Sagicor Life Insurance Company Appoints Eric Sandberg as President
{April 30th, 2026} by Sagicor Life Insurance Company
TAMPA, Fla., April 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Sagicor Life Insurance Company announced today that Eric Sandberg has joined the company as President. Mr. Sandberg will work closely with the company’s leadership team to maintain alignment on strategic priorities and support disciplined execution as the business scales. “We are excited to welcome Eric to the Sagicor team. This […]
The Standard and Ignite Partners Announce Launch of Thrive Plus Fixed Indexed Annuity
{April 30th, 2026} by The Standard
PORTLAND, Ore.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Standard Insurance Company (The Standard) and Ignite Partners today announced the launch of Thrive Plus Fixed Indexed Annuity (FIA). This next-generation accumulation-focused FIA is designed to help people pre- and post-retirement accumulate more wealth, protect what matters and plan confidently for the future. The launch represents a strategic collaboration between The Standard — a […]
I won’t paint this product with one big brush.
{April 30th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
Today’s indexed annuity rant- “…indexed annuity’s ability to offer market-linked upside with principal protection is particularly attractive.” Oh yes! Market-linked upside that is limited. Market-linked upside that provides 250% of the growth in a market that is at record highs. Market-linked upside which may wane each year you own the annuity. Market-linked upside that is […]
Fear of outliving savings hits new high as retirement anxiety deepens
{April 30th, 2026} by Steve Randall
Wink’s Moore on the Market: It’s not just me declaring this! Two-thirds of Americans now fear running out of money more than death, an Allianz study shows. I wonder what percentage of the population knows that annuities EXIST, much less that an annuity can help address that fear?- sjm ………………………………………………………. Americans are increasingly uneasy […]
Retirees are thinking of annuities the wrong way — and it may trip them up, advisors say
{April 30th, 2026} by Greg Iacurci
Wink’s Moore on the Market: Scott Witt is on-the-money in his observation of annuities: “Americans have a hard time embracing annuities as a form of [longevity] insurance, and they keep thinking about it as an investment.” My observation is that a large portion of financial planners compare annuities to investments. It seems that this may […]
Iowa widow claims premium-financed IUL plan jeopardized family farm
{April 30th, 2026} by John Hilton
Wink’s Moore on the Market: Man, Pacific Life just cannot catch a break! This time, in my back yard. Here’s the latest lawsuit, where Ameritas is also named as a defendant. Premium financing cases CAN and DO go wrong. In this case, a widow may loose the farmland that she and her late husband owned. […]
North Carolina court finally sets sentencing date for Greg Lindberg
{April 30th, 2026} by Jamie Johnson
Wink’s Moore on the Market: Forgive my stream of consciousness here. So Greg Lindberg, a la Colorado Bankers Life, jumped into the life insurance startup game in 06/27/2019. This is about nine years after I first began seeing PE-backed insurance companies entering the annuity space; focused on gaining traction with an aggressive MYGA rate, and […]
Makes for interesting conversations
{April 30th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
Want to know a little more about me? I turned 50 a couple of months ago. #ProudAARPCardholder I am married to The Hottest Man Alive. #GradeSchoolSweethearts I have worked in life insurance/annuities for 27 years. #UsedToBeTheYoungestPersonInTheRoom I am OBSESSED with the Beastie Boys! #Intergalactic I have five children (but lost my eldest to suicide 13 […]
Aspida Life and Market Synergy Group Launch Bitcoin-Linked Index Across Synergy Choice™ Fixed Index Annuity Suite
{April 30th, 2026} by Aspida
DURHAM, NC, April 27, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Aspida Life Insurance Company (“Aspida Life”), a life insurance and annuity company, in partnership with Market Synergy Group (MSG), has announced the addition of the BlackRock® U.S. Equity Bitcoin Balanced Risk 10% Index to its Synergy Choice™ Fixed Index Annuity (FIA) product suite. Through an iShares® ETFs component, this new offering […]
FACC and DOL enter stipulation to dismiss 2020 guidance lawsuit
{April 30th, 2026} by Staff Reports
The Federation of Americans for Consumer Choice has dropped its lawsuit against the Department of Labor after the agency withdrew guidance at the center of the dispute, ending a four-year legal challenge over fiduciary standards. The group, known as FACC, and the Labor Department filed a stipulation late last week to dismiss the case without […]
Redefining life insurance for a new era of trust and protection
{April 30th, 2026} by Mehran Assadi
Life insurance has existed in the U.S. for generations, but the dynamics around purchasing it are changing. Economic uncertainty, shifting demographics, industry innovation and evolving consumer expectations are reshaping how people think about financial security and protection. Read at INN
Insurance Group Drops DOL Rollover Advice Suit
{April 30th, 2026} by Melanie Waddell
The Federation of Americans for Consumer Choice has dropped its lawsuit against the Labor Department challenging the agency’s guidance issued in 2020 on who is considered a fiduciary when giving rollover advice. The FACC lawsuit pending against Labor in a Texas federal court, which challenged the 2020 fiduciary guidance stating that one-time rollover advice was fiduciary advice, […]
Millennial Investors are Ready to Bring their Advisor to the Family Table. Baby Boomers, Not so Much
{April 30th, 2026} by Nationwide
COLUMBUS, Ohio, April 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As the largest intergenerational wealth transfer in history gets underway and Baby Boomers advance deeper into their retirement journey, a striking generational divide is emerging. Younger investors actively want a financial advisor to serve as a facilitator for cross-generational family planning discussions, while older investors are largely declining to take […]
Lightstone Announces Strategic Investment in Heartland National Life
{April 30th, 2026} by Lightstone
NEW YORK and KANSAS CITY, Mo., April 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Lightstone announced today that it has closed on a strategic investment in The McDaniel Company, the parent company of Heartland National Life Insurance Company (“Heartland” or “HNL”), a growing provider of annuity and supplemental health insurance solutions serving the U.S. retirement market. The transaction builds upon Lightstone’s […]
Ameriprise Financial Reports First Quarter 2026 Results
{April 30th, 2026} by Ameriprise Financial, Inc.
MINNEAPOLIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (NYSE: AMP): Earnings Per Diluted Share Return on Equity, ex AOCI (1) Q1 2026 Q1 2026 GAAP $9.68 GAAP 53.3% Adjusted Operating $11.26 Adjusted Operating 54.3% Raised Quarterly Dividend 6 Percent First quarter adjusted operating earnings per diluted share increased 19 […]
How RIAs, Other Advisors Work With Clients on Retirement Planning: Survey
{April 30th, 2026} by Michael S. Fischer
Wink’s Moore on the Market: If you are a market research nerd like me- this article is going to get your survey juices GOING. Talking statty stat STATS! Shout out to Security Benefit and my decades old friend, @Justin Jacquinot. (I guess that Scott Herring will have to relay the message for Justin’s failure to […]
The gap between policy awareness and investor conversations
{April 30th, 2026} by Ayo Mseka
A concerning gap exists between widespread investor awareness of policy issues and meaningful planning conversations that address these risks, a recent survey revealed. Jackson National Life conducted the survey in collaboration with the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College and is the fifth installment in Jackson’s Security in Retirement Series. The survey shows that […]
Consumers Question Whether Annuity Issuers Will Pay Promised Benefits: Study
{April 30th, 2026} by Allison Bell
U.S. sales of annuities and long-term care insurance are much lower than economists might expect partly because U.S. consumers are skeptical about whether insurers will pay the promised benefits. Joseph Briggs, who’s an economist at Goldman Sachs, and two other economists present evidence supporting that view in a new working paper published behind a paywall on the […]
Tax Court Allows Loan Interest Deduction in Life Policy Termination Case
{April 30th, 2026} by Allison Bell
A U.S. Tax Court judge ruled earlier this month that the former owner of a failed printing business must pay income taxes on the surrender value of a terminated life insurance policy, even though all of the value went toward paying off an $80,000 policy loan. But Judge Elizabeth Copeland found that the taxpayer, Jonathan […]
Western & Southern Financial Group Acquires Till Financial, Expanding into Digital Family Banking Services and Investing in the Next Generation
{April 30th, 2026} by Western & Southern Financial Group
CINCINNATI, April 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Western & Southern Financial Group, a leading financial services company serving more than six million customers with insurance, retirement and investment solutions, today announced the acquisition of Till Financial, the fintech platform redefining how families raise financially capable kids. The transaction represents a significant strategic investment and marks a defining step […]
InspereX Partners with AuguStar Retirement for Strategic Expansion into Annuity Market
{April 30th, 2026} by InspereX
DELRAY BEACH, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–InspereX, the tech-driven distributor of fixed income, structured products, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and alternative investments, today announced a strategic expansion into the annuity marketplace through a new partnership with AuguStar® Retirement (“AuguStar”), a Constellation company. InspereX will distribute AuguStar’s annuity solutions to PNC financial advisors and other select wealth management platforms. This partnership […]
AM Best Revises Outlooks to Positive for Western & Southern Financial Group, Inc. and Its Subsidiarie
{April 30th, 2026} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has revised the outlooks to positive from stable and affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A+ (Superior) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICRs) of “aa” (Superior) of the life insurance subsidiaries of Western & Southern Financial Group, Inc. (WSFG). The WSFG subsidiaries included in this rating unit are The […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Principal Financial Group, Inc. and Its Subsidiaries
{April 30th, 2026} 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 “aa” (Superior) of Principal Life Insurance Company and Principal National Life Insurance Company. Both are life insurance operating companies of Principal Financial Group, Inc. (PFG) [NASDAQ: PFG] and collectively referred to as Principal. Concurrently, […]
Cognitive decline is a growing threat to financial security
{April 30th, 2026} by Press Release
WINDSOR, Conn., April 22, 2026 — While market volatility and inflation often dominate retirement planning discussions, new research from the LIMRA Retirement Income Institute finds that age‑related cognitive decline may pose an equally serious threat to retirement security. The new paper, “Decision Risk and the Desirability of Protected Income,” explores how declining cognitive capacity can impair […]
The Fiduciary Question Nobody Is Asking About Life Insurance
{April 30th, 2026} by Alex Barba
Advisor Perspectives welcomes guest contributions. The views presented here do not necessarily represent those of Advisor Perspectives. Every year, hundreds of thousands of life insurance policies lapse or are surrendered for cash. The policyholders walk away with whatever the carrier offers. Their advisors sign off. Their attorneys see nothing. And nobody asks the obvious question. Read at […]
Blackstone CEO Sees Healthy Annuity Issuer Demand for Private Credit
{April 30th, 2026} by Allison Bell
An asset manager that has courted life insurance and annuity issuers aggressively says the issuers are still investing in private credit. Steve Schwarzman, the chief executive officer of Blackstone, talked about the issuers’ investments Thursday during a conference call the company held to go over results for the first quarter with securities analysts. Read at […]
ALIRT Insurance Research: U.S. Life Insurers Continue to Grow Their Exposure to Less Liquid Bonds
{April 30th, 2026} by ALIRT Insurance Research
Earlier this month ALIRT Insurance Research published a new in-depth study examining the growing exposure of U.S. life insurers to less liquid bond investments, highlighting both the strategic benefits and emerging financial risks associated with this evolving portfolio trend. HARTFORD, Conn., April 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The report, U.S. Life Insurer Exposure to Less Liquid Bonds, finds that […]
Foresters Financial revamps Accelerated Underwriting program, increasing limits to $2 million and expanding eligibility
{April 30th, 2026} by The Independent Order of Foresters
TORONTO, April 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ – Foresters Financial™ today proudly announced a significant expansion of its Accelerated Underwriting (AUW) program in the US, effective April 26, 2026. The enhanced program raises face amount limits, broadens eligibility and introduces new digital tools that streamline submission and case management for producers. Underwriting decisions remain hands-on with each case being […]
Mountain Life Insurance Company Launches Its Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuity (MYGA) Products Through Hexure’s FireLight Platform
{April 30th, 2026} by Mountain Life Insurance Compnany
LEXINGTON, Ky., April 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Mountain Life Insurance Company (MLIC), a fast-growing provider of life and annuity products across the United States, announced the successful launch of its Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuity (MYGA) products on Hexure’s FireLight platform. The launch includes MLIC’s Secure Summit and Alpine Horizon product lines, offering guaranteed terms of 2-10 years. These […]
Zinnia’s Zahara Policy Admin System Adds FIA Chassis to Product Library
{April 30th, 2026} by Zinnia
GREENWICH, Conn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Zinnia, a leading life insurance and annuity technology company, today announced the addition of a pre-configured fixed indexed annuity (FIA) chassis with support for Guaranteed Lifetime Withdrawal Benefits (GLWB), further accelerating carriers’ speed to market. Zahara’s FIA chassis is designed to help carriers move efficiently from product concept to launch by providing a […]
Allianz Life Adds New Accumulation-Focused Fixed Index Annuities
{April 22nd, 2026} by Allianz Life
MINNEAPOLIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz Life) announced today that it is expanding its offering of accumulation-focused fixed index annuities (FIAs) to help Americans reach their retirement goals. Allianz Life, a longtime industry leader in the marketplace, is launching two new FIAs that include signature features like Index Lock1. Allianz Accumulation Advantage […]
The Retirement Reset
{April 22nd, 2026} by Retirement Renegade
via Retirement Renegade: Herbert Stein—one of America’s most respected economists—famously said: “If something cannot go on forever, it will stop.” The Retirement Reset trailer reveals what that means in plain language: Every IRA, every 401k, every brokerage account is legally structured so that in a widespread custodial collapse, the institution gets paid back first. […]
Judge allows PHL policyholders to intervene, denies ‘premium holiday
{April 22nd, 2026} by John Hilton
Wink’s Moore on the Market: Here’s the latest on the Phoenix Life debacle- PHL policyholders were asking a judge for permission to suspend life insurance premium payments until their case against Nassau Financial Group and Golden Gate Capital was decided. This “premium holiday” would allow policyholders to suspend their life insurance premium payments without forfeiting […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of ReliaStar Life Insurance Group Members
{April 22nd, 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 of “a+” (Excellent) of ReliaStar Life Insurance Company of New York (Woodbury, NY) and ReliaStar Life Insurance Company (Minneapolis, MN), collectively known as ReliaStar Life Insurance Group (ReliaStar). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. […]
Annuity Guaranty Paper Gets State Regulators’ Attention
{April 22nd, 2026} by Allison Bell
Wink’s Moore on the Market: This article confused me. “A National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) publication has news for state insurance regulators: They may have succeeded at hiding the existence of the life insurance and annuity guaranty system from annuity buyers.” (I was always taught that insurance professionals are not permitted to discuss the […]
National Life Group Releases its 2025 Annual Report and Business Highlights
{April 22nd, 2026} by National Life Group
MONTPELIER, Vt.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–National Life Group released its 2025 Annual Report, which highlights the company’s bigger, better, bolder approach to solid, steady and sustainable growth. It also released its popular Business Highlights which is a snapshot of the good the company did in 2025. “These results reflect the hard work and innovation of our people and position National […]
SILAC Announces Kevin Mechtley as Incoming President
{April 22nd, 2026} by SILAC
CARMEL, Ind.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–SILAC Insurance Company (“SILAC”), a leading provider of fixed and fixed indexed annuity products in the U.S., today announced the hiring of Kevin Mechtley as incoming President, effective May 4, 2026. Mr. Mechtley will report to G. Daniel Acker, SILAC’s current President and Chief Marketing Officer and incoming Chief Executive Officer. As President, […]
TIAA and Lilia Vu Partner to Inspire a New Generation to Build Lasting Financial Security
{April 22nd, 2026} by TIAA
NEW YORK, April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — TIAA today announces two-time major champion and LPGA Tour professional Lilia Vu as the latest TIAA Golf Ambassador, expanding awareness of retirement security to new audiences at a moment when women’s golf is experiencing historic growth. Lilia Vu’s story resonates far beyond the fairway. The daughter of Vietnamese immigrants who believed deeply […]
Fidelity National Financial Announces First Quarter 2026 Earnings Release and Conference Call
{April 22nd, 2026} by Fidelity National Financial, Inc.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., April 22, 2026 /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 First Quarter 2026 Earnings Release and Conference Call
{April 22nd, 2026} by F&G Annuities & Life, Inc.
DES MOINES, Iowa, April 22, 2026 /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 first quarter 2026 earnings after the close of regular market trading on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. A webcast and conference call to discuss the results will […]
John Hancock Introduces Personalized Longevity Preparedness Tool to Help Consumers Understand Readiness for Longer Lifespans
{April 22nd, 2026} by John Hancock
BOSTON, April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ – Today at its Longer. Healthier. Better. Symposium in Boston, which brings together global leaders across public and private sectors to share the latest research and innovations driving the future of longevity, John Hancock unveiled a first-of-its-kind personalized longevity preparedness assessment tool in collaboration with the MIT AgeLab. The new tool helps individuals understand how […]
Annuities Gain Attention in DOL Investment Selection Proposal
{April 22nd, 2026} by Paul Mulholland
In August, President Trump signed an executive order (EO) directing the Department of Labor (DOL) to issue guidance that would make it easier for ERISA-governed plans to invest in alternative assets, which, to the surprise of many included “lifetime income investment strategies including longevity risk-sharing pools.” Read at PSCA
Security Benefit Expands Scope of Quarterly Advisor Survey Finding Similarities and Key Differences Among Financial Professionals
{April 22nd, 2026} by Security Benefit
TOPEKA, Kan.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–After two successful years monitoring the pulse of the Registered Investment Advisor space, Security Benefit expanded the scope of its advisor survey in Q1 to include a broader range of financial professionals within the advice industry. “We found that advisors share a lot of common views but may differ in various practices while […]
Life insurance tips: 5 underwriting concerns for clients living abroad
{April 22nd, 2026} by Anna Baluch
Digital nomadism and cross-border living is more popular than ever before. As a result, advisors are increasingly asked how to structure life insurance for those whose careers, families, and finances span multiple countries. Read at INN
Life insurance for gig economy power earners: what advisors need to know
{April 22nd, 2026} by Anna Baluch
The U.S. gig economy is made up of roughly 57 million workers, according to the latest data from Deloitte. By 2027, the global accounting firm predicts freelancers and gig workers will become most of the workforce. Insurance advisors would do well to recognize the growing presence of this demographic and meet the unique needs and […]
Industry objects to ‘tone and tenor’ of draft NAIC Annuity Buyer’s Guide
{April 22nd, 2026} by John Hilton
Industry trade groups are raising concerns about tone, timing and usability as work continues on a revised annuity buyer’s guide intended to help consumers better understand complex financial products. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ new Annuity Buyer’s Guide Working Group, formed late in 2025, held a Monday call to discuss draft changes meant to update the […]
Annuity industry grapples with consolidation, innovation and planning shifts
{April 22nd, 2026} by John Hilton
TAMPA, Fla. — Consolidation among distributors, evolving technology and changing consumer expectations are reshaping how annuity products are developed and sold, even as overall sales surge. A diverse panel of annuity sales executives reached those conclusions during a session at the LIMRA Life Insurance and Annuity Conference. Read at INN
Human connection still key in the new annuity era
{April 22nd, 2026} by John Hilton
TAMPA, Fla. — Consumer trust and confidence are significantly higher when a financial professional is involved, according to LIMRA research, as pandemic-driven changes continue to reshape how annuities are sold and serviced. Two major shifts have defined the post-pandemic landscape: a lasting evolution in advisor workflows and a growing emphasis on delivering trusted advice through […]
‘All-weather’ annuity portfolios aim to sharply limit rainy days
{April 22nd, 2026} by John Hilton
TAMPA, Fla. — Shifting economic conditions — including higher interest rates, market volatility and increased regulatory scrutiny — are forcing companies to rethink how they design and manage annuity products, with a growing focus on so-called “all-weather” portfolios. A panel of industry executives discussed what the term means and what it looks like Monday during […]
Is life insurance through an employer enough?
{April 22nd, 2026} by Trevor Gartner
For millions of American families, the workplace has become the primary gateway to life insurance coverage. In fact, more than half of working adults access life insurance exclusively through their employer, treating annual open enrollment as a checkbox that provides a sense of security. But that sense of security can be misleading. Read at INN
AI and life insurance: Fast today, unpredictable tomorrow
{April 22nd, 2026} by John Hilton
Artificial intelligence is changing life insurance underwriting by making simple processes faster. How far it will go from here is the big unknown. “Carriers are still very much experimenting with how to bring AI into the underwriting process,” said Michael Niemerg, principal and director of data science and analytics at Milliman. Read at INN
Life and Annuity Issuers Might Be Buying More Private Credit
{April 22nd, 2026} by Allison Bell
U.S. life insurance and annuity issuers might be sticking with strong private credit assets and other alternative asset options, in spite of the commotion in the retail end of the market. Executives from BlackRock, JPMorgan and Morgan Stanley talked about institutional investors’ appetite for private credit assets this week during calls they held to go […]
When Volatility Rises, Ladders Add Stability
{April 22nd, 2026} by Tyler De Hann
Investors have been using laddered investment strategies for many years. However, many clients aren’t aware how powerful a properly constructed laddering strategy can be in managing interest-rate risk, smoothing portfolio volatility, and creating reinvestment opportunities. Read at Think Advisor
ThinkAdvisor Needs Your Input
{April 22nd, 2026} by Janet Levaux
The financial advice business is changing fast, and ThinkAdvisor wants to do more to help you adjust and embrace these shifts in the industry. As we move to enhance our content, the ThinkAdvisor team is seeking your input on the topics you’d like us to focus on to best help you grow your financial advisory […]
Fake Regulators Are Trying to Steal Money From Insurance Producers
{April 22nd, 2026} by Allison Bell
Cyber thieves have learned something about insurance regulation and are trying to use that knowledge to steal money from insurance agents and brokers. Officials at the Nebraska Department of Insurance warned insurance producers about the “phishing” campaign in a new notice. Read at Think Advisor
Ric Edelman to Head New Financial Planning School
{April 22nd, 2026} by Melanie Waddell
Financial planning veteran Ric Edelman will serve as founding head of Rowan University’s new School of Financial Planning, in partnership with Edelman Financial Engines. Rowan University announced Thursday that Edelman Financial Engines has committed $10 million to establish the new school. The emphasis will be on preparing students to attain the certified financial planner designation. Read at […]
Today, they laid off about another 25% of their remaining staff.
{April 22nd, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
Remember just before the close of 2025 when I told you about that marketing organization, that is purportedly failing, and had laid off about 25% of their employees? >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Well, they are at it again!<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Today, they laid off about another 25% of their remaining staff. Based on the intel that I am receiving, they went […]
AM Best finds declining credit quality and shifting dynamics in US annuity market
{April 22nd, 2026} by Taylor Mixides
Wink’s Moore on the Market: I was going to post a synopsis of this article here. However, I think that I pasted in nearly all of the article in my commentary. So, this ENTIRE article is a MUST read. For years I have been speaking with journalists about startups getting into the annuity market by […]
Ask a chief product officer: What’s driving annuity innovation today
{April 22nd, 2026} by Dale Uthoff
Wink’s Moore on the Market: While I completely respect Group 1001‘s Chief Product Officer’s direction, the current industry trend shows annuities moving toward more complex structures, which creates a new set of challenges for annuity salespeople to navigate. (While most annuities still offer fairly straightforward benefits, indexed annuities specifically have become infinitely complex and “expensive.”) […]
I want your best argument on why this is not a great time to sell indexed annuities.
{April 22nd, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
The S&P 500 and NASDAQ are at all-time highs. I want your best argument on why this is not a great time to sell indexed annuities. Let’s GO! Join in the LinkedIn conversation here.
Twins publish children’s book to teach financial literacy
{April 22nd, 2026} by Virginia Barreda
Growing up, twins Quentin and Quinlan Riser were convinced their mother, Tina Johnson, was a mathematician. Or maybe she had a secret trove of cash somewhere. Johnson raised her two boys on her own, sometimes working multiple jobs at once. She single-handedly paid for soccer cleats or fees for any of the various sports clubs […]
Barred Oregon Broker Accused of Stealing Over $1.6M From Clients
{April 22nd, 2026} by Dinah Wisenberg Brin
Wink’s Moore on the Market: I recently spoke with a financial professional who was a fiduciary, and was upset that I “don’t promote articles on bad acting insurance agents that have been caught.” For the record, I DO promote those articles to LinkedIn. I want EVERYONE to know who they are, so that they can […]
Great examples of people who could have potentially benefited from annuities
{April 22nd, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
Excellent points, Tom Hegna! Great examples of people who could have potentially benefited from annuities. -sjm
iPipeline and FIDx Launch IX Express, Extending Digital Annuity Distribution to the Small and Mid-Market
{April 22nd, 2026} by iPipeline
WAYNE, Pa. & BERWYN, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–iPipeline®, a leading global provider of comprehensive and integrated digital solutions for the life insurance and financial services industry, and Fiduciary Exchange LLC (FIDx), a leading insurance technology provider, today announced a strategic expansion of their longstanding relationship with the launch of Insurance Exchange Express (IX Express) — a jointly developed solution […]
Luma Financial Technologies Launches a First-of-Its-Kind Life Insurance Operating System, Teams With iPipeline to Deliver Complete End-to-End Experience
{April 21st, 2026} by LUMA
CINCINNATI–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Luma Financial Technologies (“Luma”), a global provider of technology solutions for structured products and annuities, today announced that its life insurance platform is now live, with Financial Independence Group (FIG), serving as launch partner and initial live client. The platform gives financial professionals and distribution firms a more unified way to manage life insurance […]
Sheryl J. Moore’s balanced approach on that common misconception.
{April 14th, 2026} by Beyond the IMO
Now streaming! Beyond the IMO: Conversations with Sheryl J. Moore. Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-imo/id1850497448?i=1000761094170 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4rqPajYLVLA5XOtqtveaOJ?si=WJbW3fnLRGieI8GwTVns_w Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/957269fe-ea38-4f5d-a22a-1670849602f7/episodes/9116fb5f-b18c-4186-a810-06c694984af9/beyond-the-imo%E2%84%A2-beyond-the-imo-conversations-with-sheryl-j-moore YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26ywvmMX6XY
Grandmaster of annuities!
{April 14th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
Today, I feel blessed by Dr. John Terry. Each time I have done a keynote for Legacy Marketing Group, I have had the pleasure of getting to know him a little better. He helps Field Marketing Organizations to grow their value proposition, aid with coaching, mentoring, sales, marketing, business development and practice management. He is […]
But are they going to demutualize?
{April 14th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
Now this seems reminiscent of the ’90’s.. Mutual of Omaha is now organized as a mutual holding company structure, rather than a mutual insurer. See Mutual of Omaha completes shift to mutual holding company structure via Insurance Business. “Under the new structure, Mutual of Omaha Insurance Co. has been reorganized as a stock insurer wholly […]
LPL Financial and Simplicity Group Form Strategic Relationship to Deliver Insurance Products, Operational Support, and Training to LPL Advisors
{April 14th, 2026} by LPL Financial
Wink’s Moore on the Market: Guess what? My Google alerts must be broken. Here’s some news that I JUST got wind of, thanks to Farron Blanc. (Perhaps this is news to you as well?) About 23,000 advisors recently got access to a new product shelf. How? Simplicity Group has become the preferred Field Marketing Organization […]
Jackson to Report First Quarter 2026 Financial Results on May 5
{April 14th, 2026} by Jackson Financial Inc.
LANSING, Mich.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jackson Financial Inc.1 (NYSE: JXN) (Jackson®) today announced that it will release first quarter 2026 financial results after market close on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. 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 9 a.m. ET on Wednesday, […]
Greg Lindberg ordered to pay $1.6 billion to insurers he defrauded
{April 14th, 2026} by John Hilton
Wink’s Moore on the Market: John Hilton with InsuranceNewsNet has done the legwork for us on the most recent updates to the Global Bankers Group (Colorado Bankers Life & Bankers Life Insurance Company) saga. “A court-appointed special master is recommending that victims of a massive insurance fraud scheme tied to Greg Lindberg [the owner of […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of CNO Financial Group, Inc. and Its Life/Health Subsidiaries
{April 14th, 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 Ratings (Long-Term ICR) of “a” (Excellent) of the life/health insurance subsidiaries of CNO Financial Group, Inc. (headquartered in Carmel, IN) [NYSE: CNO]. These subsidiaries are collectively referred to as CNO Financial Group (CNO). Concurrently, AM Best has […]
Delaware Life Breaks into Top Five Quarterly FIA Sellers for First Time
{April 14th, 2026} by Cyril Tuohy
Delaware Life’s fourth-quarter FIA sales jumped 275% from a year ago to $2.31 billion, life and annuity industry researcher Wink said, and for all of 2025, sales increased 166% from the year before to $5.57 billion, making Delaware Life the No. 9 seller in 2025 — up from the No. 19 spot in 2024. Wink CEO Sheryl Moore said […]
AmeriLife’s Todd Buchanan Named President & CEO of Crump Life Insurance Services and Hanleigh Management
{April 14th, 2026} by AmeriLife Group, LLC (AmeriLife)
Wink’s Moore on the Market: It looks like Todd Buchanan is taking Mike Martini‘s place at Crump Life Insurance Services. Congratulations, Todd! So now Todd will be President and CEO of Crump Life and President of AmeriLife wealth. -sjm …………………………………………. CLEARWATER, FL / ACCESS Newswire / April 10, 2026 / AmeriLife Group, LLC (AmeriLife), a national leader […]
Here’s why annuity demand continues to surge
{April 14th, 2026} by Gregg Greenberg
Wink’s Moore on the Market: Great job in the video (below), Emily LeMay! Your responses on this segment were terrific! I am appreciative to companies like Global Atlantic, for developing videos like this. Gregg Greenberg– keep those annuity questions coming! SN: I wonder if videos like this really move the needle on annuity education with […]
Life Insurance Contestability Period: What You Need to Know
{April 14th, 2026} by Kimberly Lankford
Wink’s Moore on the Market: If you are trying to increase your knowledge of life insurance, this article will helpful. One of the first things that I learned about life insurance was that there is a two-year contestability period. In short, this period allows the insurance company to do an investigation on a death claim, […]
TruStage® Named to Forbes’ list of America’s Best Insurance Companies for 2026
{April 14th, 2026} by TruStage
MADISON, Wis., April 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TruStage®, a financially strong insurance and financial services provider, has been recognized on the Forbes list of America’s Best Insurance Companies 2026 for the 4th consecutive year. This prestigious award is presented in collaboration with Statista, the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider. It is based on an independent […]
Best’s Special Report: Analysis Shows Drastic Shift in Life Insurance Reserves Toward Annuity Products, and a Slide in Credit Quality
{April 14th, 2026} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–A new AM Best analysis reveals that funds held to back individual annuity policies now account for over 36% of the U.S. life/annuity insurance segment’s overall reserves, which is up from 32% prior to the financial crisis of 2008. It illustrates a shift from traditional, defined benefit retirement and income protection approaches toward strategies more […]
John Hancock Introduces Personalized Longevity Preparedness Tool to Help Consumers Understand Readiness for Longer Lifespans
{April 14th, 2026} by John Hancock
BOSTON, April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ – Today at its Longer. Healthier. Better. Symposium in Boston, which brings together global leaders across public and private sectors to share the latest research and innovations driving the future of longevity, John Hancock unveiled a first-of-its-kind personalized longevity preparedness assessment tool in collaboration with the MIT AgeLab. The new tool helps individuals understand how […]
Guardian examines how retirement planning is shifting from saving to spending as individuals face longer lifespans, market uncertainty, and increasing complexity
{April 14th, 2026} by Guardian
NEW YORK, April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian) today released its latest publication, Income by Design: A modern framework for retirement confidence. The publication explores how income, certainty, and behavior are reshaping retirement planning in an era of longer lifespans and ongoing market uncertainty. Read Guardian’s publication, Income by Design: A modern […]
Simplicity Strengthens its National Footprint with the Acquisition of CPS Horizon Financial Group, Welcoming Mike Smith to the Partnership
{April 14th, 2026} by Simplicity Group Holdings
SUMMIT, N.J., April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Simplicity Group (“Simplicity”), a holistic financial planning firm combining the best of accumulation and protection strategies and solutions, today announced the acquisition of CPS Horizon Financial Group (“Horizon”), a Milwaukee based premier brokerage general agency specializing in life insurance, annuities, disability insurance, and long-term care solutions. Following the transaction, Mike Smith […]
John Hancock Convenes Global Leaders in Longevity for Third Longer. Healthier. Better. Symposium in Boston
{April 14th, 2026} by John Hancock
BOSTON, April 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ – Today, John Hancock kicks off its third Longer. Healthier. Better. Symposium in Boston, convening global leaders across public and private sectors, renowned academics, physicians, health and wellness thought leaders, athletes, and more, for two days to share the latest research and innovations driving the future of longevity. The Symposium builds on John Hancock’s strategic […]
Simplicity Expands its National Footprint with the Acquisition of Insurance Planners and Advisors Group, Welcoming Jim Tucker and Mike Tucker to the Partnership
{April 14th, 2026} by Simplicity Group
SUMMIT, N.J., April 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Simplicity Group (“Simplicity”), a holistic financial planning firm combining the best of accumulation and protection strategies and solutions, has acquired Insurance Planners and Advisors Group (“IPAG”), a Texas-based brokerage general agency and a financial planning firm targeting mass affluent clientele. Jim Tucker and Mike Tucker will become Simplicity’s newest Partners, and […]
TIAA and Jason Day Join Forces to Help Bring Retirement Security to a New Generation
{April 14th, 2026} by TIAA
NEW YORK, April 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — TIAA today announces a partnership with major champion and PGA TOUR professional Jason Day, naming him as the firm’s inaugural Golf Ambassador. The partnership reflects TIAA’s commitment to expanding awareness of retirement security, reaching new and younger audiences by aligning with one of golf’s most innovative, influential, and culturally resonant figures. Day’s […]
New FINRA Foundation Research Examines the Characteristics, Behaviors and Outcomes of Retail Investors Who Use Social Media
{April 14th, 2026} by FINRA
WASHINGTON—The FINRA Investor Education Foundation (FINRA Foundation) released today new research, Finfluencer Followers and Social Media Scrollers: The Profile, Patterns, and Pitfalls of Social-Media-Informed Retail Investors. The research examines retail investors who use social media and follow finfluencers to inform their investment decisions. The findings, drawn from the Investor Survey component of the 2024 National Financial Capability Study (NFCS), reveal […]
Wells Fargo 2026 Money Study Reveals Americans Redefining the American Dream; Gen Z leaning on Parents for Financial Support
{April 14th, 2026} by Wells Fargo
SAN FRANCISCO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Americans are rethinking what financial success looks like, how they get advice, and how parents are providing financial support to adult children, according to the 2026 Wells Fargo Money Study. The research shows a shift toward entrepreneurship as a form of control and independence, growing use of artificial intelligence for financial guidance, and […]
Best’s Special Report: Analysis Shows Drastic Shift in Life Insurance Reserves Toward Annuity Products, and a Slide in Credit Quality
{April 14th, 2026} by AM Best
OLDWICK – APRIL 10, 2026 09:08 AM (EDT) A new AM Best analysis reveals that funds held to back individual annuity policies now account for over 36% of the U.S. life/annuity insurance segment’s overall reserves, which is up from 32% prior to the financial crisis of 2008. It illustrates a shift from traditional, defined benefit retirement and […]
U.S. Life and Annuity Deal Flow Rises 56% in 2025
{April 14th, 2026} by Allison Bell
The market for big deals involving life insurance and annuity issuers was much more active in 2025 than in 2024, according to a new report from analysts at Milliman. Milliman recorded $28 billion in publicly announced life and annuity deals last year, up 56% from the total it recorded the year before. Read at Think Advisor
Nationwide Names Exec to Run Key Annuity Distribution Pipes
{April 14th, 2026} by Allison Bell
Nationwide has picked Ann Raible to manage some of its major annuity distribution pipes. Raible will take over from Amy Mattingly as the leader of the Columbus, Ohio-based company’s advisory annuity distribution channel. Read at Think Advisor
Are You Ready to Live a Long Time?
{April 14th, 2026} by Allison Bell
Consumers are clicking on links to articles about what their birth decade says about their personality and online quizzes that promise to rate their IQs. John Hancock is trying to harness consumers’ hunger for online grades to get them to think about longevity risk. Read at Think Advisor
Life Application Activity for 70-Plus Climbs 46%
{April 14th, 2026} by Allison Bell
U.S. consumers ages 70 and older rushed to apply for life insurance in the first quarter of 2026: They submitted 46% more applications than in the first quarter of 2025. Overall application activity was 14% higher than in the year-earlier quarter, according to new application activity data from MIB Group. Read at Think Advisor
Supporting the ‘better late than never’ market with life insurance
{April 14th, 2026} by Anna Baluch
The saying, “better late than never,” applies to many aspects of life, including buying life insurance. As an advisor, it’s essential to recognize this and support clients who have put this type of coverage on the back burner. Read at INN
Smart annuity planning can benefit long-term tax planning
{April 14th, 2026} by Alan Roman
Taxes shape almost every retirement decision Americans make. They can influence how savings grow, how income flows and how long a portfolio can support someone’s lifestyle. Financial professionals who can translate tax complexity into clear guidance bring real value to the individuals sitting across the table. Read at INN
Annuity income: The new 401(k) standard?
{April 14th, 2026} by John Hilton
TAMPA, Fla. — The push to include annuity products in 401(k) plans resembles the early evolution of participant-directed investing, said Kent Peterson of Securian Financial Group. That is, promising, but still in its formative stages. Read at INN
FINRA hits J.P. Morgan, Ameriprise with penalties linked to supervision of sales of products
{April 14th, 2026} by Bruce Kelly
As it continues to face scrutiny over its penalties of broker-dealers and its overall role as a regulator, FINRA in the past few days has issued significant penalties against industry leading broker-dealers, J.P. Morgan Securities and Ameriprise Financial Services, stemming from supervisory issues of brokers and products. Read at InvestmentNews The two firms […]
Ameriprise advisor channels to consolidate under one leader as veteran exec retires
{April 14th, 2026} by Leo Almazora
Ameriprise Financial is merging oversight of its employee and independent contractor advisor businesses under a single executive, a reorganization triggered by the planned retirement of a 34-year company veteran. Read at InvestmentNews Bill Williams, who has run the independent contractor channel since 2008, will also take over the employee advisor business, recruiting and institutional […]
Ask a chief product officer: What’s driving annuity innovation today
{April 14th, 2026} by Dale Uthoff
The U.S. annuity industry has been experiencing rapid growth. LIMRA announced retail annuity sales finished 2025 at more than $460 billion – the fourth consecutive year of record sales. But the story isn’t just about the numbers. It’s what’s driving them. Read at InvestmentNews With multiple forces changing retirement for clients, financial professionals and firms are rebuilding annuities […]
Heirs Beware: 42% Spend Inheritance Within a Year, Study Finds
{April 14th, 2026} by Dinah Wisenberg Brin
Wink’s Moore on the Market: Nearly half of beneficiaries spend their inheritance within one year?!? Michael Finke‘s research also supports these findings by Texas Tech University / the University of Alabama. I personally put a spendthrift provision into my trust, so that my husband cannot blow the inheritance, once he will receive it at my […]
Blending Digital Tools with Expert Support Drives Greater Retirement Preparedness
{April 14th, 2026} by TruStage
MADISON, Wis., April 02, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — New research from TruStage® Retirement Solutions reveal that personalized and digital retirement planning support can drive meaningful clarity, confidence and action among workers, a shift that reflects changing participant expectations across the industry. Participants who engaged with either digital retirement tools or one-on-one education sessions reported feeling significantly […]
Brookfield Wealth Solutions Reports $20 Billion of Capital Backing Insurance Companies
{April 14th, 2026} by Brookfield Wealth Solutions
BROOKFIELD NEWS, April 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Brookfield Wealth Solutions Ltd. (NYSE, TSX: BNT) today announced its year-end 2025 capital position with nearly $20 billion of group capital across its regulated insurance subsidiaries and holding companies. Brookfield Wealth Solutions’ total capital has grown from $5.7 billion in 2022 to $19.8 billion at year-end 2025 […]
Zinnia Drives Industry-Wide Shift to Open API Standards for Annuities
{April 14th, 2026} by Zinnia
GREENWICH, Conn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Zinnia, a leading life and annuity technology platform, today announced that the Insured Retirement Institute (IRI) has approved four in-force transaction Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), built on the Enterprise API framework contributed by Zinnia, establishing a shared, modern foundation for annuity servicing across carriers and distributors. This milestone accelerates the industry’s transition toward […]
Beyond the IMO coming Monday, April 18th!
{April 7th, 2026} by Beyond the IMO
Check out the Beyond the IMO episode with Sheryl Moore coming Monday, April 18th!
So please, the next time you compare us, be aware of the differences.
{April 7th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
One thing that I get extremely tired of is people comparing Wink, Inc. to a certain unnamed industry market research firm. We are different! They provide meetings. We provide product information. They provide sales of products other than life insurance and annuities. We provide sales by product, by distribution. You get the idea. That said, […]
NAIC May Leash Wild Annuity Performance Illustrations Quickly
{April 7th, 2026} by Allison Bell
Wink’s Moore on the Market: Oh. Yeah. Because this will be different from AG-49… *insert eye roll here* -sjm …………………………………………………………………. State insurance regulators say they have heard the complaints about unhinged annuity performance illustrations and want to do something. The Life Insurance and Annuities Illustrations Working Group — the arm of the National Association of […]
Greg Lindberg ordered to pay $1.6 billion to insurers he defrauded
{April 7th, 2026} by John Hilton
A court-appointed special master is recommending that victims of a massive insurance fraud scheme tied to Greg Lindberg receive about $1.6 billion in restitution, according to a detailed memorandum filed Friday. The memo describes a years-long conspiracy in which Lindberg and affiliated entities allegedly diverted policyholder funds, misrepresented financial conditions to regulators, and used insurance […]
Nationwide enters centennial year stronger than ever
{April 7th, 2026} by Nationwide
COLUMBUS, Ohio, April 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Entering its 100th year of operation, Nationwide is in its strongest financial position to date after a fifth consecutive year of record growth. Nationwide’s 2025 financial performance strengthened the enterprise’s position as a modern mutual built for long-term stability, disciplined growth and customer value, driven by robust performances from both its financial […]
April Brings a Focus on Financial Literacy
{April 7th, 2026} by Kevin Mayeux
Each April, NAIFA is proud to recognize and promote Financial Literacy Month. Consumers with a strong understanding of financial concepts are much less likely to suffer money-related stress or hardships. They are more likely to effectively manage debt, develop written financial plans, create and achieve financial goals, prepare for retirement, and purchase financial risk-protection products. […]
Ameriprise Fined $450K, Owes Nearly $1M In Restitution Over Annuity Issues
{April 7th, 2026} by Jennifer Lea Reed
Wink’s Moore on the Market: Man, FINRA is on a tear this past week! (And seems to have set variable annuities in their sights…) This time, Ameriprise is being fined $450,000 and has been ordered to pay $1 million in restitution. Ameriprise wants people to know that they did not allow any unsuitable VA exchanges. […]
A-CAP Appoints Kirk Cullimore as President of Sentinel Security Life
{April 7th, 2026} by A-CAP
SALT LAKE CITY–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Advantage Capital Holdings, LLC (“A-CAP” or “the Company”) an insurance and financial services holding company with over $15 billion in assets, today announced the appointment of Kirk Cullimore as President of Sentinel Security Life Insurance Company, effective immediately. Cullimore brings more than fifteen years of experience in corporate governance, regulatory affairs, and […]
Cambridge to Pay $280K Over Annuity Switches
{April 7th, 2026} by Melanie Waddell
Wink’s Moore on the Market: Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. is being fined the equivalent of 1.2 variable annuity cases for failing to properly track variable annuity exchanges. (That will teach them.) >>>snarky tone here.<<< 1. I did not know that Cambridge is in Iowa; and 2. Paying surrender fees on annuities is not always a […]
CT commissioner: 70% of policyholders covered in PHL liquidation plan
{April 7th, 2026} by John Hilton
Wink’s Moore on the Market: The latest on the PHL Variable/Phoenix Life solvency issue, should you have clients that are affected- Looks like 70% of the companies’ policyholders will be covered in full by state guaranty associations. Also noteworthy? “Ideally, the centerpiece of a liquidation will be a liquidation plan that is built around a […]
NAIC Signals Potential Tightening of Annuity Illustration Practices
{April 7th, 2026} by Troutman Pepper Locke, Paige Waters
In 2026, the NAIC Life Insurance and Annuities (A) Committee, chaired by Iowa and vice chaired by Michigan, is largely focusing on annuity sales practices, including annuity buyers guides, suitability, and annuity illustrations. Of particular interest to the life and annuity industry is the formation of the Life Insurance and Annuities Illustrations (A) Working Group (Working […]
Life Insurance Contestability Period: What You Need to Know
{April 7th, 2026} by Kimberly Lankford
When you fill out a life insurance application, the insurer expects you to do so in good faith, answering questions honestly. But what happens if you lie, misrepresent yourself or intentionally omit important information? The insurer has two years after you buy the policy to scrutinize your application, known as the contestability period. If you […]
Clarity, not complexity, will define the next era of financial protection, says Foresters CEO
{April 7th, 2026} by Steve Randall
As volatility, inflation and geopolitical tension continue to shape household decision-making, consumers are becoming more cautious but not disengaged, recalibrating how they approach long-term financial planning. Read at InvestmentNews
NAIC Readies Launch of New Illustration Requirements
{April 7th, 2026} by Carlton Fields, Ann Young Black, Margaret Donnelly
On March 31, Ben Slutsker, chair of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ Life Insurance and Annuities Illustration Working Group, made clear that “it is a go” to “address annuity illustrations, and illustrations more broadly.” This followed the working group’s receipt of comments and ensuing discussion on the chair’s exposed question — “What are both […]
What to know about market‑linked life insurance strategies
{April 7th, 2026} by Darrel Tedrow
In a moment defined by market turbulence and rising uncertainty, more Americans are looking for financial solutions that offer both protection from market volatility and meaningful long-term growth potential. In fact, a recent Lincoln Financial study found that 67% of consumers want an equal mix of growth and protection when choosing an investment or an […]
Gen Z Workers Piling into In-Plan Annuities
{April 7th, 2026} by Aaron Smith
Sheryl Moore, chief executive officer of Moore Marketing Intelligence in Des Moines, Iowa, the publisher of Wink‘s Sales & Market Report, said Americans fear the prospect of outliving their money in retirement even more than death itself, as born out by a Corebridge survey in 2024. “Millennials, in particular, have anxiety about retirement security due to a broad belief that […]
The institutional knowledge gap in insurance: Why AI isn’t the silver bullet
{April 7th, 2026} by Anna Baluch
The insurance industry is facing an unprecedented wave of retirements, accompanied by a significant loss of institutional knowledge. After all, the average age of a licensed insurance professional is in the mid-50s, and a significant portion of the most experienced underwriters, producers, and risk managers are about to retire within five to ten years. Read […]
The $25T market opportunity in mid-market and mass-affluent households
{April 7th, 2026} by Ayo Mseka
Middle-market and mass-affluent households are becoming increasingly important for providers and advisors as their wealth grows and they represent a $25 trillion market opportunity. This is according to The Cerulli Report—U.S. Retail Investor Solutions 2026. While the share of financial assets of this group has fallen from 43% in 2013 to 24% in 2025, middle-market and […]
Heirs Beware: 42% Spend Inheritance Within a Year, Study Finds
{April 7th, 2026} by Dinah Wisenberg Brin
A significant portion of heirs burn through their entire inheritance within a year, and it’s different than the outcomes for other windfalls, new research shows. The study, from researchers at Texas Tech University and the University of Alabama, found that 42% of heirs “had their net worth fall back to, or below, their pre-inheritance level when measured […]
Ameriprise to Pay Nearly $1.5M Over Annuity Switches: FINRA
{April 7th, 2026} by Melanie Waddell
Ameriprise Financial Services has agreed to pay a $450,000 fine to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority and $993,950.47 in restitution for failing to supervise recommendations of certain variable annuity exchanges involving contracts with guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefit, or GLWB, riders. Between January 2015 and December 2018, Ameriprise failed to establish and maintain a supervisory system, […]
NYC Families Need Over $125,000 in Income to Live in Any Borough
{April 7th, 2026} by Laura Nahmias
New York families need six-figure incomes to live without government assistance in all five boroughs of New York City, according to two new reports. One report, released by the Fund for the City of New York, measures the “self-sufficiency standard,” or the income a working household needs to earn to meet its basic needs without receiving […]
DALBAR Recognizes Lincoln Financial for Industry-Leading Annuity Illustrations
{April 7th, 2026} by DALBAR
MARLBOROUGH, Mass., April 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Lincoln Financial stands atop the list of annuity providers for a seventh consecutive year, earning DALBAR’s Pyramid of Communications Excellence for client-friendly and informative illustrations. Lincoln Financial has ranked number one since 2020, after redesigning their annuity illustrations and focusing on a cleaner layout, client-friendly language and more colorful sections […]
Finseca CEO at Politico Economy Summit: Policy Uncertainty Highlights Need for Financial Planning Access
{April 7th, 2026} by Finseca
WASHINGTON, April 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — At Politico’s Economy Summit, Finseca CEO Marc Cadin delivered remarks demonstrating how the current policy uncertainty highlights the need for holistic financial planning access. “At the exact moment when the policy environment is getting more volatile, too many families are going through it without a map and without a guide,” said Cadin in […]
NFP Launches NFP Connect for ICOLI, Expanding Its Integrated Administration Platform for Insurance Companies
{April 7th, 2026} by NFP Corp
NEW YORK, April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — NFP, an Aon company and leading property and casualty (P&C) broker and benefits consultant, today announced the launch of NFP Connect for Insurance Company-Owned Life Insurance (ICOLI). This is the latest addition to its proprietary digital platform that centralizes the administration and oversight of institutionally owned life insurance programs. “This […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company and Its Subsidiaries
{April 7th, 2026} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A+ (Superior) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings of “aa-” (Superior) of Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company and its subsidiaries, United of Omaha Life Insurance Company, Companion Life Insurance Company (Melville, NY) and United World Life Insurance Company. Concurrently, AM Best has affirmed the Long-Term […]
Lincoln Financial to Report 2026 First Quarter Results on May 7
{April 7th, 2026} by Lincoln Financial
RADNOR, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Lincoln Financial (NYSE:LNC) announced today that it will report its results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026, at 6:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, May 7, 2026. A conference call is scheduled for 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time on the same day. Earnings materials, including the 2026 first quarter Earnings Release, Earnings […]
Mutual of Omaha to Expand Retail Annuity and Long-Term Care Business
{April 7th, 2026} by Allison Bell
Wink’s Moore on the Market: Mutual of Omaha is expanding its retail annuity business. Will they align with a reinsurer and asset manager, to duplicate the “Bermuda Triangle” that insurance companies have been trying to leverage since 2012? Judging by the fact that the company currently has an annuity market share of 0.12% in the […]
What’s Behind Annuities’ Latest Sales Record?
{April 1st, 2026} by Kerry Pechter
Des Moines-based WinkIntel, whose survey includes slightly different data, reported $448.9 billion in overall sales in 2025, up almost 5% from 2024, and $116.9 billion in 4Q2025, up almost 17% from 4Q2024. Read at RIJ
Corebridge Financial and Equitable Holdings Announce Transformational Merger
{April 1st, 2026} by Equitable Holdings, Inc
HOUSTON & NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Corebridge Financial, Inc. (“Corebridge”) (NYSE: CRBG) and Equitable Holdings, Inc. (“Equitable”) (NYSE: EQH) today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement to combine in an all-stock merger, valuing the combined company at approximately $22 billion, based on the closing stock prices of each company as of March 25, 2026. […]
Corebridge and Equitable Agree to $22B All-Stock Merger
{April 1st, 2026} by Allison Bell
Wink’s Moore on the Market: Holy shitake mushrooms! This was unexpected. Corebridge Financial and Equitable are merging! The new Equitable will have 10.54% share of the $448.93 billion of annuity sales, making them the top seller of annuities. They will also have a 6.74% share of the $11.73 billion in life insurance sales, making them […]
Corebridge-Equitable Merger: An Aftershock of 2008
{April 1st, 2026} by Kerry Pechter
When Corebridge Financial and Equitable Holdings announced their merger last week, creating a life/annuity giant that sold a combined $50.6 billion in deferred fixed and variable annuities in 2025, the two companies’ recent balance-sheet maneuvers suddenly seemed less mysterious. Read at RIJ
7 Ways the Corebridge-Equitable Deal Could Affect Advisors and Clients
{April 1st, 2026} by Allison Bell
One way the proposed Corebridge Financial deal with Equitable Holdings is affecting advisors and agents is to cause them to use more exclamation points and to press their artificial intelligence-based systems to find more ways to express amazement. Commenters on LinkedIn reacted to news of the all-stock deal, which puts a $22 billion value on the combined […]
AM Best Places Credit Ratings of Equitable Holdings, Inc. and Its Subsidiaries Under Review With Developing Implications
{April 1st, 2026} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has placed under review with developing implications the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) 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 […]
AM Best Places Credit Ratings of Corebridge Financial Inc.’s Subsidiaries Under Review with Developing Implications
{April 1st, 2026} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has placed under review with developing implications the Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating (Long-Term ICR) of “a” (Excellent) of the subsidiaries of Corebridge Financial, Inc. (Corebridge Financial). (Please see below for a detailed list of the companies and ratings.) These Credit Ratings (ratings) have been […]
Corebridge, Equitable merge to create potential new annuity sales king
{April 1st, 2026} by John Hilton
The new Equitable will have 10.53% share of the $448.93 billion of annuity sales, Wink, Inc. CEO Sheryl Moore said, making them the top seller of annuities. “These are two of the biggest heavyweights in the life insurance industry, combining into a force to be reckoned with,” Moore said. “Their product mix and distribution channels […]
Three ways the Corebridge/Equitable merger could shake up the annuity market
{April 1st, 2026} by Chris Taylor
Wink’s Moore on the Market: Here I go, setting the record straight again… I read another article on the Corebridge Financial/Equitable merger this morning, this time in InsuranceNewsNet. The author indicates that, “More “best-in-class” products under one label will improve sales strength and allow greater focus on channel penetration.” Well, Corebridge already offers 150+ annuities, so […]
Market Synergy Group Announces the Addition of Carrie Freeburg as Partner
{April 1st, 2026} by Market Synergy Group
Market Synergy Group continues to fuel its momentum with the hiring of a product development and marketing industry veteran TOPEKA, Kan., March 28, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Market Synergy Group, Inc. is excited to announce that industry veteran Carrie Freeburg has joined the team as Partner. “Carrie brings extensive industry experience, strong strategic leadership, and a forward‑thinking approach […]
As AI spreads in insurance, a new battlefield emerges
{April 1st, 2026} by Anna Baluch
As more and more insurers leverage AI for underwriting, claims, and risk management, they face a new kind of pressure: the need for explainability, defensibility, and accountability. In the world of insurance, explainability isn’t about opening the black box completely. It’s about being able to clearly articulate what data influenced a decision, how heavily it […]
Securian Financial Launches FlexTech™ to Make Embedded Protection Simple, Fast and Convenient
{April 1st, 2026} by Securian Financial
ST. PAUL, Minn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Securian Financial today announced the launch of FlexTech™, a new technology capability designed to make it easier than ever for affinity groups, including digital lenders and financial institutions, to embed protection products directly into their loan applications and other customer-facing digital experiences. Developed with Walnut, a modern embedded insurance technology provider, FlexTech builds […]
Gen Xers Approaching Retirement More Anxious Than Boomers
{April 1st, 2026} by Global Atlantic Financial Group
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–As the first wave of Gen X approaches retirement, many consumers are confronting a difficult transition: after decades focused on growing assets, they now must convert those savings into reliable income, often without the pension safety nets previous generations often relied on. Global Atlantic’s 2026 Retirement Outlook Survey of consumers and financial professionals […]
Pacific Life Polls Industry Leaders in 2026 Underwriting Outlook Survey: AI Gains Ground While Talent Gap Looms
{April 1st, 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 […]
Empower Applauds DOL Proposal Supporting Responsible Flexibility in Investment Choices
{April 1st, 2026} by Empower
GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Empower today welcomed the U.S. Department of Labor’s proposed regulation on investment selection, calling it an important reaffirmation of long-standing fiduciary principles designed to protect retirement savers under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). The Department’s current proposal, “Fiduciary Duties in Selecting Designated Investment Alternatives” takes a balanced, investment-neutral approach. It reinforces that […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Fidelity & Guaranty Life Holdings, Inc. and Its Life/Health Subsidiaries
{April 1st, 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 of “a” (Excellent) of Fidelity & Guaranty Life Insurance Company (Des Moines, IA) and Fidelity & Guaranty Life Insurance Company of New York (New York, NY). These subsidiaries of Fidelity & Guaranty Life Holdings, Inc. (FGLH) (Delaware), […]
Best’s Special Report: US Life/Annuity Industry Sees 34% Net Income Increase in 2025
{April 1st, 2026} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The U.S. life/annuity industry posted a 34% year-over-year increase in net income to nearly $40 billion in 2025, the largest total in the last five years, according to AM Best. These preliminary results are detailed in a new Best’s Special Report, titled, “First Look: 2025 Life/Annuity Financial Results,” and the data is derived from companies’ […]
riskDNA Launches Free All-in-One Platform for Financial Advisors
{April 1st, 2026} by riskDNA
DENVER–(BUSINESS WIRE)–riskDNA, a new AI-native risk intelligence platform designed for financial advisors, today announced its official launch with a fully integrated suite that replaces the fragmented technology stack advisors have been forced to cobble together for years. The platform launches with full access to ETFs and mutual funds, as well as a unified platform spanning […]
LifeQuotes.com Reveals Best Life Insurance Rates for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Patients – Our Top Picks for 2026
{April 1st, 2026} by LifeQuotes.com
WESTMONT, Ill., March 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LifeQuotes.com, the online life insurance price comparison service that offers instant quotes from 50 highly-rated life insurers, today released the results of a new life insurance market survey that reveals the best life insurance rates available for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients. “In honor of MS Awareness Month, we believe we […]
How annuities can enhance retirement income for post-pension clients
{April 1st, 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 […]
Americans Believe They Will Need $1.46 Million to Retire Comfortably, Up More Than 15% Since Last Year, According to Northwestern Mutual 2026 Planning & Progress Study
{April 1st, 2026} by Northwestern Mutual
MILWAUKEE, April 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Today, as Northwestern Mutual designates April 1 “4/01K Day,” the leading financial services company is announcing that Americans’ ‘magic number’ to retire comfortably in 2026 climbed to $1.46 million – $200K more than last year and in line with 2024 estimates. This increase comes as 46% of Americans say they don’t expect to be […]
Insurance markets pushed to the brink as catastrophe costs soar
{April 1st, 2026} by John Hilton
Escalating catastrophe losses driven by climate exposure, development patterns and inflation are testing the limits of insurance markets and raising questions about long-term affordability, an Aon risk expert told state regulators last week. Liz Henderson, who leads the global climate risk practice at Aon, said insurers have paid more than $2.5 trillion in natural catastrophe […]
