We cannot do this without your help, which is why I am here, making a plea on behalf of Marcia
{May 7th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
You NEED to know my friend, Marcia. You see, I met Marcia because I worked with a great guy named Vince Lozada, while employed by AmerUs Group (for those of you younger than I, they are called Athene today). One time, I went down to talk with Vince, and his wife was there. She was […]
In case you didn’t know…
{May 7th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
Brookfield Wealth Solutions (BWS) completed its acquisition of American Equity Investment Life Holding Company (AEL). They subsequently merged AEL with American National, the parent company of the existing American National insurance operations. This new, combined entity was renamed “American National Group, Inc.” -sjm
Athene Expands Registered Index-Linked Annuity (RILA) Lineup with Launch of Athene Amplify® 3.0
{May 7th, 2026} by Athene
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa, May 04, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Athene, the leading retirement solutions company and subsidiary of Apollo Global Management (NYSE: APO), today announced the launch of Athene Amplify 3.0, a registered index-linked annuity (RILA) designed to expand access to the category. By offering new protection levels and a simplified single-contract structure, Amplify 3.0 […]
Transamerica Introduces New Registered Index-Linked Annuity with Optional Income Features
{May 7th, 2026} by Transamerica
BALTIMORE, May 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Transamerica today introduced TSIA Income, a new registered index-linked annuity (RILA) designed to help individuals create protected lifetime income while remaining connected to market opportunity and maintaining flexibility as retirement needs evolve. As responsibility for retirement income continues to shift to individuals, many Americans are looking for ways to turn savings […]
Knighthead Life Smiles at Sharks, Enters U.S. Fixed Indexed Annuity Market
{May 7th, 2026} by Allison Bell
Some life and annuity issuers are starting to talk about concerns such as fierce competition, squishy investment returns and a need for “discipline.” And some companies, including the ones talking about discipline, are still trying to find a way through all of those hungry, ferocious rival sharks to reach consumers who need protection against the […]
Aspida Life and Market Synergy Group Launch Bitcoin-Linked Index Across Synergy Choice™ Fixed Index Annuity Suite
{May 7th, 2026} by Aspida Life Insurance Company
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 […]
Corebridge Financial, Equitable Holdings post Q1 earnings as merger looms
{May 7th, 2026} by John Hilton
Even as Equitable Holdings and Corebridge Financial reported separate first-quarter results Tuesday, analysts focused largely on what lies ahead for the two companies as a powerful combined entity. Corebridge and Equitable announced a March merger to form a $22 billion entity, a deal expected to close by year-end 2026. The partnership of two top-five annuity sellers comes […]
Want To Be A Better Leader? Be A Better Friend
{May 7th, 2026} by J.J. Bowman
Wink’s Moore on the Market: This article is atypical of what you would expect in the insurance business. That said, it should be required reading for all of us; especially those of us that are leaders. Thank you for the well-organized, thoughtful and salient message! This put a smile on my face, J.J. Bowman! -sjm
Small Annuity Decisions, Big Tax Consequences
{May 7th, 2026} by John Stevenson
Wink’s Moore on the Market: John Stevenson taught me something new today, via this article. Case study: A 65-year-old man, with several million dollars invested in the market. He wants reliable income that won’t be affected by the market’s highs and lows. The choices for a solution: Single Premium Immediate Annuity (SPIA) or indexed annuity […]
A new opportunity for advisors: Younger indexed annuity buyers
{May 7th, 2026} by Anna Baluch
Wink’s Moore on the Market: A new opportunity for advisors: Younger indexed annuity buyers? “Nationwide‘s latest Advisor Authority study found that 63% of millennials and 54% of Gen Xers are more likely to put part of their portfolio in an annuity or other guaranteed income solution.” Well, it must be the “guaranteed income solution” that […]
New York insurance agent pleads guilty to running $50 million Ponzi
{May 7th, 2026} by Bruce Kelly
Wink’s Moore on the Market: Curiously specific article…about a bad actor in the insurance profession. I just don’t get how people can have a clear conscience, knowing that others will lose their life savings because of your actions. -sjm ……………………………………………………….. An upstate New York tax preparer and insurance agent on Tuesday pleaded guilty to […]
5 Things a Decision Scientist’s Team Says About Annuities
{May 7th, 2026} by Allison Bell
Wink’s Moore on the Market: An entire team of super smart people published a working paper on income planning research. My friends Mo. Milevsky and Tamiko Toland, along with Susan (Xin) Shu, Jeff Brown, Abigail Hurwitz and Olivia S Mitchell collaborated on the piece. The takeaway on this article, about the working paper- “Present annuities […]
Equitable Holdings Reports First Quarter 2026 Results
{May 7th, 2026} by Equitable Holdings, Inc
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Equitable Holdings, Inc. (“Equitable Holdings”, “Holdings”, or the “Company”) (NYSE: EQH) today announced financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026. “We reported solid first quarter results with Non-GAAP operating earnings per share of $1.62, or $1.68 excluding notable items, up 25% from the prior year quarter. Within our businesses, we […]
Jackson Announces Strong First Quarter 2026 Results
{May 7th, 2026} by Jackson Financial Inc.
LANSING, Mich.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jackson Financial Inc. (NYSE: JXN) (Jackson®) today announced its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026. First Quarter 2026 Key Highlights Retail annuity sales1 of $5.3 billion in the first quarter of 2026, up 31% from the first quarter of 2025, reflecting continued strong demand across our product suite Variable annuity sales1 of […]
Corebridge Financial Announces First Quarter 2026 Results
{May 7th, 2026} by Corebridge Financial, Inc
HOUSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Corebridge Financial, Inc. (“Corebridge” or the “Company”) (NYSE: CRBG) today reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026. “Corebridge delivered strong financial results in the first quarter,” said Marc Costantini, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Earnings per share and return on equity both improved year over year. This, alongside consistent organic […]
Prudential Financial, Inc. Announces First Quarter 2026 Results
{May 7th, 2026} by Prudential Financial, Inc.
NEWARK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU) today reported first quarter 2026 results. Net income attributable to Prudential Financial, Inc. of $597 million or $1.68 per Common share versus net income of $707 million or $1.96 per share for the year-ago quarter. After-tax adjusted operating income of $1.278 billion or $3.61 per Common share versus […]
FNF Reports First Quarter 2026 Financial Results
{May 7th, 2026} by Fidelity National Financial, Inc.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., May 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Fidelity National Financial, Inc. (NYSE:FNF) (FNF or the Company), 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 & […]
Brighthouse Financial Announces First Quarter 2026 Results
{May 7th, 2026} by Brighthouse Financial, Inc
CHARLOTTE, N.C.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Brighthouse Financial, Inc. (“Brighthouse Financial” or the “company”) (Nasdaq: BHF) announced today its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026. First Quarter 2026 Results The company reported a net loss available to shareholders of $792 million in the first quarter of 2026, or $13.82 per diluted share, compared with a […]
F&G Annuities & Life Reports First Quarter 2026 Results
{May 7th, 2026} by F&G Annuities & Life, Inc.
DES MOINES, Iowa, May 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — F&G Annuities & Life, Inc. (NYSE: FG) (F&G or the Company) a leading provider of insurance solutions serving retail annuity and life customers and institutional clients, today reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026. Net earnings attributable to common shareholders for the first quarter of $244 million, […]
CNO Financial Group Reports First Quarter 2026 Results
{May 7th, 2026} by CNO Financial Group, Inc.
CARMEL, Ind., April 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CNO Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: CNO) today reported its first quarter 2026 financial results: First quarter performance reflects disciplined execution and the strength of our diversified products and distribution. Net income was $38 million, or $0.39 per diluted share, and net operating income(1) was $101 million, or $1.05 per diluted share. Return […]
Lincoln Financial Reports 2026 First Quarter Results
{May 7th, 2026} by Lincoln Financial
RADNOR, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Lincoln Financial (NYSE: LNC) today reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026. Sustained progress against strategic and financial objectives drove solid first quarter performance. First quarter net loss available to common stockholders was $(211) million, or $(1.10) per diluted share. First quarter adjusted operating income available to common stockholders […]
Kansas City Life Announces First Quarter 2026 Results
{May 7th, 2026} by Kansas City Life Insurance Company
KANSAS CITY, Mo., May 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Kansas City Life Insurance Company recorded net income of $9.6 million or $0.99 per share in the first quarter of 2026, up from net income of $4.2 million or $0.43 per share in the first quarter of 2025. The increase in net income in the first quarter of 2026 […]
Short sellers’ bets on life insurance stocks soar as private credit concerns grow
{May 7th, 2026} by Nell Mackenzie
LONDON, April 27 (Reuters) – Short sellers’ bets against U.S. life insurance stocks more than doubled in the past year to over $5 billion, a Reuters analysis of ORTEX data shows, a move that analysts say in part reflects concerns about exposure to the opaque private credit sector. Jitters about private credit – lending to companies […]
TIAA Institute: Financial Advice Changes How People Manage Money, Improving Financial Habits and Confidence
{May 6th, 2026} by TIAA Institute
NEW YORK, May 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The TIAA Institute’s “The Value of Financial Advice” report released today finds that professional financial guidance is associated with improved financial behaviors, greater confidence, and substantially higher wealth accumulation across all income levels and life stages. Advised Households Report Significantly Greater Wealth Among those surveyed, advised households report an average […]
The longevity gap: Americans anticipate living longer but are falling behind on preparedness
{May 6th, 2026} by Guardian
NEW YORK, May 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As lifespans continue to grow longer, Americans are increasingly feeling unprepared for the road ahead, according to the 2026 Mind, Body, and Wallet® report from The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian). Yet, with thoughtful planning and purposeful actions at any stage of life, individuals can improve their mental, physical, and […]
Bulletin Board: RIJ
{May 6th, 2026} by Editorial Staff
Knighthead, which has a Cayman Islands reinsurer, enters U.S. FIA market; Morningstar analyzes Trump’s universal plan coverage proposal; Transamerica’s new RILA has an income feature; iCapital’s platform to add ‘Claude’; ShareBuilder 401k now has a Roth version for sole proprietors. Read at RIJ
Former American Equity CEO partners with Agam Capital
{May 6th, 2026} by Editorial Staff
Agam Capital, a global leader in insurance-related asset and liability analytics, and 1823 Partners (US) LLC, a differentiated asset management firm focused on insurance-first investment strategies, have formed a partnership to serve global insurance companies. Read at RIJ
Bermuda Short-Sellers
{May 6th, 2026} by Kerry Pechter
The value of short positions on U.S. life insurance stocks has more than doubled to over $5 billion in the past year, according to an analysis of ORTEX data by Reuters. Read at RIJ
The next step for AI in insurance — partnerships to scale
{May 6th, 2026} by Rayne Morgan
While many insurance providers have begun adopting artificial intelligence, others are already racing ahead to the next stage of scaling solutions — a stage that could be marked by a trend of strategic partnerships, according to Jodie Wallis, global chief AI officer, Manulife. Some insurance companies have been hesitant to adopt AI, due to concerns […]
The Standard Adds Improved Portability to APEX Stable Value Products
{May 6th, 2026} by The Standard
PORTLAND, Ore.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Standard Insurance Company (The Standard) has added the APEX Select Funds to its APEX Series. APEX Select includes APEX Select Capital Preservation, a market value adjustment product, and APEX Select Guaranteed Rate, a 12-month put product. These funds are available to both The Standard’s recordkeeping clients and investment-only clients using third-party platforms. These new […]
AIG to sell remaining shares in Corebridge Financial
{May 6th, 2026} by American International Group, Inc.
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–American International Group, Inc. (NYSE: AIG) today announced that it has agreed to sell approximately 25 million shares of common stock of Corebridge Financial, Inc. (NYSE: CRBG), representing its remaining stake in the company. The sale, which is expected to close on May 7, will result in net proceeds to AIG of approximately […]
American Life Expands into Wyoming and Mississippi Markets
{May 6th, 2026} by American Life
LINCOLN, Neb., May 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — American Life & Security Corp., a growing carrier in the annuity and retirement space, today announced it has expanded to Wyoming and Mississippi. Residents in Wyoming will now have access to the full suite of flexible retirement income products, and Mississippi residents will have access to American Classic and American Select, with […]
Life insurance premium jumps 10% in 1Q
{May 6th, 2026} by Press Release
WINDSOR, Conn., May 6, 2026 —Total U.S. individual life insurance new annualized premium plus excess jumped 10% year over year to $4.5 billion in the first quarter of 2026, according to LIMRA’s preliminary U.S. Life Insurance Sales Survey. The total number of policies sold also improved 9% in the first quarter. “Following record sales in […]
How annuities can help small-business owners achieve retirement security
{May 6th, 2026} by Anna Baluch
Owning a small business is rewarding, but it’s also risky because unpredictable income is almost inevitable. That’s why annuities can be invaluable. Think of them as personal pension plans for small-business owners and entrepreneurs. Read at INN
Morgan Stanley Launches FA Education Platform
{May 6th, 2026} by Katie Balevic
Morgan Stanley Investment Management has polished its educational offerings for financial advisors, unveiling a new education platform to help advisors engage with the wealth of knowledge available to them. Read at FA IQ
When Selling Annuities Becomes Investment Advice: A Guide for Insurance Providers
{May 6th, 2026} by Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard, P.L.L.C.
For insurance companies and agents, the distinction between selling annuities and providing investment advice can blur unexpectedly. When annuity sales involve discussions about a client’s securities portfolio or recommendations to liquidate investments to fund purchases, agents may inadvertently trigger investment adviser registration requirements. Understanding the regulatory boundaries is essential for insurance providers selling annuities. Approximately […]
Global Atlantic’s Parent Expects Annuity Competition to Ease
{May 6th, 2026} by Allison Bell
Executives at KKR, the investment giant that owns Global Atlantic, think the U.S. individual annuity market looked rough in the first quarter but should improve soon. KKR “continued to see increased levels of competition” in the retail annuity market during the quarter, Robert Lewin, the company’s chief financial officer, said during a conference call with […]
Trump to launch ‘TrumpIRA.gov’ in push to expand retirement access
{May 6th, 2026} by Hadriana Lowenkron
President Donald Trump will sign an executive order aimed at expanding access to retirement plans for workers whose employers don’t offer that benefit, according to a White House official, a bid to refocus the administration’s messaging on economic issues. The White House official spoke on condition of anonymity to detail the order before the public […]
Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Expands Retirement-Savings Access for American Workers by Establishing TrumpIRA.gov
{May 6th, 2026} by The White House
Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to increase access to high-quality, low-cost Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), and up to $1,000 in Federal matching contributions, to strengthen the financial security of American workers. Read at Whitehouse.gov
Rethinking retirement income: The role of annuity laddering
{May 6th, 2026} by Anna Baluch
For some clients, annuity laddering can be a true game changer. This strategy involves purchasing multiple annuities with staggered start dates, allowing individuals to access or “turn on” income at different phases of retirement. Read at INN
The case for DTC/agent hybridization
{May 6th, 2026} by Chris Taylor
Life and annuity carrier executives are concerned about a critical issue – the increasing cost of customer acquisition, driven in part by the commission structure of products sold through third-party distribution. A heavy reliance on TPD is unavoidable – career agency/captive agent models have continued to lose overall market share. And the DTC channel has […]
Americans Say They’re Feeling Prosperous, Defying Economic, Market, and Political Pessimism – According to Northwestern Mutual’s Inaugural Personal Prosperity Index
{May 6th, 2026} by Northwestern Mutual
MILWAUKEE, May 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Despite waning confidence in the U.S. economy, stock market, and the state of politics, a strong majority of Americans say their personal prosperity has actually increased or held steady over the past six months. Why? Because Americans say their own mental health, physical health, and financial health are more significant contributors […]
Ameritas announces newly promoted officers
{May 6th, 2026} by Ameritas
LINCOLN, Neb., May 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Ameritas Chief Executive Officer Bob Jurgensmeier announces the following officer promotions. April Behrend is the new vice president, actuarial, individual. She was previously actuarial director, individual. Behrend holds a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics and actuarial science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She is a fellow of the Society of […]
Nashville, Honky Tonks, and Private Credit
{May 6th, 2026} by Kerry Pechter
On a warm, late-April afternoon, I wandered the historic streets of Nashville, thinking about “alternative assets” in life insurance investment portfolios and 401(k) plans. The honky-tonks were open. Light beer flowed from a hundred taps. Country-rock spilled muddily from open windows onto sidewalks dense with heartland tourists. Read at RIJ
Best’s Special Report: Strong Annuity Market Growth Shifting Life/Annuity Insurers’ Risk Profiles
{May 6th, 2026} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Strong U.S. annuity sales have shifted the reserve profile for many U.S. life/annuity companies, with asset risk forming a greater share of required capital composition in AM Best’s capital model, Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), and leading to weaker scores for some life/annuity companies. At the same time, according to a new report, BCAR […]
Transamerica agrees to $57M settlement in cost-of-insurance lawsuit
{May 6th, 2026} by John Hilton
A federal judge in Iowa has granted preliminary approval to a proposed class-action settlement to resolve accusations that Transamerica Life Insurance Co. improperly increased cost-of-insurance charges on certain life insurance policies in 2022 and 2023. The agreement clears the way for policyholders to be notified and for a final approval hearing later this year. Although […]
Nearly Half of Middle-Class Americans Lack Confidence They Will Have Enough Retirement Savings, Gen X and Millennials are the Least Confident, ACLI Finds
{May 5th, 2026} by ACLI
WASHINGTON – The American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) today released the latest Financial Resilience Index and accompanying survey, which measures middle-class households’ ability to manage financial challenges and plan for a stable future. The survey, conducted by YouGov, shows that middle-class retirement preparedness may be at a crossroads, especially among Americans nearing retirement age. Gen […]
Life insurance sales surge 7% in 2025, but the work isn’t over
{May 5th, 2026} by Brooke Lacey
Since the 2020 pandemic, life insurance sales have surged. In 2025, policy counts jumped 7% year over year, but there remains work to be done, LIMRA researchers say. “Despite these record sales, we haven’t seen a meaningful decline in the life insurance needs gap,” Bryan Hodgens, head of LIMRA research, said during a recent LinkedIn […]
