Nationwide introduces Heritage Single Premium Whole Life Insurance
{January 22nd, 2025} by Nationwide
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Jan. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Nationwide is introducing the Nationwide Heritage® Single Premium Whole Life (SPWL) insurance product, a new solution that can significantly increase funds left to loved ones compared to traditional investment options. Heritage SPWL is a life insurance policy that offers a quick and easy way to turn funds into a larger gift for […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Prudential Financial, Inc. and Its Life/Health Subsidiaries
{January 22nd, 2025} 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 the life/health insurance subsidiaries of Prudential Financial, Inc. (PFI) (Newark, NJ) [NYSE: PRU], collectively referred to as Prudential. Concurrently, AM Best has affirmed the Long-Term ICR of “a-” (Excellent) of […]
Prudential, Dimensional Fund Advisors and FIDx collaborate to help reinvent retirement income in wealth management
{January 22nd, 2025} by Prudential
NEWARK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU) today announced plans to collaborate with Dimensional Fund Advisors and Fiduciary Exchange LLC (FIDx) to bring protected lifetime income strategies to managed accounts via the FIDx Insurance Overlay marketplace. This initiative is designed to further meet the evolving needs of retirement investors who partner with registered investment advisors […]
Lincoln Financial Expands Life Insurance Portfolio With Launch of Two New Variable Universal Life Products
{January 22nd, 2025} by Lincoln Financial
RADNOR, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Lincoln Financial (NYSE: LNC) launched two new Variable Universal Life (VUL) products in the next generation of Lincoln AssetEdge – an enhanced version of Lincoln AssetEdge VUL (2025) and the all-new Lincoln AssetEdge SVUL – to meet the diverse financial goals and protection needs of individuals, couples and businesses. “Our new AssetEdge solutions offer clients looking for growth potential an opportunity […]
The Sears Catalog Has a Lesson for the Annuity Industry
{January 22nd, 2025} by Bill Broich
The Sears catalog once seemed as essential as electricity itself. Now, it’s gone. Its fate serves as a warning for what could happen to the annuity industry if industry marketing fails to evolve. The Sears Catalog Sears Roebuck created the Sears catalog and quickly made it the source of everything Americans needed from pairs of […]
Federal Appeals Court Rules on How to Read a Life Insurance Policy
{January 22nd, 2025} by Allison Bell
The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has issued a ruling that could affect how life insurers set cost-of-insurance charges for holders of universal life insurance policies. A three-judge panel issued the ruling in connection with Christopher Meek v. Kansas City Life Insurance Company, a class-action suit filed in 2019. In 2023, a federal district […]
Insurers cite misinformation as top risk in 2024
{January 22nd, 2025} by Susan Rupe
Global insurers cited misinformation as the top risk in 2024, toppling extreme weather from the place it held in a similar survey 10 years ago. The top risks named by insurers in 2024, according to the World Economics Forum Global Risk Report, and discussed during a recent Baker Tilly webinar, included: View the list via INN
Symetra reaches $32.5 million settlement over cost-of-insurance charges
{January 22nd, 2025} by John Hilton
A group of Washington policyholders are asking a federal judge to preliminarily approve a $32.5 million settlement with Symetra Life Insurance Co. over cost-of-insurance claims. If approved, the 11-state settlement deal will cover about 43,000 policyholders in the class. The other policyholders live in Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, South Carolina and […]
Prudential study: Babies born today will likely need nearly $2M to retire
{January 22nd, 2025} by John Hilton
Babies born today are going to live a very different life filled with technological advancements and healthcare innovations, a new Prudential study finds. One thing that won’t change is the need for a bountiful retirement nest egg. It might actually be more important than ever if life expectancy resumes rising. For sure, recent trends of […]
Common myths and misconceptions about IUL
{January 22nd, 2025} by Drew Gurley
Indexed universal life insurance offers a unique blend of death benefit protection and cash value accumulation tied to the performance of a stock market index. However, as with other types of life insurance, there are several misconceptions that can hinder an agent’s ability to effectively sell IUL. Read the full story via INN Wink’s Moore […]
What an honor!
{January 22nd, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
What an honor for me to have my mentor, Joe Jordan, promoting my book! -sjm “Her personal story provides credibility in her convictions and beliefs about where she wants to put her money. It’s not just the left-brain analytical, fact-driven approach. There are personal experiences that shaped her opinions and would certainly be […]
BlackRock In-Plan Annuity Program Attracts $16B in Assets
{January 22nd, 2025} by Allison Bell
BlackRock has attracted six employer plans with $16 billion in assets under management for a new program that can add an annuity spigot to a 401(k) plan account. The New York-based asset manager said the list of employers now using the LifePath Paycheck program includes Avangrid, Adventist HealthCare Retirement Plans, the Tennessee Valley Retirement System […]
Revol One Financial partners with Knighthead Re
{January 22nd, 2025} by Staff
Revol One Financial , a fixed annuity carrier, has completed a reinsurance transaction with Knighthead Annuity & Life Assurance Company (Knighthead Re). The deal aims to enhance Revol One’s financial strength, reduce capital constraints, and support its growth strategy. Knighthead Re, rated A- by AM Best, brings expertise in annuity pricing and design, aligning with Revol One’s focus […]
MIB Announces New Data and Analytics Service Providing Unique Insights into Life Insurance Application Activity
{January 22nd, 2025} by MIB
BRAINTREE, Mass., Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — MIB, the life insurance industry’s most trusted and secure partner for data-driven insights and digital services announced the launch of MIB AptivitySM, a new data and analytics service that maximizes visibility into near real-time market share and market trends. For decades, MIB has been a trusted source of trends in individually […]
Guardian Recognized with DALBAR’s 2024 Annuity Service Award
{January 22nd, 2025} by DALBAR
MARLBOROUGH, Mass., Jan. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — DALBAR, the leading auditor of customer service within the financial services industry, is excited to announce The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian) as the distinguished recipient of the 2024 DALBAR Annuity Service Award. This prestigious accolade honors those who have demonstrated exceptional customer service support to their annuity clients. This […]
Midland Advisory Focused on Growing Registered Investment Advisor Channel Presence
{January 22nd, 2025} by Midland National Life Company
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Midland National® Life Insurance Company, a member company of Sammons Financial Group®, is seeing strong growth in annuity sales through its Midland Advisory channel. Established in 2020, Midland Advisory has invested in a strategy to bolster product sales through the Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) channel. In that time, the team has introduced several […]
Jackson to Report Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2024 Financial Results and Provide 2025 Outlook
{January 22nd, 2025} by Jackson National Life Insurance Company
LANSING, Mich.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jackson Financial Inc.1 (NYSE: JXN) (Jackson®) will announce financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024, after market close Wednesday, February 19, 2025. Jackson’s press release and supplemental financial materials will be available at investors.jackson.com. Jackson will host a conference call and webcast Thursday, February 20, 2025, at 9 a.m. […]
Allianz Life Retirement Solutions Now Available Through Morgan Stanley
{January 22nd, 2025} by Allianz Life
MINNEAPOLIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–As consumer demand for retirement solutions increases, Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz Life) announced today that it has partnered with Morgan Stanley to offer its annuities to Morgan Stanley clients. Five annuity products are now available through more than 16,000 Morgan Stanley financial professionals. Clients who work with Morgan Stanley financial […]
Brilliant!
{January 22nd, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
Brilliant marketing. This business can get complicated. So why wouldn’t someone educate in this manner? I love it. -sjm
Prudential Joins Effort to Sell New Way to Tap Retirement Assets
{January 22nd, 2025} by Allison Bell
Prudential Financial is helping to get attention for a relatively new income-creation concept: bolting an annuity spigot onto a client’s existing investment portfolio. The Newark, New Jersey-based life and annuity giant is joining an “insurance overlay” alliance that also includes Dimensional Fund Advisors, an asset manager, and Fiduciary Exchange LLC, the parent of the FIDx […]
Economy performing better than expected, Morningstar says
{January 22nd, 2025} by Susan Rupe
The U.S. equity market is “priced to perfection,” as a combination of an economy that held up better than expected, growth in the demand for artificial intelligence software and easing monetary policy led to stronger than expected equity market returns. That was the word from Dave Sekera, Morningstar chief U.S. market strategies, during a recent […]
Happy Birthday, AJ
{January 21st, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
This week my oldest child, AJ Betts, would have been turning 28. I miss him terribly. Every. Day. His being bullied and ensuing suicide have forever impacted my family. So far, I am okay. His birthday is one of the few that always gives me anxiety. We celebrate the big day with cheeseburgers and a […]
Ibexis Life & Annuity Insurance Company® Launches WealthDefender™ Fixed Index Annuity Series
{January 14th, 2025} by Ibexis Life & Annuity Insurance Company
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Ibexis Life & Annuity Insurance Company (“Ibexis”) today announced the launch of its WealthDefender™ Series in the independent marketing organization (“IMO”) sales channel. The WealthDefender™ Series offers guaranteed participation rates or an enhanced Bonus option, as well as core features including a bailout rate and full liquidity for disability, nursing home […]
MIB Announces New Data and Analytics Service Providing Unique Insights into Life Insurance Application Activity
{January 14th, 2025} by MIB
BRAINTREE, Mass., Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — MIB, the life insurance industry’s most trusted and secure partner for data-driven insights and digital services announced the launch of MIB AptivitySM, a new data and analytics service that maximizes visibility into near real-time market share and market trends. For decades, MIB has been a trusted source of trends in individually […]
Allianz Life moves to strengthen annuity operations with own reinsurer
{January 14th, 2025} by John Hilton
Wink, Inc. reported third-quarter annuity sales of $115.2 billion, up 6.6% compared to the previous quarter. Allianz Life ranking as the No. 1 seller of indexed annuities, with a market share of 13%, Wink reported. Indexed annuity sales for the third quarter were $36.8 billion, up 57.8% compared to the same period last year. Now that it […]
Delaware Life Announces Suite of Innovative Fixed Index Annuities
{January 14th, 2025} by Delaware Life Insurance Company
ZIONSVILLE, Ind.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Delaware Life Insurance Company, a Group 1001 company, announces three new innovative fixed index annuities (FIAs) – Momentum Growth™, Momentum Growth Plus™, and DualTrack Income™. These FIAs offer investors all the features and benefits of a traditional FIA with the flexibility to control and customize their risk while helping capitalize on positive equity […]
Global Atlantic Announces New Registered Index-Linked Annuity
{January 14th, 2025} by Global Atlantic Financial Group
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Global Atlantic Financial Group (Global Atlantic), a leading insurance provider meeting the retirement and life insurance needs of individuals and institutions, today announced the launch of ForeStructured Growth II, an innovative registered index-linked annuity (“RILA”) designed to help balance growth potential with an element of downside protection. This next-generation RILA solution offers more than […]
Ares Management Raises Over $2.3 Billion of Equity Commitments to Support the Long-Term Growth of Aspida
{January 14th, 2025} by Ares Management Corporation
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Ares Management Corporation (“Ares”) (NYSE: ARES), a leading global alternative investment manager, announced today that it has raised over $2.3 billion of equity commitments from third parties, Ares and affiliates of Ares to support the long-term growth of Aspida Holdings Ltd. (“Aspida”). Aspida is a life insurance and annuity company based in Durham, […]
Life Application Activity Suffers From the Winter Blahs
{January 14th, 2025} by Allison Bell
Consumers may have reacted to the results of the November general elections and year-end blahs by putting off life insurance purchases. MIB Group says its U.S. life insurance application activity index was 7.3% lower in December than in December 2023. Activity was down at least 4% for every age group MIB tracks. Read the full story […]
Integrity Leadership Recognized Among Nation’s Best Corporate Leaders as Ranked by Employees
{January 14th, 2025} by Integrity Marketing Group, LLC
Employees describe Integrity’s executive team as exceptional leaders, providing empathetic guidance and industry vision in leading company toward excellence and innovation. DALLAS – JANUARY 8, 2025 – 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 […]
Industry Pushes Back on Nasaa’s Proposed Curb on ‘Advisor’ Title
{January 14th, 2025} by Alex Padalka
The North American Securities Administrators Association‘s proposal to restrict the use of the “advisor” title is facing pushback from the financial services industry while consumer and investor advocacy groups throw their support behind the measure. In November, Nasaa published a request for comment regarding re-proposed changes to its model rule on Dishonest or Unethical Business Practices Of […]
NAFA Welcomes 2025 Board of Directors
{January 14th, 2025} by NAFA
Washington, DC, January 13, 2025 –(PR.com)– The general membership of NAFA, the National Association for Fixed Annuities, approved the slate of candidates presented for its 2025 board of directors at the association’s annual meeting held recently in Dallas, Texas. Nominations were received from the membership at large, and candidates were vetted by the current board before […]
Board Leaders Ready to Work with Staff and Membership to Craft and Enact a Bold Vision for NAFA 2030
{January 14th, 2025} by NAFA
WASHINGTON (Jan. 13, 2025) — The general membership of NAFA, the National Association for Fixed Annuities, approved the slate of candidates presented for its 2025 board of directors at the association’s annual meeting held recently in Dallas, Texas. Nominations were received from the membership at large, and candidates were vetted by the current board before being […]
Education Is the Best Life Marketing Strategy: Firm Founder
{January 14th, 2025} by Allison Bell
Ads and social media posts may generate leads, but the heart of life insurance sales and marketing is still one-on-one client education. Arik “Eric” Bouskila, the founder of ARI Financial Group, made a plea for financial professionals to put spreading knowledge first in a recent interview. “Understanding specific client needs and forming targeted relationships remains […]
Lincoln Financial Claims Title of Top Annuity Illustration for Sixth Consecutive Year
{January 14th, 2025} by DALBAR
MARLBOROUGH, Mass., Jan. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Lincoln Financial takes the number one spot for annuity illustrations for the sixth year, earning DALBAR’s Pyramid of Communications Excellence, by providing financial advisors with a dynamic tool that demystifies the important factors when considering an annuity. This latest achievement stems from its innovative approach to annuity illustration design, which […]
Northwestern Mutual Quadruples its Showing on Forbes Annual List of America’s Top Advisory Teams
{January 14th, 2025} by Northwestern Mutual
MILWAUKEE, Jan. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Northwestern Mutual announced today that 174 of the company’s firms have been named to Forbes’ Best-in-State lists of Top Wealth Management Teams for 2025. This prominent national ranking signifies the teams’ industry leadership, elite capabilities, and commitment to clients. “Millions of Americans are on a path to greater financial security thanks to the […]
Transamerica Launches Vibrant New Look for its Brand, Reinforcing a Pledge to Help Middle Income Americans
{January 14th, 2025} by Transamerica
Strategic refresh embodies company’s mission to increase access to financial protection products, tools and education BALTIMORE, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Transamerica introduced a rejuvenated brand identity ushering the 120-year-old company into its next era. The new logo and accompanying visual identity — with its vibrant energy and approachability — represents different life stages, and how […]
Lincoln Financial to Report 2024 Fourth Quarter and Full Year Results on February 6
{January 14th, 2025} by Lincoln Financial
RADNOR, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Lincoln Financial (NYSE:LNC) announced today that it will report its results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024 at 6:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, February 6, 2025. A conference call is scheduled for 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time on the same day. Earnings materials, including the 2024 fourth quarter […]
Brighthouse Financial Announces Conference Call to Discuss Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results
{January 14th, 2025} by Brighthouse Financial, Inc
CHARLOTTE, N.C.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Brighthouse Financial, Inc. (Brighthouse Financial) (Nasdaq: BHF) announced today that it plans to hold a conference call and audio webcast to discuss its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. The call will follow the issuance of […]
Majority of Americans Anticipate Improved Economy in 2025
{January 14th, 2025} by Allianz Life
MINNEAPOLIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Americans are more optimistic about the economy than they have been in years even as the effects of inflation linger, according to the 2024 Q4 Quarterly Market Perceptions Study* from Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz Life). The majority of Americans (59%) think the economy will improve in 2025. This is higher […]
New York Life Enters 2025 with Industry-Leading Financial Strength Ratings Affirmed by All Major Ratings Agencies
{January 14th, 2025} by New York Life
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–New York Life, America’s largest mutual life insurer,1 enters 2025 with the highest possible financial strength ratings currently awarded to any life insurer operating in the United States by all four of the major rating agencies. During the most recent review cycle, Standard & Poor’s, Fitch Ratings, A.M. Best, and Moody’s Investors Service have […]
Lincoln Financial Releases Its Q1 Market Intel Exchange, Highlighting Top Investment Trends on the Minds of Investors
{January 14th, 2025} by Lincoln Financial
RADNOR, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Lincoln Financial (NYSE: LNC) released its first quarter edition of Market Intel Exchange, curated from the company’s in-house investment expertise and in partnership with industry-leading asset managers. The report provides insight into key economic and market trends likely to be top of mind for investors in 2025. Key insights include: The Fed is supportive, […]
AM Best Revises Issuer Credit Rating Outlook to Negative for Brighthouse Financial, Inc. and Its Subsidiaries
{January 14th, 2025} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has revised the outlooks to negative from stable for the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICR) and affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term ICRs of “a+” (Excellent) of Brighthouse Life Insurance Company (headquartered in Charlotte, NC), New England Life Insurance Company (Boston, MA) and Brighthouse Life […]
Prudential, Dimensional Fund Advisors and FIDx Collaborate to Help Reinvent Retirement Income in Wealth Management
{January 14th, 2025} by Prudential Financial, Inc.
NEWARK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU) today announced plans to collaborate with Dimensional Fund Advisors and Fiduciary Exchange LLC (FIDx) to bring protected lifetime income strategies to managed accounts via the FIDx Insurance Overlay marketplace. This initiative is designed to further meet the evolving needs of retirement investors who partner with registered investment advisors […]
Annuity Issuer Adds $3B in Capital
{January 14th, 2025} by Allison Bell
Aspida, an annuity issuer controlled by Ares Management Corp., has raised $3 billion that it can use to write more fixed annuities. Ares, a New York-based asset manager with $464 billion in assets under management, said it has raised $2.3 billion in capital for Aspida by arranging to sell stock to outside investors. Aspida has […]
What’s next for the annuities space in 2025?
{January 14th, 2025} by Leo
After experiencing robust growth in recent years, the US annuity market is set to face mixed prospects in 2025, according to a new report from Limra. Read the full story via InvestmentNews Wink’s Moore on the Market: For the record: disagree. Annuity sales will be up. -sjm
Americans Head Into 2025 With Financial Confidence: Survey
{January 14th, 2025} by Michael S. Fischer
Some two-thirds of Americans in a recent survey said they remain confident that they will meet their financial goals despite continuing financial pressures as they head into the new year, New York Life reported Tuesday. This was the same level of confidence respondents expressed in a late 2023 survey. The online poll was conducted Nov. 23 and […]
Private equity firms put profits over patients, Senate panel says
{January 14th, 2025} by Susan Rupe
Private equity is putting profits over patients, a Senate Budget Committee report said as the panel looked into two private equity firms’ efforts to squeeze more money out of hospitals in underserved areas. The Senate’s latest investigation unearthed thousands of documents detailing the financial maneuvers of two private equity firms: Leonard Green & Partners and […]
12 Best States to Raise a Family: 2025
{January 14th, 2025} by Michael S. Fischer
Certain states make it easier than others to raise a family, notes a report released Monday by personal finance website WalletHub. “Raising a family has become significantly more expensive in recent years as the cost of living has risen quickly,” WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said in a statement, “In fact, it can cost a family […]
I’m 101. Here are five things I learnt from my 30-year retirement
{January 14th, 2025} by Lucy Andrews , Money reporter
For Marion Bloom the secret to a long retirement isn’t kale juice or playing pickleball, it’s hard work. Now aged 101, Marion can still recall her first job at the newspaper France, which was published in London and written for French expats. She joined its advertising department in 1942, midway through the Second World War, […]
South Carolina hearing on Atlantic Coast Life policy ban postponed
{January 14th, 2025} by John Hilton
A hearing to decide whether Atlantic Coast Life Insurance will continue offering new policies was postponed until Wednesday, a South Carolina official said. The hearing was to take place Friday. Atlantic Coast is owned by Advantage Capital Partners, known as A-Cap. Claiming the insurer’s underlying financial condition is poor, South Carolina regulators banned Atlantic Coast from […]
Salt Financial Annuity Index analytics report for 2024
{January 14th, 2025} by Staff Reports
Below is the December version of the Salt Financial Annuity Index Report, which also serves as the full-year report for 2024. One index was added over the last month, the First Trust Growth Strength™ Net Fee Index, featured in a RILA at Pacific Life. Read the full story via INN Wink’s Moore on the Market: So, […]
Life insurance and annuity sales: What’s ahead for 2025?
{January 14th, 2025} by Susan Rupe
Variable universal life and registered index linked annuities are expected to see the highest percentage of growth across life and annuity products in 2025, two LIMRA executives said during a recent webcast. Bryan Hodgens, head of LIMRA research, and John Carroll, LIMRA senior vice president and head of life and annuities, provided a glimpse at […]
RILAs Will Still Be King of the Annuity Hill, LIMRA Predicts
{January 14th, 2025} by Allison Bell
U.S. sales of registered index-linked annuities could continue to rise this year, even as sales of most other types of individual annuities fall. Analysts at LIMRA made that prediction in a new annuity market trends analysis. Overall annuity sales performance could return to 2023 levels this year, simply because 2024 sales were so strong, the analysts […]
Ethos and Protective Collaborate to Offer Term Life Insurance
{January 14th, 2025} by Ethos
AUSTIN, Texas & BIRMINGHAM, Ala.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Ethos announces that Protective Life Corporation, and its primary subsidiary Protective Life Insurance Company (together, “Protective”), is now offering proprietary Term Life Insurance directly to consumers through Ethos’ platform. Protective will be a new provider for the Ethos term product suite, providing customers with term periods from 10-40 years and […]
Having a big network is worthless if you don’t use it to help others.
{January 9th, 2025} by Wink's Intel Pros
Did you know that Wink’s CEO, Sheryl Moore shares annuity and life insurance industry job openings on her LinkedIn page? Sheryl doesn’t get paid for helping people find work or fill openings. She shares because of her connections in the business and she knows she can help out. Sheryl is known to say “Having a […]
Make me want to bang my head against a wall.
{January 9th, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
Oh my, Suze Orman…’Should I Cash Out My Annuity?’ Suze Orman Reveals Why This Listener’s Investment Isn’t As Good As It Seems People who look at annuities as investments, and not insurance, make me want to bang my head against a wall. In this situation, why didn’t Suze ask if the annuity purchaser needed to […]
National Life: plaintiff promotes ‘odd theory’ in IUL lawsuit over 0% return
{January 9th, 2025} by John Hilton
Claiming that a plaintiff’s lawsuit over a disappointing indexed universal life (IUL) return rests on “an odd theory,” NLV Financial Corp. is asking a Vermont court to dismiss the complaint. Sanya Virani, of Fortville, Ind., sued NLV Financial Corp. and two life insurance subsidiaries over a 2023 indexed universal life policy that returned 0% after one year. […]
Lincoln Financial Hit With Investor Lawsuits in State Court
{January 9th, 2025} by Allison Bell
Two investors have sued Lincoln Financial in a state court in Pennsylvania over the company’s announcement in November 2022 that it would have to add $2.2 billion to life insurance reserves. The Radnor, Pennsylvania-based company also announced a $634 million reduction in life insurance unit goodwill. The resulting $2.6 billion net loss for the third quarter of […]
A-Cap suspends Sentinel Security Life business; gets reprieve for Atlantic Coast Life
{January 7th, 2025} by John Hilton
Update: A-Cap provided a second statement addressing Utah’s financial audit of its assets. See below. Sentinel Security Life Insurance Co. has suspended writing new business until a judge hears its appeal of a Utah order in March. Sentinel Security is in such poor shape financially, Utah regulators say, that it is using new premium to […]
AmeriLife To Acquire Crump Life Insurance Services
{January 7th, 2025} by AmeriLife Group, LLC
CHARLOTTE and CLEARWATER, Fla. | January 06, 2025 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time AmeriLife Group, LLC (“AmeriLife”), a national organization that develops, markets, and distributes life and health insurance, annuities, and retirement planning solutions, announced today that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Crump Life Insurance Services and Hanleigh Management (collectively “Crump”) from TIH Insurance Holdings, LLC (“TIH”). Per […]
4 Bills That Could Boost Annuities in 2025
{January 7th, 2025} by Melanie Waddell
Annuity bills in play during the 2023-2024 session of Congress may continue to gain traction in 2025. “Many barriers inhibiting the use of protected, guaranteed lifetime income solutions to turn a saver’s accumulated retirement savings into a stream of lifetime income remain present in federal law and regulations,” according to Paul Richman, chief government and […]
Insurance Pros Rethink the Tattoo Taboo
{January 7th, 2025} by Cyril Tuohy
The mainstreaming of body art – especially among younger workers – is forcing carriers to reevaluate policies. Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink, which tracks the life and annuity industry, said in a social media post that her body is covered in tattoos, but nonetheless urged a degree of discretion. “Put that sucker where you can hide […]
Researcher Casts Doubt on World Financial Group Business Model
{January 7th, 2025} by Cyril Tuohy
Indexed universal life sales at Transamerica are booming and Transamerica Life‘s Financial Foundation IUL contract has delivered a record run of three-and-a-half years as the top-selling IUL product across all sales channels, according to Wink, a firm that tracks the life and annuity market. Read the full story via Life Annuity Specialist
New York Life Wealth Watch 2025 Outlook: Americans’ financial confidence holds despite continued debt and inflation challenges
{January 7th, 2025} by New York Life
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–New York Life’s 2025 New Year Outlook Wealth Watch survey finds that financial confidence persists for American consumers, despite ongoing financial pressures. At the close of 2024, 64% of adults remain confident in their ability to meet their financial goals, reflecting the same level of confidence as late 2023. Americans were more aggressive […]
Milliman’s 2024 Fixed Indexed Annuity Industry Experience Studies show sharp increases in surrender rates compared to pre-2022 averages
{January 7th, 2025} by Milliman, Inc.
SEATTLE–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Milliman, Inc., a premier global consulting and actuarial firm, today announced the results of its two 2024 Fixed Indexed Annuity Industry Experience Studies. These comprehensive studies analyze policyholder behavior, including factors such as the contract holder’s age at issue, length and magnitude of the contract, methods of distribution, and tax implications. The two studies […]
Brokers question NASAA proposal to limit use of ‘advisor’ title
{January 7th, 2025} by Dan Shaw
The financial services industry has long recognized a distinction between advisors who collect fees for managing assets and brokers who charge commissions for carrying out securities transactions. Still, firms and trade groups alike are speaking out against a proposed rule that would allow states to prohibit brokers from calling themselves “advisors” or “advisers” when working with retail […]
MetLife and General Atlantic create ‘Chariot Re’ sidecar
{January 7th, 2025} by Editorial Staff
MetLife, Inc., is partnering with the investment firm General Atlantic to launch Bermuda-based Chariot Reinsurance, Ltd., a registered Class E Bermuda-based life and annuity reinsurance company. Read the full story via RIJ
Nut Case: Prudential and Brighthouse’s Bets on Pistachios
{January 7th, 2025} by Kerry Pechter
The endless rows of pistachio trees in California’s flat, arid Central Valley yield millions of bags of pricey green snack-nuts every year. A decade of celebrity-driven advertising has propelled pistachios into a global sales sensation—enough to attract major loans from institutional investors. Read the full story via RIJ
Delay Social Security, Invest More or Buy an Annuity: What’s Best for Retirement Income?
{January 7th, 2025} by John Manganaro
Clients who want to claim Social Security early and reinvest the proceeds need a strong stomach for taking portfolio risk in order to come out ahead, according to a recent report published by PGIM’s David Blanchett. Beating the delayed claiming strategy requires an 8% annual return for an individual retiree, according to Blanchett, and achieving comparable returns […]
The MYGA as a Bond Alternative
{January 7th, 2025} by Allison Bell
Registered index-linked annuities have been getting a lot of attention lately, but they accounted for just 14% of U.S. individual annuity sales in the third quarter of 2024, according to Wink. Sales of multi-year guaranteed annuities — contracts from issuers that promise to pay a set interest rate for at least a specified number of years, […]
What Clients Really Ask Accountants About Annuities
{January 7th, 2025} by Allison Bell
Accountants can be a good source of referral business for agents and advisors who help clients with life insurance, annuities and other products. Paul Miller, a certified public accountant, is the managing partner at Miller & Co., a Whitestone, New York-based accounting firm that serves about 3,000 clients. Many of the clients are executives, international business […]
Prudential Welcomes Babies Born Jan. 1 With $150 Checks
{January 7th, 2025} by Allison Bell
The babies born Wednesday are the first members of Generation Beta — and Prudential Financial wants their parents to think about their retirement savings. Members of Generation Beta will begin to turn 70 on New Year’s Day in 2095. Prudential is trying to get the attention of the Generation Beta newborns’ parents by offering to […]
Ex-employees sue Verizon over pension transfer deal with Prudential, RGA
{January 7th, 2025} by John Hilton
A group of ex-Verizon employees filed the latest lawsuit challenging the efficacy of insurance companies managing pension funds. Filed Monday in the Southern District of New York, the Verizon pensioners claim the pension risk transfer (PRT) deal agreed to in March threatens their retirement funds. Verizon inked the $5.9 billion PRT deal for Prudential Financial and Reinsurance […]
What in the clickbait is this?
{January 7th, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
Why is it that the clickbait “What are annuities and how do they work?” nearly always gets it wrong, when it comes to annuities? I hate it when articles talk about the “types” of annuities, and mention immediate annuities and deferred annuities, but don’t specify that fixed, indexed, structured and variable annuities are all types […]
Honorable Mention
{January 7th, 2025} by Editorial Staff
Allianz sets up Bermuda reinsurer Global insurer Allianz, parent of Allianz Life in the U.S., has established a new independent strategic reinsurance platform called Sconset Re Ltd., which will be capitalized through equity investments from high-quality institutional partners. Located in Bermuda, Sconset Re “will specialize in assuming fixed indexed annuity product risk and its asset […]
Delay Social Security, Invest More or Buy an Annuity: What’s Best for Retirement Income?
{January 7th, 2025} by David Blanchett
lients who want to claim Social Security early and reinvest the proceeds need a strong stomach for taking portfolio risk in order to come out ahead, according to a recent report published by PGIM’s David Blanchett. Beating the delayed claiming strategy requires an 8% annual return for an individual retiree, according to Blanchett, and achieving comparable returns […]
I just wish that AJ was here to see it all!
{January 7th, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
Eleven years ago, I lost my son to suicide. AJ Betts was relentlessly bullied for being gay. Eleven years ago, I learned that his gift of bodily donation was restricted to “life saving organs” only; just because he was gay. He could not donate his blood, intestines, corneas, or tissues. Ten years ago, my former […]
How the life insurance industry can restore its relevance
{January 7th, 2025} by Ramnath Balasubramanian
The life insurance industry has some bright spots. High interest rates have spurred demand and annuity sales have reached record levels. In other ways, though, there are distinct shadows. The sector’s rate of growth is slower than that of gross domestic product, and performance among public companies lags that of their financial-services peers. An important […]
Generation Beta has arrived, planning for their financial future should start now
{January 7th, 2025} by Steve Randall
The youngest Gen Zs are still in their early teens and Generation Alpha is mostly still in grade school, but 2025 adds a new generation into the mix. Read the full story via InvestmentNews
DALBAR Applauds Financial Firms for Excellence in Contact Center Customer Experience
{January 7th, 2025} by DALBAR
MARLBOROUGH, Mass., Dec. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — DALBAR, the leading auditor of customer service in the financial services sector, has announced the winners of the 2024 Service Award. This year’s recipients have demonstrated exceptional innovation in customer care, successfully navigating the evolving demands of digital transformation while maintaining personal connections with clients. Award winners were selected through an […]
A New Year but Unresolved Questions Remain
{January 7th, 2025} by Brent Schutte, CFA®
Brent Schutte, CFA, is chief investment officer of the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company. The new year typically brings with it a host of market predictions for the coming 12 months, including educated predictions of the closing levels of the major indices at year-end. The forecasts can make for interesting reading but often fall short […]
Globe Life fends off shareholder lawsuits alleging the company misled investors
{January 7th, 2025} by John Hilton
A Texas judge consolidated two of multiple lawsuits Friday alleging that Globe Life misled investors. In November, Jui Cheng Hsiao and Gautam Jadhav filed separate shareholder derivative lawsuits against the executives and directors of Globe Life Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. A shareholder derivative suit is a lawsuit […]
Measuring The Markets: The Long And Short View
{January 7th, 2025} by Kevin Jestice
Prior to this year’s election, a Nationwide Retirement Institute survey showed a majority of investors believe the results of the 2024 U.S. federal elections will have a bigger impact on their retirement plans and portfolio than market performance – up 10 percentage points from just a year ago. In my opinion, this view is more likely to […]
