Principal Financial Group® today announced the launch of new buffer fund investment options within its variable annuity business aimed at helping customers balance the need to build and protect savings in retirement with managing risk. The new investment options provide both market growth and limited downside protection – two key factors shifting variable […]

    Four out of Five Americans Cite Inflation and Recession Anxieties as Top Retirement Income Concerns

    {July 12th, 2022} by Alliance for Lifetime Income

    WASHINGTON, July 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — As high inflation persists into the second half of the year, most Americans ages 45 to 75 are worried about the dual risks of high inflation reducing spending power in retirement (81%) or a recession driving the economy down and impacting retirement income (79%). That anxiety is manifesting in real-world behavior as […]

    As Indexed Life Sales Jump, Penn Mutual Rolls Out New Product

    {July 12th, 2022} by Warren S. Hersch

    Separately, Wink reported National Life Group was the product segment’s top seller in the first quarter, with an 11.1% market share. Others among the top five included Pacific Life, Nationwide, Transamerica, and John Hancock. Click HERE to read the full story via Life Annuity Specialist

    Making Advisors’ Lives Easier Is New Way Into $9.3T Market

    {July 12th, 2022} by Cyril Tuohy

    “These outsourced insurance desks are erupting because of the new registered investment advisor distribution that has come into the annuity space since the initial discussions of the best interest standard,” said Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink, publisher of Wink’s Sales & Market Report. Moore said just 1.2% of the $59.7 billion first quarter annuity sales were coming through […]

    New York Life Picks Company Veteran to Lead Retail Annuities

    {July 12th, 2022} by Allison Bell

    New York Life Insurance Co. has picked Todd Taylor to be the head of its retail annuities unit. The unit generated $13 billion in individual annuity sales in 2021, or about 5% of all 2021 U.S. individual annuity sales. Taylor, who will become a senior vice president, has been a vice president at New York […]

    Kings of the Hill

    {July 6th, 2022} by John Hilton

    When Sheryl Moore started her market research company 17 years ago, there were exactly a dozen indexes on which one could earn interest from an indexed annuity product. Today, there are at least 150 different indexes being tracked by Wink Inc. and Moore, president and CEO of the company. Ninety-four percent of them are hybrid […]

    ‘Crazy’ evolution of life, annuity indexes draws scrutiny, says expert

    {July 6th, 2022} by John Hilton

    Indexed products are driving the life insurance sales train, a leading market expert said this week, but dark clouds are lurking. For one, regulators are likely to take another look at a regulation dealing with indexed life illustrations, said Sheryl Moore, president and CEO of Moore Market Intelligence. Likewise, lawsuit activity is up, targeting a […]

    Indexes must evolve with inflation, rising rates, says NAFA panel

    {July 6th, 2022} by John Hilton

    Many popular indexes supporting annuities and life insurance today might not work as well in a recessionary, high-inflation, and rising interest rate environment.   Click HERE to read the full story via INN     …………………………………………………………   Industry veteran Sheryl Moore noted the growth of indexes during a recent Wink, Inc. webinar. When Moore started Wink, a […]

    Annuity Hedging Is Working Well: Milliman’s Adam Schenck

    {July 6th, 2022} by Allison Bell

    When your clients are trying to manage personal financial risk, they call you, and you might help them buy annuities, or cash-value life insurance. When the issuers worry about what the S&P 500 is doing, some of them call Adam Schenck. Click HERE to read the full story via ThinkAdvisor

    How to keep fraudsters from taking over your client’s annuity account

    {July 6th, 2022} by Joy Dawe

    Annuity account takeovers continue to be a serious fraud scheme within the financial services industry. If you are unfamiliar with this concept, this is how it works: Fraudsters gain access to annuity client information; this usually occurs from a breach of client information. Click HERE to read the full story via INN

    New lawsuit seeks class action for victims of alleged fraudulent IUL sales

    {July 6th, 2022} by John Hilton

    A new lawsuit filed last month adds to the legal liability for Minnesota Life Insurance Co. and its partner independent marketing organization caught up in an alleged pension fraud scam. Shurwest, an Arizona-based IMO, appeared to be on its way to consolidating, negotiating and settling the scores of lawsuits it faces. The IMO filed for […]

    Indexed product sellers see ‘attractive’ markets after Fed rate hikes

    {July 6th, 2022} by John Hilton

    When the Federal Reserve announced a historic 0.75-percentage-point rate hike last week, it sent many financial markets into a chaotic state. One market that should benefit from the rate hike, however, is the annuity marketplace, experts say. Specifically, indexed products, which thrive on offering stability when the financial landscape is most unstable. Click HERE to […]

    Nationwide adds death benefit features to Defined Protection RILA

    {July 6th, 2022} by Press Release

    Columbus, OH – Nationwide announced the launch of enhanced legacy features to the Nationwide Defined Protection Annuity (DPA), a registered index-linked annuity. The two new death benefit features, which are available at no extra cost, are uniquely positioned to fit the emerging needs of financial professionals and their clients in today’s challenging economic environment. Return of Premium […]

    Insurance Marketing Automation For Distributors/Advisors And API Magic For Carrier Illustrations

    {July 6th, 2022} by Ken Leibow

    In my last Tech-Tock article, I wrote about learning about the latest innovation in insurtech by attending onsite industry conferences. I am very excited to continue to inform you of the latest technology that can help your business grow and stay on the cutting edge. Sorry for the cliché. I continue to discover more new tech innovations […]

    My Amphibious Suburban And Life Insurance

    {July 6th, 2022} by Charlie Gipple

    Some of my fondest memories as a kid have to do with being on the lake in a boat enjoying water sports. So once I had kids it became a burning desire to torture them as I drove the boat and they held on to the tubes for dear life. So, we bought a boat! […]

    Down Markets Create Opportunity

    {July 6th, 2022} by Charles Arnold

    In May, I attended a VUL academy meeting hosted by John Hancock where we talked about positioning ideas, illustration best practices, and resources available to BGAs and insurance agents when utilizing VUL products. Variable universal life insurance has experienced a strong resurgence in recent years for a variety of factors, but mainly market-related, regulatory, and […]

    2022 Milliman Long Term Care Insurance Survey

    {July 6th, 2022} by Claude Thau, Allen Schmitz, FSA, MAAA and Chris Giese, FSA, MAAA

    The 2022 Milliman Long Term Care Insurance Survey is the 24th consecutive annual review of stand-alone long-term care insurance (LTCI) published by Broker World magazine. It analyzes the marketplace, reports sales distributions, and describes available products. More discussion of worksite sales, including a comparison of worksite sales distributions vs. non-worksite sales distributions will be in […]

    Broker Words- July 2022

    {July 6th, 2022} by Stephen Howard

    There is a series of commercials on TV these days (from a cable service that I despise due to their termination/billing practices) where the spots show two unrelated programs that magically merge into a single action sequence as a result of the customer flipping rapidly back and forth between the two. Serena Williams…Wonder Woman…Serena…Wonder Woman…then […]

    Best’s Special Report: With Spiking Mortality Rates Come Sharp Increase in Life Insurers’ Paid Death Benefits

    {July 6th, 2022} by AM Best

    OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Analysis by AM Best shows U.S. life insurance companies’ paid death benefits increased dramatically over the past two years, with the average amount of claims in 2020-2021 up 37.9% compared with the previous eight years. In its Best’s Special Report, “Mortality Risk Worsening Due to COVID-19,” AM Best states that COVID-19 was the main reason for […]

    AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans

    {July 6th, 2022} by AM Best

    OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A++ (Superior) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating (Long-Term ICR) of “aa+” (Superior) of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans (Thrivent) (headquartered in Minneapolis, MN). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. The ratings reflect Thrivent’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strongest, […]

    New Annuity From Investors Heritage Helps Policyholders Grow Assets Into Retirement

    {July 6th, 2022} by Investors Heritage

    FRANKFORT, Ky.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Investors Heritage Life Insurance Company (“Investors Heritage”) today announced the launch of its newest fixed index annuity (“FIA”) – the Heritage Growth Advantage (“HGA”) – designed to help policyholders grow their assets as part of their retirement planning. Unlike with most other FIAs where rates may be reduced by the carrier, the HGA […]

    Liberty Bankers Insurance Group Releases Enhancements to On-the-Spot Underwriting

    {July 6th, 2022} by Liberty Bankers Insurance Group

    DALLAS, July 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Liberty Bankers Insurance Group (LBIG), a nationally recognized provider of life, health, and financial products, today announced enhancements to its On-the-Spot underwriting process for Medicare Supplement applicants. On-the-Spot is a point-of-sale digital decision tool that accelerates the underwriting process for Medicare Supplement coverage. While traditional underwriting processes may take days or weeks, LBIG’s […]

    Mann elected President, Ameritas Investment Company, LLC and Ameritas Advisory Services, LLC

    {July 6th, 2022} by Ameritas

    LINCOLN, Neb., July 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Effective June 26, Brandon Mann was elected president and director of Ameritas Investment Company, LLC (AIC) and Ameritas Advisory Services, LLC (AAS) Ryan Beasley, Ameritas executive vice president – individual division, announced. Mann joined Ameritas in 2017 as a relationship manager in AIC. He quickly moved into a key leadership role for the organization, […]

    Ameritas announces new Hall of Fame inductee

    {July 6th, 2022} by Ameritas

    CINCINNATI, July 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Ran Gupta, Total Asset Planning, is the newest member of the Ameritas Hall of Fame, Ameritas president and CEO Bill Lester announced today. Gupta will enter the Hall of Fame as a 2022 inductee. The prestigious Hall of Fame award is the highest honor an Ameritas field partner can achieve. The award recognizes […]

    Penn Mutual Receives National Award for Excellence in Data and Analytics

    {July 6th, 2022} by The Penn Mutual LIfe Insurance Company

    HORSHAM, Pa., June 30, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company (Penn Mutual), a Fortune 1000 company, is pleased to announce its recognition as a 2022 Insurance Technology Impact Award Winner from the Aite-Novarica Group Insurance Technology Research Council (Aite-Novarica). The Impact Awards represent the largest purely peer-juried awards in the industry. Winners are […]

    Integrity Announces Appointment of Respected Insurance Industry Leader Tom Dempsey as Chief Distribution Officer

    {July 6th, 2022} by Integrity Marketing Group

    Former Head of Transamerica Financial Network and President/CEO of World Financial Group will oversee Integrity’s rapidly growing Life, Health and Wealth sales organizations DALLAS, June 30, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Integrity Marketing Group, LLC (“Integrity”), a leading distributor of life and health insurance, and provider of wealth management and retirement planning solutions, today announced Tom Dempsey will join its […]

    5 Factors Shaping Life and Annuity Providers’ Q2 Performance

    {July 6th, 2022} by Allison Bell

    Life and annuity issuers will lurch to the end of the second quarter Thursday, and then get ready to tell investors what the heck just happened. The companies that promise to protect your clients against death, disability, long-term care risk and longevity risk faced a storm of lemons. While some insurers were able to make […]

    Buyers Seeking Income Are Turning More Often to Buffered Annuities

    {July 6th, 2022} by Cyril Tuohy

    Six structured annuities offer guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefits, said Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink, publisher of Wink’s Sales & Market Report. “This is a relatively new market, so any growth is going to look significant,” she said in an email. Click HERE to read the full story via Life Annuity Specialist

    Why Women Don’t Seek Financial Advice

    {July 6th, 2022} by James Rogers

    Advisors should create a safe space, provide education and keep it simple, according to SEI’s Shauna Mace. Click HERE to view the video via Financial Advisor IQ

    Ride the annuity bull market (while you can)

    {July 6th, 2022} by Gregg Greenberg

    CNBC “Mad Money” host Jim Cramer famously proclaims, “There’s always a bull market somewhere.”  Click HERE to read the full story via InvestmentNews

    Buyers Still Want Life and Health Brokers: Stacy Kirshner

    {July 6th, 2022} by Allison Bell

    The new investment market volatility has slowed some deals involving insurers — but not the pace of acquisitions for life, health and annuity brokers. Stacy Kirshner, a managing director with the transaction advisory group at Alvarez & Marsal, gave that assessment in a recent email interview. Alvarez & Marsal is a professional services group that’s […]

    Corporate-Owned Life Insurance Can Hold Executive Teams Together: Hector Martinez

    {July 6th, 2022} by Allison Bell

      Hector Martinez has an idea about something different you could offer high-income clients: corporate-owned life insurance, or COLI. Martinez became head of life insurance at Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company about a year ago. One of his duties is to tell advisors about the variable universal life and indexed-linked life insurance policies Equitable Financial offers for […]

    5 Ways Life Insurance Can Boost Clients’ Retirement Plans

    {July 6th, 2022} by Ed McCarthy

    The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (or Secure) Act has made IRAs a less convenient vehicle for estate planning, sending advisors looking for other tax-friendly ways to pass wealth to heirs. Life insurance is one such option, and Secure Act-proofing an estate plan isn’t the only benefit it can provide a retired client. […]

    On a journey to understand the changing financial landscape

    {July 6th, 2022} by John Forcucci

    This year, like many recent years here in the Northeast where I live, the majority of spring was relatively cool — sometimes downright cold. Then it suddenly heated up as we edged closer to July, in some cases jumping from the 50s one day to 90 degrees the next. We often say that we really […]

    currency