Let’s End the Annuity Commission Smear
{May 14th, 2024} by David Macchia
In today’s video, I set the record straight on an annuity commissions. Agents are not overpaid. Commissions are not a bad thing. In fact, they’re very good thing…for consumers. “Sheryl Moore was kind enough to share some stats with me, from her Wink’s Sales & Market Report.“
Structured Annuities Seize the Spotlight
{May 14th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
About fourteen years ago, the first structured annuity hit the streets. It was the first time in 15 years that deferred annuities had to welcome a new product class. And if you are still unfamiliar with these products, it’s time to get an education. These annuities are now the fastest-growing segment of the life insurance […]
How many different insurance companies are you appointed with?
{May 14th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
This U.S. Department of Labor stuff is driving me crazy. I could use your help updating a stat that I use… Click HERE for the poll: For insurance agents- how many different insurance companies are you appointed with? -sjm
This is what U.S. DOL relied on
{May 14th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
The U.S. Department of Labor relied upon a study of RIAs and B/Ds for their rationale on indexed annuities, which are sold by independent insurance agents 57.4% of the time. As a lady who relies on FACTS, to do what she does, I am completely baffled by the made-up bologna that the U.S. Department of Labor […]
Brighthouse to Change How It Makes RILAs
{May 14th, 2024} by Allison Bell
Brighthouse Financial has increased sales of registered index-linked annuities so quickly that it will have to move to a different strategy for making RILAs, company executives said Wednesday. Brighthouse has been managing the financial machinery behind the RILA benefit guarantees together with the financial machinery behind its traditional variable annuities. Click HERE to read the full […]
The DOL Retirement Security Rule Promotes a Narrow Worldview
{May 14th, 2024} by David Macchia
When the Labor Department wrote the document it used to describe its new Retirement Security Rule, department officials embraced the worldview of registered securities sales representatives and other investment advisors. Not the worldview of insurance agents, and certainly not the worldview of retirement income distribution planners. Click HERE to read the full story via Think Advisor
U.S. Life Activity Springs Back Up
{May 14th, 2024} by Allison Bell
U.S. life insurance application activity jumped up in April, after drifting through months of weak year-over-year performance. Shoppers submitted 10.3% more applications last month than in April 2023, according to new data from MIB Group. Click HERE to read the full story via Think Advisor
Will Courts Crush DOL’s New Fiduciary Rule Soon? Don’t Count on It.
{May 14th, 2024} by Melanie Waddell
Now that the Labor Department’s new fiduciary rule has been hit with its first lawsuit, others are likely to follow. In the meantime, compliance with the rule marches on as the effective date nears — and advisors should stay the course. On May 2, the Federation of Americans for Consumer Choice and several independent insurance […]
Annuity Issuer CEO Names DOL Fiduciary Rule Winners and Losers
{May 14th, 2024} by Allison Bell
The new U.S. Labor Department fiduciary standards for retirement rollover advice could help stronger independent marketing organizations crowd out competitors, according to the leader of a top annuity issuer. Chris Blunt, the chief executive officer of F&G Annuities & Life, talked about the impact of the department’s new Retirement Security Rule regulation effort last week, […]
National Western Life Group, Inc. Announces 2024 First Quarter Earnings
{May 14th, 2024} by National Western Life Group, Inc.
AUSTIN, Texas, May 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Ross R. Moody, Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer of National Western Life Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: NWLI), announced today first quarter 2024 consolidated net earnings of $73.6 million, or $20.82 per diluted share of Class A Common Stock, compared with consolidated net earnings of $12.3 million, or $3.48 per diluted share of Class A Common […]
TruStage Enhances Zone Income Annuity Product with Greater Flexibility
{May 14th, 2024} by TruStage
MADISON, Wis., May 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — TruStage™, an insurance, investment and technology provider, focused on making brighter financial futures accessible for all, today announced enhancements to its Zone Income Annuity underwritten by MEMBERS Life Insurance Company. The changes help allow TruStage to better meet modern client expectations for customized investment and income options. With new withdrawal […]
F&G Annuities & Life Reports First Quarter 2024 Results
{May 14th, 2024} by F&G Annuities & Life, Inc.
DES MOINES, Iowa, May 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — F&G Annuities & Life, Inc. (NYSE: FG) (F&G or the Company), a leading provider of insurance solutions serving retail annuity and life customers and institutional clients, today reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024. Net earnings attributable to common shareholders (net earnings) for the first quarter of $111 million, […]
FNF Reports First Quarter 2024 Financial Results
{May 14th, 2024} by Fidelity National Financial, Inc.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., May 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Fidelity National Financial, Inc. (NYSE: FNF) (“FNF” or 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 its majority-owned, publicly traded subsidiary F&G Annuities & […]
KBRA Assigns Ratings to SILAC Insurance Company and Sterling Investors Life Insurance Company
{May 14th, 2024} by KBRA
EW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–KBRA assigns BBB insurance financial strength ratings to SILAC Insurance Company (“SILAC”) and Sterling Investors Life Insurance Company (“SILIC”). The Outlook for both ratings is Stable. The ratings reflect solid capitalization with favorable growth trends in capital, a seasoned management team, minimal exposure to disintermediation risk, and expanded distribution with a focus on […]
Gainbridge® Announces Parity Week to Empower Girls and Women in Sports and Education
{May 14th, 2024} by Gainbridge
ZIONSVILLE, Ind.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–As part of this year’s “Parity Week by Gainbridge®: Investing in the Future of Women’s Sports,” Gainbridge® announces grants totaling $150,000 to deserving organizations that support girls and women through sports and/or education from Gainbridge®, Parity, and Women Gainbridge®, a Group 1001 company, is partnering with its sister company Parity, a brand sponsorship platform committed […]
Jackson Announces First Quarter 2024 Results
{May 14th, 2024} by Jackson National Life Insurance Company
LANSING, Mich.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jackson Financial Inc. (NYSE: JXN) (Jackson®) today announced its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024. Key Highlights Net income (loss) attributable to Jackson Financial Inc. common shareholders of $784 million, or $9.94 per diluted share in the first quarter of 2024, compared to $(1.5) billion, or $(18.11) per diluted […]
Brighthouse Financial Announces First Quarter 2024 Results
{May 14th, 2024} by Brighthouse Financial, Inc
CHARLOTTE, N.C.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Brighthouse Financial, Inc. (“Brighthouse Financial” or the “company”) (Nasdaq: BHF) announced today its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024. First Quarter 2024 Results The company reported a net loss available to shareholders of $519 million in the first quarter of 2024, or $8.22 per diluted share, compared with a […]
DALBAR Reveals Variable Annuity Statements that Exceed Expectations
{May 14th, 2024} by DALBAR
MARLBOROUGH, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–DALBAR, the authority on financial services communications quality, unveiled the results of its 26-year annual review of account statements, crowning Corebridge Financial, Lincoln Financial and Jackson National Life Insurance Company® (Jackson®) as the standard bearers for variable annuity statements. Reigning supreme for 22 years, Corebridge Financial topped the list again by demystifying annuity statements with […]
Lincoln Financial Group and American Century Enhance Offerings in Variable Insurance Trusts Lineup
{May 14th, 2024} by Lincoln Financial Group
RADNOR, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Lincoln Financial Group (NYSE: LNC) and American Century Investments announced today that they are strengthening their partnership by leveraging American Century’s investment expertise and Lincoln Financial’s platform to provide additional opportunities and an enhanced lineup to support investor needs. On April 4, 2024, shareholders of the American Century Variable Portfolios funds approved the […]
Protective Life Corporation Announces Board of Directors Updates
{May 14th, 2024} by Protective Life Corporation
BIRMINGHAM, Ala.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Protective Life Corporation (Protective), a subsidiary of Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc. (Dai-ichi, TSE:8750), announces updates to its board of directors. Newly appointed directors include Stephen Barnham, Senior Managing Executive Officer, Chief Information Officer and Chief Digital Officer of Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc.; Joseph Guastella, Owner of OJW Advisors; Bruce Koepfgen, former President of […]
Lincoln Financial Meets Shifting Customer Need for Growth and Flexibility With Revamped MoneyGuard® Product
{May 14th, 2024} by Lincoln Financial Group
RADNOR, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Lincoln Financial Group (NYSE: LNC) is meeting shifting customer preferences for growth over guarantees1 with the launch of Lincoln MoneyGuard Market Advantage® (2024), issued by The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, Fort Wayne, IN, and providing consumers with trusted long-term care protection, increased investment options and flexibility, and a tax advantage their portfolio might be missing. Lincoln […]
Major insurance company moving to downtown Des Moines, a boost for office market, restaurants
{May 14th, 2024} by Tyler Jett
Downtown Des Moines received a big boost Thursday when American Equity Investment Life Holding Co. announced that it will move its headquarters to the city center from the suburbs. The company, acquired last week by Brookfield Reinsurance in a deal valued at $4.3 billion, will move from its West Des Moines offices by the time its current […]
How much of an income edge could retirees get from annuities?
{May 14th, 2024} by Leo Alamazora
TIAA, a provider of lifetime income solutions, has introduced a new metric designed to illustrate the potential income boost new retirees could achieve from incorporating an annuity strategy into their financial planning compared to just following the 4% rule. Click HERE to read the full story via InvestmentNews
New Metric Demonstrates the TIAA Annuity Paycheck Advantage in Retirement
{May 14th, 2024} by TIAA
NEW YORK, May 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — TIAA, the leader in lifetime income, has launched a new metric—the TIAA Annuity Paycheck Advantage—that demonstrates, in a concise, easily understandable way, the potentially significant additional income new retirees can receive by combining a TIAA annuity with a 4% withdrawal versus using the standard 4% withdrawal rule alone.ii “Retirement advice tends […]
F&G Annuities & Life Announces Appointment of John Currier to President
{May 14th, 2024} by F&G Annuities & Life, Inc.
DES MOINES, Iowa, May 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — F&G Annuities & Life, Inc. (NYSE: FG) (F&G or the Company) a leading provider of insurance solutions serving retail annuity and life customers and institutional clients, today announced the appointment of John Currier to the position of President, continuing to report to Chris Blunt, Chief Executive Officer. In addition to his role as […]
Nearly half of Americans expect slow transition into retirement
{May 14th, 2024} by Allianz Life
MINNEAPOLIS – May 7, 2024 – Americans’ view of retirement is shifting as nearly half of Americans think about retirement as a slow transition away from full-time work rather than a distinct day in the future to leave the workforce, according to the 2024 Annual Retirement Study* from Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz […]
Bestow to sell its life insurance company to Sammons
{May 14th, 2024} by Susan Rupe
Bestow Inc. announced Thursday it will sell its life insurance company to Sammons Financial Group. Bestow Life Insurance Co. will transition to Sammons as soon as the state of Iowa approves the deal, following the required hearing scheduled for May 28. Bestow Inc. will continue to leverage its technology and platform as part of the […]
Gen Z clients may be the right fit for the new breed of IUL products
{May 14th, 2024} by Joshua Stanfield
Do you remember when you were 25 years old? For some of us, it’s a more recent memory than others, but we can all identify with the 25-year-olds who are finally finding their financial footing. Their student loan debt may be decreasing, their salary growing and they may be wondering what’s next. Click HERE to […]
Athene commits to FIAs and ‘custom indices’ as it dominates annuity sales
{May 14th, 2024} by John Hilton
Athene Life and Annuity maintains a Secretariat-like lead over the field in annuity sales, but the insurer still sees turbulence within its product mix. Athene executives met with Wall Street analysts Thursday to pull back the curtain on its first-quarter financial numbers. In 2023, Athene nearly lapped the field with $35.5 billion in annuity sales, […]
Former American Income agent surrenders license in phony life app flap
{May 14th, 2024} by John Hilton
A Pennsylvania agent found to be selling fictitious life insurance policies is providing more ammunition for critics of Globe Life Insurance Co. Jenna S. Grula, of Hanover Township, Pa., allegedly submitted 13 fraudulent life insurance applications between Nov. 14, 2018, and June 27, 2023, according to an April 29 consent order from the Pennsylvania Department […]
Greg Lindberg back on trial for alleged bribery of insurance commissioner
{May 14th, 2024} by John Hilton
Troubled financier Greg Lindberg faces a second trial on high-profile bribery allegations starting Tuesday. Lindberg was convicted in 2020 on bribery and fraud charges, along with consultant John Gray. They were caught on tape offering North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey up to $2 million to replace the deputy in charge of monitoring Lindberg’s companies. […]
Allianz focuses on accumulation market with new FIA
{May 14th, 2024} by John Hilton
Allianz Life Insurance Co. has a long history as a top-selling annuity company with a diverse product suite. The insurer recently added to its annuity shelf with the new accumulation-focused product, Allianz Accumulation Advantage+. The fixed-index annuity combines accumulation potential with a premium bonus, Allianz said in a news release. Click HERE to read the full […]
What’s pushing many Americans into a debt spiral?
{May 14th, 2024} by Leo Alamazora
A recent survey by Achieve, a digital personal finance company, highlights the challenges American households face in managing debt amid rising inflation and stagnant wages. Click HERE to read the full story via InvestmentNews
Brookfield Reinsurance Announces Credit Rating Upgrade of American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company to A
{May 14th, 2024} by Brookfield Reinsurance
BROOKFIELD, NEWS, May 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Brookfield Reinsurance (NYSE, TSX: BNRE, BNRE.A) today announced that its wholly-owned operating subsidiary American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company (“AEL”) has received an upgrade to its Insurer Financial Strength (“IFS”) rating from S&P Global Ratings (“S&P”) to “A” from “A-”. The upgrade reflects AEL being core to […]
Prudential’s Record FlexGuard Sales Hint at Largely Untapped Market
{May 14th, 2024} by Warren S. Hersch
Wink CEO Sheryl Moore also thinks that indexed-linked variable life policies will become more prevalent. Like Parrish, she sees consumer interest in comparable structured annuities fueling adoption — and among a certain type of buyer. “The ideal prospect for structured life is a consumer wanting cash value life insurance that can outpace indexed life but has the ability […]
Fitch affirms A- rating and revises outlook to positive for Constellation Insurance, Inc.
{May 14th, 2024} by Constellation Insurance Inc.
Constellation Insurance, Inc., announced today Fitch Ratings has affirmed its ‘A-‘ Insurer Financial Strength (IFS) rating for AuguStarSM Life Insurance Company, AuguStarSM Life Assurance Corporation and National Security Life and Annuity Co., and has revised the outlook to positive from stable. “We are pleased that Fitch has recognized the continued successful execution of our enterprise strategic plan […]
Osaic Closes Lincoln RIA and BD Acquisition
{May 14th, 2024} by John Manganaro
Osaic, formerly Advisor Group, says it has successfully closed its acquisition of broker-dealer Lincoln Financial Advisors and Lincoln Financial Securities, its partner registered investment advisor firm. Osaic revealed its acquisition plan in December, noting that the dual transaction would bring about 1,450 advisors and $115 billion in client assets to the firm. At the time, Osaic […]
Getting to know our Chief Everything Officer
{May 13th, 2024} by Wink's Intel Pros
VICTORIA L. GROSSMAN, A.K.A. TORI, A.K.A. THE “DECISION DIVA.” Victoria is our Chief Everything Officer as Wink’s President and she was the first employee that Sheryl J. Moore hired to work with her at Wink. She became a member of the Moore family after Sheryl’s then four-year-old son hit on her at her teenage job. […]
I never like these lists
{May 7th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
I never like these lists, simply because the “best” is in the needs, goals, and objectives of the annuity purchaser…yet- Bankrate needs to do better “research” with their list of “Best Annuity Companies.” Allianz Life does not have any annuities that exceed a 10-year surrender charge period. And they offer three different types of deferred […]
WHAT is this based upon?
{May 7th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
“Knowing whether your financial advice is coming from a trusted professional or someone akin to a car salesman may soon become easier.” How do you feel about their analogies? Click HERE to read The Final DOL Fiduciary Rule Has Arrived. Here’s What It Means for Investors via Morningstar Sheesh. Talk about out-of-touch! “According to […]
American Equity buyer announces commitment to Des Moines metro, promotes local exec to CEO
{May 7th, 2024} by Tyler Jett
American Equity Investment Life Holding Co.’s new owner will maintain strong ties in Des Moines, announcing Friday that it is keeping the business’ headquarters in the metro and choosing a long-time local money manager to run it. In a letter to employees, Brookfield Reinsurance Managing Partner Jon Bayer wrote that the company will promote American Equity Chief […]
What are ‘excess return’ indexes?
{May 7th, 2024} by Kerry Pechter
Like many FIA issuers, Ibexis Life uses ‘excess return’ indexes in its product. In the context of FIA indexes, ‘excess return” doesn’t mean ‘out-performance relative to a benchmark’ or ‘alpha.’ It means net performance above the yield of a risk-free asset. Click HERE to read the full story via RIJ
RILAs: Supporting client goals in retirement
{May 7th, 2024} by Susan Rupe
This is the year of “peak 65,” with a record 4.1 million Americans poised to turn 65 in 2024 and every year through 2027. As Americans in this record surge hit retirement age, they and their advisors must navigate four core risks that will impact their retirement portfolios through the decumulation phase: longevity, inflation, volatility […]
The Biggest Threat to Life and Annuity Issuers Is Not the DOL Fiduciary Rule
{May 7th, 2024} by Allison Bell
This is the latest in a series of columns about annuities and retirement planning. Recent ransomware attacks show that passwords and Social Security numbers have stopped working as secure methods of authentication. Life, health and annuity issuers are, obviously, deeply concerned but seem to lack the right, extreme level of panic. While the widely discussed Labor Department […]
Millennials May Be Losing Life Insurance Knowledge
{May 7th, 2024} by Allison Bell
The slump in traditional media and skepticism about social media may be hurting life insurers’ ability to reach millennials. Managers of the latest 2024 Insurance Barometer Study by Life Happens and LIMRA found that, even though the oldest millennials are turning 44 and the youngest are already 28, millennials’ knowledge about life insurance is getting worse. Click […]
S&P 500 Falls 1% at End of Worst Month This Year
{May 7th, 2024} by Rita Nazareth
The stock market got hit after the latest economic data showed a plunge in consumer confidence and persistent wage pressures in the run-up to the Federal Reserve decision. Equities were on track for their worst month since September on speculation the Fed will keep rates unchanged at a two-decade high on Wednesday — with officials […]
Fiduciary Rule Lawsuit? Bring It, DOL Chief Says
{May 7th, 2024} by Melanie Waddell
Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su told House lawmakers Wednesday that Labor’s new fiduciary rule can withstand legal challenges. During a question and answer exchange with Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Mich., during a hearing held by the House Education and the Workforce Committee, Walberg reminded Su that Labor’s 2016 rule was struck down in 2018 by the U.S. […]
Lawsuit Cuts Equitable’s $1.3B Gain on a Universal Life Price Hike
{May 7th, 2024} by Allison Bell
Equitable expects to give up close to half of the $1.3 billion total revenue increase it once hoped to get from a cost-of-insurance charge increase imposed on some holders of the company’s Athene Universal Life II policies. The New York-based life insurer and asset manager noted in its earnings release for the first quarter that the results include […]
New DOL Fiduciary Rule Hit With First Lawsuit
{May 7th, 2024} by Melanie Waddell
The Federation of Americans for Consumer Choice and several independent insurance agents are suing the Labor Department over its new fiduciary rule. The lawsuit, filed Thursday in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, in Tyler, is the first against Labor’s new fiduciary rule, which the department released last week. Click HERE to read the […]
North American Secure Horizon FIA Suite Expands With the New Secure Horizon Accelerator With Immediate Premium Bonus
{May 7th, 2024} by Annexus
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.,, April 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — North American Company for Life and Health Insurance® (North American), a member company of Sammons® Financial Group and one of the largest issuers of fixed index annuities (FIAs) in the U.S.,1 is once again expanding its partnership with Annexus, a leading independent insurance retirement product design and distribution company. Today the two companies […]
Why Annuities Belong In Clients’ Retirement Income Plans
{May 7th, 2024} by Paul R. Samuelson
I drive a Chevy Volt, frequent public transportation and bike to work when the weather allows. I’m conservative in my spending and investing and relatively immune to fads. I won’t be baited into paying extra fees for goods or services when I don’t think they’re worth the cost. So readers may find it surprising […]
How Fixed Annuities Beat Mutual Funds in a DOL Fiduciary Rule Asset Table By Allison Bell
{May 6th, 2024} by Allison Bell
Labor Department regulation analysts recently shocked the U.S. fixed annuity community. The department set tough new retirement account rollover advice fiduciary standard requirements. The department also reported that, as of 2022, 10-year asset growth had been 6% for fixed annuities, 3% for variable annuities and just 2.9% for mutual funds. Stocks ranked first, with 10-year asset growth of […]
Trump-appointed judge will hear lawsuit against DOL fiduciary rule
{May 6th, 2024} by John Hilton
Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle, a Trump appointee, will hear the first lawsuit to the Department of Labor’s fiduciary rule. Assigned Friday to hear the lawsuit filed by the Federation of Americans for Consumer Choice, Kernodle has a staunch limited-government conservative background. FACC is joined by several independent insurance agents in the lawsuit filed Thursday in the Eastern […]
Athene, honored again by United Way’s, sets a high bar in community involvement, philanthropy
{May 6th, 2024} by Carol Hunter
For the fourth year in a row, United Way has honored Athene with its Spirit of Central Iowa award, further cementing the retirement services company’s status as a corporate leader in community involvement and philanthropy. West Des Moines-based Athene is a relative newcomer to the metro; its purchase of Aviva USA closed in October 2013. […]
Prospective Everton buyer faces new troubles on two fronts
{May 6th, 2024} by Kenneth Araullo
Concerns have been raised by AM Best regarding the quality of assets held by the reinsurer, prompting A-Cap to reclaim assets previously ceded to 777 Re through reinsurance transactions. This action follows regulatory pressure to lessen their exposure to the investment firm. In their legal filing, the insurers argue that AM Best’s impending rating downgrade […]
Equitable Holdings Reports First Quarter 2024 Results
{May 6th, 2024} by Equitable Holdings, Inc
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Equitable Holdings, Inc. (“Equitable Holdings”, “Holdings”, or the “Company”) (NYSE: EQH) today announced financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024. “We reported non-GAAP operating earnings of $1.43 per share, up 49% compared to the prior year quarter. After adjusting for notable items in both periods, non-GAAP EPS rose 18%. Strong […]
Lincoln Financial Group Completes Sale of Wealth Management Business to Osaic, Inc.
{May 6th, 2024} by Lincoln Financial Group
RADNOR, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Lincoln Financial Group (NYSE: LNC) today announced that it has completed the sale of its wealth management business, including all ownership interests in the Lincoln subsidiary entities comprising that business, to Osaic, Inc. (Osaic), one of the nation’s largest providers of wealth management solutions. The sale provides Lincoln with approximately $650 million of […]
Prudential Financial, Inc. Announces First Quarter 2024 Results
{May 6th, 2024} by Prudential
NEWARK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU) today reported first quarter results. Net income attributable to Prudential Financial, Inc. was $1.138 billion ($3.12 per Common share) for the first quarter of 2024, compared to $1.462 billion ($3.93 per Common share) for the first quarter of 2023. After-tax adjusted operating income was $1.141 billion ($3.12 per Common share) […]
Brookfield Reinsurance and AEL Announce Expected Closing Date for Brookfield Reinsurance’s Acquisition of AEL
{May 6th, 2024} by Brookfield Reinsurance
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Brookfield Reinsurance (NYSE, TSX: BNRE) and American Equity Investment Life Holding Company (NYSE: AEL) (“AEL”) today announced that the previously announced acquisition of AEL by Brookfield Reinsurance is expected to close following the close of market on May 2, 2024. About AEL At American Equity Investment Life Holding Company, our policyholders […]
Global Atlantic 2024 Retirement Outlook Survey: Retirement Age Investors Value Asset Protection Over Growth
{May 6th, 2024} by Global Atlantic Financial Group
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–While U.S. markets rebounded in 2023, retirement age investors are still prioritizing strategies for generating reliable retirement income and protecting their nest eggs against volatility, according to the Global Atlantic 2024 Retirement Outlook Survey, a new study from Global Atlantic Financial Group (“Global Atlantic”). Nearly two-thirds (61%) of respondents would rather protect their assets than try to […]
Pacific Life Enhances Suite of Annuities to Address Retirement Income Needs
{May 6th, 2024} by Pacific Life
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–To continue serving consumers’ varying retirement-income needs, Pacific Life recently enhanced the features of three of its optional benefits, available with certain advisory and traditional variable annuities for an additional cost. Designed for growth and protection, these strategies offer clients the flexibility to protect their money or withdraw income in retirement. […]
Lincoln Financial Group Reports 2024 First Quarter Results
{May 6th, 2024} by Lincoln Financial Group
RADNOR, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Lincoln Financial Group (NYSE: LNC) today reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024. Net income available to common stockholders was $1.2 billion, or $6.93 per diluted share. Adjusted operating income available to common stockholders was $71 million, or $0.41 per diluted share. Adjusted operating income available to stockholders was […]
Corebridge Financial Announces First Quarter 2024 Results
{May 6th, 2024} by Corebridge Financial, Inc
HOUSTON-(BUSINESS WIRE)–Corebridge Financial, Inc. (“Corebridge” or the “Company”) (NYSE: CRBG) today reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024. Kevin Hogan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Corebridge, said, “Corebridge had a very strong start to 2024 with operating earnings per share increasing 13% year over year to $1.10. These results demonstrate […]
What will the DOL rule mean for advisors?
{May 6th, 2024} by Susan Rupe
The Department of Labor has several objectives in issuing its latest iteration of the fiduciary rule and one of them is expanding the scope of fiduciary activities, a Washington attorney said. The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors gave a breakdown of how the fiduciary rule will impact advisors and consumers during a recent […]
Revol One Financial retools with new annuity products, big goals
{May 6th, 2024} by John Hilton
There are a lot of insurance companies in the annuity sales game. But the new regime at Revol One Financial say they have a strategy to dent the leaderboard: speed and customer service. Click HERE to read the full story via INN Article excerpt: Revol One generated some industry buzz with its announcement, […]
Apollo Accused in Lawsuit of Illegal Human Life Wagering Scheme
{May 6th, 2024} by Mike Leonard
(Bloomberg Law) — Apollo Global Management Inc. bet on the longevity of senior citizens by acquiring illegal life insurance policies and funneling the payouts through shell entities, according to a new lawsuit. The private giant allegedly set up a web of sham trusts—using a secretive affiliate called Financial Credit Investment—to hold a portfolio of stranger-originated […]
Here Come the Suits
{May 6th, 2024} by Kerry Pechter
Close observers of the ‘Bermuda Triangle’ strategy weren’t surprised when class action lawsuits were filed against AT&T, State Street Global Advisors and Lockheed Market for their choice of Athene Annuity and Life as the annuity provider in a pension risk transfer deal. RIJ articles about Athene’s use of the strategy were cited in two of […]
For Ibexis Life, Cayman Outshines Bermuda
{May 6th, 2024} by Kerry Pechter
This Missouri-domiciled life insurer epitomizes the asset-manager-driven life/annuity companies that have been disrupting the U.S. life/annuity business since 2010 or so. In its first year selling fixed indexed annuities, it sold $453 million worth. Click HERE to read the full story via RIJ
The DOL Should Challenge the Fifth Circuit’s Opinion
{May 6th, 2024} by Kerry Pechter
Back in 2018, the Fifth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals sided with the American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to quash the Department of Labor’s proposed “fiduciary rule,” which could have hindered the sales of annuities to IRA owners. Last week, the DOL issued a new but similar rule. […]
‘I’ll die broke, with nothing.’ I’m 86, only get $398 a month from my annuity and am being denied access to my $1 million in investments. Who can help me?
{May 6th, 2024} by Alisa Wolfson
Question: I’m 86 years old and have $250,000 in my account and $1 million in investments. But I get nothing from my 401(k) as my account is locked and I am only receiving $398 from my annuity. I’ve called the financial services firm and fought with them about this, but their expectations of me are ridiculously […]
Insurers told to pull $1.8 billion out of Premier League team Everton bidder
{May 6th, 2024} by Matthew Sellers
In a further blow to the group that is hoping to buy troubled English Premier League team Everton, state authorities in Utah and South Carolina are pressing five insurance companies to decrease their financial stakes in the Miami-based investment firm 777 Partners. The news broke following the exposé of a confidential memo accessed by the […]
Gruening Health and Wealth Combines with Integrity to Expand Support and Services for Senior Market
{May 6th, 2024} by Integrity Marketing Group, LLC
DALLAS , April 30, 2024 /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 it has partnered with Gruening Health and Wealth, an independent marketing organization based in Springfield, Illinois and led by Chase Gruening. Financial details of the partnership were not disclosed. As a […]
Bend Don’t Break: Flexibility In Estate Planning With Index Universal Life Insurance
{May 6th, 2024} by Sean Brady
Greek philosopher Heraclitus famously captured the dynamic nature of life in his brilliant yet simple quote, “The only constant in life is change.” With the inevitable life changes we will all face, creating an estate plan to determine one’s future legacy can seem daunting, but that does not diminish the need for it. At its core, estate […]
Finseca
{May 6th, 2024} by Broker World
Finseca is pleased to announce that Anthony T. Mazzei, Sr., chairman and founding partner at National Financial Network, an agency of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (Guardian), will be honored with the prestigious Finseca Hall of Fame Award at the Leaders and Managers Program (LAMP) 2024 in Denver, CO. Mazzei, along with just two […]
Swiss Re
{May 6th, 2024} by Broker World
Swiss Re launches an augmented version of its Life & Health underwriting manual Life Guide. The new version comes equipped with Swiss Re Life Guide Scout, a Generative AI-powered underwriting assistant, developed by Swiss Re, that integrates Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service. Swiss Re Life Guide Scout aims to help increase the efficiency and quality of […]
Life Insurers as LEGO Monsters
{May 6th, 2024} by Kerry Pechter
Michael Gordon, CEO of Axonic Insurance, part of Axonic Capital, sees the future of the life/annuity/asset-management business as an increasingly a la carte affair, where the components of the business are like interchangeable Lego blocks and where platform providers help clients snap them together. Click HERE to read the full story via RIJ
Apollo’s Q1 earnings jump 26% on management fees, annuities inflow
{May 6th, 2024} by Chibuike Oguh
NEW YORK, May 2 (Reuters) – Apollo Global Management (APO.N), opens new tab said on Thursday its first-quarter adjusted net income rose 26% year-on-year, driven mostly by growth in management fees as well as earnings from its flagship annuities business. Adjust net income rose to $1.1 billion, up from $825 million a year earlier. That translated to […]
