Picklepants- I am so happy to have you here!
{February 25th, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
Many of you recall that my dog, Pepperwinkle, passed away the day after Christmas. Pepper helped me to get through my son’s suicide. He was special to me- not just because he was an Emotional Support Animal. We had a bond that was crazy awesome. I loved that dog. And so, I dealt with my […]
Help us make this day extra special!
{February 25th, 2025} by Wink's Intel Pros
Happy Birthday to Wink’s CEO, Sheryl Moore!
F&G Annuities & Life Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results
{February 25th, 2025} by F&G Annuities & Life, Inc.
DES MOINES, Iowa, Feb. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — F&G Annuities & Life, Inc. (NYSE: FG) (F&G or the Company) a leading provider of insurance solutions serving retail annuity and life customers and institutional clients, today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and twelve months (full year) ended December 31, 2024. Net earnings attributable to common shareholders for the fourth […]
Wave of Fixed-Rate Annuity Maturities Looms, Morgan Stanley Analysts Say
{February 25th, 2025} by Allison Bell
The end of surrender-charge periods for individual fixed annuities could free more than $70 billion in cash to flow just about anywhere. The new wave of maturities could hurt annuity issuers that are losing sales momentum and help the annuity issuers that are now hot, according to Bob Jiang Huang and other analysts at Morgan […]
Jackson reports 42% bump in Q4 annuity sales, up $39% for the year
{February 25th, 2025} by John Hilton
Jackson Financial sticks to what it does best and that’s annuities. Amid a red-hot annuity market, executives were in a celebratory mood while discussing fourth-quarter and full-year 2024 results Thursday. The insurer, which not long ago posted a few weak quarterly reports, shared eye-popping numbers with Wall Street analysts: Annuity sales up 42% in Q4 over […]
Jackson Still Has Too Much Money
{February 25th, 2025} by Allison Bell
Retail annuity sales growth caused huge amounts of cash to flow into Jackson Financial in 2024, and the company now has to find a way to spend it. Establishing reserves for new annuities ate up some capital at the Lansing, Michigan-based company reduced the main life insurance company subsidiary’s risk-based capital ratio, or financial health […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Equitable Holdings, Inc. and Its Subsidiaries
{February 25th, 2025} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings of “a+” (Excellent) of Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company of America (EFLICOA) (Phoenix, AZ) and Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company (EFLIC) (New York, NY). EFLICOA and EFLIC collectively are referred to as Equitable Life Group. Concurrently, AM […]
FNF Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Financial Results
{February 25th, 2025} by Fidelity National Financial, Inc.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Feb. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Fidelity National Financial, Inc. (NYSE: FNF) (“FNF” or the “Company”), a leading provider of title insurance and transaction services to the real estate and mortgage industries and a leading provider of insurance solutions serving retail annuity and life customers and institutional clients through its majority-owned, publicly traded subsidiary F&G Annuities & […]
Advisors Excel Raises $1.7 Million for Four National Nonprofits at Annual Event
{February 25th, 2025} by Advisor's Excel
TOPEKA, Kan., Feb. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Advisors Excel, a leading marketing organization supporting independent financial professionals, announced a remarkable fundraising achievement of $1.7 million in support of four impactful organizations—Folds of Honor, The V Foundation for Cancer Research, Camp Southern Ground, and The Jones Project. The funds were raised during Advisors Excel’s annual World Series of Success event […]
Best’s Special Report: Use of Life/Annuity Sidecars as Reinsurance Solution Expected to Increase
{February 25th, 2025} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Strong U.S. annuity sales has led to increased formations of sidecars by insurance companies to manage the growth and maintain risk-based capitalization levels, with ceded reserves increasing threefold in the two-year period to 2023, according to a new AM Best report. The Best’s Special Report, “Use of Life/Annuity Sidecars as Asset-Intensive Reinsurance Solution Expected to Increase,” […]
Equitable Holdings Reinsures 75% of its Individual Life Block with RGA, Enhancing Focus on Growth in Retirement, Asset Management, and Wealth Management
{February 25th, 2025} by Equitable Holdings, Inc
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Equitable Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: EQH), the leading financial services holding company of Equitable, AllianceBernstein and Equitable Advisors, announced today that certain of its insurance company subsidiaries1 have entered into an agreement with RGA Reinsurance Company (“RGA”) to reinsure 75% of the Company’s in-force individual life insurance block (the “Block”) on a pro-rata basis. The […]
Advisor: SEC trying to ambush my defense on bad annuity sales charges
{February 25th, 2025} by John Hilton
A Massachusetts financial advisor claims the Securities and Exchange Commission is trying to ambush his defense in an annuity sales complaint by adding five surprise witnesses and “entirely new theories of liability” two months before trial. Jeffrey Cutter is asking a federal judge to deny the five witnesses the SEC added for the April 14 […]
Jackson Announces Outstanding Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results
{February 25th, 2025} by Jackson National Life Insurance Company
LANSING, Mich.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jackson Financial Inc. (NYSE: JXN) (Jackson®) today announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024. Fourth Quarter 2024 Highlights Retail annuity sales of $4.7 billion in the fourth quarter of 2024, up 42% from the fourth quarter of 2023 Variable annuity sales of $2.8 billion in the […]
RGA Announces Reinsurance Transaction with Equitable Holdings
{February 25th, 2025} by RGA
ST. LOUIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated (NYSE: RGA), a leading global life and health reinsurer, today announced it has entered into an agreement with Equitable Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: EQH, ”Equitable”) to reinsure a diversified block of life insurance products and expand their strategic partnership. RGA to reinsure $32 billion of a diversified mix of life […]
9 Iowa companies are among the most trustworthy in the US. See which ranked No. 1.
{February 25th, 2025} by Kate Kealey
Iowans are passionate about their local companies, whether it be Casey’s or Hy-Vee. Sure, an Iowan might trust these locally-based companies, but how well do they fare outside of their home state? Well, Iowans have a strong intuition for quality business because nine Iowa-based companies made Newsweek’s list of the most trustworthy companies in America. One […]
F&G Annuities announces CFO transition
{February 25th, 2025} by TipRanks
F&G Annuities CFO Wendy Young will transition from her CFO role on April 1 to become F&G’s Chief Liability Officer, a newly created position. In conjunction with this transition, the company has appointed Conor Murphy as its new CFO, effective April 1, 2025. Murphy previously served as President and CEO of Resolution Life US. Prior […]
IUL vs. annuities: Settling the debate
{February 25th, 2025} by Drew Gurley
This subject gets a lot of agents pretty jazzed. There are two pretty entrenched camps on indexed universal life and annuities. And those two camps don’t seem to like each other very much. Read via INN
Equitable Agrees to Reinsure 75% of $32B in Individual Life Policies With RGA
{February 25th, 2025} by Allison Bell
Equitable Holdings today said it has agreed to reinsure 75% of its in-force individual life insurance policies with Reinsurance Group of America. The deal would include a mix of policies backed by $32 billion in reserves. Equitable would continue to administer the policyholder relationships and provide customer support. For Equitable, completing the deal would free […]
Northwestern Mutual sees record dividend, surplus
{February 25th, 2025} by Doug Bailey
While insurance companies and their shareholders have generally had a lot to celebrate over the last year as earnings and dividends have grown, nowhere is that perhaps more apparent than at Northwestern Mutual. The 167-year-old Milwaukee-based insurer last week reported record-breaking financial results, declaring its highest-ever policyholder dividend – $8.2 billion, more than triple the […]
The ‘guardrails approach’ to retirement income
{February 25th, 2025} by Susan Rupe
Retirement spending strategies typically balance two competing priorities: maximizing the retiree’s spending or leaving a legacy. But research from Morningstar looks at a new metric – the spending/ending ratio – to help retirees assess how various retirement spending strategies balance those competing priorities. Flexible portfolio-spending strategies, delaying Social Security and purchasing annuities can help increase lifetime income […]
Judge Gives DOL 60 Days to Mull Fiduciary Rule Appeal
{February 25th, 2025} by Melanie Waddell
Judge Catharina Haynes has given the Labor Department 60 days to decide whether it will appeal two district courts’ universal stays of Labor’s 2024 fiduciary rule. The Labor Department on Feb. 12 asked the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit to pause the consolidated appeals, which were initiated under the administration of President Joe Biden. […]
Ameriprise ‘Chasing Headlines’ in Client Data Dispute, LPL Argues
{February 25th, 2025} by Melanie Waddell
In the latest salvo in the ongoing legal dispute between Ameriprise and LPL Financial over advisors’ alleged breaches of contractual agreements, LPL states in a new response that Ameriprise is “chasing headlines” and has filed seven other actions over the past year “without making any attempt to address them with LPL before suing.” On Feb. 11, […]
Life-annuity sidecars gain traction as reinsurance solution
{February 25th, 2025} by Kenneth Araullo
The growth of US annuity sales has driven insurers to increase their use of sidecars as a tool to manage risk-based capital levels and accommodate expanding reserves. According to a new report from AM Best, ceded reserves tripled between 2021 and 2023, reaching nearly US$55 billion. The report highlights how the individual annuity sector has […]
Could an ‘insurance overlay’ help managed accounts in retirement?
{February 25th, 2025} by Tobias Salinger
With financial advisor-managed accounts expanding by the trillions of dollars, annuity issuers are pitching an insurance strategy designed to reduce the risk of outliving retirement savings. A protective “wrapper” in the form of a contingent deferred annuity enables an advisor to keep client assets under their management with the investments of their choice while offering […]
Penn River Collaborates with NTT DATA on Variable Annuity Implementation
{February 25th, 2025} by Penn River
NEWTOWN SQUARE, PA, UNITED STATES, February 18, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ — Penn River, Inc., a pioneer in cloud-native policy administration systems, and NTT DATA, a global digital business and IT services leader, have announced the implementation and introduction of their variable annuity product. This marks a significant milestone with Penn River’s support for variable annuity while […]
MassMutual Ascend Upgraded To ‘AA’; Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. Ratings Affirmed At ‘AA+’; Outlooks Stable
{February 25th, 2025} by S&P
NEW YORK (S&P Global Ratings) Feb. 20, 2025–On Feb. 20, 2025, S&P Global Ratings raised to ‘AA’ from ‘A+’ its financial strength and long-term issuer credit ratings on MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Co. and its core subsidiary, Annuity Investors Life Insurance Co. (collectively, MM Ascend). At the same time, we affirmed our ‘AA+’ financial strength […]
CEO of John Hancock’s Parent Talks About Volatility Fears
{February 25th, 2025} by Allison Bell
Manulife Financial Chief Executive Officer Roy Gori acknowledged Thursday that geopolitical uncertainty could be a problem, and he made the case for why life and annuity customers and investors should trust Manulife to get them through the storm. Executives from many other life and annuity issuers have avoided saying much about the potential impact of […]
Athene CEO Urges Insurance Regulators to Go ‘America First,’ Thwart Spread of Solvency II
{February 25th, 2025} by AM Best
Insurance regulators in the United States should push back on the growth of European-style regulations that could deter some long-term insurance functions, Athene Holding Ltd. Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Jim Belardi said Read via Best’s News
How Much Does an Annuity Cost?
{February 25th, 2025} by Marc Guberti
Annuities can provide guaranteed income for life, making them an attractive option for retirees and long-term investors. However, before committing to one, it’s essential to understand the costs involved. Read via MSN Wink’s Moore on the Market: There is no deferred annuity that pays a 10% commission anymore, FYI. And I have never heard […]
Wink’s Virtual Career Fair
{February 25th, 2025} by Wink's Intel Pros
Wink is supporting the annual Insurance Careers Month during February with a virtual career fair for the life insurance and annuity industry. In February, annuity and life insurance job openings are featured in our weekly newsletter and posted on our website, reaching thousands of members! Please view https://www.winkintel.com/category/insurance-industry-job-openings/ for all of the openings. PLEASE […]
Securian Financial Enhances Its Flagship Indexed Universal Life Insurance Product
{February 19th, 2025} by Securian Financial
ST. PAUL, Minn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Securian Financial has launched an enhanced version of its flagship indexed universal life (IUL) insurance product. Eclipse Accumulator II IUL, an accumulation-focused product issued by Minnesota Life Insurance Company, includes everything financial professionals and their clients valued about its predecessor product—low charges, simplicity and transparency—plus new and unique indexed accounts. “Eclipse Accumulator […]
Brighthouse Keeps Mum on Potential Sale
{February 19th, 2025} by Allison Bell
Executives from Brighthouse Financial are not talking about a Financial Times report that the company may be trying to find a buyer. Securities analysts asked executives from Apollo Global Management and Equitable Holdings about the report during the public conference calls those companies held to go over their latest earnings. The analysts did not ask Brighthouse a […]
SC judge rules Atlantic Coast can stay in business; rips regulators
{February 19th, 2025} by John Hilton
A South Carolina judge reversed a state Department of Insurance order today that had banned Atlantic Coast Life Insurance Co. from writing new premiums. Judge Ralph King Anderson III rejected the department’s conclusion that Atlantic Coast is in financial distress. “The evidence shows that ACL maintains a positive cash flow and has not experienced any […]
DOL Hits Pause on Fiduciary Rule Appeal
{February 19th, 2025} by Melanie Waddell
The Labor Department has paused its consolidated appeals of two district courts’ universal stays of Labor’s 2024 fiduciary rule. The filing in U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit states that, due to the recent change in administration on Jan. 20, “DOL is now under new leadership,” and that new agency officials “are still in the […]
The Dimming of Brighthouse—Or a New Dawn?
{February 19th, 2025} by Kerry Pechter
Last week the Financial Times reported: “Brighthouse Financial is seeking to sell itself, with some of the most prominent private capital managers expected to make bids for the US provider of life insurance and annuities. Read the story at RIJ
A Flood of ‘Flow Reinsurance’
{February 19th, 2025} by Kerry Pechter
“Flow reinsurance,” a type of reinsurance that’s increasingly used by U.S. annuity issuers to manage their capital requirements, reminds me of mortgage lenders’ “originate-to-distribute” model that helped lead to the Great Recession of 2008. Read the story at RIJ
To Replace, or Not to Replace, an Annuity
{February 19th, 2025} by John Stevenson
I recently had someone reach out to me who wanted to replace six annuity contracts that he had with Nationwide. He had purchased them three years ago, and the current surrender charges were 9% plus a market value adjustment (MVA) charge of over 3%. With a total of over 12% in surrender charges to get […]
John Hancock CEO Tells Congress About Helping People Live Longer
{February 19th, 2025} by Allison Bell
John Hancock’s version of the Vitality wellness program could end up influencing how members of Congress think about health care. The House Ways and Means health subcommittee brought Brooks Tingle, the chief executive officer of John Hancock, to Capitol Hill last week to testify at a hearing on modernizing the U.S. health care system. Ways and Means […]
Brighthouse: annuity success, RBC struggles, as possible sale rumors fly
{February 19th, 2025} by John Hilton
The curious case of Brighthouse Financial could be summed up in one question posed during the middle of the insurer’s Q4 conference call with analysts Wednesday. “Does it make sense for this company to be public on a standalone basis?” a Jefferies analyst asked. Brighthouse posted very strong Q4 earnings of $5.88 per share, beating […]
DOL asks court to pause its appeal of fiduciary rule stay
{February 19th, 2025} by John Hilton
The Trump administration Department of Labor wants a time out from ongoing lawsuits to decide how to deal with the controversial Retirement Security Rule, its latest fiduciary rule. The DOL filed a motion Tuesday to pause its appeals from stays granted in a pair of Texas lawsuits. Finalized a year ago by the Biden administration, the RSR […]
Surrenders expected to rise at Corebridge, new RILA already selling strong
{February 19th, 2025} by John Hilton
Corebridge Financial saw its fixed annuity surrender rate drop to 9.7% in the fourth quarter. That’s the good news. Then Elias Habayeb, chief financial officer, delivered the bad news to Wall Street analysts on a conference call Thursday morning. “We expect to see our surrender rate increase in the coming year with large lots of […]
Court grants Trump administration’s request to pause fiduciary rule lawsuits
{February 19th, 2025} by Brian Croce
A federal judge has approved a Department of Labor request to pause two cases challenging the DOL’s Biden-era fiduciary investment advice rule so that Trump administration officials can familiarize themselves with the pending litigation. The Department of Justice, on behalf of the DOL, filed the motion Feb. 11 with the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of […]
NCOIL HIGHLIGHTS FEBRUARY AS INSURANCE CAREERS MONTH
{February 19th, 2025} by NCOIL
Belmar, NJ – As February marks the ninth annual Insurance Careers Month, the National Council of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) is proud to join the Insurance Careers Movement (ICM) in highlighting the many important and fulfilling career opportunities the insurance industry has to offer. The ICM is a global network of more than 1,000 insurance carriers, […]
Nationwide L.inc+ suite enhancements provide greater investment flexibility
{February 19th, 2025} by Nationwide
Columbus, OH – As investors continue to fret about how inflation and the high cost of living will impact their ability to live confidently in retirement, some are turning to their financial advisor for help, with 20% saying they are frequently discussing how to convert accumulated savings into retirement income, according to Nationwide’s Advisor Authority survey. […]
Conning research: Insurers must be flexible in the 2025
{February 19th, 2025} by Susan Rupe
A new administration in Washington continues to add uncertainty to the broader macro environment. So this is the year that insurers must be strategically flexible. That was the word from Conning as the research company gave its outlook for the coming year in a recent webinar. Read the story at INN
Reinsurance News Strong deal momentum accelerates growth for Somerset Re
{February 19th, 2025} by Kassandra Jimenez-Sanchez
Somerset Re, a provider of reinsurance solutions for global life insurance and annuity business, has experienced quick growth as it enters 2025 with strong deal momentum. Over the last decade, the reinsurer has had a strong history of successful deal execution which has contributed towards building a well-diversified book across the life and annuity space. […]
Hawkins Insurance Partners with Integrity to Drive Growth for Dynamic Agent Group and Expand Community Impact
{February 19th, 2025} by Integrity Marketing Group, LLC
Hawkins Insurance Partners with Integrity to Drive Growth for Dynamic Agent Group and Expand Community Impact Access to Integrity’s unparalleled partner network and proprietary technology will empower Hawkins Insurance agents to meet client needs more efficiently and holistically DALLAS – FEBRUARY 11, 2025 – Integrity Marketing Group, LLC (“Integrity”), a leading […]
Moyes & Associates Joins Integrity to Deliver Exceptional Client Experiences and Expand Senior-focused Services
{February 19th, 2025} by Integrity Marketing Group, LLC
Moyes & Associates Joins Integrity to Deliver Exceptional Client Experiences and Expand Senior-focused Services Integrity’s industry-leading technology platform and support resources will help Moyes & Associates agents expand their reach and better anticipate and identify client needs DALLAS – FEBRUARY 19, 2025 – Integrity Marketing Group, LLC (“Integrity”), a leading distributor […]
StanCorp’s Parent Agrees to Buy Legal & General’s U.S. Term Life Business
{February 19th, 2025} by Allison Bell
The U.S. individual life market could soon get a new player that really wants to be there. Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance Co. has agreed to pay Legal & General Group the equivalent of $2.3 billion for a deal that would include the company’s Legal & General America business. Legal & General America issues policies through […]
Annuity Regulators Should Look Harder at Cayman Islands, CEO of Athene’s Parent Says
{February 19th, 2025} by Allison Bell
The head of an asset manager that owns a big annuity issuer is unimpressed by the assets at some other annuity issuers. Marc Rowan, the chief executive officer of Apollo Global Management, the parent of Athene, talked about the state of annuity issuer investments Tuesday during a conference call with securities analysts. Rowan told the […]
Knighthead Insurance Group acquires Merit Life Insurance Co
{February 19th, 2025} by Abigail Adriatico
Global financial protection solutions provider Knighthead Insurance Group has announced its acquisition of Merit Life Insurance Co. Following the acquisition, Merit will operate under the Knighthead Life brand, which will be led by Knighthead Insurance CEO and chief investment officer Edward Massaro. Speaking on the acquisition, Massaro said the brand showcases Knighthead Insurance’s history. Read […]
Crediting Rate Increase
{February 19th, 2025} by Mountain Life
LEXINGTON, Ky., Feb. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — We are excited to announce a crediting rate increase on our 3-year Secure Summit Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuity. Effective Monday, February 17, the crediting rate will be 6.00% on the 3-year term. The increased crediting rate comes after an upgrade to a B+ Financial Strength Rating from AM Best earlier this month. “Thanks to […]
Guardian recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2025
{February 19th, 2025} by Guardian
NEW YORK, Feb. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian) announced today it was named to Forbes’ 2025 list of “America’s Best Large Employers” for the fourth consecutive year. Reflecting the company’s purpose to inspire well-being®, Guardian was recognized as a workplace that nurtures talent and encourages innovation. “We are honored to […]
Ameritas celebrates 18th Center of Excellence Certification
{February 19th, 2025} by Ameritas
LINCOLN, Neb., Feb. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The group division of Ameritas proudly marks a milestone as it receives the BenchmarkPortal Center of Excellence Certification for the 18th consecutive year. This certification reaffirms leadership and dedication to customer service and support and celebrates nearly two decades of continuous advancement and commitment to excellence. The recognition for 2024 highlights […]
Atlantic Coast Life Insurance Company and Southern Atlantic Re Vindicated in South Carolina Administrative Law Court Order
{February 19th, 2025} by A-CAP Group
COLUMBIA, S.C.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–A-CAP Group, a New York-based insurance and financial services company with over $9 billion in assets under management and $302 million in capital, today announced that the South Carolina Administrative Law Court has ruled in favor of Atlantic Coast Life Insurance Company (ACL) and Southern Atlantic Re, Inc. (SAR) in their challenge to […]
AM Best Upgrades Issuer Credit Ratings of Nassau Financial Group, L.P. Operating Insurance Subsidiaries
{February 19th, 2025} by AM
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has upgraded the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICR) to “bbb+” (Good) from “bbb” (Good) and affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of B++ (Good) of Nassau Life Insurance Company, Nassau Life and Annuity Company and Nassau Life Insurance Company of Kansas. These companies are collectively referred to as the Nassau Insurance […]
Corebridge Financial Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results
{February 19th, 2025} by Corebridge Financial
HOUSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Corebridge Financial, Inc. (“Corebridge” or the “Company”) (NYSE: CRBG) today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024. Kevin Hogan, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, “I am pleased to report strong performance for Corebridge, as we generated full year top-line and earnings growth with premiums and deposits […]
Brighthouse Financial Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results
{February 19th, 2025} by Brighthouse Financial, Inc
CHARLOTTE, N.C.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Brighthouse Financial, Inc. (“Brighthouse Financial” or the “company”) (Nasdaq: BHF) announced today its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024. Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results The company reported net income available to shareholders of $646 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, or $10.79 per […]
The two-bucket investment approach to making money last
{February 19th, 2025} by Alan Ebright
Preparing for retirement is a key milestone in one’s financial journey, requiring thoughtful planning, strategic investing and effective asset allocation. After working for decades, the goal is to build sufficient savings to sustain a comfortable retirement that could last 25 years or longer. A well-structured financial strategy ensures long-term stability and peace of mind. Read […]
A Volatility Buffer: Discussing Fixed-Indexed Annuities With Retired Clients
{February 19th, 2025} by Robert Cannon
Retirees face many challenges when it comes to managing investment risk. Balancing the need to preserve savings while still seeking growth in a volatile market can be daunting. In my career as a financial advisor, I’ve found that a fixed-indexed annuity (FIA) stands out as a highly effective solution. For financial advisors, incorporating FIAs […]
Three Reasons It May Be Time for an Annuity ‘Refresh’
{February 19th, 2025} by David S Corman
People tend to think of annuities as set-it-and-forget-it investments — and for some, that’s one of the major draws. Annuities can provide predictable payouts for retirees seeking a reliable income source, without much of the worry that can come with other, riskier investments. But even if you’re satisfied with your current annuity (or annuities), it […]
These Hot Annuities Blend Stocks and Bonds. They Could Limit Your Upside.
{February 19th, 2025} by Karen Hube
Retirement investors are pouncing on a type of annuity that promises the best of both stocks and bonds: gains and protection, wrapped neatly into one. Traditionally, only wealthy investors working with private bankers had access to investments that tie your upside performance to the stock market and provide a customizable cushion under losses. But lately […]
Feb. ’25 Part 3 – 70% of us will have an encounter with #LongTermCare. What are some options?
{February 19th, 2025} by Joe Simon Podcast
Part 3 of 3 in our Subject Matter Expert series we go deep-diving into the often misunderstood world of annuities, long-term healthcare, and hybrid options within annuities and life insurance today. “Pennies for dollars”. SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT: Sheryl J. Moore.
Feb. ’25 Part 2 – Annuities As Retirement Income. “Guranteed”. Yes? No?
{February 19th, 2025} by Joe Simon Podcast
How can we prepare for the long-run, as Americans continue to live into their 80’s and 90’s. Overwhelmed, hopeless? No way. SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS SERIES GUEST: SHERYL J. MOORE
Part 1 – Why has over $432 BILLION moved to these in 2024?
{February 19th, 2025} by Joe Simon Podcast
Part 1 of 3 part series: Dispel some of your financial fears. Why has over $432 BILLION moved to these in 2024? hashtag#Annuities, do we really understand how they work today? SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT: Sheryl J. Moore joins the conversation.
Annuities, do we really understand how they work today?
{February 11th, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
I had the pleasure of speaking on Joe Simon, LUTCF, CLU‘s on his podcast. Given that I LOVE talking shop, this was fun. -sjm
5 Key Reasons to Consider Wink
{February 11th, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
Darrell Croteau – Intelligent Solutions just paid me the biggest compliment. Wow! You all make me better, each day. I am so grateful for #TheAlmightyNetwork!! -sjm
JAB Holding Company to Acquire Prosperity Life Group
{February 11th, 2025} by JAB Holding Company
LUXEMBOURG & NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–JAB Holding Company (“JAB”), Elliott Investment Management and Prosperity Life Group (“Prosperity”) today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement whereby JAB will acquire 100% of Prosperity, which is comprised of the Prosperity Life Group Insurance Companies (“Prosperity Life”) and Prosperity Asset Management (“PAM”). With over $25 billion of […]
How Trump’s Tariffs Could Impact Annuities
{February 11th, 2025} by Aaron Smith
“Typically, market volatility causes declines in variable annuity sales,” said Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink, which tracks the life and annuity industry, in an email. “However, indexed annuities and structured annuities (also known as ‘RILAs’) are relatively insulated from sales declines due to market volatility.” Read the story via Life Annuity Specialist
Prudential Sees Interest Rate Winds Hurting MYGAs, Helping RILAs
{February 11th, 2025} by Allison Bell
Prudential Financial thinks the economic weather will still be good for U.S. individual annuity sales this year. The company is predicting that total account value for the annuities the company wants to sell will grow 20% to 25% this year, to more than $50 billion. Caroline Feeney, the head of Prudential’s U.S. businesses, said during […]
American College Announces Inaugural Retirement Conference
{February 11th, 2025} by John Manganaro
The American College of Financial Services is launching a new retirement-focused conference event next month, dubbed Horizons 2025. George Nichols III, president and CEO of The American College of Financial Services, tells ThinkAdvisor that the Horizons event is about “breaking boundaries, exploring new horizons in retirement planning, and ensuring our profession evolves to meet the needs […]
T. Rowe Price Unit Hopes to Supercharge Annuity Issuer’s Portfolio
{February 11th, 2025} by Allison Bell
Oak Hill Advisors, a T. Rowe Price unit, is getting a chance to show what it can do for investment returns at Aspida Holdings, a midsize indexed annuity issuer. Ares Management, Aspida’s owner, agreed last week to let Oak Hill Advisors manage some of Aspida’s assets and work with Aspida to try to develop new […]
Equitable Weighs Options for Its Life and Benefits Business
{February 11th, 2025} by Allison Bell
Equitable Holdings says it will come up with a plan for improving the performance of its life insurance business and other protection solutions unit operations by about July 31. Executives at the New York-based company discussed their concerns about the protection solutions unit last week, during a conference call with securities analysts. Robin Raju, the […]
Globe Life selling a lot of life insurance, paying heavy litigation costs
{February 11th, 2025} by John Hilton
Globe Life executives might be living in a swirling storm of controversy, but it didn’t impact life insurance sales during the fourth quarter. American Income Life Insurance, a subsidiary, performed particularly well, delivering a 22% increase in life net sales and 7% growth in life premium. Globe Life executives met with Wall Street analysts Thursday […]
RILA sales leader Equitable Holdings races to meet lifetime income demand
{February 11th, 2025} by John Hilton
Equitable Holdings continues to tinker with a formula combining retirement products, wealth strategies and asset management. All three came up winners in 2024, with full-year inflows of $7.1 billion, $4 billion and $4.3 billion, respectively. In the retirement sector, Equitable is lengthening its sales lead in the popular registered indexed-linked annuity category. Read the full story via […]
Q&A: 2024 year-end fixed index annuity performance review
{February 11th, 2025} by Staff Reports
Salt Financial looks back on 2024 and examines the performance of FIA indexes through multiple lenses in this Q&A, with answers provided by Salt Financial President & COO Alfred Eskandar. Market Performance Overview Q: How did different asset classes perform over the year? A: The year saw strong returns in U.S. equities and gold, which […]
Top 8 trends that will impact insurance in 2025
{February 11th, 2025} by Susan Rupe
Now is the time to reshape the insurance industry’s business model and technology foundation, according to a Majesco white paper on trends impacting the future of insurance in 2025. “Insurance is waking up to a realization that the operational models and technology foundation no longer meet the challenges and opportunities of today’s fast-changing world and […]
Should You Exchange Your Annuity?
{February 11th, 2025} by JB Beckett
Many of us spend decades working in the hopes that one day we’ll be able to afford to retire. However, outliving retirement savings is a growing concern for Americans, especially in today’s economy. A 2024 poll conducted by Greenwald Research found that 79% of Americans believe there’s a retirement crisis, up from 67% in 2020. Of those […]
Study: Do most affluent investors prefer a single financial services provider?
{February 11th, 2025} by Ayo Mseka
When it comes to affluent investors, do they prefer having multiple specialists or a single financial services provider? According to research from Cerulli’s U.S. Retail Investor Advice Relationships 2024 report, eight out of ten (82%) affluent investors who are considered “Advice Seekers” may prefer a single financial provider. Read the story via INN. Wink’s […]
Durable Power of Attorney for them to send any information to his address of record?
{February 11th, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
Okay, I could use your help. Remember when I told you that my father was going to a nursing home, due to Alzheimers? A statement arrived in the mail, from Transamerica. He has life insurance! WITH an accelerated benefit for long term care! After this encouraging development, I asked Transamerica to send information about exercising […]
Sapiens Releases its Latest Underwriting Solution with Innovative Automation and AI for Life & Annuities Insurers
{February 11th, 2025} by Sapiens International Corporation
ROCHELLE PARK, N.J., Feb. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Sapiens International Corporation (NASDAQ: SPNS) (TASE: SPNS), a leading global provider of software solutions for the insurance industry, today announced the release of Sapiens UnderwritingPro v14, the most advanced version of its award-winning, automated underwriting and new business case management system for life & annuities insurers. The release delivers significant functional and technical enhancements, […]
Finseca: Financial Planning Tips for Couples: Building a Strong Financial Future Together
{February 11th, 2025} by Finseca
WASHINGTON, Feb. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Money can be a source of joy or tension in a relationship, it all comes down to how it’s managed. Combining finances, setting joint goals, and navigating financial disagreements requires good communication, trust, and a little strategy. Here are some practical tips to help you and your partner build a strong […]
Guardian is Recipient of DALBAR’s Insurance Service Award for 10th Consecutive Year for Outstanding Policyholder Service
{February 11th, 2025} by DALBAR
MARLBOROUGH, Mass., Feb. 5, 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 Insurance Service Award, honoring the firm for demonstrating exceptional customer service support to their insurance clients. For the 10th year in a row, […]
F&G Annuities & Life Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Earnings Release and Conference Call
{February 11th, 2025} by F&G Annuities & Life, Inc.
DES MOINES, Iowa, Feb. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — F&G Annuities & Life, Inc. (NYSE: FG) (“F&G”), a leading provider of insurance solutions serving retail annuity and life customers and institutional clients, will release fourth quarter and full year 2024 earnings after the close of regular market trading on Thursday, February 20, 2025. A webcast and conference call to discuss the […]
Mountain Life Announces Nebraska Expansion
{February 11th, 2025} by Mountain Life
LEXINGTON, Ky., Feb. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Mountain Life Insurance Company is pleased to announce that it is now operational in the state of Nebraska. With the awarding of its latest license by the state of Nebraska, the company now offers its range of products to customers in 12 states. Mountain Life looks forward to welcoming its first agents […]
Mountain Life Announces Rating Upgrade to B+
{February 11th, 2025} by Mountain Life
LEXINGTON, Ky., Feb. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Mountain Life Insurance Company is pleased to announce that it has received an upgrade of its Financial Strength Rating to B+ (Good) and its Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating to “bbb-” (Good) by AM Best. Both upgrades come with a stable outlook and reflect Mountain Life’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strong. […]
Tax Cuts and Cost of Insurance Litigation
{February 11th, 2025} by Katharine Weber
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”), also referred to as the “Trump Tax Cuts,” reduced the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%. This law is in the news as the country’s leadership considers whether to extend the current December 31, 2025 sunset date for key provisions of the Act and, relatedly, whether to […]
Meiji Yasuda plans acquisition of US-based Banner Life
{February 11th, 2025} by Staff
Meiji Yasuda Life is set to acquire Legal & General America, Inc. and its US subsidiary, Banner Life, for $2.3b. As part of the deal, Meiji Yasuda will also acquire a 5% stake in Legal & General. The company expects the transaction to double its overseas insurance premiums to over $6.6b (¥1t), with core profits rising […]
Royal Neighbors of America® Earns National Recognition as One of Forbes’ Best Insurance Companies of 2025
{February 11th, 2025} by Royal Neighbors of America
ROCK ISLAND, Ill., Feb. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Royal Neighbors of America, a nonprofit insurance organization, has been included in Forbes’ America’s Best Insurance Companies 2025 ranking. This award is presented in collaboration with Statista, the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider. The list can be viewed on Forbes.com. The America’s Best Insurance Companies 2025 ranking was determined based […]
CNO Financial Group Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results
{February 11th, 2025} by CNO
CARMEL, Ind., Feb. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CNO Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: CNO) today announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024. Net income in 4Q24 was $166.1 million, or $1.58 per diluted share, compared to $36.3 million, or $0.32 per diluted share, in 4Q23. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $404.0 million, or $3.74 per diluted share, compared […]
Fidelity National Financial Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Earnings Release and Conference Call
{February 11th, 2025} by Fidelity National Financial, Inc.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Feb. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Fidelity National Financial, Inc. (NYSE: FNF) (“FNF”), a leading provider of title insurance and transaction services to the real estate and mortgage industries and a leading provider of insurance solutions serving retail annuity and life customers and institutional clients through its majority-owned, publicly traded subsidiary F&G Annuities & Life, Inc. (NYSE:FG) […]
Lincoln Financial Reports 2024 Fourth Quarter and Full Year Results
{February 11th, 2025} by Lincoln Financial
RADNOR, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Lincoln Financial (NYSE: LNC) today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024. Fourth quarter net income available to common stockholders was $1.7 billion, or $9.63 per diluted share. Fourth quarter adjusted operating income available to common stockholders was $332 million, or $1.91 per diluted share. The […]
AM Best Revises Outlooks to Stable for Lincoln National Corporation and Most of Its Subsidiaries
{February 11th, 2025} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has revised the outlooks of the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICR) to stable from negative and affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term ICRs of “a+” (Excellent) of The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, Lincoln Life & Annuity Company of New […]
Axonic Insurance Services Launches Its New Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuity Products on Hexure’s FireLight
{February 11th, 2025} by Hexure
DALLAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Hexure, a leading provider of sales and regulatory automation solutions for the life and annuity industry, announced Axonic Insurance Services (“AIS”) has implemented FireLight e-application to launch its new annuity product and expand its reach in the insurance market. As a result, AIS’s partners will have quick access to submit annuity applications, supporting the distribution of […]
Here’s how much a $1 million annuity pays per month in retirement
{February 11th, 2025} by Rachel Christian
For many retirees, securing a steady stream of income is a top priority. One way to protect against the risk of outliving your savings is through an income annuity, a financial product that provides guaranteed monthly payouts in exchange for a lump sum investment. Read the story at Yaho0!Finance Wink’s Moore on the Market: While […]
T. Rowe Price Unit Hopes to Supercharge Annuity Issuer’s Portfolio
{February 11th, 2025} by Allison Bell
Oak Hill Advisors, a T. Rowe Price unit, is getting a chance to show what it can do for investment returns at Aspida Holdings, a midsize indexed annuity issuer. Ares Management, Aspida’s owner, agreed last week to let Oak Hill Advisors manage some of Aspida’s assets and work with Aspida to try to develop new […]
Tony Robbins: Should You Invest In an Annuity?
{February 11th, 2025} by Jennifer Taylor
Annuities are fair game if you abide by Tony Robbins’ financial advice — at least some of them. The entrepreneur has been vocal in his belief that investing in one could serve as a solid source of retirement income. Read the full story at GoBankingRates Wink’s Moore on the Market: GOBankingRates– let me help […]
Pan-American Life Insurance Group Appoints Sherri Lindenberg to Lead U.S. Marketing
{February 11th, 2025} by Pan-American Life Insurance Group
Pan-American Life Insurance Group (PALIG) has appointed Sherri Lindenberg as vice president, U.S. Marketing, effective January 27, 2025. As the leader of marketing initiatives for Pan-American Life’s U.S. Life and Accident & Health divisions, Sherri will play a key role in the company’s strategic initiative to position Pan-American Life Insurance Group for growth in the […]
Midland National and North American Announce New Indexed Universal Life Products
{February 4th, 2025} by Sammons Financial Group
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Midland National® Life Insurance Company and North American Company for Life and Health Insurance®, member companies of Sammons® Financial Group, Inc., are proud to unveil their enhanced Indexed Universal Life (IUL) products. Midland National announces Strategic Protector® IUL 2, and North American announces Protection Builder IUL® 2. These highly competitive, next generation products are […]
Getting Clued In: How the SEC’s RILA Rulemaking Affects Variable Annuities
{February 4th, 2025} by Harry Eisenstein
The recent rule and form amendments adopted by the SEC to facilitate the registration of registered index-linked annuities (RILAs) and market-value adjustment annuities (MVAs) on Form N-4 have been broadly welcomed by the insured investment products industry. Some changes to Form N-4 brought by the RILA/MVA rulemaking, however, will also apply to issuers of variable annuities, […]
Digital Transformation In Life Insurance: Lessons From Assumption Life’s Success
{February 4th, 2025} by Ken Leibow
While researching innovative strategies in the life insurance industry, I came across an insightful case study detailing Assumption Life’s transformative journey. The lessons from their success hold valuable implications not just for Canada but for the U.S. life insurance market as well. Inspired by their approach, this article explores the key takeaways from their case […]
What If Life and Annuity Issuers Use Vendors With Bad AIs?
{February 4th, 2025} by Allison Bell
State insurance regulators are now looking hard at use of artificial intelligence tools and other high-tech tools at life and annuity issuers’ vendors. A team at the National Association of Insurance Commissioners wants to keep the issuers from using bad analysis without knowing it — or evading responsibility for intentional deception or unfair discrimination by […]
Morgan Stanley Likes Annuity Issuers’ Investments in Securitized Assets
{February 4th, 2025} by Allison Bell
Annuity issuers are investing more of their portfolios in securitized assets, such as residential mortgage-backed securities and commercial mortgage-backed securities, and that should help them earn more money. A team of Morgan Stanley analysts led by Bob Jian Huang has given that assessment in a new commentary on investment trends at North American life and […]
What I wish I knew when I started out in life insurance
{February 4th, 2025} by Steve Spector
As I reflect over the past 43 years, I wanted to share some key elements that I hope will help newer agents succeed in our amazing business. An agent’s career path can and will change over time, and mine certainly did. My career began as a 23-year-old agent with Northwestern Mutual. I had no clients, […]
Apollo touts Athene annuity sales, sees ‘robust future’ in other products
{February 4th, 2025} by John Hilton
Higher fee revenue and strong retirement products drove another strong quarter for Apollo Global Management. A bold five-year plan laid out in October calls for Apollo to double in five years. Its Q4 results provided a strong start, with $33 billion of inflows and assets under management increasing 15% to $751 billion. Read the story […]
Life insurance financial ratings: a system in need of an update?
{February 4th, 2025} by John Hilton
After a pair of life insurers sued AM Best last year in response to a planned downgrade of their financial ratings, concerns quickly followed. The implications were readily apparent: is the door open for life insurance companies to sue their way to better ratings? Will financial ratings retain any meaning in the future? Read the […]
2024 life insurance new premium tops $16B, sets new record, LIMRA says
{February 4th, 2025} by John Hilton
A strong fourth quarter drove life insurance new premium to another record, LIMRA reports. Total new annualized premium increased 4% in 2024 to $16.2 billion, according to LIMRA’s preliminary life insurance sales survey results. In 2023, total new premium hit a then-record $15.7 billion. Read the story via INN
NY appeals court sides with Equitable in lengthy cost-of-insurance lawsuit
{February 4th, 2025} by John Hilton
Equitable Life Insurance Co. breached no contract terms when it imposed cost-of-insurance charges on a universal life policy, the New York Court of Appeals recently ruled. The court upheld a lower-court ruling against the Hobish family trust, who claimed the insurer improperly hiked COI charges in 2015. The ruling seemingly ends a lengthy legal odyssey […]
T. ROWE PRICE, OHA AND ASPIDA FORMING STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP
{February 4th, 2025} by T Rowe Price
Reflects T. Rowe Price’s commitment to expanding its client capabilities in insurance, its leadership in retirement asset management, and the growing intersection of traditional asset management, alternative investments, and insurance. BALTIMORE and NEW YORK and DURHAM, N.C., Feb. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. (NASDAQ-GS: TROW), a global investment management firm and a leader in retirement, T. Rowe Price’s alternative credit subsidiary […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Members of Aegon Ltd.’s U.S. Subsidiaries
{February 4th, 2025} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings of “a+” (Excellent) of the U.S. life/health (L/H) subsidiaries of Aegon Ltd. (Bermuda) [NYSE: AEG]. Aegon Ltd.’s U.S. L/H companies are Transamerica Life Insurance Company (Cedar Rapids, IA) and Transamerica Financial Life Insurance Company (Harrison, NY) and […]
Prudential Financial Recognized as 2025 Industry Leader by Fortune’s List of Most Admired Companies
{February 4th, 2025} by Prudential Financial, Inc.
NEWARK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU) announced today that it has been named to FORTUNE® magazine’s annual list of World’s Most Admired Companies. Further, Prudential ranked No. 1 in the Insurance: Life & Health industry. “We’re proud to be recognized by FORTUNE as a World’s Most Admired Company and as the industry leader in the […]
AM Best Removes From Under Review With Developing Implications and Upgrades Credit Ratings of Mountain Life Insurance Company
{February 4th, 2025} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has removed from under review with developing implications and upgraded the Financial Strength Rating to B+ (Good) from B (Fair) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating to “bbb-” (Good) from “bb+” (Fair) of Mountain Life Insurance Company (Mountain Life) (Lexington, KY). The outlook assigned to these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. The […]
Ameriprise Financial Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results
{February 4th, 2025} by Ameriprise Financial, Inc.
MINNEAPOLIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (NYSE: AMP): Earnings Per Diluted Share Return on Equity, ex AOCI (1) Q4 2024 FY 2024 Q4 2024 GAAP $ 10.58 $ 33.05 GAAP 49.7 % Adjusted Operating, excluding unlocking $ 9.36 $ 35.07 Adjusted Operating, excluding unlocking 52.7 % […]
Best’s Special Report: Impairments in US Life/Health Insurance Industry Jump to 10 in 2023
{February 4th, 2025} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Ten insurance company impairments were identified in the U.S. life/health industry for 2023, following none in 2022, according to a new AM Best report. The Best’s Special Report, titled, “2023 US Life/Health Impairments Update,” states that during the 2000-2023 study period, 193 life/health insurers became impaired. These impairments consisted of 159 insolvent liquidations, 32 rehabilitations (of […]
FINRA Beefs Up Its RILA Advice
{February 4th, 2025} by Allison Bell
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority examiners may be thinking more this year about registered index-linked annuities. FINRA has recognized the rise of the RILA by changing the name of the annuities section in its latest annual oversight report to “Annuities Securities Products,” from “Variable Annuities” in the 2024 report; adding many references to RILAs; and including an analysis of […]
Pacific Life 2025 Carrier Forecast
{February 4th, 2025} by Kevin Kennedy
Why Pacific Life Insurance Company Is Optimistic About The Future Of Life Insurance Sales And Why You Should Be, Too. The life insurance industry has faced a challenging landscape in the last several years, marked by slow overall growth, which can be attributed to economic and regulatory uncertainties, demographic shifts, and the world-wide pandemic. Over […]
Mutual Trust Life Solutions 2025 Carrier Forecast
{February 4th, 2025} by Luke Cosme
“It don’t come easy You know it don’t come easy Got to pay your dues if you wanna sing the blues And you know it don’t come easy.” —Ringo Starr. This time of year, I find myself singing this tune as, like many in our industry, I work through the challenges of goal setting, performance […]
Key Trends In Life And Annuities For 2025
{February 4th, 2025} by Joe Yurich with Katie Kahl, iPipeline
The financial advisory industry is on a fast track to transformation. This year alone, the sector has adapted to regulatory changes, navigated a historic surge in demand for annuity products, and embraced new ways of working brought forward by next-gen technologies and customer demands. The volatility of the past few years has exerted tailwinds on […]
A Conversation With Ron Barrett
{February 4th, 2025} 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 […]
Here’s How Much Americans Expect to Need in Retirement (It’s a Lot)
{February 4th, 2025} by John Manganaro
While researchers generally suggest that people will need about 10 times their annual salary saved in order to successfully navigate retirement, 56% of working Americans say they expect to need at least 30 times their annual working income put away to fund life after work. This is one of the topline findings of a recent report published […]
Recruiters share the red flags they look out for in job candidates
{February 4th, 2025} by Sarah Jackson
The impression you make in a job interview can make or break your chances of getting the role. Just as candidates look for red flags in potential employers, hiring teams do the same for candidates. Recruiting pros shared the red flags they watch for, from lateness to AI-generated cover letters. You might have your own “red flags” you look […]
Annuity Sales Are Breaking Records. Should You Be Buying an Annuity in 2025?
{February 4th, 2025} by Selena Maranjian
Sales of annuities have been booming in recent years. According to an InsuranceNewsNet article citing Limra’s U.S. Individual Annuity Sales Survey, “in the first nine months of 2024, total annuity sales increased 23% [year over year] to $331.2 billion and are on pace for another record-breaking year.” That’s on top of a 23% year-over-year gain in […]
That Annuity Show
{February 4th, 2025} by That Annuity Show
In this episode industry leaders Sheryl J. Moore, Wink, Inc.., and Michele Trogni, CEO of Zinnia, a guest host, explore the evolving landscape of insurance and annuities, from digital transformation challenges to opportunities for growth. The discussion weaves together Moore’s journey from personal investment challenges to becoming the “Annuity Rockstar” with Trogni’s vision for technological […]
RILAs Are Still Breaking Sales Records
{February 4th, 2025} by Ben Mattlin
According to insurance-industry data tracker LIMRA, the only type of annuity that’s had record high sales every year since its introduction in 2011 is the registered index-linked annuity, also known as the “RILA.” It’s not hard to understand why. This variation on variable annuities invests in mutual-fund-like subaccounts, allowing a high degree of market exposure. […]
Life insurance: intelligent underwriting accelerates in the U.S.
{February 4th, 2025} by Alain Thériault
Not to be confused with simplified-issue individual life insurance, accelerated underwriting allows customers to avoid examinations and blood tests when purchasing a traditional whole life, universal life or term life insurance product. In its infancy in the mid-2010s, accelerated underwriting pushed its limits, growing from offering coverage in the hundreds of thousands of dollars to […]
Broker Words—January/February 2025
{February 4th, 2025} by Stephen Howard
In Memoriam: I hate that the need arises to write these, obviously, and particularly in this instance as the industry and Broker World has lost three good friends recently. Ray Morgan was born in Des Moines January 22, 1945, and we lost him September 4, 2024. He attended Drake University in Des Moines before embarking on […]
Mutual of Omaha 2025 Carrier Forecast
{February 4th, 2025} by Randy Mousel and Jim Duff
Raising The Bar In 2025. Customer-centric growth has been a hallmark of Mutual of Omaha’s story for 115 years. As we look to the future, our purpose to help our customers protect what they care about and achieve their financial goals is as relevant as ever. We’re operating in an uncertain and complicated world where […]
