May your Easter Sunday be filled with faith, family, and new beginnings!
{April 16th, 2025} by Wink's Intel Pros
Wishing you many blessings this spring. We are grateful to all of you for your continuous business and support. Happy Easter! — Sheryl J. Moore, Victoria Grossman, and the Wink, Inc. family. […]
AuguStar Retirement unveils enhanced OrionShield annuities with new premium bonus options
{April 16th, 2025} by AuguStar Retirement
CINCINNATI, April 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — AuguStar® Retirement, a Constellation company, announces today exciting new features of the popular OrionShieldSM annuities, propelling the company’s expansion within the Independent Marketing Organization (IMO) distribution channel. These innovative features are designed to help financial professionals provide security, stability and growth potential for clients, giving them a powerful head start on their financial […]
This is an interesting development.
{April 16th, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
Nationwide and Annexus Group have collaborated on the first actively managed mutual fund, within a structured annuity (a.k.a. “RILA”). FYI- Nationwide has about a 2% market share of the $62.9 billion structured annuity market, as of the close of last year. Another FYI- Annexus Group, owned by Integrity, is what I call a “super FMO.” […]
Scuttlebutt: I wonder if others will follow?
{April 16th, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
A little scuttlebutt for you this afternoon- I read in a publication this afternoon that Mutual of Omaha is planning to change from a mutual company, to a stock company. I wonder if others will follow? Join in the LinkedIn conversation here! -sjm
Silac Taps New Volatility Control Index Tied to Gold as Markets Swoon
{April 16th, 2025} by Cyril Tuohy
Still, volatility control indexes are proliferating and more than 200 are available with fixed-indexed annuities, which had a record year last year, according to market researcher Wink research. Sales of fixed-indexed annuities in 2024 surged nearly 34% over the year before to $130 billion, Wink‘s Sales & Market Report revealed earlier. These annuities are structured not to lose […]
Regulators Revisit IUL Illustration Guidance as Legal Pressure Mounts
{April 16th, 2025} by Warren S. Hersch
Sheryl Moore CEO of Wink, which publishes Wink‘s Sales & Market Report, thinks the proposal will spur insurers to rethink index design or crediting methodologies to stay competitive. “Insurance companies are likely to seek out competitive indices that have existed for 25 years or more,” she said in an email. “I suspect that there will be continued efforts […]
6 Reasons ‘Annuity’ Is No Longer a Dirty Word
{April 16th, 2025} by John Manganaro
Financial advisors who have experience working with retirement savers have likely come across the so-called “annuity paradox.” When presented with the basic concept behind annuities — income insurance solutions that provide a guaranteed amount of lifetime income in exchange for an upfront premium — many retirement savers like the idea. So do academics and financial advisors seeking […]
LPL Calls Ameriprise Data-Breach Notices ‘Defamatory’
{April 16th, 2025} by Melanie Waddell
LPL Financial is accusing Ameriprise Financial in a new lawsuit of sending thousands of LPL customers “false and defamatory” notices that their data has been stolen. The suit, filed Monday in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California, asserts that a Notice of a Data Breach sent by Ameriprise is a “dangerous […]
7 Things Retirement Savers Are Asking Google About Annuities Now
{April 16th, 2025} by Allison Bell
Google offers a simple way to look into people’s brains: Google Trends. You can get basic information about what web users are thinking about annuities by entering “annuities” and seeing how the popularity of that word has varied over time. You can get even more information by looking lower on the page at the list of […]
NASAA Votes to Restrict BDs’ Use of ‘Adviser,’ ‘Advisor’
{April 16th, 2025} by Melanie Waddell
State securities regulators adopted rule amendments barring potentially misleading uses of the titles “adviser” or “advisor” by broker-dealer agents, unless the broker is also registered as an advisor. The amendments to the North American Securities Administrators Association’s Dishonest or Unethical Business Practices of Broker-Dealers and Agents model rule were released for public comment on Nov. 4, 2024. They update NASAA’s […]
Conn. regulators ask judge to reject ‘setoff rights’ for PHL Variable premium
{April 16th, 2025} by John Hilton
Connecticut Insurance Department regulators are due back in court this week in their ongoing effort to rehabilitate the financially troubled PHL Variable Insurance Co. In May 2024, Insurance Commissioner Andrew Mais introduced the moratorium on benefits payments until a Connecticut court approves a rehabilitation plan for the financially troubled PHL Variable. Since then, policyholders filed several […]
LIMRA: Record workplace life insurance sales up for 4th consecutive year
{April 16th, 2025} by John Hilton
Workplace life insurance, disability insurance and supplemental health products sales all rose in 2024, according to LIMRA’s 2024 workplace benefits sales surveys. It marked the fourth consecutive year of sales growth. Employers are clearly using their workplace benefits programs to compete for talent in a tight job market, said Patrick Leary, corporate vice president and […]
Legislation would change tax treatment of life insurers’ debt investments
{April 16th, 2025} by John Hilton
Legislation to modernize the taxation of debt investments held by life insurers has been reintroduced in both the House and Senate. The Secure Family Futures Act is strongly supported the life insurance industry and would repeal the current capital tax treatment of debt investments, such as bonds. Instead, those investments would be subject to regular […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Sagicor Financial Company Ltd. and Its Subsidiaries
{April 16th, 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 (Long-Term ICR) of “a-” (Excellent) of Sagicor Life Inc. and Sagicor General Insurance Inc. (both domiciled in St. Michael, Barbados), Sagicor Life Insurance Company (Austin, TX) and ivari (Toronto, Canada). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) […]
Emerging digital annuity sales process cutting cycle times by 94%, IRI says
{April 16th, 2025} by John Hilton
Annuity sellers, and everyone along the distribution chain, have long dreamed of technology that could reduce transaction times from weeks to hours. That time has come. Carriers are eagerly signing on to a new paperless transaction process for annuity transfers that is cutting cycle times by 94%. Read via INN
In times of market volatility, FIAs make the difference
{April 16th, 2025} by David Wod
Volatility and uncertainty over the markets are dominating the news right now, and clients may be flooding your inbox with questions and concerns. While the recent turbulence is being driven by extraordinary circumstances, it’s important to remember that market volatility itself is normal and should be expected. Clients should stay grounded in long-term perspective, not short-term noise, as […]
5 trends shaping and challenging the insurance industry
{April 16th, 2025} by Khalid Lahraoui, Kenneth Saldanha and Naoyuki Shibat
The insurance industry’s strong performance in 2024, as reflected in its results and fueled by rate hikes and favorable interest rates, paves the way for a transformative 2025. We see the industry increasingly leaning on technologies such as generative AI to boost operational efficiency, streamline corporate functions and accelerate accurate underwriting and claims processing, all […]
Finseca sees chance to ‘go on offense’ amid changes in DC
{April 16th, 2025} by Susan Rupe
Finseca believes the financial services profession and industry has an opportunity “to go on offense” now that a new administration and a new Congress has taken over the reins in Washington. That was the word from Marc Cadin, Finseca CEO, who spoke with InsuranceNewsNet about his association’s legislative and regulatory priorities in the coming year. […]
Lincoln and Guardian Get Closer to Asset Managers
{April 16th, 2025} by Allison Bell
Lincoln Financial and Guardian Life Insurance Co. of America want to get closer to their assets. The life and annuity issuers have both agreed to form major relationships with fixed income portfolio managers. Lincoln is selling a stake to Bain Capital, and Guardian is connecting with Janus Henderson. Read via Think Advisor Wink’s Moore […]
What is your favorite corporate gift?
{April 16th, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
I have a friend in the business, who always comes through for me. He recently helped me with some intel, and I would like to show my appreciation. In the past, I have sent Fairytale Brownies, Harry & David and Edible Arrangements. Trying to send something different this time. What is your favorite corporate gift? […]
Today is the day that I finally get Dad admitted to the nursing home.
{April 16th, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
The latest update on my Dad- Dad has been living at the Veteran’s Hospital in Des Moines, since November, due to his Alzheimer’s diagnosis. We’ve been waiting for a room to open-up at the Iowa Veterans’ Home. Today is the day that I finally get Dad admitted to the nursing home. He has a nice, […]
Notice: Farmers Life Insurance Company financial strength rating affirmed
{April 16th, 2025} by Farmers Life Insurance Company
Farmers Life Insurance Company is proud to announce that AM Best has affirmed our financial strength rating of B++ with a Stable Outlook.* At Farmers Life Insurance Company, we believe that things should be built to last. By combining our company’s strong financial foundation with a mission rooted in service, we’re looking to create lasting […]
Best’s Special Report: Challenges From Tariff Uncertainty Likely Credit Negative for Insurers
{April 16th, 2025} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The recent stock and bond market volatility stemming from U.S. tariff changes that wreaked financial havoc globally could pressure insurers’ balance sheets going forward, causing unrealized losses in equity portfolios and diminished capital bases, according to a new AM Best report. The Best’s Commentary, “Challenges From Tariff Uncertainty Likely Credit Negative for Insurers,” notes that despite […]
Guardian and Janus Henderson Announce Multifaceted, Strategic Partnership
{April 16th, 2025} by The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America
NEW YORK & LONDON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (“Guardian”), one of America’s largest life insurers and a leading provider of employee benefits, and Janus Henderson Group plc (NYSE: JHG; “Janus Henderson”), a leading global asset manager, today announced an innovative strategic partnership, whereby Janus Henderson will become Guardian’s investment grade public fixed […]
Lincoln Financial and Bain Capital Announce Long-Term Strategic Partnership
{April 16th, 2025} by Lincoln Financial
RADNOR, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Lincoln Financial (NYSE: LNC) today announced an $825 million strategic growth investment from Bain Capital, a leading global investment firm. Bain Capital will acquire a 9.9% stake in Lincoln Financial, creating significant alignment and long-term value creation opportunities across an array of strategic initiatives over time, with a focus on advancing Lincoln’s goal […]
Symetra Partners with Nayya to Introduce Digital Leaving Planning Solution
{April 16th, 2025} by Symetra
BELLEVUE, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Responding to the ever-changing landscape employers and their employees face during employee leave, Symetra Life Insurance Company is enhancing its absence management capabilities with the introduction of Nayya Leave, a data-driven platform that empowers employees with personalized tools, education, and guidance to help them confidently navigate the complexities of leave—as well as with […]
National Survey: Middle-Income Americans Grapple With Growing Financial Uncertainty; Inflation Once Again Is Top Concern
{April 16th, 2025} by Primerica
DULUTH, Ga.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Inflation continues to be the top concern of middle-income Americans, according to Primerica’s latest Financial Security Monitor™ (FSM™), with 62% reporting stress over finances, up from 57% during the fourth quarter of 2024. Forty-six percent (46%) expect to be worse off financially in the next year, up from 27% in December 2024. “Middle-income […]
Jackson Announces New President and Chief Risk Officer
{April 16th, 2025} by Jackson National Life Insurance Company
LANSING, Mich.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jackson Financial Inc.1 (NYSE: JXN) (Jackson®) announced today that Chris Raub has been appointed President of its main operating subsidiary, Jackson National Life Insurance Company®. In this new role, he has responsibility for all go-to-market activities, driving sustainable growth and ensuring Jackson remains at the forefront of industry advancements. Raub will have oversight of […]
Lincoln Financial to Report 2025 First Quarter Results on May 8
{April 16th, 2025} by Lincoln Financial
RADNOR, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Lincoln Financial (NYSE:LNC) announced today that it will report its results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025 at 6:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, May 8, 2025. A conference call is scheduled for 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time on the same day. Earnings materials, including the 2025 first quarter Earnings Release, Earnings […]
CORRECTING and REPLACING Brighthouse Financial Announces Conference Call to Discuss First Quarter 2025 Results
{April 16th, 2025} by Brighthouse Financial, Inc
CHARLOTTE, N.C.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–First paragraph of release dated April 7, 2025, should read: 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 first quarter ended March 31, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Friday, May 9, 2025. The […]
Single in Retirement: Looking for Love and Financial Security
{April 16th, 2025} by Nationwide
COLUMBUS, Ohio, April 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — For many Americans, being single in retirement was not part of their life’s plan. Yet millions will face their second act without a partner, adding financial strain to this significant life transition, according to a new Advisor Authority study, powered by the Nationwide Retirement Institute. A quarter (25%) of single investors say they […]
Finseca: From Refund to Results: Smart Strategies for 2025 and Beyond
{April 16th, 2025} by Finseca
WASHINGTON, April 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Tax season is here, and for millions of Americans, that means a refund is coming. With ongoing discussions in Washington, D.C., about potential tax changes, now is a smart time to think strategically about how you use your refund and plan ahead for next year. A few thoughtful financial decisions today can […]
New e-signature and workflow support platform designed to meet the needs of the life insurance industry
{April 16th, 2025} by MIB Group Holdings
BRAINTREE, Mass., April 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — MIB is pleased to announce that Paperless Solutions Group (PSG), a leading provider of cloud-based software solutions for the life insurance and financial services industry, has launched a new e-signature and workflow support platform specifically designed to meet the unique needs of the life insurance industry. PSG eXpedite℠ is a robust, cost effective, […]
Managing Whole Life Insurance Nonforfeiture Options
{April 16th, 2025} by John Blocher
Insurers selling whole life insurance frequently offer nonforfeiture options down to the first dollar of Cash Surrender Value (CSV) for Reduced Paid Up (RPU) or Extended Term Insurance (ETI). Each of these options is actuarially equivalent from a policyholder perspective when premium cessation occurs. However, over the remaining life of the policy, ETI and RPU […]
How BGAs And IMOs Are Embracing Digital Annuity Solutions
{April 16th, 2025} by Ken Leibow
The annuity market is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by record-breaking sales, shifting consumer demand, and technological advancements that are making annuities more accessible than ever. Traditionally, annuity order entry platforms were designed for institutional financial firms, leaving independent life brokerage agencies with limited digital solutions. However, with the rise of innovative platforms and growing […]
Is Gen Z ready for the multi-trillion-dollar wealth transfer?
{April 16th, 2025} by Steve Randall
The great wealth transfer from Baby Boomers is set to benefit younger generations like never before but the youngest cohort of American adults may find the prospect overwhelming. Read via InvestmentNews
GBU Life introduces Defined Benefit Annuity
{April 16th, 2025} by GBU
Pittsburgh, PA, April 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GBU Financial Life has introduced the Defined Benefit Annuity Retirement Security Solution, a groundbreaking approach to retirement planning. Developed in partnership with Wealth2k, Inc., this solution integrates a fixed index annuity with advanced planning software to provide a customizable, secure retirement strategy that offers Americans an alternative […]
Penn Mutual Life reports higher 2024 net income
{April 16th, 2025} by Josh Recamara
Penn Mutual Life Insurance Co. reported net attributable income of $1.33 billion for 2024, a sharp increase from $201 million the previous year, according to its annual report. The company also recorded year-over-year gains exceeding $1 billion in total revenue, total assets, and surplus. Total revenue rose to $7.14 billion in 2024, up from $5.32 […]
Annuities Can Make Client Relationships ‘Sticky,’ but Misunderstandings Persist
{April 16th, 2025} by Judy Faust Hartnett
Annuities can play an important role in a portfolio, with 91% of annuity-producing financial professionals agreeing that annuities help clients protect against market volatility, and 86% saying they aid in portfolio diversification. The Nationwide survey of 504 professionals found that 73% of financial professionals who sell annuities believe they aid in client retention, with 81% […]
Nationwide and Annexus Break New Ground with First Actively Managed Mutual Fund within a RILA
{April 8th, 2025} by Nationwide
Columbus, OH – Nationwide, one of the largest providers of insurance and financial services products in the U.S., along with Annexus, a leading independent retirement product design and distribution company, and Capital Group, one of the world’s largest active investment managers with over 90 years of experience, are partnering to add new strategies indexing to the […]
What do you mean by “managing FIAs?”
{April 8th, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
Someone forwarded me an article from my friend James Watkins, III JD, CFP Board Emeritus™, AWMA® this weekend. He has an interest in in-plan annuities. I am always learning from him. Now it is my turn to drop some knowledge. (Initial comments, here, and the remainder are in the comments.) First- I’d like to ask […]
5 Life and Annuity Messaging Tips for Scary Market Days
{April 8th, 2025} by Allison Bell
The administration of President Donald Trump has announced a long-awaited package of tariffs, and investors around the world have reacted by pummeling stocks. The financial protest against tariffs was no friend of U.S. life and annuity issuers: At market close on Thursday, share prices for the issuers in our tracker were down from 3.7% to 13%. […]
9th Circuit Rules for Foresters in California Life Policy Lapse Case
{April 8th, 2025} by Allison Bell
Three judges at the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals have ruled in favor of the life insurer in a term life policy lapse case. The insurer, Foresters Life Insurance and Annuity Co., did violate California’s policy lapse notice rules, but the plaintiff, Pamela Siino, would not have benefited if Foresters had followed the rules […]
Federal Risk Gauge Shows What Annuity Issuers Are Up Against
{April 8th, 2025} by Allison Bell
Fog is still covering up the numbers for today, but, as of last week, conditions for U.S. life and annuity issuers were fine. That’s the message delivered by the federal Office of Financial Research market conditions monitoring tools, which, as of press time, included the investment market storms that raged Thursday, the day after President Donald […]
7 Things for Congress to Know About Life and Annuities
{April 8th, 2025} by Allison Bell
Members of Congress and their aides could be thinking a lot more about homeowners insurance and banks during this spring’s tax and budget fights than they are about life insurance and annuities. Analysts at the Congressional Research Service, the arm of Congress that helps the people who work on Capitol Hill learn the policymaking basics, […]
Charitable gift annuities gaining in popularity
{April 8th, 2025} by Susan Rupe
Charitable gift annuities are one of the simplest ways of giving but one of the most overlooked. That was the word from two members of PNC Institutional Asset Management’s planned giving solutions group, who gave a webinar advising financial professionals of the ins and outs of this financial and philanthropic tool. CGAs are gaining in […]
Bloomberg Launches New Multi-Asset Index for Fixed Indexed Annuities
{April 8th, 2025} by Bloomberg
NEW YORK, April 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bloomberg Indices announced the launch of the Bloomberg Versa 10 Index (BVERSA10), a new multi-asset benchmark developed in response to the evolving needs of the fixed indexed annuity markets. The index is designed to target a 10% volatility level and dynamically allocates across four well-known asset classes—U.S. equities, U.S. Treasuries, […]
AM Best Downgrades Credit Ratings of Mutual of America Life Insurance Company and TruSpire Retirement Insurance Company
{April 8th, 2025} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has downgraded the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) to A- (Excellent) from A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICRs) to “a-” (Excellent) from “a” (Excellent) of Mutual of America Life Insurance Company (MofA) (New York, NY). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is negative. Concurrently, AM Best has downgraded […]
Symetra Partners with Operation Hope on Financial Literacy Program
{April 8th, 2025} by Symetra
ELLEVUE, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–With National Financial Literacy Month underway, Symetra today announced a new partnership with Operation Hope, a national nonprofit focused on financial literacy empowerment and economic education, to bring community financial literacy workshops, coaching and referral services to underserved adults in the Greater Hartford, Conn., area. Symetra has committed $350,000 to fund the first […]
Brighthouse Financial Announces Conference Call to Discuss First Quarter 2025 Results
{April 8th, 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 first quarter ended March 31, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, May 8, 2025. The call will follow the issuance of the Brighthouse Financial […]
Jackson to Report First Quarter 2025 Financial Results
{April 8th, 2025} by Jackson National Life Insurance Company
LANSING, Mich.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jackson Financial Inc.1 (NYSE: JXN) (Jackson®) will announce financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, after market close Wednesday, May 7, 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, May 8, 2025, at 9 a.m. ET to review […]
Best’s Special Report: U.S. Life/Annuity Insurers Increased Bond Purchases in 2024; Mortgages and Alternative Assets Investment Growth Muted
{April 8th, 2025} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–U.S. life/annuity (L/A) insurers allocated a higher share of new investment purchases toward bonds over mortgages and alternative assets through the first three quarters of 2024, when compared with the prior two years, according to a new AM Best report. The Best’s Special Report, “NAIC-2 Bond Purchases Climb in 2024; Mortgages and Alternatives Muted,” notes that […]
Best’s Special Report: U.S. Life/Annuity Industry Sees 13% Net Income Decline in 2024
{April 8th, 2025} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The U.S. life/annuity (L/A) industry posted a 13% decline in net income to $33.3 billion in 2024, driven partly by a rise in expenses of nearly 15%, according to AM Best. These preliminary results are detailed in a new Best’s Special Report, titled, “First Look: 2024 Life/Annuity Financial Results,” and the data is derived from […]
Annuity distribution thriving, but many challenges lie ahead
{April 8th, 2025} by John Hilton
NEW ORLEANS – Annuity products are selling historically well. That does not mean there isn’t pressure building on the distribution level. The search for producers, potential disruption from in-plan annuities, and “irrational pricing” are all challenges to distribution channels. A panel of executive experts dissected those issues and more Tuesday during the 2025 Life and […]
The Slow March Of Annuities Into 401(k)s
{April 8th, 2025} by Ben Mattlin
According to experts, one of the main selling points for annuities is that they can provide a sort of personal pension that cannot be outlived. No other investment can make that claim. Yet the anticipated arrival of annuities within employer-sponsored retirement plans largely hasn’t happened. Given the need, could that change? Read via Financial Advisor
Q4 2024 Life Insurance Sales Recap and What Agency Owners Should be Doing
{April 8th, 2025} by Drew Gurley
If you’re running an agency or leading a team of producers, this isn’t the time to coast. The fourth quarter of 2024 wasn’t just strong, it was directional. It highlighted where the life insurance market is headed, what insurance products are winning, and how shifts in interest rates, consumer demand, and technology are redrawing the […]
Hitting the accelerator on annuities — With Jackson National’s Alison Reed
{April 8th, 2025} by Paul Feldman
“I was finishing my last two quarters of graduate school, and I needed an internship. I applied and got an internship at Jackson.” That opportunity began a 23-year trajectory that eventually led to Alison Reed’s becoming chief operating officer of Jackson National Life Distributors — Jackson’s marketing and distribution business — and then, in December […]
What You Don’t Know About Annuities Can Hurt You
{April 8th, 2025} by Ken Nuss
Most people are only dimly aware of annuities and how they can help them achieve their financial goals and help ensure they’ll have enough income and savings for retirement. About 79% of American adults struggle to correctly define an annuity, according to a 2024 Policygenius annuities survey. A 2023 study by the American College of […]
Mortality shows improvement in new group life study
{April 8th, 2025} by John Hilton
NEW ORLEANS – A new study from LIMRA and the Society of Actuaries Research Institute finds improved mortality in the group life segment. The 2024 Group Term Life Experience Study, released in December, collected data from insurers for group term life insurance policies in-force from 2013 to 2021. Results were compared to the previous 2016 group term […]
Sierra Financial Holdings Acquires Preferred Security Life Insurance Company
{April 8th, 2025} by Sierra Financial Holdings, LLC
HOUSTON, April 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sierra Financial Holdings, LLC (Sierra) today announced that it closed on the acquisition of Preferred Security Life Insurance Company, a Texas-Domiciled Life Insurance Carrier (PSLIC). John F. Sexton, Charles T. Ferdin and Craig Haack currently serve on the Board of Directors of Sierra Financial Holdings, LLC. John Sexton, […]
Mid-Atlantic Marketing Solutions Joins Forces with Integrity to Boost Operational Efficiency and Enhance Growth
{April 8th, 2025} by Integrity Marketing Group, LLC
DALLAS, April 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Integrity Marketing Group, LLC (“Integrity”), a leading distributor of life and health insurance, and provider of wealth management and retirement planning solutions, today announced it has partnered with Mid-Atlantic Marketing Solutions, an independent marketing organization based in Wilmington, North Carolina, and led by Jamie and Kirk Biddle. Financial details of the partnership were not disclosed. […]
29.48% of all annuity sales
{April 2nd, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
Did you know that 29.48% of all annuity sales originate through insurance companies that are owned by private equity? This is down 2.27% from 3Q2024. -sjm Wink’s Sales & Market Report, 4th Quarter, 2024
A-CAP Counters Desperate Attempt by Utah Insurance Department to Distance Itself from its Faulty Allegations
{April 2nd, 2025} by A-CAP Group
SALT LAKE CITY–(BUSINESS WIRE)–A-CAP Group (“A-CAP” or “The Company”), a New York-based insurance and financial services company with over $12 billion in assets, today announced that it has filed a motion to stay the Utah Department of Insurance’s (“Department”) March 21st, 2025, Verified Petition that attempts to subvert the Court’s February 14th Order. On February 14, […]
American National halts life policy sales amid strategic business shift
{April 2nd, 2025} by Kenneth Araullo
American National Insurance Co. will halt the sale of new life insurance policies as it shifts focus toward other business lines, including annuities, pension risk transfer, and property and casualty insurance. The company said May 31 will be the final date to submit new life insurance applications, and all life policies must be placed by […]
Brookfield Insurer Chases Alluring Market That’s So Far Been a Mirage
{April 2nd, 2025} by Aaron Smith
Still, Sheryl Moore, president and CEO of Moore Market Intelligence and publisher of Wink‘s Sales & Market Report, said that direct-to-consumer sales are just 0.6% of the overall market. “The firm that is planning to sell annuities D2C needs to do a lot of groundwork if they want to succeed,” she said in an email. Appetite for Experimentation Moore […]
AM Best Revises Issuer Credit Rating Outlook to Positive for Revol One Insurance Company
{April 2nd, 2025} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has revised the outlook to positive from stable for the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating (Long-Term ICR) and affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of B++ (Good) and the Long-Term ICR of “bbb” (Good) of Revol One Insurance Company (Revol One Financial) (Spring Lake, MI). The outlook of the FSR is stable. The […]
SC regulators ‘reviewing’ rehab strategy for Atlantic Coast
{April 2nd, 2025} by John Hilton
South Carolina regulators are still deliberating over how to respond more than six weeks after an administrative law judge reversed an order that had banned Atlantic Coast Life Insurance Co. from writing new premiums. In the meantime, Utah regulators are in court asking a judge to allow them to “take possession” of Sentinel Security Life Insurance Co. […]
Integrity Announces Transformational Acquisition of The Quantum Group to Expand Holistic Offerings
{April 2nd, 2025} by Integrity Marketing Group, LLC
The Quantum Group’s best-in-class life & annuity sales platform joins Integrity to provide more Americans with annuity solutions as part of holistic retirement planning DALLAS, March 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Integrity Marketing Group, LLC (“Integrity”), a leading distributor of life and health insurance, and provider of wealth management and retirement planning solutions, today announced it has entered […]
Northwestern Mutual Ranked as Top-10 Independent Broker-Dealer by Financial Advisor Magazine
{April 2nd, 2025} by Northwestern Mutual
MILWAUKEE, April 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Northwestern Mutual has once again been recognized among the leading independent broker-dealers in the nation, ranking 6th in Financial Advisor Magazine’s just-released 2025 list. The prominent financial publication, which ranks firms based on gross revenue, has named Northwestern Mutual a top-10 independent broker-dealer each year for more than a decade. “We’re honored that Financial Advisor continues […]
The Standard Completes Acquisition of Allstate Employer Voluntary Benefits Business
{April 2nd, 2025} by The Standard
PORTLAND, Ore.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–StanCorp Financial Group, Inc. (The Standard) today announced the closing of the acquisition of Allstate’s Employer Voluntary Benefits business in accordance with the terms of the agreement reported on Aug. 13, 2024. The agreement includes a future distribution partnership through which certain of The Standard’s products and services will be made available to […]
Sammons Financial Group “Goes Digital” in Annuity Transfers
{April 2nd, 2025} by Sammons Financial Group
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Sammons® Financial Group member companies Sammons Institutional Group®, Inc. (SIG), Midland National® Life Insurance Company, and North American for Life and Health Insurance®, this week will introduce a new paperless transaction process for annuity transfers. Additionally, SIG’s participating companies include Sammons Retirement Solutions® and Midland Retirement Distributors®. Sammons Financial Group is one of three annuity carriers […]
Global Atlantic 2025 Retirement Outlook Survey: Majority of Investors Worried about Outliving Assets
{April 2nd, 2025} by Global Atlantic Financial Group
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Global Atlantic Financial Group (“Global Atlantic”), a leading insurance company meeting the retirement and life insurance needs of individuals and institutions, today released results from its 2025 Retirement Outlook Survey, revealing mounting anxiety among investors surveyed around retirement security. The national survey included investors between the ages of 55 and 75 with $250K to […]
AM Best Comments on the Credit Ratings of Talcott Financial Group Ltd.’s Subsidiaries Following Announced Reinsurance Transaction With Japan Post Insurance Co., Ltd.
{April 2nd, 2025} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has commented that the Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings of “a-” (Excellent) of Talcott Resolution Life Insurance Company, Talcott Life Re, Ltd. (Bermuda) and Talcott Resolution Life and Annuity Insurance Company, collectively referred to as Talcott Financial Group (TFG), remain unchanged with stable outlooks following […]
FINRA Securities Helpline for Seniors Marks 10th Anniversary With More Than $9.3 Million Recovered for Investors
{April 2nd, 2025} by FINRA
WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–FINRA marks this month the 10th anniversary of the FINRA Securities Helpline for Seniors, an important resource for seniors and vulnerable investors that has assisted in recovering more than $9.3 million for investors as of Dec. 31, 2024. FINRA launched the Helpline on April 20, 2015, to provide senior and vulnerable investors with access to specially […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company and Its Subsidiaries
{April 2nd, 2025} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A+ (Superior) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings of “aa-” (Superior) of The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company (Penn Mutual Life) (Horsham, PA) and its wholly owned subsidiaries, The Penn Insurance and Annuity Company (Wilmington, DE) and The Penn Insurance and Annuity Company of New […]
5 Retirement Issues on Older Investors’ Minds
{April 2nd, 2025} by Michael S. Fischer
Older investors are feeling mounting anxiety around retirement security, according to survey results released Monday by Global Atlantic Financial Group. The survey revealed that soaring prices, surging health care costs and concerns that a recession may be in the offing have many investors worried. “Our study shows many people are deeply concerned about their ability to […]
Abacus Is Helping Insurers Buy Back Policies
{April 2nd, 2025} by Allison Bell
Abacus Global Management is still helping life insurance companies buy back in-force life insurance policies. Jay Jackson, the company’s chairman and CEO, talked about the company’s efforts to work with life insurers last week during a conference call with securities analysts. He gave no policy acquisition numbers but described the 2024 program for life insurers […]
The Baby Boomers Are Coming (for LTC Benefits)
{April 2nd, 2025} by Margie Barrie
A long-term care insurance claims tsunami is on the horizon. This critical warning resonated recently at the national ILTCI Conference in Philadelphia. More than 1,000 long-term care professionals attended this annual event, which featured 49 workshops. Read via Think Advisor
LPL Is Buying Commonwealth for $2.7B. What Happens Next?
{April 2nd, 2025} by Janet Levaux
Monday’s news that LPL Financial is buying Commonwealth Financial Network for $2.7 billion in cash led to a mix of reactions from financial services executives and industry watchers. “Well, that explains the recent LPL capital raise!” said Chip Roame, head of Tiburon Strategic Advisors. “Many firms have had a desire to acquire Commonwealth.” The deal […]
HUGE news
{April 2nd, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
HUGE news: I can finally say something about this publicly… “American National has made the strategic decision to stop writing new life insurance business and will focus on continuing to grow our Annuity, Pension Risk Transfer (PRT) and farm and ranch and targeted commercial Property & Casualty businesses. As of May 31, 2025, American National […]
5 Top Reasons Clients Leave Advisors
{April 2nd, 2025} by Michael S. Fischer
A recently released survey by CapIntel, a B2B fintech, sheds light on what investors value most in their relationships with financial advisors. It also underscores what can lead to dissatisfaction and prompt them to change advisors. Logica Research conducted the survey online between Aug. 26 and Sept. 3 among 1,000 U.S. investors with more than $50,000 in […]
Living Past 90: How to Play the Long Game on Retirement, Tax Planning
{April 2nd, 2025} by Roger Wohlner
One of the most challenging factors to account for in clients’ retirement planning is longevity. The chance of a client — or of at least one partner in a couple — living to 90 or beyond is higher than advisors might think. Factors affecting longevity include health, family history, gender (women tend to live longer than […]
Allianz Life Study Finds Inflation and Tariffs Increasingly Worrying Americans
{April 2nd, 2025} by Allianz Life
MINNEAPOLIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Americans are increasingly worried about inflation and new tariffs increasing their cost of living, according to the 2025 Q1 Quarterly Market Perceptions Study* from Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz Life). Most Americans are expecting inflation to get worse with 71% saying they expect inflation will get worse over the next 12 […]
Hit by 777 Partners Woes, Annuity Issuer Faces Rehab Petition
{April 2nd, 2025} by Allison Bell
Utah insurance regulators want to put Sentinel Security Life Insurance Co. and two reinsurance company affiliates into rehabilitation. A-CAP Group, the companies’ parent, says an administrative order gives it until May 12 to make its case for why the annuity issuer and the two affiliates should stay out of rehabilitation. Read via Think Advisor Wink’s […]
Majority of polled financial pros agree annuities make client relationships stickier
{April 2nd, 2025} by Leo Almazora
As annuity sales continue to climb across the industry, new research suggests financial professionals are finding an added benefit in the products beyond income guarantees and downside protection: stronger client relationships. According to a recent Nationwide survey of 504 financial professionals conducted with Zeldis Research, nearly three in four respondents who sell annuities said the […]
American National to exit the life insurance business
{April 2nd, 2025} by John Hilton
Longtime life insurance insider Sheryl Moore is not surprised by the life insurance exit. “I think the writing was on the wall when American National was acquired by Brookfield Reinsurance,” she said. “The triumvirate of an insurer/reinsurer/asset manager prefers to focus on indexed annuities.” In May 2022, Brookfield Reinsurance completed the acquisition of American National […]
Judge accused of bias in discrimination case by ex-life insurance employee
{April 2nd, 2025} by Matthew Sellers
A federal judge on Tuesday declined to step down from a long-running employment discrimination case against Denver’s Jackson National Life Insurance Company, rejecting arguments from a former employee who alleged judicial bias. Read via InvestmentNews Wink’s Moore on the Market: I don’t know if I’d be representing myself in this case… And the last […]
Here’s why more annuities will be showing up in retirement plans
{April 2nd, 2025} by IN THE NASDAQ
Ben Koziol, SVP, Retail Annuity Leader, Aspida, sits down with InvestmentNews anchor Gregg Greenberg to explain why more annuities will be finding their way into 401k plans, as well as why RILAs have surged in popularity. Wink’s Moore on the Market: Oh, Ben Koziol, you are teasing us! I cannot wait to hear […]
Simplicity Acquires Brokers Edge and Welcomes Rich Hellerich to the Simplicity Partnership
{April 2nd, 2025} by Simplicity Financial Marketing Group Holdings, Inc.
SUMMIT, N.J., March 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Simplicity Group Holdings, Inc. (“Simplicity”), a leading financial products distribution firm, today announced it has acquired Brokers Edge, a national wholesaler specializing in the development, marketing, and distribution of traditional fixed annuities, fixed indexed annuities, and life insurance products. With the successful closing of this transaction, Simplicity welcomes Brokers Edge’s founder, Rich Hellerich, […]
What are the factors that set Bermuda apart as a re/insurance hub?
{April 2nd, 2025} by Reinsurance TV
At the 2025 Bermuda Risk Summit, senior re/insurance executives spoke to ReInsurance Business about the myriad of factors that distinguish Bermuda as a hub for re/insurance talent and innovation. Wink’s Moore on the Market: What makes Bermuda stand-out, as a reinsurance hub? Well, some would say- – They have perfected the captive insurer […]
Get your stuff in order, or you will be running the same marathon I am.
{April 2nd, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
A lot of you have been wondering how things are going with my Dad. He is a Navy veteran, who put in 20 years. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in November, at the age of 69. He has been at the VA hospital since being diagnosed. We are waiting for a bed to open at […]
Weirdest press release EVER
{April 2nd, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
I have a clause in my license agreements for Wink, Inc., which indicate that I may use our customers’ names in public communications. That clause has been stricken from every contract we have received for the past 20 years! I’ve always wished I knew a way to get around that because A LOT of software […]
Conundrum of the day:
{April 2nd, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
Conundrum of the day: “I have $3 million in investments and I own three rental properties with no debt. I’m a lifetime federal employee with all the perks. I’ll be retiring in three years and I’ve previously worked with a large investment company but they’ve been awful and want me to buy annuities. Is it […]
“It’s a Legal Contract” — So Is Everything Else You Love and Use Daily
{April 2nd, 2025} by D'Andre Clayton, IRMAA CP
Want to Do Your Own Due Diligence? Start with Wink When it comes to life insurance and annuity products, one of the smartest moves a consumer—or even a financial professional—can make is to verify and compare what’s being recommended. That’s where Wink, Inc. comes in. Founded by industry expert Sheryl J. Moore , WinkIntel.com is […]
Regulators tackle troubling illustration practices
{April 2nd, 2025} by John Hilton
State insurance regulators say some life insurers are “undermining” efforts to bring illustrations in line with reality. The Life and Annuity Illustration Subgroup aims to stop the latest illustration abuses with changes to Actuarial Guideline 49-A. Subgroup members discussed the problems March 22 during the opening day of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ spring […]
5 steps to overcome mistrust in life insurance sales
{April 2nd, 2025} by Drew Gurley
One of the most significant hurdles life insurance agents face is the mistrust clients have toward our insurance products. This mistrust is a multi-headed monster. The skepticism comes from a lack of understanding or negative experience with life insurance. And why not? Read via INN
American National Discontinues Life Insurance Sales
{April 2nd, 2025} by Business Underwriters Associates LLC
American National has made the strategic decision to stop writing new life insurance business and will focus on continuing to grow our Annuity, Pension Risk Transfer (PRT) and farm and ranch and targeted commercial Property & Casualty businesses. As of May 31, 2025, American National will no longer accept new life insurance applications. See more from […]
After record annuity sales, what’s next?
{April 2nd, 2025} by Susan Rupe
With three straight years of record annuity sales, how does the industry continue to grow the pie? Keith Golembiewski, LIMRA assistant vice president of annuity research, and Teddy Panaitisor, LIMRA assistant research director, discussed the future of annuity sales during the 2025 Life and Annuity Conference, hosted by LIMRA, LOMA, American Council of Life Insurers and the […]
Consumers still believe life insurance costs too much
{April 2nd, 2025} by Susan Rupe
Why don’t consumers buy life insurance? There are many reasons, but a big one is that consumers are likely to overestimate the cost of coverage. That is one of the takeaways from the 2025 Life Insurance Barometer, conducted by LIMRA and Life Happens. Results from the barometer survey will be presented during the 2025 Life […]
Annuities and surrender activity subject of LIMRA/SOA study
{April 2nd, 2025} by Susan Rupe
The presence of a surrender charge has an impact on when the bulk of surrender activity occurs in the fixed-rate deferred annuity space. That is among the results of a study conducted by LIMRA and the Society of Actuaries, which will be presented during the 2025 Life and Annuity Conference, hosted by LIMRA, LOMA, American […]
Life insurance lobbyists fight to flip the perceptions on genetic testing
{April 2nd, 2025} by John Hilton
NEW ORLEANS – With the rapid evolution of technology around artificial intelligence and genetic testing, lawmakers are often caught trying to make rules for industries they don’t fully understand. Life insurers, for example, want to sell as many policies and cover as many people as possible, said Dr. Paul Quartararo, vice president and chief medical […]
LIMRA CEO: Interest rates an iceburg in a sea of soaring sales?
{April 2nd, 2025} by John Hilton
The story of life insurance and annuities in 2025 begins in a great place: a sales spike unlike anything seen before. It makes LIMRA CEO Dave Levenson’s task much easier when he addresses the room Tuesday at the Life Insurance and Annuity Conference in New Orleans. Annualized life insurance premium increased 3% in 2024 to […]
TIAA Institute and MIT AgeLab Study Finds Only 40% Of Americans Are Satisfied With Their Financial Advice
{April 2nd, 2025} by TIAA Institute
NEW YORK, March 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — “The Future of Advice,” a new TIAA Institute study in collaboration with MIT AgeLab reveals the value people place on financial advice, who they turn to for financial advice, as well as striking differences in how women and members of younger generations experience financial advice. Despite retirement planning being the […]
Fulmer Insurance Group Enhances Efficiencies to Serve More Americans through Integrity Partnership
{April 2nd, 2025} by Integrity Marketing Group, LLC
DALLAS, April 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Integrity Marketing Group, LLC (“Integrity”), a leading distributor of life and health insurance, and provider of wealth management and retirement planning solutions, today announced it has partnered with Fulmer Insurance Group, an independent marketing organization based in Las Vegas, Nevada, and led by Arnie Fulmer. Financial details of the partnership were not disclosed. We’re […]
Majesco Announces Participation in LIMRA 2025: Showcasing Cutting-Edge Innovations in Insurance Technology
{April 2nd, 2025} by Majesco
MORRISTOWN, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Majesco, a global leader of cloud insurance solutions for insurance business transformation, is excited to announce its participation at the 2025 LIMRA Life Insurance and Annuity Conference, taking place from March 31st to April 2nd at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside in New Orleans, LA. With a bold theme of ‘Dare to Innovate,’ Majesco is […]
Primerica Household Budget Index™: Uncertainty Continues to Increase for Middle-Income Families Over Rising Cost of Necessities and Leveling of Income Growth
{April 2nd, 2025} by Primerica
DULUTH, Ga.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The latest Primerica Household Budget Index™ (HBI™), a monthly economic snapshot measuring the impact of inflation on middle-income households alongside their earned income, found the average purchasing power for necessities fell to 99.4% in February, a 0.3% decrease from a month ago but a 0.4% increase from a year ago. For households earning […]
