To what do I owe the pleasure of our connection?
{July 29th, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
I am a networker. Networking If you are in financial services, I am happy to connect with you. I look forward to learning from you. Connecting Upon connecting, I will ask you, “To what do I owe the pleasure of our connection?” This helps me to know how you heard about me. It may also […]
If the insurance agent can’t understand it, the client certainly will not.
{July 29th, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
Insurance companies- QUIT developing complicated annuities. SERIOUSLY. Please. If the insurance agent can’t understand it, the client certainly will not. And if I (emphasis here) am challenged to understand it, we’ve got bigger issues. -sjm
Data breach at Allianz Life Insurance affects 1.4 million customers
{July 29th, 2025} by GlobalData
Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America has announced a significant data breach impacting the personal information of a large portion of its 1.4 million customers. The Minneapolis-based company, a subsidiary of Allianz SE based in Munich, reported that the breach occurred on 16 July via a third-party cloud service. Read via Yahoo! Finance
Fidelity National Financial Announces Second Quarter 2025 Earnings Release and Conference Call
{July 29th, 2025} by Fidelity National Financial, Inc.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., July 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Fidelity National Financial, Inc. (NYSE: FNF) (FNF), a leading provider of title insurance and transaction services to the real estate and mortgage industries and a leading provider of insurance solutions serving retail annuity and life customers and institutional clients through its majority-owned, publicly traded subsidiary F&G Annuities & Life, Inc. (NYSE:FG) […]
F&G Annuities & Life Announces Second Quarter 2025 Earnings Release and Conference Call
{July 29th, 2025} by F&G Annuities & Life, Inc.
DES MOINES, Iowa, July 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — F&G Annuities & Life, Inc. (NYSE: FG) (F&G), a leading provider of insurance solutions serving retail annuity and life customers and institutional clients, will release second quarter 2025 earnings after the close of regular market trading on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. A webcast and conference call to discuss the results will […]
Jackson, Nationwide expand advisor-focused offerings amid shifting distribution landscape
{July 29th, 2025} by Leo Almazora
Two leading insurers, Jackson and Nationwide, have announced updates to their advisor-focused platforms, reflecting a broader industry trend toward digital tools and strategic partnerships as competition intensifies in the annuities marketplace. Read via InvestmentNews
Annuities Are Coming in New Shapes and Sizes. Here Are the 100 Best Ones.
{July 29th, 2025} by Karen Hube
Annuity protections are getting increasingly creative. If you fret about losing money in stocks, you can now buy an annuity that will trigger a double-digit positive return if the S&P 500 is down for the year. If you worry about outliving your nest egg, some annuities will not only guarantee lifelong income but double it if you end […]
Mountain Life Announces Ohio Expansion
{July 29th, 2025} by Mountain Life Insurance Compnany
LEXINGTON, Ky., July 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Mountain Life Insurance Company is pleased to announce that it is now operational in the state of Ohio. With the awarding of its latest license by the state of Ohio, the company now offers its range of products to customers in 16 states. Mountain Life looks forward to welcoming its first agents and customers […]
Guardian report reveals women are walking a fiscal tightrope, directly impacting their mental, physical, and financial health
{July 29th, 2025} by Guardian
NEW YORK, July 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian) has released new research about women’s well-being, finding that while the majority of women associate well-being with strong mental and physical health, achieving it is becoming harder. The most widely cited obstacle standing in the way of achieving their mental and physical wellness […]
CNO Financial Group Reports Second Quarter 2025 Results
{July 29th, 2025} by CNO Financial Group, Inc.
CARMEL, Ind., July 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CNO Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: CNO) today reported net income of $91.8 million, or $0.91 per diluted share, in 2Q25 compared to $116.3 million or $1.06 per diluted share, in 2Q24. Non-economic accounting impacts due to market volatility increased net income in both 2Q25 and 2Q24. Net operating income,(1) which excludes these non-economic accounting impacts, was $87.5 million, or $0.87 per diluted […]
Globe Life touts underwriting, Bermuda efforts, mortality gains in Q2
{July 29th, 2025} by John Hilton
Although Globe Life executives acknowledged that the insurer remains the target of several investigations, little else went wrong in strong second quarter. The McKinney, Texas-based company reported solid underwriting improvement, a return to better-then-pre-pandemic mortality rates and across-the-board agent recruiting gains. Insurance underwriting income grew 15% in the quarter that ended June 30. Read via […]
GLOBE LIFE INC. REPORTS SECOND QUARTER 2025 RESULTS
{July 29th, 2025} by Globe Life
MCKINNEY, Texas, July 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Globe Life Inc. (NYSE: GL) reported today that for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, net income was $3.05 per diluted common share, compared with $2.83 per diluted common share for the year-ago quarter. Net operating income was $3.27 per diluted common share, compared with $2.97 per diluted common share for the year-ago quarter. HIGHLIGHTS: Net income as an ROE […]
Globe Life Announces Conclusion of SEC Investigation
{July 29th, 2025} by Globe Life
MCKINNEY, Texas, July 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Globe Life Inc. (NYSE: GL) announced it received a letter today from Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) staff notifying Globe Life that they have concluded their investigation and, based on the information gathered, do not intend to recommend an SEC enforcement action against Globe Life. About Globe Life About Globe Life: […]
Globe Life Announces Closing of Department of Justice Investigation
{July 29th, 2025} by Globe Life
MCKINNEY, Texas, July 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Globe Life Inc. (NYSE: GL) – Today, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania notified Globe Life and American Income Life (AIL) that it has closed its investigation. Globe Life and AIL previously received and responded to subpoenas from the U.S. Attorney’s Office seeking documents relating to sales practices by certain […]
Symetra Launches ‘Empower Her Future’
{July 29th, 2025} by Symetra
BELLEVUE, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Symetra Life Insurance Company, a national provider of life, retirement and employee benefits insurance products, today announced the launch of a new web-based resource dedicated to providing women of all ages with valuable tips and information. Empower Her Future aims to help women navigate their financial journeys, addressing the unique challenges and opportunities they face […]
‘Gray Divorce’ Trend Threatens Retirement Security, Allianz Life Study Finds
{July 29th, 2025} by Sarah Hauer
MINNEAPOLIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The majority of married Americans say a divorce would derail their retirement strategy, according to the 2025 Annual Retirement Study* from the Allianz Center for the Future of Retirement, part of Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz Life). Even as the national rate of divorce declines slightly, the divorce rate among adults […]
Jackson Launches New Digital Experience for Financial Professionals
{July 29th, 2025} by Jackson National Life Insurance Company
LANSING, Mich.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jackson National Life Insurance Company® (Jackson®), the main operating subsidiary of Jackson Financial Inc.1 (NYSE: JXN), recently launched a new digital experience for financial professionals on the company’s website, Jackson.com. The new, easy to navigate section of the website provides personalized content, self-service enhancements, new tools to help educate financial professionals on the Jackson […]
Global Atlantic Featured in Barron’s 100 Best Annuities Guide
{July 29th, 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, announced its inclusion in Barron’s annual guide to the 100 Best Annuities, marking the firm’s fourth consecutive appearance in the article. The featured annuities include Fixed Index Annuity Income 150+ SE and ForeStructured Growth II Advisory, a […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America and Its Subsidiary
{July 29th, 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 (Long-Term ICR) of “aaa” (Exceptional) of Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America (TIAA) and its wholly owned insurance subsidiary, TIAA-CREF Life Insurance Company (TIAA-CREF Life). TIAA and TIAA-CREF Life collectively are referred to as the TIAA […]
Third Point Launches Insurance Solutions Fund to Provide Private Credit Opportunities for Insurance Companies
{July 29th, 2025} by Third Point LLC
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Third Point LLC (“Third Point” or the “Firm”), an alternative asset manager with approximately $21 billion in assets, today announced that it has secured $400 million of investible capital for the first close of the Third Point Insurance Solutions Fund I (the “Fund”), the Firm’s first dedicated and rated structured private credit fund […]
Income Annuities Meet Irrevocable Trusts
{July 29th, 2025} by Allison Bell
Plenty of high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients own several lovely homes, collections of fine art, and even cryptocurrency wallets. Howard Sharfman, senior managing director at NFP Insurance Solutions, said he’s starting to see another, less showy asset stabilizing HNW and UHNW clients’ finances: deferred income annuities held inside irrevocable trusts. Read via Think Advisor
Ex-Commonwealth Rep Lied About CE: FINRA
{July 29th, 2025} by Melanie Waddell
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority has fined a former Commonwealth Financial rep $5,000 and suspended him for one month for having another person complete his continuing education requirements. According to FINRA’s order, from September 2012 to June 2025, Francis G. Smith was registered with FINRA as an investment company and variable contracts products rep and a […]
Allianz Life Breach May Affect Majority of Company’s 1.4M Customers
{July 29th, 2025} by Allison Bell
A cyber attacker may have obtained access to the personally identifiable information of a majority of the 1.4 million customers of Allianz Life Insurance Co. of America, the company reported Saturday. The company — a Minneapolis-based affiliate of Allianz, a German financial services giant — believes that the attacker used “a social engineering technique” to […]
Globe Life touts underwriting, Bermuda efforts, mortality gains in Q2
{July 29th, 2025} by John Hilton
Although Globe Life executives acknowledged that the insurer remains the target of several investigations, little else went wrong in strong second quarter. The McKinney, Texas-based company reported solid underwriting improvement, a return to better-then-pre-pandemic mortality rates and across-the-board agent recruiting gains. Insurance underwriting income grew 15% in the quarter that ended June 30. Read via […]
Insurance industry retirement exodus creating a talent gap
{July 29th, 2025} by Doug Bailey
The insurance industry is no longer just grappling with a looming talent gap—it is knee-deep in it. With hundreds of thousands of experienced professionals heading toward retirement and too few newcomers to take their place, underwriting and other critical functions risk a brain drain that could compromise performance, innovation, and growth. Read via INN
I never thought I could live one day without my little boy. Not one.
{July 29th, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
Today is the no good, very bad day. I never thought I could live one day without my little boy. Not one. But twelve years ago today my first born, my only son at the time, took his own life. They said he was going to go to h*ll for being gay. He could no […]
How to find the best annuities with low fees
{July 29th, 2025} by Rachel Christian
Annuities can be a solid way to secure guaranteed income in retirement. However, they remain notoriously complex, particularly when it comes to comparing fees. Unlike ETFs or mutual funds, where fees are publicly available and easy to compare, annuities are murky. Read via Yahoo!Finance Wink’s Moore on the Market: Rachel Christian wrote a pretty […]
Judge approves distribution of $318M to Greg Lindberg victims
{July 29th, 2025} by John Hilton
A North Carolina judge on Tuesday approved the distribution of $318 million to various victims of Greg Lindberg’s financial fraud. Judge Max O. Cogburn accepted the special master’s report for the proceeds from the sale of the Clanwilliam Group of Companies. Several lawsuits had to be dealt with before the funds could be released, a […]
Nationwide® and Midland National Partner to Distribute Commission-Free Indexed Annuity
{July 29th, 2025} by Nationwide PR
Columbus, OH – As more Americans than ever before reach retirement age, two of the nation’s most stable and secure financial services firms are teaming up to provide a retirement solution that provides guaranteed retirement income and extra protection for investors working with fee-based advisors. Nationwide, the top wholesale distributor of advisory variable annuities1, will begin […]
Why volatility control makes sense in FIAs
{July 29th, 2025} by Daniel Geter
Fixed indexed annuities have become a popular tool for those seeking both protection and market-linked growth in retirement. Many FIAs today include volatility-controlled indexes, a feature that has drawn interest but also criticism. Although past performance of these indexes has not always met expectations, the purpose of volatility control is often misunderstood. Read via INN
Exploring Strategic Options
{July 29th, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
AmeriLife is “exploring strategic options?” Read via Insurance Insider US -sjm
Indexed UL: The Way To Go In 2025
{July 29th, 2025} by Jeff Sigworth
Permanent life insurance options are gaining traction as we move into 2025, and the momentum isn’t stopping soon. One standout policy is Indexed Universal Life (IUL), which is attracting attention due to the combination of flexible premiums, potential for cash value growth linked to stock market indices, and death benefit protection. A recent LIMRA sales […]
Aspida integrates annuities with Apple Wallet
{July 29th, 2025} by Shefi Ben-Hutta
Aspida Life Insurance Company is bringing annuities into the digital mainstream with a new Apple Wallet integration. The update allows clients to access contract information and link to full account details from their iPhone or Apple Watch. The feature is part of Aspida’s broader digital strategy to simplify retirement planning and make annuities feel as […]
Reimagining Life And Annuity: From Quoting To Next-Gen eApps
{July 29th, 2025} by Ken Leibow
Life and annuity carriers are in the midst of a transformation, reimagining the digital experience from the very first interaction to policy issuance. One of the most crucial—yet often overlooked—elements of this transformation is the quoting experience. A seamless, accurate, and responsive quoting system is the foundation for a smooth application journey. As we explore […]
Why the sandwich generation may be underinsured
{July 29th, 2025} by Susan Rupe
The sandwich generation – adults who are caring for older family members while raising children – are already stretching their funds to cover expenses across multiple generations. But this age group also may be underinsured and have a misconception about the cost of life insurance and how it works as a financial safeguard. Denise McCauley, […]
Private assets, alternatives gain ground in the L/A sector
{July 29th, 2025} by Cindy Beaulieu and Matthew Reilly,
Life and annuity insurers continue to pursue an expanded universe of investment options to generate additional portfolio income. Conning’s analysis suggests life and annuity insurers will continue to broaden portfolio strategies into alternative and private assets while maintaining exposure to their traditional fixed-income sources. The life and annuity industry has grown steadily during the past […]
Annuity sales flip back to record-breaking mode in the second quarter
{July 29th, 2025} by Staff Reports
After taking a quarter to regroup, annuity sales soared to a new quarterly record during Q2, LIMRA reported. Total annuity sales increased 5% year over year to $116.6 billion. Total annuity sales hit a record $223 billion in the first half of 2024, 3% above prior year results, according to preliminary results from LIMRA’s U.S. […]
Jackson Financial’s Digital and Product Innovations: Redefining Retirement Planning in a Complex Market
{July 29th, 2025} by Theodore Quinn
In an era where retirement planning is increasingly fraught with uncertainty—ranging from market volatility to shifting regulatory landscapes—Jackson Financial Inc. (NYSE: JXN) has emerged as a trailblazer. By combining cutting-edge digital tools with innovative index-linked annuity products, the company is addressing the dual demands of clarity and customization that investors seek in retirement solutions. For […]
Principal Financial Group® Announces Second Quarter 2025 Results Share
{July 29th, 2025} by Principal Financial Group
DES MOINES, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Principal Financial Group® (Nasdaq: PFG) announced results for second quarter 2025. Diluted earnings per common share 2Q25 Net income attributable to PFG (in millions) 2Q25 Net income attributable to PFG $1.79 Net income attributable to PFG $406 Non-GAAP net income attributable to PFG, excluding exited business1 $1.91 Non-GAAP net […]
AM Best Assigns Credit Ratings to Ceres Life Insurance Company
{July 29th, 2025} by The Westaim Corporation
TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Westaim Corporation (“Westaim”) (TSXV: WED) is pleased to announce that “AM Best has assigned a Financial Strength Rating of B++ (Good) and a Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “bbb+” (Good) to Ceres Life Insurance Company (“Ceres Life”) (Austin, TX). The outlook assigned to these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. The ratings reflect Ceres […]
Gunman Kills Several People, Himself at Blackstone’s NYC Tower
{July 29th, 2025} by Myles Miller& Dawn Lim
An armed shooter attacked 345 Park Ave. in Manhattan, the tower housing Blackstone Inc.’s global headquarters and the National Football League among others, killing at least five people on Monday, according to a city official. The suspected shooter is dead, three officials said. Victims include at least one police officer. At least two other people […]
Brighthouse Financial Poised to Enter ‘Bermuda Triangle’ with Aquarian Acquisition
{July 23rd, 2025} by Cyril Tuohy
“If Aquarian acquires Brighthouse, they would be similarly labeled,” said Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink, publisher of Wink‘s Sales & Market Report, and a longtime industry watcher. Apollo Global Management‘s ownership of Athene, KKR & Co.’s acquisition of Global Atlantic Financial Group, and Ares Management Corp.’s Durham, N.C.-based Aspida Life and Aspida Life Re represent the most prominent examples of “Bermuda Triangles.” Read via Life Annuity Specialist
DOL Retirement Oversight Nominee Lists Investments
{July 23rd, 2025} by Allison Bell
The U.S. Office of Government Ethics has posted the financial disclosure report filed by Daniel Aronowitz, President Donald Trump’s nominee to be an assistant Labor secretary and the administrator of the Employee Benefits Security Administration. Aronowitz is a labor lawyer; a fiduciary law blogger; the past president of an Ullico insurance subsidiary, Ullico Casualty; and the founder and […]
What If Life Insurance Applicants Know They Have Harmful Genes?
{July 23rd, 2025} by Allison Bell
State lawmakers are looking at a proposal that could prohibit insurers from rejecting life insurance applicants who know they have inherited genes that could lead to them developing serious health problems. The proposal could encourage more people to participate in medical research studies and risk-screening programs and help high-risk clients get life insurance. Read via […]
Annuity Issuers Ask SEC to Ease RILA Advertising Regs
{July 23rd, 2025} by Allison Bell
The Securities and Exchange Commission should cut away some of the unnecessary regulation still tying issuers of registered index-linked annuities and some other life and annuity products in knots, an issuer group says. A team of lawyers at Eversheds Sutherland is trying to help the issuer group, the Committee of Annuity Insurers, get attention for […]
Joseph Belth, Fearless Insurance Professor and Journalist, Dies at 95
{July 23rd, 2025} by Allison Bell
Joseph Belth — a longtime life insurance educator, journalist and analyst — died July 12, according to an obituary in The Herald-Times. Belth was professor emeritus of insurance at the Indiana University business school and the publisher and editor of The Insurance Forum, an independent monthly insurance periodical that operated from January 1974 through December 2013. […]
PHL rehabilitator: some policyholders ‘unlikely’ to ever get full benefits
{July 23rd, 2025} by John Hilton
Some PHL Variable policyholders are “unlikely” to ever receive their full benefits, Connecticut Insurance Commissioner Andrew Mais said in a memorandum filed Tuesday. Mais made the admission as part of a request to amend the moratorium on benefits in place since May 2024. The moratorium helped prevent “a run on the bank,” Mais wrote, while […]
‘Gray Divorce’ Trend Threatens Retirement Security, Allianz Life Study Finds
{July 23rd, 2025} by Allianz Life
MINNEAPOLIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The majority of married Americans say a divorce would derail their retirement strategy, according to the 2025 Annual Retirement Study* from the Allianz Center for the Future of Retirement, part of Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz Life). Even as the national rate of divorce declines slightly, the divorce rate among adults […]
Symetra Launches ‘Empower Her Future’
{July 23rd, 2025} by Symetra
BELLEVUE, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Symetra Life Insurance Company, a national provider of life, retirement and employee benefits insurance products, today announced the launch of a new web-based resource dedicated to providing women of all ages with valuable tips and information. Empower Her Future aims to help women navigate their financial journeys, addressing the unique challenges and opportunities they face […]
Best’s Special Report: US Life/Annuity Segment Sustains Higher Investment Yields in 2024; Insurers Embracing Alternatives and Mortgages
{July 23rd, 2025} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–U.S. life/annuity insurance segment’s bond portfolio yield hit its highest level in the past decade in 2024, increasing 22 basis points to 4.79%. At the same time, according to a new AM Best report, an increase in Schedule BA assets and mortgage loans has come at the expense of bond portfolio allocations, which have fallen […]
Update: Jackson to Report Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results on August 5
{July 23rd, 2025} by Jackson National Life Insurance Company
LANSING, Mich.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jackson Financial Inc.1 (NYSE: JXN) (Jackson®) today announced that it will release second quarter 2025 financial results after market close Tuesday, August 5, 2025. Jackson’s press release and supplemental financial materials will be available at investors.jackson.com. Jackson will host a conference call and webcast to discuss the results at 11 a.m. ET Wednesday, August 6, […]
Jackson Launches New Digital Experience for Financial Professionals
{July 23rd, 2025} by Jackson National Life Insurance Company
LANSING, Mich.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jackson National Life Insurance Company® (Jackson®), the main operating subsidiary of Jackson Financial Inc.1 (NYSE: JXN), recently launched a new digital experience for financial professionals on the company’s website, Jackson.com. The new, easy to navigate section of the website provides personalized content, self-service enhancements, new tools to help educate financial professionals on the Jackson […]
Retirement Reconsidered 2025: Third Annual F&G Survey Reveals More American Workers Consider Delaying Retirement
{July 23rd, 2025} by F&G Annuities & Life, Inc.
DES MOINES, Iowa, July 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — More than two-thirds (70%) of pre-retirees over 501 are considering or delaying their planned retirement date, according to a new survey from F&G Annuities & Life, Inc. (NYSE: FG) (F&G), a leading provider of insurance solutions serving retail annuity and life customers and institutional clients. F&G’s third annual Retirement Reconsidered survey […]
AllianceBernstein adds Pacific Life as New Insurer to its Multi-Insurer Lifetime Income Platform
{July 23rd, 2025} by AllianceBernstein
NASHVILLE, Tenn., July 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — AllianceBernstein L.P. (“AB”) (NYSE: AB), a leading global investment management firm, announced today it has added Pacific Life to back its multi-insurer platform delivering lifetime income solutions to large Defined Contribution (DC) plans. Today’s announcement with Pacific Life is the latest in the global asset management firm’s continued expansion of its retirement income […]
Hitting the Pause Button: Peak 65 Consumers Delay Retirement, Change Investment Strategies and Harbor Social Security Fears
{July 23rd, 2025} by Alliance for Lifetime Income
WASHINGTON, July 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Due to financial market volatility, persistent inflation, and increased concerns about the viability of Social Security, one-third (30%) of consumers ages 61 to 65 are considering delaying retirement, while 58% of consumers ages 45 to 75 are concerned their Social Security benefits will be reduced. Two-thirds (65%) of financial advisors are […]
$18M policy owner denied ‘seat at the table’ in PHL Variable rehab effort
{July 22nd, 2025} by John Hilton
A high-dollar policyholder has no right to “full-party” status in the PHL Variable rehabilitation proceedings, a Connecticut judge ruled Friday. SWS Holdings owns two Phoenix Generations UL Flexible Premium Adjustable Life Insurance policies worth $18 million in death benefits, the company said in its April 16 motion to intervene. SWS has paid more than $12 […]
Perhaps MarketWatch should look for qualified professionals to go on the record about annuities.
{July 22nd, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
“He’s really an insurance salesman, not a credentialed adviser obligated to act as a fiduciary and put your interests first. The only products he can sell to earn his living are insurance policies.” James Hemphill, CFP®, CPWA®, ChFC®, CIMA® you could be very wrong. Read ‘Is it a bad idea?’ I’m 69 and retired. I’ve […]
What is the age 75 rule for annuities (and why does it matter)?
{July 22nd, 2025} by Angelica Leicht
Planning for retirement today is a lot more complicated than it once was. With the average lifespan a lot longer, and sticky inflation eating into people’s savings at a time when markets remain unpredictable, figuring out how to make your money last after you stop working is no small feat. That’s why many retirees are turning to annuities, which are financial […]
‘We lost a great one’: longtime life insurance educator Joe Belth dies at 95
{July 22nd, 2025} by John Hilton
Dick Weber first encountered Joe Belth in 1979 after a Million Dollar Round Table presentation in which Weber stated that “fewer than 1% of all term insurance is in force at the time of death.” The ever-inquisitive Belth quickly reached out to Weber, then a successful life agent and currently president of The Ethical Edge, […]
SEC: Cutter Financial press release on verdict ‘inaccurate and misleading’
{July 22nd, 2025} by John Hilton
The years-long dispute between the Securities and Exchange Commission and Cutter Financial Group appeared to end when the jury returned a split verdict April 23. Not so fast. Wink’s Moore on the Market: Straight up DRAMA! -sjm
They love the book! Thanks for the mention!
{July 22nd, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
The staff at Sagicor love THE book! Thanks so much for the mention Laura Morrison CLU, ChFC and Sagicor Life Insurance Company USA!
The man who taught me everything I know about disability insurance
{July 22nd, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
The man who taught me everything I know about disability insurance has passed. Read the obituary for Richard J. Cordaro. I missed it. Maybe you did too? Rick Cordaro was not only brilliant, but very funny. He had ties to both Principal Financial Group and NAIFA. He will be missed. -sjm
New NAIC task force urged to update RBC to avoid more insurer failures
{July 22nd, 2025} by John Hilton
The Risk-Based Capital Model Governance Task Force formed this spring with a mandate to tackle the crucial, but some say outdated, RBC framework. That effort officially launched July 3 with a task force memo requesting comments on a “proposed preliminary [RBC] principles and questions.” Read via INN Wink’s Moore on the Market: My good […]
Wealth Think Annuities and life insurance form the bedrock of solid financial plans
{July 22nd, 2025} by Hilani Kerr
Issues around financial security are deeply personal, especially when life shifts unexpectedly around you. For me, that moment came when my company relocated me from Hong Kong to New York City. My family and I were suddenly starting over in a new country, without a built-in support network. The responsibility to protect and provide felt […]
How to Mitigate Rather Than Magnify Clients’ Retirement Worries
{July 21st, 2025} by David Lau
I recently read another story in the trade press about an advisor approaching income for clients in retirement with an investments-only strategy. In my decades working with advisors, this approach is all too common. And, for the retiree, cash flow versus income is a distinction without a difference. Read via Think Advisor
Navigating annuities: Strategies for growth, income, and protection
{July 21st, 2025} by InvestmentNews
As Americans increasingly seek financial dependency as they plan for retirement, annuities should be central to a broader plan. Watch via InvestmentNews
Nassau Financial Group Launches Innovative, Growth-Focused FIA: Nassau Athos Annuity
{July 16th, 2025} by Nassau Financial Group
HARTFORD, Conn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Nassau Financial Group (“Nassau”) today introduced Nassau Athos AnnuitySM, an innovative fixed indexed annuity (“FIA”). This newest addition to Nassau’s product suite is a single premium FIA that offers new patent-pending extendable indexed crediting strategies.1 These crediting strategies combine key features of one-year and multi-year crediting strategies to provide consumers with innovative growth potential […]
The Standard and Legacy Marketing Group Unveil EclipseMark FIA
{July 16th, 2025} by The Standard
PORTLAND, Ore.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Standard Insurance Company (The Standard) and Legacy Marketing Group® today announced a strategic alliance and new joint venture with the debut of EclipseMarkSM Single Premium Deferred Index Annuities, a simple way for clients to grow and protect their retirement assets. Built to reduce renewal rate guesswork, EclipseMark fixed index annuities feature multiple extended-rate guarantees on diverse interest […]
Mutual of Omaha taps Penn River to launch new annuity
{July 16th, 2025} by Penn River
Mutual of Omaha has gone live with a new fixed index annuity product built on Penn River’s cloud-native policy administration platform. The rollout is part of a broader collaboration aimed at streamlining operations and accelerating time-to-market. Following the launch, Mutual of Omaha plans to migrate additional annuity and life products to the Penn River platform. “We […]
AM Best Assigns Credit Ratings to Ceres Life Insurance Company
{July 16th, 2025} by AM Best
ORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Westaim Corporation (“Westaim”) (TSXV: WED) is pleased to announce that “AM Best has assigned a Financial Strength Rating of B++ (Good) and a Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “bbb+” (Good) to Ceres Life Insurance Company (“Ceres Life”) (Austin, TX). The outlook assigned to these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. The ratings reflect Ceres […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Athene Holding Ltd. and Its Subsidiaries
{July 16th, 2025} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A+ (Superior) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICR) of “aa-” (Superior) of the members of Athene Group (Athene). Athene is the consolidation of the organization’s U.S. operating companies, along with its affiliated reinsurance companies domiciled in Bermuda. In addition, AM Best has […]
AM Best Revises Issuer Credit Rating Outlook to Stable for Investors Heritage Life Insurance Company
{July 16th, 2025} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has revised the outlook to stable from negative 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 Investors Heritage Life Insurance Company (IHLIC) (Frankfort, KY). The outlook of the FSR is stable. The Credit Ratings […]
Joseph M. Belth Obituary
{July 16th, 2025} by Obituary
Joseph M. Belth, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Insurance in the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University (Bloomington), 95, beloved husband, cherished father, inspiring teacher, renowned insurance scholar, and pioneering insurance journalist, passed away July 12. The son of Irving Belth and Helen Bright Belth, he was born in Syracuse, New York in 1929. […]
57% Of Gen Xers Won’t Use Parents’ Advisors After They Inherit
{July 16th, 2025} by Jennifer Lea Reed
More than half of U.S. investors, 56%, say they are unlikely or unsure they would continue to work with their parents’ advisor after receiving an inheritance, according to a recent survey. And for Gen X survey respondents, the primary recipients of current and near-term wealth transfers, the percentage edges up a tick to 57%, said […]
Your Customers Have Insurance Gaps — Are You Letting Someone Else Fill Them?
{July 16th, 2025} by Dawn Goldbacher
Did you know that roughly 50% of Americans are underinsured or completely lack essential coverage? That means half of your customer base could face financial devastation due to an unexpected event — whether it’s a medical emergency, a car accident or identity theft. Here’s the paradox: Banks are in the business of financial security, yet many don’t […]
No Final Decision on DOL Fiduciary Rule — Yet
{July 16th, 2025} by Allison Bell
The recent decision by a federal judge that one rollover transaction cannot start an “ongoing advice relationship” is not the end of the fiduciary rule battle, ERISA attorneys say. In his mid-July decision, U.S. District Judge Ed Kinkeade ruled against sections in Prohibited Transaction Exemption 2020-02 stating that an advisor could start an “ongoing advice relationship” […]
Bonds Steadied Annuity Issuers in Q2: Morgan Stanley
{July 16th, 2025} by Allison Bell
U.S. life and annuity issuers had to push against the economic winds in the second quarter, but most of them probably ended up doing pretty well. Bob Jian Huang and other securities analysts at Morgan Stanley gave that assessment Monday in a new look at how the issuers that sell stock to the public might have performed […]
Which Carriers Have the Most Traditional Variable Annuities on Their Books?
{July 16th, 2025} by Gretchen Lenth
Peter Lamond, VA ambassador at Wink Intel, said he expects the RILA market to continue to grow as more carriers enter the market and new products are unveiled. Corebridge first entered the RILA market with its MarketLock contract last October. Even companies that aren’t in the traditional VA market are entering the space, such as F&G, which launched its first RILA […]
Google’s New GenAI Model Gets Better at Life Insurance
{July 16th, 2025} by Cyril Tuohy
But things are different with Bard’s successor, Gemini. It reports — accurately — that agent commissions on a SPIA range from 1% to 3% of the premium paid. For a fixed-indexed annuity, the commission typically ranges from 6% to 8% of premium, according to Gemini. Right again. (Wink‘s Sales & Market Report lists the average […]
New technology uses AI to help insurers detect fraudulent activity
{July 16th, 2025} by Rayne Morgan
A new AI-powered solution has emerged to help insurers detect fraud by flagging unusual user activity directly on an insurance company’s website. Glassbox is a digital experience intelligence platform that allows companies to monitor user experience on their respective websites. Its standout capability, the Glassbox Insights Assistant, is an agentic AI that helps financial companies […]
SEC: Cutter Financial press release on verdict ‘inaccurate and misleading’
{July 16th, 2025} by John Hilton
The years-long dispute between the Securities and Exchange Commission and Cutter Financial Group appeared to end when the jury returned a split verdict April 23. Not so fast. The SEC now seeks court approval to conduct discovery on two issues, including the press release CFG issued in response to the verdict. In it, advisor Jeffrey Cutter and […]
NAIC committee unanimously passes reinsurance asset-testing guideline
{July 16th, 2025} by John Hilton
A new asset-testing guideline for reinsurance deals will result in no direct action, even if regulators uncover negative numbers. The Life Insurance and Annuities Committee adopted the asset adequacy testing guideline on Monday. But not before hearing from critics who say the guideline goes too far, and also, not far enough. Read via INN
Finding the ideal customer for fixed and indexed annuities
{July 16th, 2025} by Kelly Kliensasser
There’s a lot of noise out there about annuities, and the issues making the most noise revolve around market uncertainty and an evolving interest rate environment. Advising clients on annuities requires insurance and financial professionals to take a detail-oriented approach. To find the right annuity solution, you must carefully consider each client’s financial goals, risk […]
Retirement delays, Social Security fears prompt advisors to rethink income strategies
{July 16th, 2025} by Leo Almazora
As a record number of Americans approach retirement age in what the Alliance for Lifetime Income calls the “Peak 65” milestone, a growing share are putting off retirement and reconsidering how they’ll generate income Read via InvestmentNews
Two in five Pre-Retirees Say Dreams for Retirement Have Been Delayed, Altered or Cancelled
{July 16th, 2025} by Nationwide
COLUMBUS, Ohio, July 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Pre-retiree investors (aged 55-65) are at the doorstep of retirement, yet the state of the economy is making them question whether retirement is even in their future. According to a new Advisor Authority study, powered by the Nationwide Retirement Institute, more than two-fifths (42%) of pre-retirees say their dreams for retirement have […]
Lincoln Financial releases its Q3 Market Intel Exchange, spotlighting key market and investment trends
{July 16th, 2025} by Lincoln Financial
RADNOR, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Lincoln Financial (NYSE: LNC) today announced the release of its third quarter edition of Market Intel Exchange, a comprehensive chartbook and report offering in-depth analysis of current market and economic trends. Developed through the company’s in-house research and in collaboration with leading asset managers on its multimanager platform, the report delivers actionable intelligence for […]
Brighthouse Financial Announces Conference Call to Discuss Second Quarter 2025 Results
{July 16th, 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 second quarter ended June 30, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Friday, August 8, 2025. The call will follow the issuance of the Brighthouse Financial […]
New Research Reveals Disconnect Between Consumer and Advisor Perceptions in Social Security Planning
{July 16th, 2025} by Protective Life Corporation
BIRMINGHAM, Ala.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Protective Life Corporation a U.S. subsidiary of Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc. (TSE:8750), today announced the release of a new whitepaper based on proprietary research conducted by its principal subsidiary Protective Life Insurance Company (“Protective”) in partnership with Greenwald Research. The findings reveal a surprising emotional divide between consumers and financial professionals when it comes to planning […]
National Survey: Middle‑Income Americans Continue to Navigate Elevated Cost of Living and Economic Uncertainty
{July 16th, 2025} by Primerica
DULUTH, Ga.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Middle‑income Americans are still adjusting to a higher cost of living and ongoing financial pressures, according to the latest Primerica® U.S. Middle‑Income Financial Security Monitor™ (FSM™). The survey finds that 65% of middle-income Americans believe their income has not kept pace with rising expenses — a sentiment that has remained remarkably consistent for more than […]
Principal® Recognized as “Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion”
{July 16th, 2025} by Principal Financial Group
DES MOINES, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Principal Financial Group® was named to the list of the “Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion” after earning a top score of 100 on a scale of zero to 100 on the 2025 Disability Equality Index®, the world’s most comprehensive benchmarking tool for companies to measure workplace disability inclusion. “At Principal, we […]
Empower: American Workers Want Access to Private Assets in Retirement Plans
{July 16th, 2025} by Empower
GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Today, Empower released its Accelerating Access study, unveiling how American workers feel about having access to the same investment products as institutional investors. This study comes on the heels of the financial services provider’s May announcement of a new program that paves the way for private market investments within defined contribution retirement plans. To participate […]
New Research Reveals Disconnect Between Consumer and Advisor Perceptions in Social Security Planning
{July 16th, 2025} by Protective Life Corporation
BIRMINGHAM, Ala.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Protective Life Corporation a U.S. subsidiary of Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc. (TSE:8750), today announced the release of a new whitepaper based on proprietary research conducted by its principal subsidiary Protective Life Insurance Company (“Protective”) in partnership with Greenwald Research. The findings reveal a surprising emotional divide between consumers and financial professionals when it comes to planning […]
Majority of Americans feel unprepared for shifting financial concerns, Equitable survey finds
{July 16th, 2025} by Equitable
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Equitable, a leading financial services organization and principal franchise of Equitable Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: EQH), today announced new findings from its quarterly survey of 1,000 consumers to help better understand the latest financial trends that are top of mind for Americans. The survey revealed that only 42% of Americans feel prepared to navigate shifting financial challenges, […]
Legacy Marketing Group and The Standard Unveil EclipseMark FIA
{July 16th, 2025} by Legacy Marketing Group
PORTLAND, Ore.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Legacy Marketing Group® and Standard Insurance Company (The Standard) today announced a strategic alliance and new joint venture with the debut of EclipseMarkSM Single Premium Deferred Index Annuities, a simple way for clients to grow and protect their retirement assets. Built to reduce renewal rate guesswork, EclipseMark fixed index annuities feature multiple extended-rate guarantees on diverse interest crediting […]
Does it make sense to buy an annuity in your 40s?
{July 15th, 2025} by Rachel Christian - Bankrate.com
Annuities are often associated with retirees looking for a steady income stream later in life. But does it make sense to lock in guaranteed income in your 40s, potentially decades before retirement? Read via Lancaster Online Wink’s Moore on the Market: Oh, Bankrate! How could you get it so wrong, when it comes to annuities? […]
3 ways seniors can supplement their Social Security now
{July 15th, 2025} by Matt Richardson
Recent news that Social Security’s insolvency could hit a year earlier than initially expected wasn’t exactly welcome by seniors reliant upon the funds the service provides. Combined with ongoing issues surrounding Social Security overpayments and the potential for those disbursed funds to be clawed back, seniors may find themselves in a precarious financial position this July. Retirement savings and […]
RIAs Overtake Indie Insurance Agents In Annuities Sales Growth
{July 15th, 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 in mid-June. Read via Financial Advisor Wink’s Moore on the Market: […]
CD Rates Are Dropping — Could a MYGA Be a Better Option?
{July 15th, 2025} by Staff
Certificates of deposit (CDs) have long been a go-to for investors’ conservative buckets of money for short-term use. CDs offer stable, predictable returns. But with interest rates remaining high, relative to the past two decades, other vehicles, such as Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuities (MYGAs), may be better choices for some savers. Read via Annuity.org Wink’s Moore on […]
Allow business to be signed outside of the U.S. by US passport holder?
{July 15th, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
I have a friend who asked me a quick question, but I was clueless about a solution. Could you help? The ask- Are you aware of any indexed annuity carriers that will allow business to be signed outside of the U.S., assuming the client no longer resides full-time, but is a U.S. passport holder? […]
Check out the Athos
{July 15th, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
Remember when all indexed annuities were long-term point-to-points (what we call term end point today)? These indexing methods have shown to have a greater potential for gains than indexing methods with more liquidity (annual point-to-points, for example). Well, what if there was a product that could overcome that shortfall, with an annual point-to-point indexing method, […]
Hug the ones that you love.
{July 15th, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
I cannot ignore it any more. This is the month where the very bad, no good thing happened. I hate this month. It gives me so much anxiety. Every little sign from him hurts. AJ Betts- you have been gone for 13 years now. I don’t know how I have lived without you, son. I […]
AmeriLife’s Saybrus Partners Strengthens Life Insurance and Annuity Market Position With SterlingBridge Insurance Agency Partnership
{July 15th, 2025} by AmeriLife
HARTFORD, CONN. AND CLEARWATER, FLA. / ACCESS Newswire / July 14, 2025 / Saybrus Partners, a life insurance and annuity distribution company and affiliate of AmeriLife, today announced a strategic partnership with SterlingBridge Insurance Agency, further expanding its national reach and capabilities in the insurance distribution landscape. Per the agreement, terms of the deal were not disclosed. Through this new […]
Record-breaking RIA growth, in 5 charts
{July 15th, 2025} by Tobias Salinger
Registered investment advisory firms topped previous records in many key business metrics in 2024, with assets under management crossing $144.6 trillion. The number of firms registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and their AUM, clients and employees reached new heights from prior records, as shown in the below charts based on the latest yearly […]
Court Rejects Part of Frozen DOL Rollover Rule
{July 15th, 2025} by Allison Bell
A federal judge has rejected a key part of the U.S. Labor Department’s fiduciary rule regulations on retirement transactions. U.S. District Judge Ed Kinkeade ruled Thursday against sections in Prohibited Transaction Exemption 2020-02 stating that an advisor could start an “ongoing advice relationship” with a retirement saver under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act if […]
Which Carriers Have the Most Traditional Variable Annuities on Their Books?
{July 15th, 2025} by Anthony Luffredo
A few weeks ago, I attended LIMRA’s Annual Distribution conference. Candidly, I hadn’t been back to this conference in nearly a decade. Sitting in on a couple of breakout sessions, I learned, incredibly, that not much has changed. Read via Think Advisor
A Conference’s Message: To Reach the Next Level, Ask the Right Questions
{July 15th, 2025} by Timothy Welsh
More than 100 independent financial professionals gathered recently for Affiliated Advisors’ annual Advance conference, a two-day retreat in Eagan, Minnesota, designed to inspire curiosity, spark connections and equip advisors to build their ideal practices. With Affiliated Advisors having crossed $7 billion in assets just days before the event, the energy was high, the conversation candid […]
The Future of Life Insurance is Here: Oneday’s Agent-First Platform and Products Hit the Canadian Market
{July 14th, 2025} by OneDay TPA INC
TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Oneday, a leading third-party administrator in the Canadian life insurance industry, today announced the full-scale launch of its proprietary technology platform, Oneday Pro, designed to transform how insurance agents and agencies conduct business in the digital age. Located just outside Toronto, Oneday has partnered with Humania Assurance to underwrite its suite of simplified-issue life […]
CT insurance commissioner to court: loosen moratorium on PHL Variable
{July 14th, 2025} by John Hilton
Connecticut Insurance Commissioner Andrew Mais is asking a judge to loosen the moratorium on PHL Variable policies to allow for more flexible distributions for universal life and fixed index annuity owners. Mais, serving as the official rehabilitator for the financially troubled PHL, hinted at the possibility of adjusting the moratorium in a May 20 status report. But […]
TPG and Aquarian Holdings Vie to Acquire Brighthouse
{July 9th, 2025} by Kerry Pechter
Brighthouse is a top-10 annuity issuer, with over $100 billion in assets. But neither Brighthouse (or its predecessor, MetLife) ever sold many of the fixed indexed deferred annuities whose issuers asset managers have been acquiring as sources of capital for their private credit businesses. Read via RIJ Wink’s Moore on the Market: Kerry Pechter […]
Aspida Launches Integration with the Apple Wallet® App for Annuity Clients, Bringing Retirement Solutions Closer to Everyday Financial Tools
{July 9th, 2025} by Aspida Life Insurance Company
Aspida Life Insurance Company (“Aspida Life”), a leading provider of innovative retirement solutions, today announced the launch of an Apple Wallet® app integration for its annuity products, bringing fast, secure, and mobile access to retirement information directly to clients’ fingertips. With this new feature, Aspida clients can now access key contract information as well as […]
Prudential Financial Launches ActiveIncome Insurance Overlay, Delivering a New Category of Lifetime Income to Dimensional Managed Accounts
{July 9th, 2025} by Prudential Financial, Inc.
NEWARK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU) today announced the launch of ActiveIncome, a first-of-its-kind insurance overlay option now accessible through Dimensional Fund Advisors’ unified managed accounts (UMA) platform. ActiveIncome expands access to retirement security by pioneering an innovative new category of lifetime income to managed accounts, using a contingent deferred annuity option to address […]
Foresters Financial launches Foresters Live Well Plus: A breakthrough in selling participating whole life insurance
{July 9th, 2025} by The Independent Order of Foresters
TORONTO, July 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ – Foresters FinancialTM (Foresters) is proud to introduce Foresters Live Well Plus, a new participating whole life insurance product available through a new innovative single-session digital journey. This product simplifies and streamlines the sales experience, empowers producers and enhances client relationships, making it easier and faster for producers and their clients. Collaborating with […]
Senior Market Sales® (SMS) Acquires MIC Insurance Services
{July 9th, 2025} by Senior Market Sales
OMAHA, Neb.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–MIC Insurance Services, a highly successful New Jersey health insurance agency, has entered into a strategic partnership with Senior Market Sales® (SMS), one of the industry’s premier insurance marketing organizations (IMOs). Based in Kinnelon, New Jersey, MIC is a second-generation, family-owned independent insurance agency that since 2012 has relied on SMS’ proprietary technology, industry-leading back-office support, […]
Best’s Special Report: Individual Annuity Surrenders Dent Operating Profitability
{July 9th, 2025} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Increasing surrenders on individual annuities drove a 27% decline in pre-tax net operating profitability despite record sales in recent years, according to a new AM Best report. The Best’s Special Report, “Individual Annuity Surrenders Dent Operating Profitability,” states that surrenders increased by 21% to $280 billion in 2024, up from $232 billion in 2023, as higher […]
Jackson to Report Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results on August 6
{July 9th, 2025} by Jackson National Life Insurance Company
LANSING, Mich.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jackson Financial Inc.1 (NYSE: JXN) (Jackson®) today announced that it will release second quarter 2025 financial results, after market close Wednesday, August 6, 2025. Jackson’s press release and supplemental financial materials will be available at investors.jackson.com. Jackson will host a conference call and webcast to discuss results at 9 a.m. ET Thursday, August 7, 2025. […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of New York Life Insurance Company and Its Subsidiaries
{July 9th, 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 (Long-Term ICRs) of “aaa” (Exceptional) of New York Life Insurance Company, New York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation (NYLIAC), Life Insurance Company of North America (LINA), New York Life Group Insurance Company of NY (NYLGICNY) and NYLIFE […]
Simplicity Welcomes Three New Partners with the Acquisition of DuVall Financial Group
{July 9th, 2025} by Simplicity Financial Marketing Group Holdings, Inc.
SUMMIT, N.J., July 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Simplicity Group Holdings (“Simplicity”), a leading financial products distribution firm, today announced the acquisition of DuVall Financial Group (“DFG”), a brokerage general agency focused on supporting independent agents and their clients with insurance and marketing solutions. A longtime business partner of Simplicity, DuVall Financial Group will immediately re-brand to “Simplicity DFG” […]
Intentions Rise, Expectations Fall: The Number of Americans Planning to Leave an Inheritance Goes Up as the Number Expecting to Receive One Goes Down Finds Northwestern Mutual’s 2025 Planning & Progress Study
{July 9th, 2025} by Northwestern Mutual
MILWAUKEE, July 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ – As a $90 trillion Great Wealth Transfer looms, more Americans say they are preparing to leave a financial legacy, yet fewer expect to receive one themselves. The latest findings from Northwestern Mutual’s 2025 Planning & Progress Study finds nearly one-third (31%) of U.S. adults anticipate leaving an inheritance or a financial gift / donation to a […]
Demand for annuities: What’s driving it and what’s nex
{July 9th, 2025} by Jack Elder
Annuities have long had a reputation as niche tools — relegated to a corner of the planning conversation, often misunderstood and occasionally oversold. But that perception has shifted. Annuities are seeing record demand, and not just from the usual suspects. Read via INN
Industry groups praise tax reform provisions in ‘Big Beautiful Bill’
{July 9th, 2025} by Wire Reports
Three industry organizations have praised the signing of H.R. 1 – also known as the Big Beautiful Bill – calling out provisions related to tax reform. “With the signing of H.R. 1—the ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill’—into law, millions of Americans now have a clearer path to financial security,” said Marc Cadin, CEO of Finseca. Read via […]
Reframing life insurance to connect with Gen Z
{July 9th, 2025} by Amanda Cassar
Nearly half of Generation Z is now at a pivotal stage in life: They’re part of the workforce, managing new expenses and balancing the desire to enjoy life with the need to plan for their future. As they begin building a financial foundation, life insurance might feel like a distant or unnecessary priority. Read via […]
SCOTUS ruling on nationwide injunctions could have lasting implications
{July 9th, 2025} by John Hilton
A recent Supreme Court ruling pertaining to birthright citizenship could also shut down a key strategy for financial services to block unwelcome federal rules. The 6-3 ruling in the Trump vs. CASA case saw the SCOTUS side with the Trump administration in a case involving an executive order that seeks to eliminate birthright citizenship. Read via […]
How new AI benchmarking tool helps insurers track ROI
{July 9th, 2025} by Rayne Morgan
Digital customer service platform Glia recently launched an AI benchmarking tool it hopes will help insurers “cut through the fog” in analyzing their artificial intelligence strategy. “There is an enormous fog of war at the moment. We are squarely in the middle of the hype cycle. Read via INN
Should These Clients Buy an Annuity? Two Case Studies
{July 9th, 2025} by Roger Wohlner
Helping clients plan out their retirement income strategy can be a complicated process. One vehicle that is often part of a planning approach is an annuity. There are valid reasons for clients to buy or not to buy an annuity. And while each client has distinct retirement income planning needs — and counts on an advisor to create an […]
Many Female Entrepreneurs Face a Financial Fitness Gap
{July 9th, 2025} by Harry Monti
As many self-employed women can attest, running their own business can be a balancing act. Between trying to grow the company, managing finances, and even keeping up with family responsibilities, juggling it all can be both difficult and rewarding. Read via Think Advisor
4 Life and Annuity Provisions Missing From the Big Beautiful Bill
{July 9th, 2025} by Allison Bell
For life and annuity professionals, the impact of implementation of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act tax and spending package could be more about what’s missing than what’s in the specific provisions. At press time, members of the House were debating the package, and the ultimate outcome was uncertain. Read via Think Advisor
Reasons to consider annuities
{July 9th, 2025} by Megan Reuther
There’s a lot of uncertainty with the markets, so now is as good of time as any to make sure you know your options. Eric Peterson of Peterson Financial Group shares reasons to consider annuities. View via WHO 13 Wink’s Moore on the Market: I don’t know about this video. It never suggests that gains […]
F-H-L-B Spells Cheap Cash for Big Annuity Issuers
{July 9th, 2025} by Kerry Pechter
The largest borrower from the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) system in 2024 was Athene Annuity and Life, at more than $15 billion. For at least 16 other top annuity issuers, FHLB loans are a key source of “fungible,” low-cost borrowed capital. Read via RIJ Wink’s Moore on the Market: Kerry Pechter at Retirement […]
Ex-LPL Advisor Suspended After Family Named as Client’s Beneficiaries
{July 9th, 2025} by Dinah Wisenberg Brin
A former LPL Financial advisor has agreed to an eight-month suspension and $5,000 fine after regulators found that he allowed a client to name his immediate family members as account beneficiaries without the firm’s approval. Read via Think Advisor Wink’s Moore on the Market: People doing crap like this doesn’t help anyone. -sjm
Half of Americans don’t have any life insurance. Here’s why that’s a mistake
{July 9th, 2025} by Brian Sloan
Nearly half of Americans don’t have a life insurance policy, according to a new study, with wide disparities based on age, gender, income and race. A report from Western & Southern Financial Group found that just 51% of U.S. adults had any kind of life insurance. Read via CNBC Wink’s Moore on the Market: A […]
Looking for an income stream for decades? Here’s how to emulate the Bobby Bonilla plan to get paid over time
{July 9th, 2025} by Myriam Robinso-Puche
If you feel the same as an estimated half of Americans — that you’re behind on your retirement savings — try not to be jealous today. It’s Bobby Bonilla Day, also known as July 1. Today, retired New York Mets baseball player Bobby Bonilla gets paid his annual deferred compensation: $1,193,248.20. Read via BankRate Wink’s Moore on […]
Declare Your Financial Independence: New Calculator Helps Americans Break Free from Annuity Traps
{July 9th, 2025} by American Alternative Assets
WOODLAND HILLS, Calif., July 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As Americans celebrate Independence Day, American Alternative Assets announced the launch of its “Annuity Trap Calculator,” a revolutionary tool designed to help retirement savers declare independence from wealth-draining annuity contracts. Read via PR Newswire Wink’s Moore on the Market: So, let me get this right… These folks sell products/advice […]
Special master: Up to $300M on the way for Greg Lindberg victims
{July 9th, 2025} by John Hilton
The special master assigned to unwind disgraced financier Greg Lindberg’s maze of companies says the impending sale of one of them will yield up to $300 million for fraud victims. The law firm Grier Wright Martinez filed a status report Wednesday with the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina. It outlines […]
‘Shame on me … and shame on him.’ I bought 3 annuities from a financial planner, but what he said I was buying — and what I signed off on — weren’t the same. Now what?
{July 9th, 2025} by Alisa Wolfson
Question: “I purchased three annuities from a financial planner and found out, after the fact, that what he presented to me and I agreed to were and purchased not the same. He completed the applications and sent to me for my signature. Shame on me for not thoroughly understanding how annuities work. And shame on him […]
Annuities Are Not Your Enemy.
{July 9th, 2025} by Richard Rosso
Utter the word ANNUITY and watch facial expressions. They range from fear to disgust to confusion. But hear me out: Annuities are not your enemy. Billionaire money manager and financial pitchman Ken Fisher appears as a haunting senior version of Eddie Munster in television ads. He stares with deep eyes ablaze with intensity. The tight camera […]
Empower Responds to Senator Elizabeth Warren’s Inquiry, Advocates for Responsible Access to Private Markets in Retirement Plans
{July 9th, 2025} by Empower
GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Empower has formally responded to an inquiry from U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren regarding the inclusion of private market investments in defined contribution retirement plans. In its response, Empower emphasized the importance of evolving the retirement system to offer carefully regulated access to private equity, credit, and real estate investments for everyday savers. “The […]
Labor Department Targets Dozens of Rules for Deregulatory Push
{July 9th, 2025} by Rebecca Rainey
The Trump administration’s deregulatory push has landed at the US Labor Department, with the agency advancing a slew of proposals to tweak or scrap policies across several of its subagencies. Rules on the chopping block include minimum wage and overtime protections for certain health aides, anti-discrimination requirements for apprenticeship programs, union organizing protections for foreign […]
Bermuda continues to lead offshore life/annuity reinsurance: AM Best
{July 9th, 2025} by Kassandra Jimenez-Sanchez
With over 40% of total ceded reserves for US life-annuity writers in 2024, Bermuda continues to be a “driving force” in offshore reinsurance, according to a recent report by AM Best. The report, titled “Bermuda Remains the Largest Offshore Life/Annuity Reinsurance Domicile,” further notes that Bermuda was involved in over 60% of ceded reserves for […]
Insurers Lean Into Income, Innovation And Intelligence As Annuity Industry Enters New Era
{July 9th, 2025} by Goldman Sachs Asset Management’s 2025 Annuity Survey
US insurance carriers are accelerating their shift toward retirement income solutions and platform innovation as economic uncertainty grows. From rethinking product menus and platform allocations to embedding AI into distribution and education, the annuity business is actively transforming to meet today’s market risks and tomorrow’s investor expectations. Read via Advisor Magazine
Dearborn Group and Symetra Reach Agreement on Acquisition of Dearborn Group’s Life & Disability Business
{July 9th, 2025} by Dearborn Group
CHICAGO and BELLEVUE, Wash. — Dearborn Groupexternal link, one of the nation’s largest ancillary benefits providers, and Symetra Life Insurance Company, a national provider of life, retirement and employee benefit insurance products, today announced a definitive agreement under which Symetra will acquire Dearborn’s group life and disability (L&D) business through a reinsurance transaction and enter into a product […]
Happy 4th of July!
{July 1st, 2025} by Wink's Intel Pros
Wink will be closed July 3rd and 4th for an extended holiday.
TruStage™ launches ZoneChoice Advantage Annuity, offering more flexibility for retirement planning
{July 1st, 2025} by TruStage
MADISON, Wis. — 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 new […]
Northwestern Mutual Expands Suite of Insurance Products to Help Families and Businesses Protect Their Legacies
{July 1st, 2025} by Northwestern Mutual
MILWAUKEE, July 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Northwestern Mutual, a leading financial services company focused on comprehensive financial planning, is expanding its world-class suite of insurance products to support Americans’ estate and legacy planning needs. Through the company’s new Survivorship Variable Universal Life Plus (SVUL Plus) policy, couples, families, and business owners have even more flexibility to plan […]
Pacific Life Introduces New Variable Universal Life Insurance Product Now Available Through State Farm
{July 1st, 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 […]
Insurers Lean Into Income, Innovation And Intelligence As Annuity Industry Enters New Era
{July 1st, 2025} by Goldman Sachs Asset Management’s 2025 Annuity Survey
US insurance carriers are accelerating their shift toward retirement income solutions and platform innovation as economic uncertainty grows. From rethinking product menus and platform allocations to embedding AI into distribution and education, the annuity business is actively transforming to meet today’s market risks and tomorrow’s investor expectations. These are among the findings from the newly […]
Participants Hit All-Time Savings High in Vanguard’s ‘How America Saves’ Report
{July 1st, 2025} by Amanda Umpierrez
Plan participants are demonstrating stronger saving and investing behaviors, as a record number of participants reported increasing their savings rates in 2024. According to Vanguard’s “How America Saves” report, out today, 45% of defined contribution (DC) participants raised their savings rates last year. When including nonparticipants, employees in automatic enrollment plans saved an average of […]
Referrals still drive advisor growth, but not with next-gen clients
{July 1st, 2025} by Leo Almazora
New survey research shows continued importance of earning trust, with changing markets and calming client nerves emerging as top practice challenges. Read via InvestmentNews
Why RIAs are the next growth frontier for annuities
{July 1st, 2025} by Leo Almazora
David Lau, founder and CEO of DPL Financial Partners, explains how the RIA boom and product innovation has fueled a slow-burn growth story in annuities. Read via InvestmentNews
F&G Annuities’ Dividend Appeal Grows as CEO Boosts Shareholding
{July 1st, 2025} by Venkatesh
F&G Annuities & Life, Inc. (NYSE:FG) is one of the 10 dividend bargains trading below insiders’ prices. Amid mixed Q1 earnings call and lowered price target, the company’s top executive makes a bold purchase of the stock. F&G Annuities & Life, Inc. (NYSE:FG), based in Iowa, provides fixed indexed annuities, multi-year guaranteed annuities, registered index‑linked annuities, […]
Penn Mutual Earns 2025 Great Place To Work Certification
{July 1st, 2025} by The Penn Mutual LIfe Insurance Company
PHILADELPHIA, June 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Penn Mutual is proud to be Certified™ by Great Place To Work® for the fourth year in a row. The prestigious award is based entirely on what current employees say about their experience working at Penn Mutual. This year, 90% of employees said it’s a great place to work – 33 points […]
