Second Judge Vacates DOL Fiduciary Rule, Dealing Death Blow
{March 25th, 2026} by Melanie Waddell
A second judge has vacated the Labor Department’s 2024 fiduciary rule. Plaintiffs including the American Council of Life Insurers and the Insured Retirement Institute filed a motion to vacate the rule on March 9. Read at Think Advisor
I was all in, baby! Teach me things that I may not know about annuities!
{March 25th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
Twenty-five years ago, I was working for the #1 seller of indexed life insurance and indexed annuities. My company had a special relationship with Roger McCarty – the founder of Brokers International; which was the first marketing organization in the annuity industry. Roger was a visionary. He helped me to understand the role […]
How Keeping Private Credit Safe Became Iowa’s Problem
{March 25th, 2026} by Heather Gillers
Wink’s Moore on the Market: Heather Gillers with The Wall Street Journal wants you to know “How Keeping Private Credit Safe Became Iowa’s Problem.” I may not be an expert at private credit, but I have become an expert on private equity’s (PE’s) presence in the individual retail annuity market. Precisely 27.64% of the $32.36 […]
Revol One Financial® Launches BonusRev™ Fixed Index Annuity, Unleashing Agility, Choice, Momentum
{March 25th, 2026} by Revol One Financial
URBANDALE, IA, UNITED STATES, March 23, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Revol One Financial announced today the launch of BonusRev™ Fixed Index Annuity, the first in a new wave of product innovation powered by the company’s agile operating model, differentiated product development engine, and unwavering commitment to best-in-class service. Designed to deliver early momentum with built-in flexibility, BonusRev™ offers distribution […]
Regulators want indexed product sellers to get real with illustrations
{March 25th, 2026} by John Hilton
The bid to reform indexed illustrations took another step this week with a presentation at the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ spring meeting in San Diego. Regulators and consumer advocates are raising concerns about how indexed illustrations are presented to consumers, focusing on complex illustrations and potentially inflated return projections that could mislead buyers planning […]
Pacific Life Polls Industry Leaders in 2026 Underwriting Outlook Survey: AI Gains Ground While Talent Gap Looms
{March 25th, 2026} by Pacific Life
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Pacific Life, a leading provider of life insurance and annuity products, today announced the results of its 2026 Underwriting Outlook Survey, capturing insights from more than 100 of the life insurance industry’s leading underwriting and insurance executives. The survey was conducted in person at Pacific Life’s 4th Annual Underwriting Symposium, held last […]
NAIC gives green light to new rules on insurer reinvestment assumptions
{March 25th, 2026} by Camille Joyce Lisay
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Life Actuarial Task Force has adopted new reinvestment guardrails intended to standardize how insurers calculate reserves, marking a notable development in ongoing efforts to align liability valuation with underlying risk. The decision, taken during the NAIC’s spring meeting in San Diego, centres on Amendment Proposal Form 2025-16, which […]
Emergencies Make Annuitization a Poor 401(k) Default Option: Alicia Munnell
{March 24th, 2026} by Allison Bell
Encouraging employers to make asset annuitization a default 401(k) plan option is a bad idea, according to Alicia Munnell, a longtime retirement policy researcher. Annuitization can help retirees convert part of their assets into a lifetime stream of income. Read at Think Advisor
Death of 2024 DOL Fiduciary Rule Could Affect Robo-Advice
{March 24th, 2026} by Allison Bell
Artificial intelligence systems that help consumers with annuities or individual retirement arrangements or take other steps to prepare for retirement could face regulatory changes as a result of the latest developments in the fight over the U.S. Department of Labor’s retirement investment fiduciary definition. Read at Think Advisor
Why So Many Indexed Universal Life Policies Seem Doomed to Fail
{March 24th, 2026} by Warren S. Hersch
Indexed universal life had another record year in 2025, as consumers chase index-linked growth with downside protection. New premium for indexed life products last year beat 2024’s record by 8.14%, according to industry researcher Wink . Read at Life Annuity Specialist Note from Life Annuity Specialist: In our multi-part series on the controversies around indexed universal life, Part […]
Retirement Tax Worries on the Rise Among Americans, Allianz Life Study Finds
{March 24th, 2026} by Allianz Life
MINNEAPOLIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–As Tax Day approaches, Americans are increasingly worried about the effect of taxes on their long-term finances in retirement, according to the Q1 2026 Quarterly Market Perceptions Study* from the Allianz Center for the Future of Retirement, part of Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz Life). The majority of Americans (70%) are […]
Pacific Life Named One of World’s Most Ethical Companies for Ninth Consecutive Year
{March 24th, 2026} by Pacific Life
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Pacific Life has been named one of the 2026 World’s Most Ethical Companies® by the Ethisphere Institute, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices. This marks the ninth consecutive year Pacific Life has earned this designation, an achievement that highlights the company’s unwavering commitment to ethics, […]
Fidelity Investments® Study: 72% of Americans Say They Will Retire on Their Own Terms as They Embrace a New Playbook
{March 24th, 2026} by Fidelity Investments
BOSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Fidelity Investments® today released its 2026 State of Retirement Planning Study, revealing Americans are increasingly redefining retirement, as nearly 7-in-10 are considering a non-traditional approach to the next chapter of their lives. Encouragingly, the general outlook on retirement prospects is also trending in a positive direction, with 72% expecting to retire on their own terms, up five […]
Protective to Host 2026 Annual Company Update Webcast
{March 24th, 2026} by Protective Life Corporation
BIRMINGHAM, Ala.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Protective Life Corporation (Protective), a U.S. subsidiary of Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc. (TSE:8750), will host its Annual Company Update webcast on April 27, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CT. Registration for the webcast is available on the event website. Those who plan to join are encouraged to register in advance. During the webcast, members of […]
WTW’s Radar Live selected by Thimble to deliver smarter, faster commercial lines pricing
{March 24th, 2026} by WTW
NEW YORK, March 23, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — WTW (NASDAQ: WTW), a leading global advisory, broking, and solutions company, today announced that Thimble, a digital MGA and insurtech platform for small businesses, has selected Radar Live to modernize and scale its commercial lines pricing. The implementation strengthens Thimble’s ability to deploy rates faster, respond to […]
TruStage® Retirement Solutions Partners with Inspira to Offer Clients an Emergency Savings Option
{March 24th, 2026} by TruStage
MADISON, Wis., March 19, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TruStage®, a leading insurance and financial services provider, has partnered with Inspira Financial to offer TruStage Retirement Solutions clients Emergency Savings Fund (ESF) services for their employees. “TruStage is focused on delivering retirement solutions that provide a clear path to a brighter financial future. We wanted to […]
Athene Tops Annual Annuity Sales for Third Consecutive Year
{March 24th, 2026} by Athene Holding Ltd
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa, March 24, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Athene, the leading retirement solutions company and subsidiary of Apollo Global Management, Inc. (NYSE:APO), ranked number one in LIMRA’s 2025 U.S. Retail Annuity Survey for the third consecutive year, reinforcing the company’s leadership position as the top provider of guaranteed income solutions. “Athene’s market leadership […]
Lincoln Financial Recognized for Leadership in the Advancement of Long-Term Care Planning
{March 24th, 2026} by Lincoln Financial
RADNOR, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Lincoln Financial (NYSE: LNC) has been recognized by industry peers at the 2026 Intercompany Long-Term Care Insurance Conference (ILTCI) for its longstanding leadership and innovation in the hybrid life/long-term care insurance market. The recognition highlights Lincoln’s decades-long commitment to expanding access to long-term care planning solutions and advancing product innovation that reflects the […]
Securian Financial Study Finds Americans Are Falling Into Workplace Benefits “Affordability Trap,” With Many Taking Financial Risks for Bigger Paychecks
{March 24th, 2026} by Securian Financial
ST. PAUL, Minn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–As rising costs continue to outpace wages, many Americans are cutting costs by prioritizing lower premium insurance benefits offered by their employers during open enrollment — often at the expense of long-term financial protection. According to Securian Financial’s fourth annual workplace benefits study, “The Affordability Trap: Why cheaper choices cost employees more,” this cost-first […]
Zocks Launches AI Assistant for Life Insurance to Help Producers Get Policies Issued Faster
{March 24th, 2026} by Zocks
SAN FRANCISCO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Zocks, the privacy-first AI assistant for financial advisors, today announced it is bringing its AI-automated operational and document intelligence capabilities to the life insurance market. Zocks is already in use exclusively at two of the three largest U.S. life insurance carriers. Zocks captures and creates accurate notes on household, financial, and life details […]
Northwestern Mutual Expands Presence on Barron’s Prestigious Top 1,500 List
{March 24th, 2026} by Northwestern Mutual
MILWAUKEE, March 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Northwestern Mutual announced that 23 of its financial advisors were included among the nation’s most accomplished financial professionals in Barron’s Top 1,500 list, a 35% increase from 2025. Barron’s Top 1,500 is a prestigious, data-driven ranking that evaluates U.S. financial advisors on assets, revenue, growth, client retention, experience, quality of practice, and regulatory records using […]
Ameritas has earned the BenchmarkPortal Center of Excellence Certification for 19th consecutive year
{March 24th, 2026} by Ameritas
LINCOLN, Neb., March 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Ameritas’ group division proudly celebrates a significant milestone: earning the BenchmarkPortal Center of Excellence Certification for the 19th consecutive year. This distinction reinforces Ameritas’ long-standing leadership in customer service and support, reflecting nearly two decades of continuous improvement, innovation and commitment to excellence. The 2025 certification further affirms Ameritas’ dedication not only […]
Investors Expect Taxes to Rise, Yet Most Aren’t Proactively Preparing their Portfolios
{March 24th, 2026} by Nationwide
COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As the dreaded April 15 tax deadline approaches, most Americans find themselves forced to focus on one of their least favorite tasks of the year: filing their taxes. According to a new Advisor Authority study powered by the Nationwide Retirement Institute, failure to think about taxes more than just once a year […]
Markets are choppy and indexes are concentrated. Time to try an annuity
{March 24th, 2026} by InvestmentNews TV
Sean Brennan, co-president at Athene USA, sits down with InvestmentNews anchor Gregg Greenberg to discuss the benefits of annuities and predictable income in a volatile market. Watch at InvestmentNews
Finra Panel Orders Truist To Pay Client $2.7M Over Northstar Annuity Sales
{March 24th, 2026} by FA Staff
An arbitration panel has ordered Atlanta broker-dealer Truist Financial to pay an investor more $2.7 million for his investment in a defunct Bermuda insurance firm that sold annuity products and that was linked to a Florida insurance mogul who has pleaded guilty to fraud. Several other big broker-dealers, including Raymond James, JPMorgan and Cetera, also […]
Raymond James elevates Kirk Bell to lead independent channel, recruits $385M Illinois team
{March 24th, 2026} by Steve Randall
Raymond James is installing a longtime executive to run its independent contractor division while also adding a five-advisor Illinois team overseeing $385 million in client assets, underscoring continued momentum in the firm’s independent channel. Read at InvestmentNews
A New Annuity Era
{March 24th, 2026} by Bryce Biklen
The annuity industry is evolving quickly. Consolidation continues, outside capital is reshaping competitive dynamics, and advisors are navigating an increasingly complex landscape of products, platforms, and partners. In this environment, knowing who you’re doing business with — and how they’re built — is more important than ever. Read at Advisor Magazine
LIMRA: Final retail annuity sales total $464.1 billion in 2025
{March 24th, 2026} by LIMRA
Total U.S. annuity sales increased 7% to $464.1 billion in 2025, according to LIMRA’s U.S. Individual Annuity Sales Survey, which represents 93% of the total U.S. annuity market. Fourth quarter sales jumped 14% to $117.2 billion, representing the ninth consecutive quarter of $100+ billion in sales. Read at INN Wink’s Note: Wink’s Sales & Market […]
How annuities can enhance retirement income for post-pension clients
{March 24th, 2026} by Brooke Lacey
Today’s retirees are in a different situation than what future retirees will experience. Many current retirees have a defined benefit (or pension) plan while preretirees will need to rely more on personal savings and a defined contribution plan, such as a 401(k). “LIMRA research shows more than half of current retirees (52%) with at least […]
Ed Deutschlander and Chris Noonan Inducted into Finseca Hall of Fame
{March 24th, 2026} by Finseca
Washington, D.C. (March 23, 2026) – Finseca today announced that Ed Deutschlander, Chief Executive Officer at North Star Resource Group, whose representatives affiliate with Cetera Wealth Services LLC; and Chris Noonan, Senior Executive Vice President at Equitable Advisors, will be honored with the prestigious Finseca Hall of Fame Award at the Leaders and Managers Program (LAMP) 2026 in Nashville, TN. Deutschlander and Noonan are being […]
Advisors in Texas and California banned for fraud scams
{March 23rd, 2026} by John Hilton
Two advisors were penalized last week for scamming clients and advisory firms out of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Brooklynn Chandler Willy, 46, pleaded guilty Thursday for her role in a Ponzi scheme, said the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas, Justin R. Simmons. According to court documents, Willy owned a San Antonio-based […]
Women are entering wealth management at an unprecedented rate
{March 23rd, 2026} by Tobias Salinger
The rising number of women entering wealth management and launching registered investment advisory firms signal that the industry’s infamously low female representation may be changing. But women nevertheless comprise only 28% of registered representatives, 21% of producing financial advisors and 22% of industry C-suite executives, according to a study released earlier this month by FINTRX, an […]
Lincoln National seeks reinsurance deal to cut risk – Bloomberg
{March 23rd, 2026} by Editor: Luke Juricic
Lincoln National Corp. (NYSE:LNC) is pursuing a reinsurance agreement that would move billions of dollars in life insurance reserves off its balance sheet, according to reporting from Bloomberg, citing people familiar with the matter. The company, which operates under the Lincoln Financial Group brand, is in discussions with industry peers to backstop approximately $5 billion of […]
New individual life premium hits record-setting $17.5B in 2025
{March 23rd, 2026} by LIMRA
WINDSOR, Conn. — Total new annualized premium exceeded $17.5 billion in 2025, up 10% year over year, according to LIMRA’s individual life insurance sales survey. Individual life insurance new premium has set records for four of the past five years, including 2025. The number of policies sold rose 7% for the year. In the fourth quarter […]
Lincoln National Said to Seek Deal to Cut Life Insurance Risk
{March 23rd, 2026} by Alexandre Rajbhandari
Lincoln National Corp. is seeking a reinsurance deal that would shift billions of dollars of life insurance reserves off its balance sheet, according to people familiar with the matter. The firm, which markets itself as Lincoln Financial Group, is in talks with peers to backstop roughly $5 billion of life policies, the people said, asking not […]
Wink, Inc. Releases Fourth Quarter, 2025 Life Sales Results
{March 18th, 2026} by Wink's Press Release
— FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION — NEWS RELEASE RECORD-SETTING SALES FOR INDEXED LIFE! Wink, Inc. Releases Fourth Quarter, 2025 Life Sales Results Des Moines, Iowa. March 13, 2025– Wink, Inc. released the fourth quarter, 2025 life sales results in its 114th edition of Wink’s Sales & Market Report. Wink’s Sales & Market Report is the […]
Fourth Quarter, 2025 Life Insurance Sales
{March 18th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
View 4th Quarter, 2025 Life Insurance Sales and Market Trends and visit our Data HQ for additional sales metrics!
Wirehouses Saw Annuity Market Share Bump in Q4
{March 18th, 2026} by Cyril Tuohy
Full-service broker-dealers were the big winners in annuity distribution market share in the final three months of the year as they benefited from a higher stock market and end-of-year incentives, new research has found. At the same time banks, career agents and independent agents all saw their distribution market share shrink in the three-month period […]
Lincoln Financial Unveils New Fixed Indexed Annuity Income Solutions With Category-First Legacy Planning
{March 18th, 2026} by Lincoln Financial
RADNOR, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Lincoln Financial (NYSE: LNC) today announced the launch of two new fixed indexed annuities (FIAs) — Lincoln FlexAdvantage® Income and Lincoln OptiBlend® Income — further expanding the company’s suite of retirement income solutions. The products are designed to offer consumers guaranteed growth for future income, guaranteed lifetime income and first-of-its-kind legacy planning through a FIA with the optional Estate […]
F&G Annuities & Life Announces New Three-Year $100 Million Share Repurchase Program
{March 18th, 2026} by F&G Annuities & Life, Inc.
DES MOINES, Iowa, March 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — F&G Annuities & Life, Inc. (NYSE: FG) (F&G or the Company) a leading provider of insurance solutions serving retail annuity and life customers and institutional clients, today announced that its Board of Directors has approved a new three-year stock repurchase program, effective March 16, 2026, under which the Company may […]
Oaktree Capital Agrees to Acquire Controlling Stake in Atlantic Coast Life
{March 18th, 2026} by Allison Bell
Wink’s Moore on the Market: Oaktree Capital Management, L.P., a subsidiary of Brookfield has Atlantic Coast Life Insurance Company in their sights. Does this mean that ACL customers don’t need to worry about the safety of their annuities and life insurance anymore? SN: If you recall, Brookfield is also the parent company of […]
OneAmerica Financial earns national LTC award
{March 18th, 2026} by OneAmerica Financial
INDIANAPOLIS, March 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — OneAmerica Financial is proud to announce the organization received an ILTCI Recognition Award from the Intercompany Long Term Care Insurance (ILTCI) Conference Association. The award recognizes OneAmerica Financial and its companies as a distinguished leader in the asset based long-term care (LTC) industry and thanks the organization for enduring contributions to the […]
Mutual of America’s MoA Funds Win Two 2026 LSEG Lipper Fund Awards for Best-in-Class Mixed-Asset Target Allocation Moderate Fund
{March 18th, 2026} by Mutual of America
NEW YORK, March 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Mutual of America Capital Management LLC is pleased to announce that it has received two 2026 LSEG Lipper Fund Awards. Part of a $26 billion mutual fund family, the MoA Balanced Fund was recognized twice in the U.S. mixed-asset target allocation moderate fund category, marking the third consecutive year that it won an Award. “We are […]
Transamerica Combines AI and Human Support to Simplify Retirement Plan Consolidation
{March 18th, 2026} by Transamerica
BALTIMORE, March 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Imagine consolidating retirement accounts—something that historically could take weeks—now completed in just days. Transamerica announced today that it is making this possible with Pearl, The Transamerica Virtual AssistantSM. Pearl is a new, purpose-built digital experience that brings together AI, data and human support in a single, continuous workflow—designed to help retirement plan participants […]
Securian Financial Reports Very Strong 2025 Results
{March 18th, 2026} by Securian Financial
ST. PAUL, Minn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Securian Financial achieved very strong financial results in 2025, delivering profitable growth in the markets it serves while maintaining its commitment to customers and the community, the insurance and retirement solutions provider announced at its recent annual all company meeting. “2025 was a year of acceleration for Securian Financial, with the company […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Lincoln National Corporation and Its Subsidiaries
{March 18th, 2026} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating (Long-Term ICR) of “a+” (Excellent) of The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company (Fort Wayne, IN) and its wholly owned subsidiary, Lincoln Life & Annuity Company of New York (Syracuse, NY). These companies are the key life/annuity […]
Best’s Special Report: More Upgrades, Fewer Downgrades for U.S. Life/Health Insurers in 2025
{March 18th, 2026} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Rating change activity in the U.S. life/health segment declined overall in 2025, with downgrades for Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings also decreasing slightly to 6.4% of the segment’s rating actions, compared with the same prior-year period, according to a new AM Best report. The Best’s Special Report, titled, “Rating Affirmations and Upgrades Rise in 2025, Downgrades Drop for […]
Pacific Life Named One of World’s Most Ethical Companies for Ninth Consecutive Year
{March 18th, 2026} by Pacific Life Insurance Company
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Pacific Life has been named one of the 2026 World’s Most Ethical Companies® by the Ethisphere Institute, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices. This marks the ninth consecutive year Pacific Life has earned this designation, an achievement that highlights the company’s unwavering commitment to ethics, […]
PHL Variable liquidation: Regulators, investors pivot legal fire to Nassau
{March 18th, 2026} by John Hilton
A group of large PHL Variable policyholders, and the Connecticut insurance commissioner both took aim at Nassau Financial Group in separate court filings this week. Both the policyholders and interim Commissioner Joshua Hershman, serving as the rehabilitator in the proposed liquidation of the financially troubled PHL, are after the same thing: Money. Read at INN
Indexed life sales hit big despite lawsuits, market headwinds, Wink finds
{March 18th, 2026} by Staff Reports
Despite several high-profile lawsuits and continued market turbulence, indexed life insurance remains the preferred product for consumers. Indexed life sales for the fourth quarter were $918.9 million, up 20% compared with the previous quarter, and up 6.2% compared to the record set in Q4 2025, Wink Inc. reported in its Sales & Market Report. Total […]
Ethics and IUL: Tax-advantaged strategies for client success
{March 18th, 2026} by Ian McDowell
Indexed universal life insurance hit a milestone in 2024: $3.8 billion in new premiums, capturing 24% of the total U.S. life insurance market. Yet IUL remains one of the most misunderstood and often misrepresented products in our industry. Read at INN
The forces shaping life and annuities in 2026
{March 18th, 2026} by Pat O'Donnel
2025 was the year of accelerated digital adoption in life insurance and annuities, 2026 is shaping up to be the year that acceleration turns into alignment and permanent transformation. Last year, carriers, distributors and advisors moved beyond experimentation. Digital tools became embedded across underwriting, distribution and service. Read at INN
Florida tort reform: A new era for insurance company loss ratios
{March 18th, 2026} by Anna Baluch
Florida’s recent tort reforms were designed to reduce lawsuit incentives and the additional costs that arise when claim payouts increase because of societal and legal pressures. “They’re meaningful because they target the main factors driving higher claim costs—attorney-fee leverage, bad-faith exposure, and long-tail litigation timelines,” said Jay Robinson, division leader for the Southeast at World […]
Judge KOs Labor Department’s latest fiduciary rule
{March 18th, 2026} by John Hilton
A federal judge officially killed the Department of Labor’s Retirement Security Rule on Tuesday. District Judge Reed O’Connor acquiesced to the request from both the DOL and the group of trade groups suing to stop the rule. “Today’s decision rightly vacates and sets aside the 2024 Rule, which exceeded the DOL’s statutory authority and was […]
Thrivent to Hire 600 Advisors in 2026
{March 18th, 2026} by Melanie Waddell
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans said it plans to hire 600 financial advisors in 2026, as the firm aggressively builds out its Virtual Advice Team and employee channel. One in three new hires this year will likely join as a virtual advisor, Thrivent said. “As the industry stares down a talent shortage, advisors are making it […]
Insurers Have Promised Private Credit Funds $90B
{March 18th, 2026} by Allison Bell
Insurers held about $110 billion of the U.S. private credit assets in 2024, and they had legal commitments to provide $90 billion in additional capital, or “dry powder,” to U.S. private credit funds. Ted Berg and Jung Hoon Lee, analysts at the Office of Financial Research, have published those figures in a new report on counterparty exposure […]
The Long-Term Care Crisis Annuity Market Rumbles
{March 18th, 2026} by Allison Bell
There’s the cryptocurrency market for the kids. The private credit market for investors who want to buy when others shake. The traditional annuity market for clients who plan to live forever. And for 50-something or 60-something clients who have suddenly realized that Mom or Dad needs care now and has no useful plan in place […]
5 Insurers That Reported the Most Individual Life Sales in Q4
{March 18th, 2026} by Allison Bell
U.S. sales of individual life insurance increased to $3.2 billion in the fourth quarter of 2025, up 3.3% from the total for the fourth quarter of 2024, according to new issuer survey data from Wink. Purchases of whole life policies generated 40% of the premiums from new individual life sales, and purchases of three types of […]
Is researching indices an agent’s responsibility?
{March 18th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
Charlie Gipple, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC® has a lot to say about hybrid indices on indexed insurance products. He and I are aligned on the fact that 200% of 1% is still just 2%. Insurance companies like to point-out their uber-high participation rates on these indexes. However, there is very little training on their construction, performance, […]
I guess I am a data nerd.
{March 18th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
I am about to give you more free stuff than you can shake a stick at. Check out our fourth quarter, 2025 sales of annuities, here. – sjm
Lincoln Financial Earns World’s Most Ethical Companies® Recognition for Fifth Consecutive Year
{March 18th, 2026} by Lincoln Financial
RADNOR, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Lincoln Financial (NYSE: LNC) has been recognized by Ethisphere, a global authority on ethical business practices, as one of the 2026 World’s Most Ethical Companies®. This marks the fifth consecutive year Lincoln has earned this distinction. Ethisphere honored 138 organizations across 17 countries and 40 industries for their commitment to integrity, transparency and […]
Judge Vacates Biden 401(k) Rule Trump DOL Plans to Rewrite (1)
{March 18th, 2026} by Brett Samuels
A major Biden administration 401(k) rule is officially dead after the Trump administration stopped defending it in court. Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Texas approved a motion to vacate on Thursday after it was unopposed by both the Department of Labor and the Federation of Americans […]
2025: A record-breaking year for annuity sales via banks and BDs
{March 18th, 2026} by Brooke
In 2025, favorable economic conditions, along with aging demographics and more advisors selling annuities, led to record-breaking individual annuity sales in 2025. Banks and broker-dealers did especially well, a new survey finds. Higher interest rates allowed insurance companies to offer attractive crediting rates on accumulation products and payout rates on guaranteed income products, a major […]
ABN Financial Gains Expansive Agent Resources and Proprietary Technology by Partnering with Integrity
{March 18th, 2026} by Integrity Marketing Group, LLC
DALLAS, March 18, 2026 /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 ABN Financial Group, an independent marketing organization based in Dayton, Ohio, and led by Alex and Ginny Abuyuan. Financial details of the partnership were not disclosed. […]
Wink, Inc. Releases 4th Quarter, 2025 Annuity Sales Results
{March 12th, 2026} by Wink's Press Release
— FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION — NEWS RELEASE Record-Setting Year for Annuity Sales Wink, Inc. Releases 4th Quarter, 2025 Annuity Sales Results Des Moines, Iowa. March 10, 2026- Wink’s Sales & Market Report, the insurance industry’s #1 resource for annuity sales data since 1998, released its 114th edition report for 3rd Quarter, 2025. One hundred and […]
Fourth Quarter, 2025 Annuity Sales
{March 12th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
View Fourth Quarter, 2025 Annuity Sales and Market Trends and visit our Data HQ for additional sales metrics!
Variable annuity sales surge as market confidence remains high, Wink finds
{March 12th, 2026} by John Hilton
Annuity buyers continued to show faith in the market as 2025 came to a close, with traditional variable and structured annuity sales up significantly, Wink Inc. reported. Structured annuities, also known as registered index-linked or RILAs, recorded $21.3 billion in Q4 sales, up 7% compared to the third quarter and up 23.8% compared to the year-ago quarter, Wink […]
Tune In to Sales supercut!
{March 12th, 2026} by Legacy Marketing Group
Tune in this special supercut with Sheryl J. Moore, President and CEO of Moore Market Intelligence and Founder and Creator of Wink, Inc.
Athene Launches Fixed Indexed Annuity Combining Long-Term Growth Potential with a Simplified Customer Experience
{March 12th, 2026} by Athene
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa, March 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Athene, the leading retirement solutions company and subsidiary of Apollo Global Management (NSYE: APO), today announced the launch of Athene Aviator™, a new fixed indexed annuity (FIA) in the independent marketing organization (IMO) channel built to deliver clients a simplified accumulation experience. Aviator offers a client-friendly, […]
WHY DON’T NATIONAL B/Ds LIKE LIFE INSURANCE?
{March 12th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
I don’t get it. Full service national B/Ds sell life insurance. However, there is more direct response sales of life insurance than there are independent B/D sales. WHY DON’T NATIONAL B/Ds LIKE LIFE INSURANCE? Please help a sista out! – sjm Join in the LinkedIn discussion here.
New Allianz Life Annuity Offers Added Flexibility in Income Benefits
{March 12th, 2026} by Allianz Life
MINNEAPOLIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz Life) announced today that it is launching a new registered index-linked annuity (RILA) that offers flexibility in its lifetime income benefits. Index Advantage+ Select IncomeTM Annuity builds on the history of RILA innovation at Allianz Life to help address the consumer need for flexibility and a desire […]
SEC manual shake-up: What every insurance advisor needs to know now
{March 12th, 2026} by Anna Baluch
At the end of February, the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Division of Enforcement announced important updates to its Enforcement Manual. These changes were ultimately made to improve the consistency and uniformity of investigative practices, the agency said, allowing for a more efficient process. Read at INN
The Rise and Fall of Volatility Control Indexes
{March 12th, 2026} by Cyril Tuohy
In the third quarter of 2021, sales allocated to bespoke “hybrid” indexes, or indexes engineered to control for market volatility, reached an apex when 60% of $17.3 billion in fixed-indexed annuity sales was allocated to such indexes, according to Wink‘s Sales & Market report. But that allocation has dwindled to 26% of the $32.4 billion in […]
Allianz Life Q4 New Business Premium Up 24%, Driven by Annuity Bonus Boost
{March 12th, 2026} by Cyril Tuohy
Insurers occasionally turn to short-term promotions to reach sales or profitability targets. “Allianz did adjust their offering numerous times in 2025,” added analyst Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink, publisher of Wink‘s Sales & Market Report, which tracks the life and annuity segments. Read at Life Annuity Specialist
NAIFA Supports the Lowering Costs for Caregivers Act
{March 12th, 2026} by NAIFA
NAIFA has joined a coalition of national organizations urging Congress to pass the Lowering Costs for Caregivers Act (S.1565/H.R.138). Family caregivers play an essential role in supporting loved ones who wish to remain in their homes, but the financial burden can be significant. On average, caregivers spend more than $7,200 out of pocket each year, representing about […]
State Regulators Look for Annuity Suitability Enforcement Ideas
{March 12th, 2026} by Allison Bell
The agencies that police the new annuity sales rules want advice about the best ways to do that. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ Annuity Suitability Working Group has been drafting a request for comments about strategies for enforcing the NAIC’s updated annuity “best interest” standard. Read at Think Advisor
What is it about dealing with life insurance, annuities providers that frustrates advisors?
{March 12th, 2026} by Steve Randall
Financial professionals generally hold their life insurance and annuity distribution partners in high regard, but many say outdated systems and limited digital tools still make doing business harder than it should be, according to a new study. Read at Investment News
Jackson Study Exposes Stark Disconnect Between Anticipation of Policy Change and Retirement Planning Conversations
{March 12th, 2026} by Jackson Financial Inc.
LANSING, Mich.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jackson National Life Insurance Company® (Jackson®), the main operating subsidiary of Jackson Financial Inc.1 (NYSE: JXN), today unveiled key findings from its latest research on policy risk, conducted in collaboration with the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College. This study, the fifth installment in Jackson’s Security in Retirement Series, reveals a concerning gap […]
Best’s Special Report: US Life/Health Insurance Industry Sees Impairments Halved in 2024
{March 12th, 2026} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Five insurance company impairments were identified in the U.S. life/health industry for 2024, following 10 in 2023, according to a new AM Best report. The Best’s Special Report, titled, “2024 US Life/Health Impairments Update,” states that during the 2000-2024 study period, 198 life/health insurers became impaired. These impairments consisted of 160 insolvent liquidations, 36 rehabilitations (of which […]
DPL Unveils Technology to Scale Annuity Analysis for RIAs
{March 12th, 2026} by DPL Financial Partners
OUISVILLE, Ky.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–DPL Financial Partners, the leading annuity and insurance platform for RIAs, today announced the launch of Annuity Review, an interactive decision-making tool for acquisitive advisory firms to align books of legacy annuities with a fee-based advice model. This technology-driven solution simplifies and streamlines the annuity analysis and exchange process, enabling enterprise firms to […]
Securian Financial Reports Very Strong 2025 Results
{March 12th, 2026} by Securian Financial
ST. PAUL, Minn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Securian Financial achieved very strong financial results in 2025, delivering profitable growth in the markets it serves while maintaining its commitment to customers and the community, the insurance and retirement solutions provider announced at its recent annual all company meeting. “2025 was a year of acceleration for Securian Financial, with the company […]
5 Insurers That Sold the Most RILAs in Q4
{March 12th, 2026} by Allison Bell
The market for registered index-linked annuities was ferociously competitive in the fourth quarter of 2025 — and some issuers took a deep breath and sold more, anyway. The issuers that participated in Wink’s latest annuity sales survey increased their RILA sales 24% between the fourth quarter of 2024 and the latest quarter, to $21 billion. Read at […]
Hot tip
{March 12th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
Indexed annuities may earn ZERO interest when the market takes a dive. There is no loss in value, as a result of the market’s performance. The icing on top? Purchasers have an opportunity to “cap out” when the market recovers. (Or, receive a potentially better opportunity for for gains with a participation rate, which has […]
Insurers can’t afford to keep relying on legacy tech, study says
{March 12th, 2026} by Rayne Morgan
The legacy technology systems that many insurers rely on are holding them back. Still, it’s unsustainable for insurers to keep kicking the can down the road long-term, according to a new study published by Baringa. “There’s a massive constraint in terms of their ability to get their current legacy environment to respond in terms of […]
Fiduciary Rule funeral: DOL joins industry in move to vacate Biden-era rule
{March 12th, 2026} by John Hilton
The Department of Labor said in court documents this week that it supports a district court motion to vacate its Retirement Security Rule, the department’s most recent attempt to extend fiduciary duty. The motion was filed jointly with a group of industry trade groups that initially filed a lawsuit to prevent the RSR from taking […]
Marv Feldman, life insurance icon and 2011 JNR Award winner, passes away at 80
{March 12th, 2026} by John Hilton
In 1967, while finishing his senior year at Ohio State University, Marv Feldman signed his first insurance contract with New York Life. At the time, he was just another face in an industry where 90% of new agents flame out within 12 months. Feldman didn’t just beat those odds; he spent the next six decades […]
Americans’ Finances are Improving – But Some Still Feel Behind and are Turning to Prediction Markets, Sports Betting and Crypto to Catch Up, According to Northwestern Mutual’s 2026 Planning & Progress Study
{March 12th, 2026} by Northwestern Mutual
MILWAUKEE, March 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Northwestern Mutual’s 18th annual Planning & Progress Study finds half of adults in America now saying they feel financially secure – an increase from 44% last year. Over half also consider themselves to be ‘disciplined’ financial planners. Even optimism around homeownership is on the rise. But at the same time, a sizeable number […]
3 New Annuity Options for Nervous Retirement Savers
{March 12th, 2026} by Allison Bell
The world has been messy enough in recent weeks to prompt many retirement savers to think harder about how well they tolerate risk. Some annuity issuers have been thinking hard about their own appetite for investment-market risk, but some are still adding and improving guarantees. The more volatility increases, the more valuable any guarantees still […]
Kansas City Life Announces Fourth Quarter 2025 Results
{March 12th, 2026} by Kansas City Life Insurance Company
KANSAS CITY, Mo., March 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Kansas City Life Insurance Company recorded net income of $1.0 million or $0.10 per share in the fourth quarter of 2025 compared to a net loss of $14.0 million or $1.45 per share in the fourth quarter of 2024. Significant factors in the improvement in net income in the […]
Integrity Partnership Accelerates Impact for MG3 Enterprises Offering Proprietary Technology Platform
{March 12th, 2026} by Integrity Marketing Group, LLC
DALLAS, March 10, 2026 /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 MG3 Enterprises, an independent marketing organization based in Charlotte, North Carolina, and led by Max Graham III. Financial details of the partnership were not disclosed. […]
Mutual of America’s MoA Funds Win Two 2026 LSEG Lipper Fund Awards for Best-in-Class Mixed-Asset Target Allocation Moderate Fund
{March 12th, 2026} by Mutual of America
NEW YORK, March 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Mutual of America Capital Management LLC is pleased to announce that it has received two 2026 LSEG Lipper Fund Awards. Part of a $26 billion mutual fund family, the MoA Balanced Fund was recognized twice in the U.S. mixed-asset target allocation moderate fund category, marking the third consecutive year that it won an Award. “We are […]
Running slightly behind our usual newsletter schedule.
{March 5th, 2026} by Wink's Intel Pros
Please accept our apologies for the delay in sending this week’s newsletter. Our team has been focused on finalizing 4th Quarter, 2025’s Wink’s Sales & Market Report, and running slightly behind our usual newsletter schedule. We appreciate you sticking with us! Please stay tuned for our news release and additional details on 4th Quarter, 2025’s […]
We didn’t change any minds, but hopefully presented some compelling bullets on the use of annuities.
{March 5th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
It was interesting to see a case study where two fee’d planners view annuities Beyond The IMO. We didn’t change any minds, but hopefully presented some compelling bullets on the use of annuities. P.S. No surprise that Tom Hegna really dropped some knowledge! Check out the podcast, here.
Annexus and Americo Announce Strategic Partnership with Launch of Americo Benchmark Flex Fixed Indexed Annuity Suite
{March 5th, 2026} by Annexus
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., March 03, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Annexus, a leading designer of innovative retirement solutions, today announced a new strategic partnership with Americo Financial Life and Annuity Insurance Company (Americo), a leading provider of insurance and annuity products. Together they launched the Americo Benchmark Flex and Americo Benchmark Flex Plus with premium bonus fixed […]
Why One-Year Crediting Terms Dominate Fixed-Indexed Annuities
{March 5th, 2026} by Cyril Tuohy
“Agents love annual point-to-point indexing methods because they are the simplest for consumers to understand,” said Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink, publisher of Wink’s Sales & Market Report. One-year terms can also provide more flexibility for withdrawals, she added. In the third quarter of last year, nearly three-quarters (72%) of premium allocations to fixed-indexed annuities have stuck […]
A Third of Top FIA Carriers Advertise Illustrated Returns of 16% to 27%
{March 5th, 2026} by Cyril Tuohy
Fixed-indexed annuities are among the fastest-growing individual annuity lines, and there are hundreds of indexes available with FIAs, according to life and annuity market researcher Wink. Read at Life Annuity Specialist
Kuvare Holdings Comments on Recent Press Coverage Addressing Matters Involving Relationship with Blue Owl Capital
{March 5th, 2026} by Kuvare
ROSEMONT, Ill.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Kuvare Holdings today issued the following statement to address various business media reports published since February 19, which focus on matters regarding Kuvare’s commercial relationship with Blue Owl Capital (“Blue Owl”). Bloomberg Erroneously Reported that Blue Owl “Owns” Kuvare Contrary to media reports originating on Bloomberg (February 19, 2026, and purportedly, though wrongly, “corrected” in […]
Annuity Issuer Backs Away From Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuity Fray
{March 5th, 2026} by Allison Bell
Wink’s Moore on the Market: I don’t know that F&G is backing away from multi-year guaranteed annuities (MYGA), so much as I believe they are just leaning in to their indexed annuity sales. Who wouldn’t? Indexed annuities have better spreads, they are more difficult to spreadsheet and distributors prefer them to indexed annuities. -sjm […]
Regulators ponder how to tamp down annuity illustrations as high as 27%
{March 5th, 2026} by Staff
Wink’s Moore on the Market: There are indexed annuities that illustrate considerably higher than 27%. The 200+ different indexes that adorn indexed annuities are responsible for this illustration nightmare. If you want a solution, allow the index to be illustrated 1% – 2% greater than the 10-year treasury rate. All indexes. No backcasting. No cherry […]
Record annuity sales mask growing capital concerns for US life insurers
{March 5th, 2026} by Kenneth Araullo
Wink’s Moore on the Market: “The US life insurance industry is sitting on record capital and the strongest annuity sales in its history, yet AM Best and global regulators are training their sights on private credit concentrations and weakening capital quality that cloud the outlook.” “AM Best flagged declining capital quality driven by soft capital, […]
NASCAR Champ Kyle Busch, Pacific Life Settle IUL Lawsuit
{March 5th, 2026} by Dinah Wisenberg Brin
NASCAR champion Kyle Busch and his wife, Samantha, have reached a confidential settlement with Pacific Life Insurance in their lawsuit alleging they lost nearly $8.6 million through an indexed universal life insurance strategy that was misleadingly sold to them. In a joint settlement notice filed last week, the parties notified a judge in the U.S. District Court […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Equitable Holdings, Inc. and Its Subsidiaries
{March 5th, 2026} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICR) of “a+” (Excellent) of Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company of America (EFLICOA) (Phoenix, AZ) and Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company (EFLIC) (New York, NY). EFLICOA and EFLIC collectively are referred to as Equitable Life Group. […]
Jackson Earns Award for Highest Customer Service in Financial Industry for 14th Consecutive Year Share
{March 5th, 2026} by Jackson Financial Inc.
LANSING, Mich.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jackson National Life Insurance Company® (Jackson®), the main operating subsidiary of Jackson Financial Inc.1 (NYSE: JXN), has won the “Highest Customer Service – Financial Industry” award from Service Quality Measurement Group, Inc. (SQM) for the 14th year in a row for achieving the highest first-call resolution rating in the market in 2025. Additionally, the company secured the […]
Best’s Market Segment Report: Shifting Tides in US Life/Annuity Industry Include Dropoff in Quality of Capital, Increase in Private Credit
{March 5th, 2026} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–While the U.S. life/annuity (L/A) insurance industry remains financially healthy, it is experiencing a decline in the quality of its capital driven by insurers’ utilization of soft capital, offshore and affiliated reinsurance approaches, according to a new AM Best report. The annual Review & Preview Best’s Market Segment Report, “U.S. Life and Annuity Industry Continues to Shift […]
Prudential launches its ActiveIncome insurance overlay on Franklin Templeton’s Canvas platform for wealth managers
{March 5th, 2026} by Prudential
NEWARK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU) today announced the launch of its ActiveIncome insurance overlay solution for retail managed accounts on Franklin Templeton’s Canvas platform. Available on Canvas through the FIDx Insurance Overlay marketplace, the innovative offering is designed to seamlessly integrate protected lifetime income into registered investment advisors’ practices, making it easier to […]
New York Life Unifies Global Asset Management Platform Under New York Life Investment Management Brand
{March 5th, 2026} by New York Life
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–New York Life today announced the launch of New York Life Investment Management as the unified global brand that brings together the full strength of its asset management businesses across public and private markets. With $807.7 billion in assets under management as of Dec. 31, 2025, the platform represents one of the largest […]
U.S. Businesses Signal Growth in Early 2026
{March 5th, 2026} by Principal Financial Group
DES MOINES, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–After a year defined by cost pressures and economic uncertainty, U.S. businesses are positioned for renewed momentum and growth in 2026. The latest Principal Financial Well-Being Index℠ (Index), a quarterly measurement of business health, growth, and optimism finds sentiment among business leaders has stabilized, measuring 6.65 out of 10 in January 2026 – a slight […]
National Life Group Receives Prestigious Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award
{March 5th, 2026} by National Life Group
ADDISON, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–National Life Group has been lauded for its strong, positive culture with receipt of the prestigious Gallup Exceptional Workplace award. Only 78 organizations worldwide receive this honor. “Building a strong, positive culture is essential to the overall success of any organization,” said Michael Veilleux, Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer of National Life […]
Life Insurance and Annuity Providers Score High Marks from Financial Pros, but Lag on User Friendliness, JD Power Finds
{March 5th, 2026} by JD Power
TROY, Mich.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Life insurance1 and annuity products2 are experiencing rising demand as a combination of market and demographic trends push more financial advisors, insurance brokers and bankers to talk to their clients about the possibility of outliving their savings and the need to protect their families from unexpected events. For the most part, the companies that create and […]
National Life Group Ranked Second by The Wall Street Journal in Best Whole Life Insurance Companies of 2026
{March 5th, 2026} by National Life Group
MONTPELIER, Vt. & ADDISON, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–National Life Group was recently ranked second in the Best Whole Life Insurance Companies of 2026 by The Wall Street Journal1. The list was based on a review of “10 large sellers of whole life insurance to find the best options based on policy fees, the reliability of policy illustrations, access […]
MassMutual Delivers Excellent 2025 Financial Results
{March 5th, 2026} by MassMutual
SPRINGFIELD, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–MassMutual today reported excellent financial results1 for 2025, driven by strong sales, record operating earnings, and growth of its wealth management business. The company also maintained its position as a top provider of whole life insurance and continued to deliver exceptional policyowner value by approving its highest-ever policyowner dividend, while also making meaningful progress on […]
FINRA Seeks to Revamp Controversial Arbitration Rules
{March 5th, 2026} by Melanie Waddell
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority said Monday that it’s seeking feedback by May 1 on ways to modernize its arbitration rules, including making FINRA’s arbitration forum more expeditious and cost-effective relative to courts as well as changing arbitrator qualifications. In just-released Regulatory Notice 26-06, FINRA states that it’s “committed to making changes to its rules, guidance […]
Life, Health and Annuity Issuer Employment Growth Beats Forecasts
{March 5th, 2026} by Allison Bell
U.S. life, health and annuity issuers increased employment more than they expected in 2025. The insurers that participated in a new, voluntary insurance labor market survey increased the number of people they employed by 0.89%. Read at Think Advisor
Women’s history month: Female advisors set to benefit from ‘Great Wealth Transfer’
{March 5th, 2026} by Gregg Greenberg
In honor of March being Women’s History Month, women advisors discuss how the ‘Great Wealth Transfer’ will impact the financial industry in the future. Read at InvestmentNews
I am grateful that I have all of your support. Whaddaya say we stick around another 20 years or so?
{March 5th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
So, this is 50. THE BAD My hair is thinner. My skin is crepey. My fingernails have ridges. I have to take calcium. THE GOOD My family is healthy. My employees are friendly, hard-working folks. I love what I do, every day. THE UGLY Brain fog is a REAL thing! That said, I can […]
When are we going to see an insurance company guarantee their rates on an IUL product?
{March 5th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
So, when are we going to see an insurance company guarantee their rates on an indexed universal life product? (Realizing there are levers to push/pull to control the risk, but I thought I’d ask!) -sjm Join in the LinkedIn conversation HERE
Bankers Life Introduces Enhanced Death Benefit Rider for Guaranteed Lifetime Income Annuity and Guaranteed Lifetime Income Annuity Plus
{March 5th, 2026} by Bankers Life and Casualty Company
CARMEL, Ind., March 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Bankers Life, a national life and health insurance brand that focuses on the insurance needs of Americans who are near or in retirement, today announced the launch of its Enhanced Death Benefit (EDB) Rider, a new optional rider available that complements Lifetime Income Withdrawals (LIWs) with an enhanced death benefit for […]
I am excited to dig into this one
{March 5th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
Bored? Getting tired? In that mid-day slump? Don’t worry…I’ve got the cure for what ails you. The folks over at Annexus Group have forged a relationship with Americo Financial Life and Annuity. Read their news release here. I am still reading through the filing, but I am interested to see if this product will cannibalize […]
Stock Markets Can Shake Off Iran Conflict, Just Not All of Them. And 5 Other Things to Know Today
{March 5th, 2026} by The Barron's Daily
Wink’s Moore on the Market: Jacob Adelman over at Barron’s has a lot to say about the parent company of Atlantic Coast Life and Sentinel Security Life this morning. You want to know something crazy though? Both companies’ sales are UP. (For what it is worth, their combined market share of the annuity market is […]
When It Comes To Life Insurance, There’s Good News And Bad News
{March 5th, 2026} by Ben Mattlin
Individual life insurance premiums posted record sales in 2025, says Limra. But 2026 is expected to lag. In a survey covering 85% of the U.S. life insurance market, the Windsor, Conn.-based industry group found that new annualized premiums totaled $17.5 billion last year, a 10% increase from the year before and the fourth time over […]
Regulators Want Indexed Annuity Sellers to Get Real
{March 5th, 2026} by Allison Bell
A team of state insurance regulators wants to rein in indexed annuity sellers who give consumers unrealistic performance forecasts. The Life Insurance and Annuities Illustrations Working Group is asking for ideas from the public about how to do that. Read at Think Advisor
Advisor convicted of defrauding NBA players through viatical life sales
{March 5th, 2026} by John Hilton
A California investment advisor was convicted of defrauding three former NBA players out of more than $5 million, federal prosecutors said. U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said a jury found Darryl Cohen guilty following a five-week trial before U.S. District Judge Vernon S. Broderick. Read at INN
Rethinking whether annuities are too late for older retirees
{March 5th, 2026} by Lucas Vandenberg
Some of the most meaningful cases I’ve closed began with a prospect saying “No.” Typically not a firm rejection, but a quiet assumption that their opportunity had passed. “I’m too old for an annuity” ranks among the most common self-disqualifications I encounter, and it represents one of your greatest untapped opportunities. Read at INN
Kuvare sets consent guardrails on Blue Owl loan purchases
{March 5th, 2026} by Rod Bolivar
Kuvare Holdings has set out controls in a statement addressing media reports published since February 19 concerning its relationship with Blue Owl Capital and the purchase of loans from Blue Owl-managed vehicles. It outlines a requirement that Blue Owl obtain express consent before placing carrier assets into affiliated products, plus the rule that Kuvare would […]
Annuities See Unparalleled Surge
{March 5th, 2026} by Corey Walther
The annuity market is emerging as a powerhouse of growth and innovation. With a surge in demand for products that offer both protection and growth potential, it has had record-breaking year after record-breaking year. Retirees are seeking financial security with flexible solutions – creating strong demand and reshaping the industry landscape. In 2025, total U.S. […]
Insured Retirement Institute: Let Taxpayers Use RILAs as QLACs
{March 5th, 2026} by Allison Bell
Clients could get a way to use annuities to reduce the burden of required minimum distributions on their retirement savings. The Insured Retirement Institute has put the proposal in its latest Retirement Security Blueprint, or list of recommendations for Congress. Read at Think Advisor
Pan-American Life Insurance Group Reports Record 2025 Results; Premiums Reached $1.86 Billion and Net Income Totaled $110 Million as Company Enters Its 115th Year
{March 5th, 2026} by Pan-American Life Insurance Group
NEW ORLEANS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Pan-American Life Insurance Group (PALIG), a leading provider of life, accident, and health insurance throughout the Americas, today announced record financial results for the full year ended December 31, 2025*, marking the strongest performance in the company’s 115-year history. For the year, total premiums reached a record $1.86 billion, up 8.0% year-over-year, reflecting […]
F&G Annuities & Life Joins Voya Financial’s Annuity Platform, Expanding Access to Protected Growth Solutions
{March 5th, 2026} by F&G Annuities & Life, Inc.
DES MOINES, Iowa and NEW YORK, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — F&G Annuities & Life, Inc. (NYSE: FG) (“F&G”) and Voya Financial, Inc. (NYSE: VOYA) today announced that F&G’s annuity solutions will be available for distribution through Voya’s Wealth Management platform, marking an exciting collaboration between two premier financial services organizations committed to helping Americans achieve financial security. Through […]
Advising clients wanting to retire early: how annuities can bridge the gap
{March 5th, 2026} by Anna Baluch
Now that Americans are healthier, more active, and living longer than ever before, outliving retirement income is a real concern. And that concern becomes even more pressing for those considering early retirement. Fortunately, annuities can step in and support these individuals. Read at INN
$58.3M Pacific Life misleading illustrations class action settlement
{March 5th, 2026} by Top Class Actions
Pacific Life agreed to a $58.3 million class action lawsuit settlement to resolve claims it used misleading illustrations to sell indexed universal life insurance policies. The Pacific Life settlement benefits individuals who purchased a Pacific Discovery Xelerator (PDX) indexed universal life insurance policy in California between 2016 and 2019. Read at Top Class Actions
John Hancock Enhances Hybrid Life Insurance Product, LifeCare, as Insurer’s Longevity Preparedness Index Finds Most Adults Underprepared for Aging
{March 5th, 2026} by John Hancock
BOSTON, Feb. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ – John Hancock is announcing meaningful enhancements to LifeCare, its hybrid indexed universal life product with long-term care (LTC) benefits. LifeCare, which builds on John Hancock’s commitment to helping people live longer, healthier, better lives, offers protection and flexibility to customers. The enhancements follow John Hancock’s recently released Longevity Preparedness Index (LPI), a new framework […]
Sales of Much-Debated Life Product Rise 12%
{March 5th, 2026} by Allison Bell
Sales of a cash-value life insurance product that has launched a thousand bitter debates on LinkedIn climbed in the fourth quarter of 2025, according to new issuer survey data from LIMRA. The issuers reported $1.3 billion in sales of indexed universal life insurance for the quarter, up 12% from the total recorded in the fourth quarter of […]
An Application for the Trademark “TACTICAL WEIGHTING” Has Been Filed by Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company: Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company
{March 5th, 2026} by Insurance Daily News
2026 MAR 04 (NewsRx) — By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Insurance Daily News — According to news reporting originating from Washington, D.C., by NewsRx journalists, a trademark application has been made for “TACTICAL WEIGHTING” by Rachel A. Rice, representing Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company. This application was made available to the public on February 16, 2026. The serial number for […]
