Happy New Year!
{December 31st, 2024} by Wink's Intel Pros and Sheryl J. Moore
The new year is filled with opportunity; our hopes are that you are successful in all you do in the months to come.
100 Most Powerful People in Financial Advice
{December 31st, 2024} by Conneqtor.org
Follow them, conneqt with them, add them to your Supergrow list and read and comment on their posts… There’s much to learn from these legends. ………………………………………………………………….. 25. 25,349 – Sheryl J. Moore – Member at Forbes Finance Council | The MOST Connected Person in Life Insurance & Annuities | Relationship-Builder | Annuity Expert | Life […]
Reading suggestions for 2025
{December 31st, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
My friend Brad Pistole, RICP®, CAS®, IRMAACP™ has some great reading material suggestions for 2025. I feel honored to be on his list with so many greats in our industry! Check it out HERE! -sjm
The insurance industry 2025: What’s ahead?
{December 31st, 2024} by Doug Bailey
With so many variables and unknowns swirling around the insurance industry, forecasting what’s ahead for 2025 and beyond is an exercise fraught with unusual difficulty. Climate changes, spiraling costs, political and technological upheavals, legal abuse, labor shortages, along with overall uncertainties, make crystal balling nearly impossible. “The insurance cycle has increasingly moved from being boringly […]
Bull or bear? What are financial advisors’ market expectations for 2025?
{December 31st, 2024} by Ayo Mseka
Most financial advisors said they expect the S&P 500 to be up 10% or more by year-end 2025, compared to where it was between November 6 and Nov.13, 2024 (a low of 5,929.04 and a high of 6,001.35), according to the InspereX Pulse 2025 Outlook Survey. More specifically, the survey said that: 67% expect the S&P 500 […]
How to Save Life Insurance
{December 31st, 2024} by Allison Bell
New York Life Insurance Co. is operating in a world that hasn’t been friendly to life insurance. COVID-19 has killed 1.2 million Americans since March 2020, and it has caused more than $45 billion in extra death claims. Click HERE to read the full story via Think Advisor
Stock Markets to Close Jan. 9 for Carter’s Day of Mourning
{December 31st, 2024} by Allison Bell
U.S. stock markets will close Jan. 9, in observance of a national day of mourning for former President Jimmy Carter. The New York Stock Exchange, Nasdaq Inc.’s U.S. equities exchanges and Cboe Global Markets Inc. will shut, the companies said. CME Group Inc., operator of U.S.-based equity and interest-rates markets, had not yet commented on […]
What’s Next for the 2017 Tax Overhaul?
{December 31st, 2024} by Allison Bell
What do you think that life and annuity professionals should be doing now? For clients with estates exceeding the reduced exemption amount, life insurance can provide liquidity to pay estate tax; thus, life and annuity professionals should encourage these clients to set up irrevocable life insurance trusts, or ILITs, to remove the life insurance proceeds […]
Americans’ saving, investment product savvy improves, study finds
{December 31st, 2024} by Ayo Mseka
American consumers are more knowledgeable about their saving and investment products than at any other time in the past decade, according to a new market intelligence report by Hearts & Wallets. A decade ago, product awareness was in the doldrums, with only 45%, or 55 million, U.S. households able to identify the saving and investment products they […]
3 issues investors must be aware of in 2025
{December 31st, 2024} by Susan Rupe
Investors must keep their eyes on three issues as they look ahead to the new year, according to a panel of Morningstar experts. Those issues are: finding returns in a falling interest rate environment, looking at the pros and cons of investing in private assets, and the impact of artificial intelligence on investing. Morningstar analysts […]
What issues top consumers’ list of financial goals for 2025?
{December 31st, 2024} by Rayne Morgan
As the new year approaches, Americans are prioritizing financial health in their resolutions and goals, with many of them focused on debt reduction and money management, according to CFP Board’s latest research, Debt and New Year’s Resolutions Report. Nearly all (97%) who were surveyed identified having at least one financial priority for 2025. Topping the list of 2025 financial goals […]
Pepperwinkle
{December 31st, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
Today was a busy day. But at the end of the workday, Pepperwinkle was not doing good. I could feel that he was in pain. The vet said he slipped his disk. We initially thought it was a stroke. They said he was in tremendous pain. Not any more. Say “hi” to my son for […]
State regulators want to put the kibosh on the Federal Insurance Office
{December 31st, 2024} by John Hilton
State insurance regulators know what they want from the anti-government fervor inspired by the return of President Donald Trump: elimination of the Federal Insurance Office. A coalition of insurance commissioners from nine states issued a joint letter to heads of the Department of Government Efficiency requesting the death of the FIO. Led by Elon Musk […]
Iowa ranks in top 10 states for retirement. How does it compare to the rest of the US?
{December 31st, 2024} by Kate Kealey
Iowa ranked in the top 10 best states to retire in 2025, according to a financial services company. The Motley Fool surveyed 1,500 Americans to rank all 50 states to find out what is most important to those who are retiring. The survey evaluated housing, quality of life, health, crime rates, taxes, weather and the cost of […]
That’s a wrap for 2024
{December 31st, 2024} by Emile Hallez
A few things that stand out in a unique and pivotal year are the fast pace of dealmaking, the rise of active ETFs, and a few regulations that are hitting a brick wall. Click HERE to read the full story via InvestmentNews
TIAA survey finds three out of four employers see growing demand for lifetime income in retirement plans over the next five years
{December 31st, 2024} by TIAA
But 63% of respondents admit they need help understanding the value and importance of annuities TIAA and Nuveen lifetime income default target-date offerings surpass $50 billion in AUM on growing demand NEW YORK, Dec. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Five years after the passing of the SECURE Act, making it easier for Americans to save for retirement through annuities, new […]
Best Life Insurance for People With Disabilities (Prudential Wins)
{December 31st, 2024} by QuickQuote.com
TAMPA, Fla., Dec. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — In a recent report on life insurance for individuals with disabilities, Prudential was ranked number one with an average monthly premium of $100. Disabilities differ, and an individual’s access to life insurance products will depend on how their disability impacts their life expectancy. While discriminating based on disabilities is illegal in many […]
This is the highest that figure has been since 1Q2015!
{December 26th, 2024} by Wink
Question: What percentage of index annuities are issued with a guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefit rider? As we know, there are two primary objectives with FIAs, accumulation and income. I’m curious industry-wide what percentage is focused on income. submitted via Charlie Gipple, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC® on LinkedIn Answer: As of 3Q2024, 59.6% of indexed annuity […]
LOVE this video!
{December 26th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
My precious friend Evan Juice Cutler snagged this awesome video of Shaq. Check it out! -sjm
As people seek-out holistic financial planning, and more finance pros transition to becoming RIAs, this trend will continue.
{December 26th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
Would you be surprised to know that nearly a quarter of all indexed annuity sales originate through an RIA? Hybrid RIAs, that take commissions and do AUM, that is… This percentage has been growing steadily since 2005. I only see this figure increasing, going forward. As people seek-out holistic financial planning, and more finance pros […]
They Look Like CDs, but They’re Annuities—and Sales Are Booming
{December 26th, 2024} by Ann Tergesen
Key Points: Fixed-rate deferred annuities, offered by insurance companies, are similar to CDs but offer higher yields owing to a broader investment portfolio. Sales of fixed-rate deferred annuities have surged, driven by rising interest rates and demand from baby boomers seeking conservative investments. These annuities provide tax-deferred earnings and various maturity options, but […]
Prudential Financial Completes Guaranteed Universal Life Reinsurance Transaction With Wilton Re and Completes Internal Captive Restructure
{December 26th, 2024} by Prudential Financial, Inc.
NEWARK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU) announced today that it has successfully closed a reinsurance transaction for a portion of its guaranteed universal life block with Wilton Re. This transaction, originally announced on Aug. 20, 2024, advances Prudential’s strategic progress to become a higher growth and more capital efficient company. The financial impact of the transaction […]
Boehly’s Insurer Reaps Gains and Doubts From Loans to His Firms
{December 26th, 2024} by Alexandre Rajbhandari and Allison McNeely
Private equity firms have become enamored with insurance and the stable money it provides for credit bets. Todd Boehly is taking it a step further with Security Benefit Life Insurance Co. The firm is central to the billionaire’s plan to consolidate many of his holdings as he builds an asset-management power named Eldridge, taking a page out of the playbooks of Apollo […]
Mutual of America to Lay Off Workers as Part of ‘More Efficient’ Strategy
{December 26th, 2024} by Best’s News & Research Service (Subscription required)
Mutual of America Financial Group is laying off employees as part of its focus on becoming a “more efficient, strategic and customer-focused organization.” Click HERE to read the full story via AM Best
What the Fed Cut Means for Fixed Annuities
{December 26th, 2024} by Finsum
The Fed’s recent rate cuts are reshaping the landscape for fixed annuities, bringing both challenges and opportunities for investors. Fixed annuities, which offer guaranteed returns unaffected by market fluctuations, remain steady for existing contracts but may see reduced rates for new purchases in a lower-rate environment. This could lead less risk-averse investors to consider alternatives like variable […]
Life Insurance Policies for the Rich Targeted in Wyden Tax Bill
{December 26th, 2024} by Zach C. Cohen and Chris Cioffi
Ultra-wealthy investors’ life insurance policies face new taxes under draft legislation unveiled Monday by Senate Finance Committee Chair Ron Wyden, the Oregon Democrat’s latest effort to expose the decades-old inheritance strategy to IRS oversight. Wyden’s proposed legislative text would reclassify so-called private placement life insurance polices and similar annuities as “private placement contracts” if they meet certain […]
Prudential Sheds $11B in Universal Life Guarantee Exposure
{December 26th, 2024} by Allison Bell
Prudential Financial has closed on a deal passing immediate responsibility for about $11 billion in guaranteed universal life exposure to Wilton Re through a reinsurance agreement. The deal, which was announced in August, helped Prudential shed more than one-quarter of the $38 billion of guaranteed universal life exposure it started with in July 2023, when […]
10 Worst Financial Advisor Cases of 2025
{December 26th, 2024} by Dinah Wisenberg Brin
A knowledgeable financial advisor helps guide clients toward wealth, security and the means to reach important goals — paying for college, weddings, vacations and retirement. Like any industry, however, financial services comes with its share of professionals willing to commit crime. In some cases, scofflaw brokers use client funds to finance their own luxury […]
What the New $1.9T Spending Law Means for Life and Annuity Legislation
{December 26th, 2024} by Allison Bell
President Joe Biden signed a major anti-shutdown bill — the American Relief Act, 2025 package — into law Saturday, at a time when many Washington financial services policymakers have already left for the holidays. The text of the new law does include provisions that will authorize the federal government to continue normal operations through March […]
Best’s Special Report: Insurers’ Federal Home Loan Bank Borrowing Slows
{December 26th, 2024} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The pace of insurance borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) slowed last year following a spike when many U.S. life/annuity insurance companies took advantage of the lower cost of borrowing to capitalize on high interest rates and new money yields, according to a new AM Best report. The Best’s Special Report, “Borrowing from the […]
DPL Financial Partners Draws From Extensive Membership to Form Strategic Advisory Board
{December 26th, 2024} by DPL Financial Partners
LOUISVILLE, Ky.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–DPL Financial Partners, the leading platform for commission-free annuities, today announced the formation of a strategic advisory board comprised of RIA firm founders, investment officers, insurance directors, and financial advisors who use DPL’s platform to bring annuity and insurance solutions to clients. The group will provide guidance on development of fee-based products, technology, […]
Northwestern Mutual awarded highest-available financial strength ratings for 34th consecutive year
{December 26th, 2024} by Northwestern Mutual
MILWAUKEE, Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Northwestern Mutual’s superior financial strength remains a hallmark of the 167-year-old company. That was affirmed yet again this month when Fitch Ratings, one of the nation’s leading financial ratings agencies, awarded Northwestern Mutual its top-available designation – ‘AAA Exceptionally Strong’ and a ‘stable outlook.’ This marks the 34th consecutive year in which […]
National Life Group breaks giving record: $914k donated to 595 nonprofits through employee donation match program
{December 26th, 2024} by National Life Group
Montpelier, Vt. (Dec. 11, 2024) – National Life Group, known for its commitment to financial security and community giving, has achieved a new milestone in its corporate philanthropy, donating $913,940 to 595 nonprofits nationwide through its annual employee donation matching program, “Share the Good.” During the month of November, National Life Group employees, directors, and retirees contributed $455,470 with the National Life […]
Can a balance of withdrawals and annuities outshine the 4% rule?
{December 26th, 2024} by Ayo Mseka
A strategic balance of annuities and systematic withdrawals, tailored to individual needs, preferences and market conditions, is the key to optimal retirement outcomes, according to new research by economists Mark Warshawsky and Gaobo Pang. Warshawsky is principal of ReLIA Strategies, former deputy commissioner for Retirement and Disability Policy at the Social Security Administration (2017), and […]
Why annuities are growing in popularity
{December 26th, 2024} by MassMutual Strategic Distributors
Annuities are increasingly popular among Americans seeking guaranteed retirement incomes. To learn what’s driving sales, who’s buying them and what types are available, SmartBrief discussed the market with Matt DiGangi, who heads MassMutual Strategic Distributors’ annuity distribution. SmartBrief: This year has seen record sales in annuities in the US. What do you think are key drivers of […]
SB 263 expected to bring chaos to Calif. insurance, annuity sales come Jan. 1
{December 26th, 2024} by Rayne Morgan
Some stakeholders are concerned California’s new best-interest insurance sales bill – Senate Bill 263 – could bring chaos both to consumers and agents operating in the state come Jan. 1. Under Senate Bill 263, agents who sells cash value life insurance or annuities in the state of California will be required to undergo training to ensure […]
Dropping some knowledge on their relatively-new structured annuity/RILA.
{December 26th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
It looks like InvestmentNews is doing promotional videos now. Check out my main man from Corebridge Financial, Bryan Pinsky, dropping some knowledge on their relatively-new structured annuity/RILA. Is a RILA the right annuity for your client? If you want more information on this product’s innovation, Wink’s subscribers can Click HERE to check out the specifics […]
New Bill Would Allow Direct 401(k) Rollovers to Annuities
{December 26th, 2024} by John Manganaro
New bipartisan legislation introduced in the House of Representatives seeks to help older retirement savers more easily roll assets from their 401(k) accounts into annuities. The bill, which is sponsored by Reps. Jimmy Panetta, D-Calif., and Darin LaHood, R-Ill, also seeks to simplify the 402(f) notice explaining workers’ retirement plan distribution options. Click HERE to read the […]
Q and A: Connecticut regulators discuss PHL Variable rehab efforts
{December 26th, 2024} by John Hilton
It isn’t often that life insurance companies fall into financial trouble. But when they do, the regulatory rehabilitation process is often prolonged and accompanied by infrequent updates. Connecticut Insurance Department regulators are busy wrangling a tough case with PHL Variable Insurance Co. PHL and its subsidiaries, Concord Re, Inc., and Palisado Re, Inc., were placed […]
State regulators want to put the kibosh on the Federal Insurance Office
{December 26th, 2024} by John Hilton
State insurance regulators know what they want from the anti-government fervor inspired by the return of President Donald Trump: elimination of the Federal Insurance Office. A coalition of insurance commissioners from nine states issued a joint letter to heads of the Department of Government Efficiency requesting the death of the FIO. Led by Elon Musk […]
South Carolina bars A-Cap insurers from writing new policies in 2025
{December 26th, 2024} by John Hilton
South Carolina became the second state this month to bar an Advantage Capital Partners-controlled life insurer from writing new business after Dec. 31. “Atlantic Coast Life Insurance Company and Southern Atlantic Re, Inc. have been directed to cease writing all new business, effective December 31, 2024,” reads a statement from Michael Wise, director of the […]
How Retirement Age and Social Security Claiming Age Are Related
{December 26th, 2024} by David Blanchett
Social Security is the bedrock of the American retirement system. According to the Employee Benefit Research Institute and Greenwald Research’s 2024 Retirement Confidence Survey, 91% of retiree respondents report Social Security as a source of income, and 62% say it is a major source of income. In this piece, I leverage survey data to explore […]
The life insurance industry lost another good one
{December 26th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
The life insurance industry lost another good one…Lew Nason has passed. Lew has been such a force in the life insurance business. He has run a successful agency since before I serviced his business in the home office, back in 1999. Let us remember those that have paved the way for us. You have my […]
A New Framework for Fee-Based Annuities with David Lau
{December 26th, 2024} by Jackson National Life Insurance Company
David Lau, the founder and CEO at DPL Financial Partners, is widely recognized as an innovator and disruptor in the financial services industry. His firm specializes in the distribution of low-cost, commission-free insurance and annuity products — as well as technology-driven product discovery tools and education for registered investment advisors and individual investors. He is […]
A-CAP’s Remaining Annuity Businesses Ordered to Cease Writing New Policies
{December 26th, 2024} by Jacob Adelman
Advantage Capital has been ordered by South Carolina regulators to cease any new business under the state’s control, effectively halting the $12 billion annuity and insurance group’s policy-writing operations as of the end of this year. Atlantic Coast Life and South Atlantic Re—the Advantage Capital insurers that fall under South Carolina’s jurisdiction—were instructed to cease […]
California teachers: In-plan annuity rider fees unfair; lawsuit in mediation
{December 26th, 2024} by John Hilton
Several California teacher lawsuits over in-plan annuity costs have been consolidated into one case involving rider fees. The judge is giving participants plenty of leeway for mediation, with a trial dates scheduled for November and December 2026. The initial lawsuits, filed in the Northern District of California, alleged several violations of the California Education Code […]
CreativeOne Celebrates 40 Years of Innovation and Client Success in the Financial Services Industry
{December 26th, 2024} by CreativeOne
OVERLAND PARK, KANSAS, Nov. 20, 2024—CreativeOne, a leading independent marketing organization (IMO) serving financial advisors nationwide, proudly marks 40 years of empowering advisors and shaping the future of financial services. Since its founding in 1984, CreativeOne has been at the forefront of innovation, pioneering industry-leading products and services while building lasting relationships with its advisors. […]
Wishing you joy, data delights, and industry insights
{December 17th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore and the Wink Intel Pros
May the beauty of the season surround you, may you be blessed beyond measure, and may the coming year bring you joy and success. The Wink offices are closed on December 24th & 25th for an extended holiday with our families.
Pacific Life Launches New Registered Index-Linked Annuity
{December 17th, 2024} by Pacific Life Insurance Company
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Pacific Life announced today that it has entered the registered index-linked annuity (RILA) market with Pacific Protective Growth, which offers opportunities to track market indexes while providing levels of protection during market downturns. This RILA debuts the First Trust Growth Strength Net Fee Index and includes a seldom-found crediting strategy that potentially […]
S&P Upgrades Delaware Life Insurance Company Financial Strength and Issuer Credit Rating to A- with Stable Outlook
{December 17th, 2024} by Group 1001 Insurance
ZIONSVILLE, Ind.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Delaware Life Insurance Company (“Delaware Life”), a Group 1001 Insurance company, today announced that S&P Global Ratings (“S&P”) has upgraded its issuer credit and financial strength rating from BBB+ to A- with a stable outlook. Delaware Life’s upgraded S&P rating was assigned based on several factors cited by S&P, including the company’s strong […]
My team gave me some really great gifts, but the card was the BEST.
{December 17th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
Today was Wink, Inc.‘s Christmas party. My team gave me some really great gifts, but the card was the BEST. Thank you so much for your visionary choice, Daniele Longo!! What do you think? -sjm
It is my “coffee,” so to speak.
{December 17th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
Many of you know that I am a Dr. Pepper addict. I used to drink nothing but Dr. Pepper and water, as an adolescent. Today, I drink a can of Dr. Pepper & Cream Soda every morning. It is my “coffee,” so to speak. Matt Mylroie saw one of my recent DP posts, and decided […]
Annuity Issuers Still Struggling to Protect Asset Share: SIFMA
{December 17th, 2024} by Allison Bell
U.S. sales of annuities have been strong, but life insurers are just barely maintaining their share of retirement assets, according to the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association. The amount of annuity reserves held by life insurers increased 8.9% between 2022 and 2023, to $4.2 trillion, but that was a little below the 9% growth […]
Delaware Life Insurance Co. Ratings Raised To ‘A-‘ From ‘BBB+’ On Successful Business And Capital Improvement Strategy
{December 17th, 2024} by S&P Global
TORONTO (S&P Global Ratings) Dec. 11, 2024—S&P Global Ratings today said that it raised its issuer credit and financial strength ratings on Delaware Life Insurance Co. (Delaware Life or DLIC) to ‘A-‘ from ‘BBB+’. The outlook is stable. The rating action reflects the company’s continued progress and solid growth in its fixed and fixed-indexed annuity […]
What 4% Rule? Morningstar Has a New Number
{December 17th, 2024} by John Manganaro
Morningstar identifies a new “safe” fixed withdrawal rate as one of the key takeaways from its updated annual State of Retirement Income report. In addition, this year’s report digs into several potential retirement withdrawal strategies that can help savers make the most of their nest egg in retirement. Click HERE to read the full story via Think […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Jackson National Life Insurance Company and Its Affiliates
{December 17th, 2024} 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 Jackson National Life Insurance Company (JNL), its wholly owned subsidiary, Jackson National Life Insurance Company of New York, and its direct parent, Brooke Life Insurance Company. These companies together are […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Oceanview Life and Annuity Company and Oceanview Reinsurance Ltd.; AM Best Assigns Credit Ratings to Oceanview Secure Reinsurance Ltd.
{December 17th, 2024} 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 Rating (Long-Term ICR) of “a” (Excellent) of Oceanview Life and Annuity Company (Oceanview Life) (headquartered in Denver, CO) and its reinsurer affiliate, Oceanview Reinsurance Ltd. (OVRe) (Hamilton, Bermuda). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. […]
Q3 League Tables: Two Carriers Dominate the Fixed-Indexed Annuity Segment
{December 17th, 2024} by Cyril Tuohy
Allianz as Runner-Up: Allianz Life, based in Minneapolis and part of Munich-based Allianz SE, saw third-quarter year-to-date fixed-indexed annuity sales rise 17% from a year ago to $10 billion, according to Limra. Allianz Life’s Allianz Benefit Control Annuity was the best-selling indexed annuity in the third quarter, Wink reported on Tuesday. Wink tracks the life and annuity industry. In […]
Treasury and Fed Tell States to Watch Life Insurers More Carefully
{December 17th, 2024} by Allison Bell
Federal regulators are nervous about the investments and non-U.S. reinsurance inside many life and annuity issuers. The Financial Stability Oversight Council said in an annual report released Friday that state insurance regulators and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners need to get more information about life and annuity issuers’ private market investments and offshore reinsurance, […]
2025 insurance outlook: Dealmaking, distribution, capacity and innovation
{December 17th, 2024} by Jeff Heine
In 2024, the insurance industry underwent significant operational transformation, facing more pressure than ever to innovate, improve efficiency and deliver a world-class customer experience. According to pwc, insurance organizations are “doubling down on enterprise-wide digital transformation,” including strategic technology investments in key areas such as claims and policy administration. Meanwhile, the industry was contending with ongoing […]
Sen. Ron Wyden takes on private placement life insurance with new bill
{December 17th, 2024} by John Hilton
New legislation from Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., would reclassify and tax life insurance primarily used by the ultra-wealthy. Wyden, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee for another two weeks, has long had private placement life insurance in his sights. He released a draft proposal this morning, Bloomberg reported, to reclassify private placement life insurance polices and […]
Yes, the fiduciary rule is probably history, Capital Group analysts say
{December 17th, 2024} by John Hilton
Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer, nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to head the Department of Labor, is being viewed with skepticism by a financial services industry that wants efforts to extend fiduciary duty to go away for good. Chavez-DeRemer, R-Oregon, has a sketchy history with the issue. As member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, she […]
Retirement Regrets Spark Financial Resolutions for the New Year
{December 17th, 2024} by Nationwide
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — As the New Year approaches, America’s workers are taking stock of their financial wellbeing and setting resolutions to improve their future financial health. Nationwide’s 2024 Protected Retirement Survey shares key lessons learned by employees nearing retirement, offering valuable insights for those looking to make smarter financial choices in the year ahead. According […]
MetLife and General Atlantic Announce the Formation of Chariot Re
{December 17th, 2024} by Metlife, Inc
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–MetLife, Inc. and General Atlantic today announced the formation of Chariot Reinsurance, Ltd. (“Chariot Re”), a to-be-registered Class E Bermuda-based life and annuity reinsurance company. Chariot Re is expected to launch in the first half of 2025 and will have a future strategic reinsurance partnership with MetLife. MetLife and General Atlantic anticipate Chariot […]
Corebridge Financial Research Finds Retirement Expectations of Women Don’t Always Meet Realities
{December 17th, 2024} by Corebridge Financial
HOUSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–New research from Corebridge Financial digs into the financial realities of retired women compared to what they expected and provides key learnings for future retirees. The study reveals that only 19% of retired women are finding retirement to be exactly what they expected, with 26% going as far to say that retirement is not […]
The 4 Questions You’ll Get at Holiday Parties This Year
{December 17th, 2024} by Bryce Sanders
The holidays are here. The stock market started partying early. The S&P 500 is up more than 26%; the Dow Jones Industrial Average, about 16%. They are both exceeded by the Nasdaq Composite Index, up more than 27% year to date. Interest rates have started moving down. Some people hope the party will go on […]
10 Worst Financial Advisors in America: 2023
{December 17th, 2024} by Dinah Wisenberg Brin
While financial advisors and brokers can make a positive difference for their clients, helping them to build retirement nest eggs and family wealth, that doesn’t mean that the industry and its clients are immune to fraud, theft and violent crime. Over the years, clients, business associates, romantic partners and the public have been swindled and […]
Death and Retirement Tax Changes Could Add $723B in Revenue Over 10 Years: CBO
{December 17th, 2024} by Allison Bell
The Congressional Budget Office says people who die and retirement savers could do a lot more to cut federal budget deficits. The CBO is predicting that the U.S. federal government will pile up $22 trillion in deficits over the 10-year period from 2025 through 2034. Click HERE to read the full story via Think […]
Nippon Life Closes on Big Corebridge Stake, Adds U.S. Annuity Sizzle
{December 17th, 2024} by Allison Bell
This article was updated after press time to reflect the Resolution Life deal closing. Nippon Life now owns a large chunk of Corebridge Financial, and it could end up being a much bigger player in the U.S. annuity market. Click HERE to read the full story via Think Advisor Wink’s Moore on the Market: […]
Riding the ‘long tail’ of opportunity — with AmeriLife’s Brian Peterson
{December 17th, 2024} by Paul Feldman
Brian Peterson talks about his path from teacher and coach to president of AmeriLife Group’s Accumulation and Retirement Income Distribution division, and what the future looks like for one of the industry’s largest marketing and distribution businesses. When Brian received some questionable financial advice during his early days as a teacher and coach, it drove him […]
What’s next for retirement income security?
{December 17th, 2024} by Doug Bailey
When President Gerald Ford signed the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, it marked a revolutionary overhaul of employer-sponsored retirement plans. Before ERISA, employers and unions decided how employee benefit plans were designed and run. There were no minimum standards, leading to serious abuses and corruption. ERISA federalized private pension plans and made worker […]
Employers Ready to Act on Lifetime Income, But Struggle with ‘Annuity Fluency’
{December 17th, 2024} by Ted Godbout
Five years after enactment of the SECURE Act, new research suggests that more employers are primed to offer lifetime income options within their plans, but adoption of these products may be hindered due to a lack of “annuity fluency.” Overall, roughly 3 in 4 DC plan sponsors — or 76% — expect demand for annuities […]
Insurance salesman raised money for fraudulent oil and gas fund, SEC charges
{December 17th, 2024} by Bruce Kelly
A California insurance salesman was operating as an unlicensed broker when he sold more than $4 million in securities to clients in an energy fund that was later charged with fraud, the Securities and Exchange Commission stated in an order Monday. Click HERE to read the full story via InvestmentNews Wink’s Moore on […]
What I learned about life … and death
{December 17th, 2024} by Kristi Rackliff
In the many grief pamphlets scattered across my house, I have read that the death of a spouse is one of the most devastating events a person can go through. It’s actually ranked the most stressful of losses on the scale of life events. And I believe it. My identity changed immediately as a widow, […]
Why annuities are growing in popularity
{December 17th, 2024} by MassMutual Strategic Distributors
Annuities are increasingly popular among Americans seeking guaranteed retirement incomes. To learn what’s driving sales, who’s buying them and what types are available, SmartBrief discussed the market with Matt DiGangi, who heads MassMutual Strategic Distributors’ annuity distribution. SmartBrief: This year has seen record sales in annuities in the US. What do you think are key drivers of […]
Leading association lobbyists give voice to industry
{December 17th, 2024} by Melanie Kalmar
Behind every piece of legislation is the work of lobbyists who set out to educate policymakers on issues that impact Americans’ lives. For lobbyists Greg Crist, Jennifer Fox, Carl Holshouser and Jason Ortega, the process of helping legislators frame sound policy is just as thrilling as seeing it become law. This involves telling the story […]
Widow of NYC man who jumped to his death sues brokers, insurers over annuity sales
{December 17th, 2024} by John Hilton
The widow of a New York City man who committed suicide last summer by jumping off a building is suing brokers and insurers for allegedly selling him improper annuities. Joan Jacobson claims her late husband Jay suffered from dementia and was preyed on by a trio of brokers. The brokers sold Jay Jacobson $2 million […]
EDGAR Release 24.4
{December 17th, 2024} by Sec.gov
On December 16, 2024, EDGAR Release 24.4 will introduce the following changes: EDGAR Filing Website Updates for Release 24.4 On October 13, 2023, the SEC adopted new Rule 13f-2 and related Form SHO to provide greater transparency through the publication of short-sale related data to investors and other market participants. Under Rule 13f-2, an […]
A Conversation With Ron Barrett
{December 17th, 2024} by P.E. Kelly
F&G, the Des Moines based provider of retail insurance solutions for annuity, life and institutional clients, has for five years published its proprietary Risk Tolerance Tracker, an ambitious and quite in-depth analysis of how American investors are feeling abut their money… and just about everything that might effect it. From retirement risk, inflation and, in […]
Open to All: How Financial Professionals Can Reach LGBTQ+ Clients
{December 17th, 2024} by BISA Member
The makeup of the U.S. population is changing, and so are the financial needs of diverse client groups. One such group that requires individual attention is the LGBTQ+ community. A U.S. Census Bureau survey from 2021 that measures household probability in the U.S. found at least 20 million adults could be lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender — […]
LIMRA: Annuity sales on track to set new record in 2024
{December 17th, 2024} by Doug Bailey
With sales of annuities exploding to record levels, it’s probably no surprise that in the first nine months of 2024 total annuity sales increased 23% to $331.2 billion, and are on pace for another record-breaking year, according to LIMRA’s U.S. Individual Annuity Sales Survey. Total U.S. annuity sales reached a record-high $385.4 billion in 2023, […]
In a complex market, insurance deal activity rebounds in the second half of 2024
{December 17th, 2024} by PWC
The insurance deals market has been very active in 2024, primarily due to ongoing demand for insurance brokerages and managing general agencies (MGAs) as well as life and annuity (L&A) assets. There also has been a reemergence of property and casualty (P&C) carrier deal activity, which had been quiet in recent years relative to L&A. […]
Insurance is a noble craft, but health insurance follows none of its core principles
{December 17th, 2024} by Matt Hickman
May 31 of this year was a bittersweet day of sorts. That’s the day my license as an insurance producer in the state of New Jersey expired. I never got the chance to actually become the eternally derided ‘insurance salesman’ as I instead took a job writing about the fashion industry before I could snag my first client. […]
Wills, life insurance, and retirement savings: What older widows wish they knew
{December 17th, 2024} by Allie Kelly
She’s one of many older widows and widowers who have shared their stories with Business Insider in recent months. They’re among the more than 2,000 Americans who’ve responded to a reader survey about their life regrets. This story is part of an ongoing series. Some widows told BI they lost substantial amounts of their household income or were thrust […]
This Indexed Universal Life Product Has Been the Best-Seller for 3.5 years
{December 10th, 2024} by Cyril Tuohy
Transamerica Life‘s Financial Foundation IUL life insurance contract has delivered a record run of three-and-a-half years as the top-selling product across all sales channels, according to data compiled by industry watcher Wink. The 14 consecutive quarters represent the longest run for an indexed universal life product as a best-seller since Wink began publishing product-level sales in […]
Top 7 Companies for Individual Annuity Reserves
{December 10th, 2024} by Allison Bell
U.S. life insurers ended 2023 with about $2.9 trillion in reserves supporting their benefits promises to individual annuity holders, according to the new 2024 Life Insurers Fact Book. The fact book is like an almanac for the life insurance and annuity sector. The American Council of Life Insurers and a predecessor organization, the Institute […]
What Scares Global Regulators About Life and Annuity Issuers Now
{December 10th, 2024} by Allison Bell
The world’s insurance regulators are watching for two threats that have not attracted much attention in the U.S. life and annuity sectors: hidden leverage and discretionary asset valuations. Officials at the International Association of Insurance Supervisors list those risks in their latest Global Insurance Market Report. Click HERE to read the full story via Think Advisor
NYC man with dementia coaxed into bad $2M investment by trio of brokers before jumping to his death: lawsuit
{December 10th, 2024} by Kathianne Boniello
An Upper West Side man with dementia leapt to his death this summer — partially severing his foot along the way — after being convinced by a trio of financial advisors to buy $2 million worth of annuities he’d never be able to recoup, his widow said in a lawsuit. Jay Jacobson’s condition “made him […]
Annuity Line of Business: Sales- % Change Over Last Qtr / % Change Over Last Year
{December 10th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
Line of Business: Sales- % Change Over Last Qtr / % Change Over Last Year – All Annuities: $115.27 billion- 6.69% / N/A — All Deferred Annuities: $110.96 billion- 6.02% / 40.05% — Non-Variable Deferred Annuities: $79.76 billion- 8.24% / 45.56% —- Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuities (MYGAs): $42.40 billion- 3.34% / 36.97% —- Fixed Annuities: $516.79 […]
Life Insurance Line of Business: Sales- % Change Over Last Qtr / % Change Over Last Year
{December 10th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
Line of Business: Sales- % Change Over Last Qtr / % Change Over Last Year – All Universal Life: $1.13 billion- -0.57% / N/A — Non-Variable Universal Life: $847.86 million- 0.05% / 9.54% — Universal Life: $100.02 million- -0.52% / 15.21% — Indexed Life: $748.86 million- 0.22% / 8.97% — Variable Universal Life $284.71 million- […]
Pru Names New CEO
{December 10th, 2024} by Allison Bell
Prudential Financial — a Newark, New Jersey-based life insurer and asset manager with $1.6 trillion in assets under management — today announced that Andrew Sullivan will take over from Charles Lowrey as the company’s CEO at the end of March. Sullivan began working for Prudential in 2011 and is now the head of international businesses […]
Utah issues order for A-Cap insurers to stop doing business due to reserving concerns
{December 10th, 2024} by John Hilton
Utah Insurance Commissioner Jonathan T. Pike signed an order Monday barring Sentinel Security Life Insurance Co. from writing new business in the state after Dec. 31. Click HERE to read the full story via INN. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. During the third quarter, Sentinel Security had a market share of 0.39% in a $115 billion annuity market, according […]
Do your job
{December 10th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
Who told their client to call me, and advise them of what to do with their annuity, in light of recent regulatory action against their insurer? I am not a personal producing agent. I am a market research analyst that specializes in life insurance and annuities. -sjm
Treasury and Fed Tell States to Watch Life Insurers More Carefully
{December 10th, 2024} by Allison Bell
Federal regulators are nervous about the investments and non-U.S. reinsurance inside many life and annuity issuers. The Financial Stability Oversight Council said in an annual report released Friday that state insurance regulators and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners need to get more information about life and annuity issuers’ private market investments and offshore reinsurance, and to […]
The Annuity Strategy That Can Help Boost Your Retirement Income
{December 10th, 2024} by Daniel Feininger
There are so many different options when considering the resources available to help you get over the hump of retirement. The task of leaving the workforce is essentially one of replacing income. Rather than working to earn a salary, your money will do this for you. Saving for retirement is an effort at amassing enough […]
More Than Half of Gen X Investors Support Parents or Children, Forcing Early Retirement Withdrawals & Debt
{December 10th, 2024} by Nationwide
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Dec. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Uniquely positioned between larger generations, Generation X investors aged 44-59 are facing difficult financial conditions. After living through previous financial crises and now balancing dual caregiving roles for children and aging family members, Gen X investors are feeling significant financial strain. More than half (56%) of Gen X investors currently […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Securian Financial Group, Inc. and Its Subsidiaries
{December 10th, 2024} 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 Minnesota Life Insurance Company and its subsidiary, Securian Life Insurance Company, together referred to as Securian Financial Insurance Group (Securian). AM Best also has affirmed the FSR of A (Excellent) […]
Allianz Life Partners with Empower to Offer First Fixed Index Annuity on its Platform
{December 10th, 2024} by Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America
MINNEAPOLIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz Life) announced today that its in-plan annuity solution will be available through the nation’s second-largest retirement plan provider, Empower. Allianz Lifetime Income+® will be the first fixed index annuity on Empower’s platform and the agreement will help offer millions of Americans the opportunity to create retirement income […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Constellation Insurance, Inc. and Members of AuguStar Life Group and Its Subsidiary
{December 10th, 2024} 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 AuguStar Life Insurance Company (ALIC) and its wholly owned subsidiary, AuguStar Life Assurance Corporation (together referred to as AuguStar Life Group). These companies are the principal insurance subsidiaries of Constellation […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings for Members of Corebridge Financial
{December 10th, 2024} 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 ICRs) of “a” (Excellent) for the members of Corebridge Financial (Corebridge). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. (Please see below for a detailed listing of the companies and ratings.) The ratings of […]
Protective Joins with iPipeline to Digitally Transform the Order Entry Process and Help Advisors Drive Efficiency
{December 10th, 2024} by Protective Life Corporation
EXTON, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Protective Life Corporation (Protective), a U.S. subsidiary of Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc. (TSE:8750), today announced that it has collaborated with iPipeline®, a leading provider of digital solutions for the life insurance and wealth management industries, to streamline the order entry process for its network of financial professionals. With iPipeline’s Laser App solution, Protective can now offer its […]
Sammons Financial Group Names Casey Decker to New Role as Chief Operating Officer
{December 10th, 2024} by Sammons Financial Group
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Sammons Financial Group® has elevated Casey Decker to a new role as Chief Operating Officer. Additionally, Katie Bartling has been promoted to Chief People Officer, reporting to Decker. Decker is based in Sammons Financial Group’s West Des Moines campus, and Bartling is based in the Sioux Falls office. “Sammons Financial Group recently conducted a strategic organizational assessment and […]
Best’s Market Segment Report: AM Best Maintains Stable Outlook on US Life/Annuity Insurance Segment
{December 10th, 2024} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has maintained its market segment outlook for the U.S. life/annuity insurance segment at stable, supported by strong capitalization across the industry, robust top-line growth in core lines of business and consistent profitability trends. In its Best’s Market Segment Report, “Market Segment Outlook: US Life/Annuity,” AM Best states that the life/annuity segment has benefited […]
DPL Financial Partners secures $23M in equity capital
{December 10th, 2024} by DPL Financial Partners
LOUISVILLE, Ky.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–DPL Financial Partners, the leading platform for commission-free annuities, today announced the closing of a Series C funding round of $23 million in primary capital. The round was led by Eos Ventures and included participation by TIAA Ventures and other strategic insurance investors. This round represents the first investments in the company by […]
Eldridge Industries Launches Asset Management and Insurance Holding Firm
{December 10th, 2024} by Industry News
Eldridge Industries is launching Eldridge, an asset management and insurance holding company with approximately $74 billion in assets under management. And Eldridge will be wholly owned by Eldridge Industries and consist of two divisions: Eldridge Capital Management and Eldridge Wealth Solutions. Eldridge Capital Management will be focusing on four investment strategies: corporate credit, GP solutions, […]
Most people would own more financial products if they understood them
{December 10th, 2024} by Steve Randall
Younger Americans are the most knowledgeable about cryptocurrencies but have a need for advice on other investment and wealth-building products. Click HERE to read the full story via InvestmentNews
IUL: What agents should know to present an illustration effectively
{December 10th, 2024} by Drew Gurley
Indexed universal life insurance is a powerful financial tool that combines life insurance with potential cash value growth linked to a stock index. However, its complexity can make presenting an IUL illustration a challenge. Here is how agents can break down the most important components and explain them in simple terms to clients. Click HERE […]
Senior Market Sales® (SMS) Acquires Centurion Senior Services Senior Market Sales logo (PRNewsfoto/Senior Market Sales)
{December 10th, 2024} by Senior Market Sales
OMAHA, Neb., Dec. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — In a quest to expand its Medicare insurance services beyond Pennsylvania, independent insurance agency Centurion Senior Services, LLC, has chosen to partner with Senior Market Sales® (SMS), one of the industry’s premier insurance marketing organizations (IMOs). “Centurion’s success in the Medicare market is impressive, and their drive to serve more seniors far into […]
More *free* annuity and life insurance sales data than you can shake a stick at!
{December 3rd, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
All Annuity Sales Total 3Q2024 all annuity sales $115,272 million. Third quarter annuity sales were up nearly 7% when compared to the previous quarter. Read more at: Third Quarter 2024 Annuity Sales. All Universal Life Sales for the third quarter of 2024 were $1,132 million. Third quarter universal life sales were down […]
In case you missed it….
{December 3rd, 2024} by Wink's Intel Pros
Products with Indexed Interest Blaze New Sales Records! Wink’s Sales & Market Report, the insurance industry’s #1 resource for annuity sales data since 1998, released its 109th edition report for 3rd Quarter, 2024. One hundred and thirty-six annuity providers participated in the report. Wink, Inc. Releases 3rd Quarter, 2024 Annuity Sales Results INDEXED LIFE SALES REMAIN AFLOAT […]
Indexed products lead Q3 life, annuity sales boom, Wink reports
{December 3rd, 2024} by Staff Reports
Indexed life and annuity products are the subject of many regulator meetings and class-action lawsuits. Despite that negative publicity, indexed life and annuity sales are booming. Wink, Inc. reported third-quarter annuity sales of $115.2 billion, up 6.6% compared to the previous quarter. All annuities include the multi-year guaranteed annuity, traditional fixed annuity, indexed annuity, structured annuity, variable annuity, immediate […]
Annuities’ Bubble Shines! The World, Not So Much.
{December 3rd, 2024} by Allison Bell
Annuity market trends were strong in the third quarter, with executives from companies like Equitable, F&G and Jackson having little to say about sales beyond expressions of joy. Helpful factors include an increase in the number of baby boomers retiring, interest rates that are higher than they were during the 2009-2022 lower-for-longer period and more […]
Two Carriers Dominate the Pack in the Fixed-Indexed Annuity Segment
{December 3rd, 2024} by Cyril Tuohy
Allianz Life’s Allianz Benefit Control Annuity was the best-selling indexed annuity in the third quarter, Wink reported on Tuesday. Wink tracks the life and annuity industry. Click HERE to read the full story via Life Annuity Specialist Wink’s Note: View Wink’s 3rd Quarter, 2024 Wink’s Sales & Market Report annuity sales results HERE
Bermuda Shorts
{December 3rd, 2024} by Editorial Staff
Corebridge loses $1.2 billion on Fortitude Re derivative; Brighthouse turns to reinsurance for capital support; Kuvare-owned life insurer enhances FIA; RGA sidecar raises $480 million in capital. Corebridge Financial Inc. posted a net loss of $1.18 billion, attributable to common shareholders for the third quarter, compared to a net income of $2.10 billion for the […]
Case Study: An FIA for Guaranteed Income
{December 3rd, 2024} by Kerry Pechter
A 62-year-old woman, newly retired, wanted exactly $600-a-month to supplement her Social Security benefit, starting immediately. She asked New Jersey advisor Andy Panko to locate the lowest-cost source of such an income. Investment advisers instinctively optimize each client’s portfolio performance, or try to. For clients in the “accumulation stage,” when the goal is almost always […]
‘Reinsurance Sidecars’: A Capital Idea
{December 3rd, 2024} by Kerry Pechter
Athene Annuity & Life sold the most fixed deferred annuities in the first three-quarters of 2024. Its parent, Athene Holdings, has attracted billions in just-in-time third-party capital through Bermuda ‘reinsurance sidecars.’ Coincidence? Not likely. The word sidecar evokes mental images of passenger-carrying attachments to motorcycles or of the sweet cocktail made from cognac, Grand Marnier, and lemon […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Farmers New World Life Insurance Company and Farmers Reinsurance Company
{December 3rd, 2024} 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 Rating (Long-Term ICR) of “a+” (Excellent) of Farmers New World Life Insurance Company (FNWL) (Bellevue, WA). At the same time, AM Best has affirmed the FSR of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term ICR of “a” (Excellent) of […]
Debt is Limiting American Retirement Savings, Allianz Life Study Finds
{December 3rd, 2024} by Allianz Life
MINNEAPOLIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The majority of Americans are working toward paying off debt and many worry that their debt will affect their financial future, according to the 2024 Annual Retirement Study* from Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz Life). The majority of Americans, 55%, say that they are currently working toward paying off debt to […]
AM Best Removes From Under Review with Developing Implications and Takes Various Credit Rating Actions on American National Insurance Company and Most of Its Affiliates
{December 3rd, 2024} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has removed from under review with developing implications and downgraded the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating (Long-Term ICR) to “a” (Excellent) from “a+” (Excellent) and affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A (Excellent) of American National Insurance Company (ANICO) and its affiliates, American National Life Insurance Company of Texas and American National […]
Dispelling Life Insurance Myths
{December 3rd, 2024} by Michelle Buswell
Misconceptions have plagued the life insurance industry since it began, causing more than 102 million Americans[1] to be un-or-under insured. The only remedy to make these myths fade away is through education. Once the right stakeholders are properly educated and understand why life insurance is a necessary safety net for everyone, there is an opportunity to […]
A Conversation With Ron Barrett
{December 3rd, 2024} by P.E. Kelly
F&G Life, the Des Moines based provider of retail insurance solutions for annuity, life and institutional clients, has for five years published its proprietary Risk Tolerance Tracker, an ambitious and quite in-depth analysis of how American investors are feeling abut their money… and just about everything that might effect it. From retirement risk, inflation and, […]
Grappling with the underwriting talent crisis
{December 3rd, 2024} by Doug Bailey
The insurance industry is at a crossroads, grappling with a multifaceted talent crisis fueled by demographic shifts, technological transformation, and evolving workforce expectations. A recent webinar featuring industry leaders shed light on the challenges and outlined strategies to close the talent gap and secure the future of underwriting. Jennifer Kyung, the CEO and founder of […]
More proxy discrimination state laws are on the way, panel agrees
{December 3rd, 2024} by John Hilton
Data privacy and proxy discrimination are far from settled issues for insurance companies. Executives agreed during a risk appraisal forum at NAILBA 43 that future state-based regulations are sure to impact underwriting. The entire insurance underwriting landscape changed with the introduction of big datasets, explained Dr. Thomas Ashley, senior vice president and chief medical director […]
IUL: What agents should know to present an illustration effectively
{December 3rd, 2024} by Drew Gurley
Indexed universal life insurance is a powerful financial tool that combines life insurance with potential cash value growth linked to a stock index. However, its complexity can make presenting an IUL illustration a challenge. Here is how agents can break down the most important components and explain them in simple terms to clients. Click HERE […]
The Past and Possible Future of ERISA Regulation of Advice
{December 3rd, 2024} by Andrew Oringer
Could the ‘NeverEnding Story’ of the Labor Department’s fiduciary rule possibly be coming to an end? We may be close to a final answer, writes ERISA attorney Andrew L. Oringer of the Wagner Law Group. The Trump election is bound to have some obvious, fundamental and high-profile consequences for various federal agencies. One particular potential […]
