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 […]
‘I get confused:’ Regulators ponder increasing illustration complexities
{April 1st, 2026} by John Hilton
The path to changes to rules governing life insurance and annuity illustrations is sure to be a long one. Regulators took another step Tuesday with a review of initial comment letters on the topic. The new Life Insurance and Annuities Illustrations Working Group, established by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, held its second call […]
WealthVest Launches Newest Whitepaper WealthVest: 2025 Year in Review and 2026 Outlook
{April 1st, 2026} by WealthVest
WealthVest: 2025 In Review and 2026 Outlook examines domestic and international market indicators, portfolio analysis, and an overview of annuity sales. BOZEMAN, Mont., March 5, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — WealthVest has recently published its newest quarterly update, WealthVest: 2025 In Review and 2026 Outlook. It was co-authored by Tim Pierotti, chief investment officer, Drew Dokken, senior institutional marketing manager, […]
DOL Proposal Will Block Participant Lawsuits
{April 1st, 2026} by Eileen Appelbaum
On March 30, the Department of Labor (DOL) released its proposed regulations to implement President Trump’s Executive Order (EO) allowing employers to include private equity, private credit funds, crypto, and all manner of risky alternative assets in defined contribution retirement plans — mainly 401(k) plans — without worrying about employees suing them over high fees or poor […]
DOL’s new 401(k) proposal hailed as step towards ‘fairer’ retirement system
{April 1st, 2026} by James Rogers
The Department of Labor’s new 401(k) proposal to open up retirement plans to a broader set of investments, including private markets, has been lauded as an important move that will increase the options available to advisors and their clients. Read at InvestmentNews
AI Assistant for Financial Advisors Moves Into Life Insurance
{April 1st, 2026} by Allison Bell
Zocks has added life insurance features to its artificial intelligence support system for financial advisors. The Zocks AI assistant can now help with the life insurance client onboarding process. Read at Think Advisor
For those of you who have loved someone affected by cancer, would you share with me your best tips for how to be helpful during a time like this?
{April 1st, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
I have a friend that recently found out that she has inoperable pancreatic cancer. I have had a relationship with her for a little more than 25 years. We are about the same age. She has four adult children. She is a teacher. She is an amazing woman. I have been praying for her and […]
Data HQ
{April 1st, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
Remember when I told you that I was going to give you more free stuff than you can shake a stick at? Well, the lie detector test determined THAT was a lie! Check out the new page we developed to highlight our quarterly sales information: Data HQ (SN: Once we roll-out the new/improved website, this […]
Did you know that whole life has benefits that are called “non-forfeiture options?
{April 1st, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
For those of you trying to learn more about whole life insurance… Did you know that whole life has benefits that are called “non-forfeiture options?” These are benefits that prevent a cash value policy from lapsing due to nonpayment of premiums. Common non-forfeiture options (NFO) include- 1. Reduced paid up insurance: uses the cash value […]
The DOL wants to open the gates to private equity in 401(k)s. Good idea?
{April 1st, 2026} by John Hilton
The Department of Labor proposed a rule on Monday that could broaden the types of investments available in workplace retirement plans, potentially opening the door for private-market assets in 401(k)s. The proposal would allow plan fiduciaries to include investments such as private equity, private credit and other alternative assets, provided they follow strict evaluation and […]
Markets are choppy and indexes are concentrated. Time to try an annuity
{April 1st, 2026} by IN THE NASDAQ
Wink’s Moore on the Market: Generally, when I hear these “rah rah” interviews, I just roll my eyes. Lead generation fodder, anyone? I am sure some income exchanged hands between Athene, Nasdaq and/or InvestmentNews on this one. That said, I am grateful for these “interviews,” with folks such as Sean Brennan, CFA as they are […]
Specialty Program Group Launches SPG Life & Annuity, Unifying Its Life and Annuity Distribution Under One Platform
{April 1st, 2026} by SPG
CHICAGO, March 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Specialty Program Group LLC (SPG), a leading operator of specialty insurance distribution, underwriting, and consulting businesses, announced the launch of SPG Life & Annuity, consolidating its life insurance and annuity distribution businesses under a unified national platform. This move further strengthens SPG’s fully integrated specialty platform focused on clarity, scale, and […]
CITs: Private Credit’s Pathway into 401(k) Plans
{April 1st, 2026} by Kerry Pechter
Asset managers who originate and bundle “private credit” and other alternative assets are eager to put more of their products on the investment menus of 401(k) plans, a $9 trillion pool of retirement savings. Read at RIJ
