This report identifies sales at an index level!
{June 25th, 2025} by Wink's Intel Pros
Wink’s Index Intelligence Report identifies indexed annuity and indexed life insurance sales at an index level. This annual report is a complete overview of sales per index, includes all applicable historical sales, and identifies the specifications on each of the indices available in indexed annuities and indexed universal life products. The report provides data and […]
12 Insurers That Sold the Most RILAs in Q1
{June 25th, 2025} by Allison Bell
For a look at the RILA [aka structured annuity] sales totals that the 12 highest-volume issuers reported to Wink, see the gallery accompanying this article. Read via Think Advisor
NATIONAL ANNUITY AWARENESS MONTH EDITION
{June 25th, 2025} by Wink's Intel Pros
June is National Annuity Awareness Month! We will be reprinting our Chief Storyteller, Sheryl Moore’s most requested annuity-focused articles all month long; they will be indicated with “reprint” in the title. You’ll find these timeless articles are still relevant today. National Annuity Awareness Month aligns perfectly with Wink’s top priority of ensuring that the public […]
Reprint: How to Change the Narrative Around Annuities, Annuity Awareness Month
{June 25th, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
June is Annuity Awareness Month, which is basically like a big, nerdy party for an annuity evangelist like me. This is primarily because I get to be on stage more often, do more webinars and Zooms than is typical. Heck, a few years ago, I even had the opportunity to work with my former Governor […]
Reprint: Americans Are Demanding Annuities #AnnuityAwarenessMonth
{June 25th, 2025} by Sheryl Moore
I have seen the demand for annuities grow stronger and stronger over the past couple of decades. When I talk about this with colleagues in the annuity industry, they think I am being facetious. What? You haven’t seen the same? Well, let me show you about the demand for annuities from my own perspective. Click […]
REPRINT: 100 facts your clients need to know about annuities: #AnnuityAwarenessMonth
{June 25th, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
Did you know that that the top fear of Americans is outliving their retirement income? Death comes in as the second top fear. It’s easy to see that annuities are still the black box of the insurance industry … what a shame. Did you know that the top fear of Americans is outliving their retirement income? (Death […]
Delaware Life Announces Target Income Choice™ Fixed Index Annuity
{June 25th, 2025} by Delaware Life Insurance Company
ZIONSVILLE, Ind.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Delaware Life Insurance Company (“Delaware Life”), a Group 1001 company, announced today the launch of Target Income Choice™, a new fixed index annuity (FIA) available through the bank and broker-dealer channels. It provides a combination of guaranteed lifetime income, growth potential, and downside protection to further protect customers from rising inflation and market […]
A-Cap provides update on life insurers after tangling with regulators
{June 25th, 2025} by Staff Reports
After battling with regulators in Utah and South Carolina for much of the past 18 months, Advantage Capital and its life insurance subsidiaries are seemingly back to business as usual. In late April, the Utah Insurance Department agreed to pause its litigation effort to take control of A-Cap insurers Sentinel Security, Haymarket Insurance Co., and […]
Appeals Court Sides With Beneficiary in Guardian Life Suit
{June 25th, 2025} by Allison Bell
A three-judge panel at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit has ruled against Guardian Life, and in favor of a life insurance beneficiary, in a case involving a life policy cancellation notice. Pamela Edwards, the owner of the Allure Salon in Starkville, Mississippi, bought a group life insurance policy that covered her […]
Global Atlantic, MassMutual Put 25% of Bond Allocations in Privately Rated Assets: Moody’s
{June 25th, 2025} by Allison Bell
U.S. life and annuity issuers ended 2024 with $422 billion invested in bonds and other fixed income assets with private letter ratings, according to Manoj Jethani and other analysts at Moody’s Ratings. The issuers’ allocations to arrangements with private letter ratings amounted to about 11% of their $3.8 trillion in bonds, and about 7.5% of their […]
Ohio man arrested after social media post threatening to blow up West Des Moines insurance agency
{June 25th, 2025} by Staff
An Ohio man is accused of threatening to blow up an insurance building in West Des Moines. Court documents say 57-year-old Christopher Webb posted an Instagram video Saturday outside of the American Equity Life Insurance building on Westown Parkway. In the video, he expressed frustration with his insurance company. Read via KCCI Wink’s Moore […]
Beach Boys legend Brian Wilson’s passing provides financial planners opportunity to advise on conservatorship
{June 25th, 2025} by Gregg Greenberg
Wealth managers weigh in with financial tips following the tragic death of the Beach Boys’ founder. Read via InvestmentNews Wink’s Moore on the Market: Just catching-up on some reading, and this one stuck-out to me. I WISH someone had had a conversation with my Dad (and myself?) about ensuring that he had a durable […]
Apollo (APO) Withdraws from Brighthouse Financial Acquisition Race | APO Stock News
{June 25th, 2025} by GuruFocus News
Apollo (APO, Financial) decided not to proceed with its bid in the acquisition process for Brighthouse Financial, as reported from recent developments. During the final bidding round earlier this month, TPG and Aquarian Holdings, supported by Mubadala Capital from Abu Dhabi, each made offers slightly above Brighthouse Financial’s current market valuation. While Apollo (APO, Financial), along with […]
State claims added to amended lawsuit over National Life IUL illustrations
{June 25th, 2025} by John Hilton
An Indiana woman suing NLV Financial Corp. and two life insurance subsidiaries over a 2023 indexed universal life policy that returned 0% is tacking on state claims in an amended lawsuit. Sanya Virani claims the IUL relies on back-tested historical performance that does not match reality and is “a fraudulent sham.” She initially filed suit Oct. […]
Allianz Life Study Finds Record High Investment Anxiety
{June 25th, 2025} by Allianz
MINNEAPOLIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–More Americans say that they are too nervous to invest right now and are worried about their retirement savings more than they have in the last six years as extreme market volatility ripples through the economy, according to the 2025 Q2 Quarterly Market Perceptions Study* from Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz […]
Security Benefit’s RIA Economic Outlook Index Rises to 60 as Advisors Grow More Optimistic About the Economic Environment
{June 25th, 2025} by Security Benefit
TOPEKA, Kan.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Registered investment advisors (RIAs) are feeling better about inflation according to the latest RIA Economic Outlook Index released by Security Benefit in partnership with Greenwald Research. For Q2, 6 in 10 now expect inflation to be under 3% in the next twelve months. This tracks with the latest reading of the personal consumption […]
Pacific Life Introduces New Variable Universal Life Insurance Product Now Available Through State Farm
{June 25th, 2025} by Pacific Life Insurance Company
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Pacific Life is pleased to introduce a new, straightforward variable universal life (VUL) insurance product, designed for customers ages 30-55 who are comfortable pursuing cash value over the long term and have a tolerance for market-based risk. Pacific Protector Plus VUL1 offers tax-free2 death benefit protection and cash value accumulation potential through a streamlined […]
Could a bitcoin-based indexed annuity be in the future?
{June 25th, 2025} by Susan Rupe
An insurtech holding company is seeking a fronting carrier and regulatory approval for a bitcoin-based indexed annuity. BITLYF has spent the past three years developing the product, which gained traction earlier this year with the Chicago Board Options Exchange offering the first bitcoin index for an annuity. Read via INN
Annuities ‘can add a little juice to the retirement portfolio’
{June 25th, 2025} by Susan Rupe
Retirement is not a one-time event; it is a dynamic phase of life that requires a vision of what the post-employment years will look like for each individual and how that vision will be funded. Tamiko Toland, founder of IncomePath, discussed the process of individualized retirement planning and how annuities can help fund each individual’s […]
Washington National Launches Individual Term Life Insurance Product
{June 25th, 2025} by Washington National Insurance Company
CARMEL, Ind., June 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Washington National Insurance Company, a national provider of supplemental health and life insurance products for middle-income Americans, has introduced today its new Individual Term Life Insurance (ITL). This product is an easy-to-understand solution designed to help underserved workers and families achieve financial security, offering key benefits such as the option […]
KANSAS CITY LIFE ANNOUNCES A POTENTIAL NATIONWIDE SETTLEMENT IN COST OF INSURANCE CLASS ACTION LITIGATION
{June 25th, 2025} by Kansas City Life Insurance Company
KANSAS CITY, Mo., June 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Kansas City Life Insurance Company (“KCL”) announced today that it has entered an agreement intended to settle all claims asserted against it in previously-disclosed class action litigation related to the cost of insurance rates used in certain universal life and variable universal life policies. Under the terms of the […]
Sapiens to Accelerate Insurers’ Digital Transformation with AI-Driven Upgrades for Life, Pensions, & Annuities
{June 25th, 2025} by Sapiens International Corporation
ROCHELLE PARK, N.J., June 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Sapiens International Corporation (NASDAQ: SPNS) (TASE: SPNS), a leading global provider of software solutions for the insurance industry, announced the latest release of CoreSuite a comprehensive policy administration system for life, pensions, and annuities. Life insurers can now streamline operations, and enhance user experiences and customer outcomes, while enabling faster time to market. Agents, […]
Moms say they are fulfilled in the advisory industry
{June 25th, 2025} by Susan Rupe
Moms who work in the advisory profession say they are fulfilled in their careers, with 9 out of 10 saying they are highly satisfied in their chosen careers. That was the main finding from a survey on understanding the experience of mothers in advisory firms, conducted by The Ensemble Practice. The survey found most mothers […]
Study: How does flexibility impact life insurance purchase decisions?
{June 25th, 2025} by Doug Bailey
In the world of life insurance, guarantees have long reigned as the gold standard—products with lifetime guarantees, no-lapse provisions, and steady premiums have been the go-to for risk-averse consumers. But new research suggests that the tide may be shifting to give more weight to flexibility —if, that is, financial professionals are willing to take the […]
Annuities are looking good right now. So why aren’t people buying them?
{June 25th, 2025} by Brett Arends
Don’t bemoan the loss of traditional pensions. Create one yourself. It’s funny that so many people bemoan the loss of old-fashioned final-salary pension plans. They still exist and are arguably better than ever, yet almost nobody wants them. Read via Morningstar
US Consumer Confidence Drops on Broad Concerns About Economy
{June 25th, 2025} by Nazmul
US consumer confidence fell this month, with a gauge maintained by The Conference Board falling 5.4 points to a reading of 93. The figure was below all estimates from a survey of economists conducted by Bloomberg. “This is an ‘abundance of caution economy,’” said Heather Long, chief economist at Navy Federal Credit Union. Read via […]
SBLI partners with Techficient for digital innovation in life insurance
{June 25th, 2025} by Staff
he Savings Bank Mutual Life Insurance Company of Massachusetts (SBLI) has partnered with Techficient to digitise the life insurance process. The partnership will see the creation of fully digital products that leverage “advanced technology” to streamline the purchasing journey for users. As a result of this partnership, SBLI has rolled out its inaugural term product, EasyTrak Digital Term […]
TruStage™ Launches ZoneChoice Advantage Annuity, Offering More Flexibility for Retirement Planning
{June 25th, 2025} by TruStage
MADISON, Wis., June 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — TruStage, a leading insurance and financial services provider, today announced the launch of a new retirement solution, the TruStage ZoneChoice Advantage Annuity, underwritten by MEMBERS Life Insurance Company, a registered index-linked annuity (RILA) with new, innovative crediting strategies for end-investors. ZoneChoice Advantage is designed for both possibility and performance, with two […]
In recognition of June being National Annuity Awareness Month
{June 18th, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
In recognition of June being National Annuity Awareness Month, I wanted to post my annuity quick reference. Hope you find it helpful! -sjm Annuity Quick Reference
12 Insurers That Sold the Most Annuities in Q1
{June 18th, 2025} by Allison Bell
U.S. retirement savers continued to pour cash into individual annuities in the first quarter. Overall sales amounted to $98 billion, down 5.7% from the total for the first quarter of 2024, according to issuer survey data compiled by Wink. But 2024 was a terrific year for annuity sales, and sales at the 12 highest-volume issuers increased […]
Reprint: Compensation: Commission vs. Fees #AnnuityAwarenessMonth
{June 18th, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
Never in my decades of insurance experience have I witnessed a debate on social media that is more heated and passionate than that of fee-based advisors versus those who are commissioned. The argument? “One cannot act in the client’s best interests unless they are a fiduciary who does not get paid a commission.” Fiduciaries […]
Reprint: Innovation in Annuities #AnnuityAwarenessMonth
{June 18th, 2025} by Bloomberg
A fireside chat with three annuity industry experts and a BI economist to discuss the space, as it relates to sales metrics, distribution and product innovation. Topics include the sales growth outlook for the Annuity space (Fixed, Variable, Indexed, RILA), product innovation in the index area, opportunities in the 401(k) market, competitive dynamics and the […]
REPRINT: DON’T ASSUME PROSPECTS KNOW ANNUITIES, #AnnuityAwarenessMonth
{June 18th, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
DON’T ASSUME PROSPECTS KNOW ANNUITIES April 21, 2013 by Sheryl J. Moore By Sheryl J. Moore, President and CEO of Moore Market Intelligence, an indexed product resource in Des Moines, IA. I was speaking to a health insurance agent today who was looking for information on life insurance and annuities. He was genuinely interested […]
A-CAP Provides Business Update
{June 18th, 2025} by A-Cap
NEW YORK–(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, shared a business update today, including a financial update as of March 31, 2025, updates to product offerings, as well as several important operational developments. Utah & South Carolina Regulatory Update In May […]
RIAs Overtake Independent Brokers As Top Annuities Sales GrowthChannel, Goldman Says
{June 18th, 2025} by Ben Mattlin
For the first time, insurers ranked RIAs as the top distribution growth area for annuity sales, overtaking the channel of independent insurance agents. This is among the key findings in the fifth annual Goldman Sachs Asset Management survey of insurance and annuity providers, released on Thursday. Gathering input from more than 100 professionals at 31 […]
TIAA Traditional and Lifetime Income Annuities Now Available to Public via IRA
{June 18th, 2025} by CardRatings
TIAA-CREF recently announced that they are allowing the public to invest in their fixed and income annuities inside a Traditional or Roth IRA (via Bogleheads). This includes their most well-known TIAA Traditional Annuity, which has traditionally been only available to those working in nonprofit colleges, universities, hospitals (TIAA stands for Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America). This was […]
US insurers want to take a larger slice of the retirement market through the RIA channel
{June 18th, 2025} by Steve Randall
US insurance carriers are keen to hail the benefits of annuities in retirement planning and are using several key strategies to do so. Read via Investment News
Google’s New GenAI Model Gets Better at Life Insurance
{June 18th, 2025} by Cyril Tuohy
A follow-up quiz of Google’s latest generative artificial intelligence engine offers a window into improvements in the speed and accuracy of a technology more carriers are aiming to deploy. Read via LifeAnnuitySpecialist. But things are different with Bard’s successor, Gemini. It reports — accurately — that agent commissions on a SPIA range from 1% to […]
Northwestern Mutual Launches Season Two of “A Better Way to Money®” Podcast Offering Financial Advice to Consumers Navigating Major Life Milestones
{June 18th, 2025} by Northwestern Mutual
MILWAUKEE, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Northwestern Mutual, a leading financial services company offering comprehensive financial planning through insurance and wealth management, renews its award-winning podcast, “A Better Way to Money®” for a second season. In each episode, host Jennifer Borget is joined by guests who share personal experiences and unique perspectives, as well as financial experts who provide in-depth knowledge […]
Integrity Named to Inc.’s 2025 Best Workplaces List
{June 18th, 2025} by Integrity Marketing Group, LLC
DALLAS – JUNE 17, 2025 – Integrity, LLC (“Integrity”), a leading distributor of life and health insurance, and provider of wealth management and retirement planning solutions, today announced it has received a 2025 Best Workplaces Award from Inc. This year’s elite group of winners honors companies that have built exceptional workplaces with vibrant, inclusive cultures that support, motivate […]
Many Americans are Counting on the Wrong Safety Net for Long-Term Care
{June 18th, 2025} by Nationwide
COLUMBUS, Ohio, June 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A dangerous myth is exposing millions of American families to financial risk: 58% believe Medicare will cover long-term care (LTC) expenses, according to the 2025 Nationwide Retirement Institute Long-Term Care survey of U.S. adults age 29+ with household income $75,000+, released today. In reality, Medicare’s LTC coverage is limited and short-term, and does not […]
Lincoln Financial Launches Exclusive Capital Group and Vanguard Fund Within Variable Annuities
{June 18th, 2025} by Lincoln Financial
RADNOR, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Lincoln Financial (NYSE: LNC) announced today the launch of LVIP American Funds Vanguard Active Passive Growth Fund, available exclusively within American Legacy® and Lincoln Investor Advantage® variable annuities. The new fund combines the strengths of two leading investment managers – Capital Group and Vanguard – to offer investors opportunities for diversified, long-term growth with a […]
Best’s Special Report: U.S. Life/Annuity Industry Sees Tenfold Increase in Net Income in First-Quarter 2025
{June 18th, 2025} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The U.S. life/annuity industry saw its net income increase significantly to $11.5 billion in the first quarter of 2025 compared with $1 billion in the same prior-year period, according to preliminary financial results. This financial review is detailed in a new AM Best report, “First Look: Three-Month 2025 US Life/Annuity Financial Results,” and the data […]
Most Personal Injury Structured Settlement Annuity Recipients Report That Receiving Annuity Payments Makes Them Feel Financially Secure, According to New MetLife Study
{June 18th, 2025} by Mellife
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–An overwhelming majority of structured settlement annuity recipients, 96%, report that they are happy that they chose to receive their settlement as monthly annuity payments rather than a lump sum and 94% report receiving monthly annuity payments makes them feel financially secure, according to MetLife’s new 2025 Personal Injury Settlement Study, released today. “The […]
Time to Rethink Fiduciary Responsibility
{June 18th, 2025} by Life Insurance Settlement Association
For decades, financial professionals have relied on a trusted set of tools to help clients manage risk, plan for retirement, and navigate life’s financial transitions. But what happens when one of the most valuable personal financial assets, a life insurance policy, stops serving its original purpose or is no longer needed? That’s the moment when […]
Athene Holding, Biggest U.S. Individual Annuity Seller, Names CEO
{June 18th, 2025} by Allison Bell
The company that has quietly become the top U.S. individual annuity seller is getting a new CEO. Jim Belardi, who has been the chairman, CEO and chief investment officer at Athene Holding since May 2009, plans to pass the CEO title on to Grant Kvalheim on July 1. Kvalheim has been the president and CEO […]
Annuity sales top $100B for the 6th straight quarter, LIMRA reports
{June 18th, 2025} by Press Release
Total U.S. annuity sales were $106.3 billion in the first quarter of 2025, level with the record set in first quarter 2024, according to results from LIMRA’s U.S. Individual Annuity Sales Survey. This quarterly survey represents 85% of the total U.S. annuity market. “Total annuity sales topped $100 billion for the sixth straight quarter, demonstrating […]
‘Annuity King’ gets trial date for lawsuit against feds, Florida regulators
{June 18th, 2025} by John Hilton
Phillip Roy Wasserman is expected to get another day in court to make his case that state and federal agents broke the law during investigations that led to his fraud conviction. Wasserman was convicted on May 15, 2023, on nine felony counts. The three most serious – wire fraud, mail fraud and conspiracy to commit wire and […]
Cereal-ously unique product rollout
{June 18th, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
This is cereal-ously the most unique product rollout I have ever seen, American National! Scott Campbell– I can see you are keeping busy. 😉 (And the cereal is not bad!) -sjm
Rebuilding trust and simplifying insurance will win over the next generation
{June 18th, 2025} by GlobalDataFinancialServices
A GlobalData poll has highlighted that insurers targeting younger generations are struggling with deep-rooted issues, such as low levels of trust and limited understanding of insurance products. Meanwhile, a survey by Insurance Europe—in collaboration with the European Youth Parliament (EYP)—found that younger consumers want insurance to be simpler, more-digital, and better tailored to their specific […]
Why isn’t Gen Z buying insurance?
{June 18th, 2025} by Strategic Intelligence
s Gen Z comes of age, it is quickly becoming one of the most influential consumer groups in the global economy. Born between 1997 and 2012, this digital-native generation is known for its tech savviness, pragmatic approach to money, and social consciousness. But one sector that is still struggling to capture its attention is insurance. […]
North America Insurance Midyear Outlook: Adapting to Disruption
{June 18th, 2025} by Geoff Cornell, CFA| Chief Investment Officer—Insurance, Gary Zhu, CFA| Deputy Chief Investment Officer—Insurance, Deanna Leighton, CFA| Head of Allocation & Strategy—Insurance
After an eventful start to 2025, we revisit our themes for the year and where we stand today. Whether it was a trade war erupting, an equity market round trip or whipsawing interest rates, there’s been plenty for insurance investors to react to so far in 2025. Let’s recap the macro and market picture, check […]
SCC refuses leave in Sun Life class action
{June 18th, 2025} by James Langton
The Supreme Court of Canada has declined to hear an appeal that sought to add a cause of action to a long-running class action lawsuit over the sale of universal life policies. In 2010, a class action lawsuit was filed against Sun Life Life Assurance Co. of Canada concerning the sale of universal life policies […]
Sammons Financial Group Enters into a Definitive Agreement to Acquire Wealthcare Capital Management from NewSpring Holdings
{June 18th, 2025} by Wealthcare
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa, June 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Sammons Financial Group announces it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Wealthcare LLC (Wealthcare), a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) firm with offices in Richmond, Virginia, and Philadelphia. Wealthcare is a full-service financial advisory firm with nearly 200 independent advisors and over 12,000 clients throughout the US. “We are excited by the breadth and […]
Life insurance sales up 2% in the first quarter, Wink finds
{June 12th, 2025} by Staff Reports
ife insurance sales rose more than 2% in the first quarter, Wink Inc. found in its Sales & Market Report. Life sales topped $2.7 billion in Q1, down 13.7% quarter-over-quarter and up 2.1% compared to the same period last year. All life sales include fixed universal life, indexed UL, variable UL, whole life and term […]
Reprint: Structured Annuities Seize the Spotlight #AnnuityAwarenessMonth
{June 12th, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
About fourteen years ago, the first structured annuity hit the streets. It was the first time in 15 years that deferred annuities had to welcome a new product class. And if you are still unfamiliar with these products, it’s time to get an education. These annuities are now the fastest-growing segment of the life insurance […]
Reprint: How to Change the Narrative Around Annuities: #AnnuityAwarenessMonth
{June 12th, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
June is Annuity Awareness Month, which is basically like a big, nerdy party for an annuity evangelist like me. This is primarily because I get to be on stage more often, do more webinars and Zooms than is typical. Heck, a few years ago, I even had the opportunity to work with my former Governor […]
Reprint: Wink’s Annuity Quick Reference by Sheryl J. Moore #AnnuityAwarenessMonth
{June 12th, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
Originally posted on March 1, 2022 “I do not endorse any company/product. It’s not that I want people to buy annuities; I just want them to have credible information about them so that they can make a decision about if they are right for them.” Wink’s CEO, Sheryl J. Moore Click to view Wink’s […]
American National Insurance Company Introduces Smart Start Accumulator Series
{June 12th, 2025} by American National Insurance Company
HOUSTON, June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — American National Insurance Company announces the launch of its innovative Smart Start Accumulator Series, a series of single premium fixed indexed annuities designed to provide clients with the opportunity for significant growth by maximizing accumulation potential from day one. The series, which includes Smart Start Accumulator and Smart […]
Security Benefit bolsters its flagship Foundations Annuity with New Indices and Index Accounts
{June 12th, 2025} by Security Benefit
TOPEKA, Kan.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Security Benefit today announced the addition of index accounts based on three new indices to its flagship fixed index annuity (FIA), Foundations Annuity. The new indices represent international, technology, and small cap segments, as well as a simple Trigger Rate strategy benchmarked against the S&P 500®. With these new options, Foundations now features […]
National Life: Strong 2024 sales led by 20% life growth, 17% annuity rise
{June 12th, 2025} by John Hilton
National Life Group set a bunch of new sales records in 2024, including $635 million in life insurance policies, $3.4 billion in annuities, and $57.4 billion in assets under management. Life sales were up 20%, while annuity sales increased by 17%. But that is not the mutual company’s focus, CEO Mehran Assadi insisted. Read via […]
Insurers show strongest financial performance in a decade
{June 12th, 2025} by Susan Rupe
Publicly traded insurance companies showed strong financial performance in 2024 compared to the prior year, according to an analysis by Compensation Advisory Partners. CAP released its annual research on executive compensation and financial performance across two industry segments, including 19 of the largest publicly traded property/casualty and life/health insurers. Read via INN
This Annuity Feature Would Help Clients Manage a Health Shock
{June 12th, 2025} by Allison Bell
Three economists have gone into a virtual financial lab and come out with an idea for a new product: a health shock annuity feature. The product, which they call a “refinancing enhanced annuity rider,” or REAR, could help ease the fears of retirement savers who like the idea of annuitizing their assets, and getting a […]
Political Uncertainty Hangs Over Life and Annuity Sector at S&P Meeting
{June 12th, 2025} by Allison Bell
The U.S. life and annuity sector has been doing so well that Carmi Margalit, the life insurance sector lead at S&P Global Ratings, has no big current concerns about the companies that S&P rates. “It’s a very stable, very highly rated sector,” Margalit said Wednesday in New York at S&P’s 41st annual insurance conference. Interest […]
Group Fears IRS Could Change the Time When Annuities Are Taxed
{June 12th, 2025} by Allison Bell
People who own annuities know they can put off paying federal income taxes on their investment gains until they begin receiving annuity payments — but that could change. Bryan Keene and Mark Griffin, Davis & Harman attorneys who are counsel to the Committee of Annuity Insurers, talk about the possibility in a letter they sent in May […]
Northwestern Mutual Launches Season Two of “A Better Way to Money®” Podcast Offering Financial Advice to Consumers Navigating Major Life Milestones
{June 12th, 2025} by Northwestern Mutual
MILWAUKEE, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Northwestern Mutual, a leading financial services company offering comprehensive financial planning through insurance and wealth management, renews its award-winning podcast, “A Better Way to Money®” for a second season. In each episode, host Jennifer Borget is joined by guests who share personal experiences and unique perspectives, as well as financial experts who provide in-depth knowledge […]
Global Atlantic Unveils New Brand to Reflect Strategic Growth and Strength
{June 12th, 2025} by Global Atlantic Financial Group
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Global Atlantic, a leading provider of retirement security and investment solutions, and a wholly-owned subsidiary of KKR, today launched its new brand identity and logo. Global Atlantic’s new brand highlights the powerful combination of KKR’s differentiated investment capabilities and Global Atlantic’s insurance expertise. The new brand pays tribute to the company’s rich history […]
Variable Annuity vs. 60/40 Portfolio: Which Won Wade Pfau’s Retirement Income Face-Off?
{June 12th, 2025} by Allison Bell
Some people pit toy soldiers against one another. Others program computers to play chess with themselves. Wade Pfau — a professor of practice at the American College of Financial Services and the holder of a doctorate in economics from Princeton — sends annuities into the Monte Carlo investment scenario arena against various other types of […]
Analysts Peer Inside Minds of RILA Owners
{June 12th, 2025} by Allison Bell
Clients who buy registered index-linked annuities may be a surprisingly simple group of people. They seem to cling to their RILA contracts with a tight grip to avoid paying surrender charges during the surrender charge period. Once the surrender charge period is over and the shock of shifting to new contract terms hits, RILA owners […]
Revol One raises $1.07 million toward $2.5 million goal
{June 12th, 2025} by Coverager
Revol One Financial , a Delaware-based insurance-focused holding company, has raised $1.07 million as part of a $2.5 million equity offering, according to a recent SEC Form D filing. The company, incorporated in 2024 and headquartered in Urbandale, Iowa, is led by President and CEO Mark Zesbaugh. The raise comes as AM Best upgraded the outlook […]
What is the 5-year rule for annuities?
{June 12th, 2025} by Angelica Leicht
In today’s uncertain financial environment, annuities can seem like the quiet, dependable retirement funding option, offering guaranteed income and helping protect against outliving your savings. And, with sticky (but cooling) inflation still putting pressure on household budgets and the stock market delivering mixed signals, the idea of guaranteed monthly payouts is even more appealing, especially for those nearing retirement or […]
LIMRA/LOMA targets consumers with Alliance for Lifetime Income merger
{June 12th, 2025} by John Hilton
LIMRA traces its history back to nearly 110 years of research, marketing, and analysis on behalf of insurance companies. For its next chapter, it is adding a consumer education focus via a merger with the Alliance for Lifetime Income (ALI). LL Global, the parent of LIMRA and LOMA, announced the merger with ALI on Monday. […]
As the business and this industry evolved throughout the last 17 years, his love for the work we do helping clients retire with confidence only grew.
{June 12th, 2025} by Jamie Johnson
Ron Essary’s obituary.
It was the happiest day of my life, and still is.
{June 12th, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
Twenty years ago, I married The Hottest Man Alive. It was the happiest day of my life, and still is. What has contributed to our wonderful marriage? 1. We put one another first. (I’m thirsty; better check to see if THMA is too…) 2. We respect each other. (He thinks The Home Depot has the […]
Integrity and QIA Partner to Better Serve Insurance Needs of Hispanic Communities
{June 12th, 2025} by Integrity Marketing Group, LLC
DALLAS, June 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Integrity, 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 QIA, a leading insurance marketing organization based in Kissimmee, Florida, and led by Joe Quezada. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed. QIA is committed to helping […]
A game-changer in innovation?
{June 12th, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
The carrier reached-out to me on this product. Sounds like this annuity is going to be a game-changer, in terms of innovation. I am tuning in. Can’t wait to find out more!! Thanks, Steve Stern, for the heads up! -sjm
How to use IUL bonuses and multipliers
{June 12th, 2025} by Mark Milbrod
Indexed universal life insurance policies are increasingly popular, offering a unique blend of life insurance coverage and investment potential. As IUL’s popularity grows, the marketplace has become crowded with numerous new products touting exciting and enticing features to differentiate themselves from the rest. Read via INN
Wink, Inc. Releases First Quarter, 2025 Life Sales Results
{June 6th, 2025} by Wink's Press Release
— FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION — NEWS RELEASE INDEXED LIFE CLOCKS DOUBLE-DIGIT INCREASE IN SALES Wink, Inc. Releases First Quarter, 2025 Life Sales Results Des Moines, Iowa. June 6, 2025– Wink, Inc. released the first quarter, 2025 life sales results in its 111th edition of Wink’s Sales & Market Report. Wink’s Sales & Market Report is […]
1st Quarter, 2025 Life Insurance Sales
{June 6th, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
All Life Sales for the first quarter of 2025 were $2,716 million, compared with $2,660 for the first quarter of 2024. First quarter life sales were down nearly 14% when compared to the previous quarter and up more than 2% as compared to the same period last year. All life sales include fixed universal life […]
I GIVE A DAMN ABOUT ANNUITIES – YOU SHOULD TOO! Reprint #AnnuityAwarenessMonth
{June 6th, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
I GIVE A DAMN ABOUT ANNUITIES – YOU SHOULD TOO May 19, 2015 by Sheryl J. Moore WHY PEOPLE NEED ANNUITIES I recall well my entrance into the life insurance market. Nearly 20 years ago, I was a single mother with three babies in diapers; wondering what career I could hold in Des Moines, Iowa […]
Reprint: Annuity Quick Reference Guide #AnnuityAwarenessMonth
{June 6th, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
Many have never heard of annuities. Perhaps the easiest way to grasp the concept of annuities is to first discuss life insurance products. Life insurance is a contract that pays a benefit in the event you die unexpectedly. In turn, annuities are a contract that pay a benefit in the event you live too long. […]
Regulators wave off criticism, adopt reinsurance asset-testing guidance
{June 6th, 2025} by John Hilton
A state insurance task force adopted a long-anticipated reinsurance asset testing guideline Thursday, kicking off a final adoption phase that regulators hope will result in initial data reporting by April 1, 2026. The Life Actuarial Task Force (LATF), comprised of National Association of Insurance Commissioners members, worked for about 18 months to create the guideline. […]
What you need to know about annuities during National Annuity Month
{June 6th, 2025} by WSAW
What you need to know about annuities during National Annuity [Awareness] Month. Watch via WSAW. Wink’s Moore on the Market: I thought that Kailey Berendsen did a pretty good job on this guest spot about annuities. (Especially considering how short the segment was!) Two things: 1. June is “Annuity AWARENESS Month” and 2. A […]
FIA indices evolve as the interest rate environment changes
{June 6th, 2025} by Susan Rupe
Insurance companies continue to add newly launched indices to their fixed indexed annuity products, leading to a growing need to educate on the difference between live and back-tested index performance to help properly set policyholder expectations. A panel of industry leaders discussed what goes into the development of an index during a recent National Association […]
BD Hit With Reg BI Fine Over Annuity Exchanges
{June 6th, 2025} by Melanie Waddell
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority has fined AAG Capital $100,000 and ordered the firm to pay nearly $39,000 in restitution for exchanging retail customers’ insurance policies, fixed indexed annuities and variable annuities for more costly registered index-linked annuities, or RILAs. The exchanges violated Regulation Best Interest. Read via Think Advisor Wink’s Moore on the […]
Think you won’t live to 100? You might be wrong, and it’ll cost you.
{June 6th, 2025} by Daniel de Visé
Who wants to live to 100? Not a lot of us, as it turns out. America’s century club is getting larger, and reaching 100 is a realistic goal for a growing population of retirees. Longer life is a reward for improvements in exercise, diet and medical care. Yet, it’s a club that only 1 in […]
A 1035 exchange to an FIA: A smart choice in today’s environment
{June 6th, 2025} by Derek Miser
For those who purchased variable annuities between 2001 and 2015, today’s financial landscape presents a unique opportunity to revisit the terms of these contracts. The financial environment has changed significantly over the past 25 years, with interest rates now at their highest levels since the early 2000s. As a result, many retirees are finding that […]
So, the bonus is actually 10%
{June 6th, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
Question: If your product has a 20% premium bonus, an annual charge for the bonus of 1%, and a 10-year surrender charge… Doesn’t that mean that your “bonus” is actually 10%? -sjm Join in the LinkedIn conversation
Annuities 2025: Supercharging a hot market
{June 6th, 2025} by John Hilton
Annuities sales are incredibly strong, and a close look at market trends reveals yet more room to run. All-in-one digital delivery changing annuity sales The promise that technology would change the annuity industry is an old story with more tales of potential than actual results. Read via INN Wink’s Moore on the Market: I agree […]
A big meeting for annuity producers
{June 6th, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
Have you ever wished that there was a big meeting, just for annuity producers? I’m not talking about those gigs that marketing organizations put-on to recruit. I am talking about a training meeting, that teaches agents more about annuities, and helps them to feel confident in their craft. Yes, it exists. https://www.annuityproducers.com/live-event#buyticket -sjm
Symetra and Pacific Life Sued Over Annuity Beneficiary Changes
{June 6th, 2025} by Allison Bell
A new lawsuit in Michigan raises questions about what happens when unwanted annuity beneficiary changes affect income taxes. Laura Gritu, the plaintiff in the suit, has accused two life insurers, Symetra and Pacific Life, of changing annuity beneficiary designations without getting permission from Nick Gritu — who was the owner of the annuities and her […]
Reps at Big Broker-Dealers Drive Q1 Variable Annuity Sales Surge
{June 6th, 2025} by Allison Bell
Thanks to the registered reps at the full-service national broker-dealers, sales of traditional individual variable annuities climbed to $16 billion in the first quarter, up 21% from the total for the first quarter of 2024, according to new issuer survey data from Wink. Read via Think Advisor
Tariffs, Market Turmoil And The Retirement Dilemma: How Fixed Indexed Annuities May Offer A Lifeline
{June 6th, 2025} by David Abreu,
The latest round of U.S. tariffs is doing more than reshaping trade policy—it’s sending shockwaves through global shipping, U.S. supply chains and the stock market. As ports slow, trucking layoffs mount and inflation creeps higher, the ripple effects are being felt by everyone, but especially by retirees and those approaching retirement. If you’re within […]
Fidelity National Financial, Inc. Announces Successful Completion of Consent Solicitation
{June 6th, 2025} by Fidelity National Financial, Inc.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., June 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Fidelity National Financial, Inc. (NYSE: FNF) (“FNF” or the “Company”) today announced the successful completion of the previously announced consent solicitations of the holders of each of its 4.500% Senior Notes due 2028 (the “2028 Notes”), 3.400% Senior Notes due 2030 (the “2030 Notes”), 2.450% Senior Notes due 2031 (the “2031 […]
Milliman’s first-ever Registered Index-Linked Annuity Experience Study shows behavior similarities with multi-year guaranteed annuity contract holders Share
{June 6th, 2025} by Milliman, Inc.
SEATTLE–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Milliman, Inc., a premier global consulting and actuarial firm, today announced the results of its 2025 Registered Index-Linked Annuity (RILA) Industry Experience Study. This comprehensive study is the first of its kind for RILA and includes notable post-surrender charge period exposure. The results demonstrate that industry surrender rates remain extremely low during the surrender charge […]
Nearly 70% of Americans Say Financial Uncertainty Has Made Them Feel Depressed and Anxious, According to Northwestern Mutual 2025 Planning & Progress Study
{June 6th, 2025} by Northwestern Mutual
MILWAUKEE, June 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Financial uncertainty is having a significant impact on Americans’ wellbeing. From sleep quality and mental health to personal relationships and job performance, money is weighing heavily on many Americans – but heaviest on Gen Z and Millennials. These are some of the latest findings from Northwestern Mutual’s 2025 Planning & Progress Study, […]
AM Best Assigns Issue Credit Rating to The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company’s New Surplus Notes
{June 6th, 2025} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has assigned a Long-Term Issue Credit Rating (Long-Term IR) of “aa” (Superior) to the $1 billion, 6.17% surplus notes, due 2055, issued by The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (Northwestern Mutual) (Milwaukee, WI). The outlook assigned to this Credit Rating (rating) is stable. The proceeds from the surplus notes offering will be […]
Mountain Life Announces Oklahoma Expansion
{June 6th, 2025} by Mountain Life
LEXINGTON, Ky., June 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Mountain Life Insurance Company is pleased to announce that it is now operational in the state of Oklahoma. With the awarding of its latest license by the state of Oklahoma, the company now offers its range of products to customers in 14 states. Mountain Life looks forward to welcoming its first agents and […]
Pacific Life Named by Points of Light as One of America’s 50 Most Community-Minded Companies for Fourth Consecutive Year
{June 6th, 2025} by Pacific Life Insurance Company
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Pacific Life has been named a 2025 national honoree of The Civic 50 by Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to increasing volunteering, recognizing it as one of the 50 most community-minded companies in the United States. The Civic 50 sets the standard for corporate citizenship with honorees selected based on investment […]
RIJ and ChatGPT Discuss ‘Funding Short’
{June 6th, 2025} by Kerry Pechter
Life insurers used to be known as champions of ‘asset-liability matching,’ or ALM. Today, many of them are doing the opposite by ‘funding short.’ Here’s a transcript of RIJ’s recent conversation with ChatGPT about the risks and rewards of funding short, and its role in today’s annuity business. Read via RIJ
Variable Annuity vs. 60/40 Portfolio: Which Won Wade Pfau’s Retirement Income Face-Off?
{June 6th, 2025} by Allison Bell
Some people pit toy soldiers against one another. Others program computers to play chess with themselves. Wade Pfau — a professor of practice at the American College of Financial Services and the holder of a doctorate in economics from Princeton — sends annuities into the Monte Carlo investment scenario arena against various other types of […]
Sounds like a unicorn, I’m intrigued
{June 6th, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
Holy buckets. So rarely do I find true innovation in the indexed annuity market… This sounds like a freaking unicorn! I’ve registered. Call me intrigued, Steve Stern! -sjm
DALBAR’s Latest Investor Behavior Research Reveals Continued Outperformance by Variable Annuity Investors
{June 6th, 2025} by DALBAR
MARLBOROUGH, Mass., June 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — DALBAR has released the newest edition of its renowned Quantitative Analysis of Investor Behavior – Variable Annuities (QAIB-VA) report. The annual study examines how investor behavior influenced returns within variable annuities in 2024, delivering essential findings for financial professionals and investors alike. Built on the foundation of DALBAR’s industry-leading QAIB research, the […]
Life premium up in Q1, LIMRA reports; Pacific Life takes over as No. 1
{June 6th, 2025} by Staff Reports
Pacific Life, Nationwide, and Prudential made big moves up the life insurance new premium charts during the first quarter, LIMRA reported Wednesday. Overall, individual life insurance new annualized premium improved 8% year over year to $3.94 billion in the first quarter, according to LIMRA’s U.S. Life Insurance Sales Survey, which represents 80% of the U.S. […]
