F&G Announces Next-Generation Accumulation Annuity: F&G Power Accumulator™
{December 11th, 2019} by Fidelity & Guaranty Life
DES MOINES, Iowa, Dec. 4, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — F&G Annuities and Life (NYSE: FG) (the “Company” or “F&G”), a leading provider of annuities and life insurance, recently announced the latest fixed indexed annuity, F&G Power Accumulator. This product is the first annuity brought to market that features iShares® ETFs as the primary crediting strategy, as well as a blended […]
Plaintiffs Abandon Lawsuit Targeting Security Benefit Proprietary Index
{December 11th, 2019} by John Hilton
A class-action lawsuit alleging that Security Benefit Life Insurance Co. defrauded consumers by implementing a “fraudulent scheme” involving a proprietary index used in two fixed indexed annuities was quietly withdrawn last week. The lawsuit, filed Oct. 16 in California federal court, was closed with a two-sentence brief asking the court for a “voluntary dismissal.” An […]
States May Give You an Annuity Relationship Carton Label
{December 11th, 2019} by Allison Bell
State insurance regulators have been working this week on an annuity suitability proposal that could add some red tape but could, possibly, shield you from the effects of other financial services sales standards projects. One possible unexpected side effect of insurance regulators’ annuity suitability activity: You could end up with the equivalent of a new […]
Raymond Farmer to Lead NAIC in 2020
{December 11th, 2019} by Allison Bell
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners today confirmed that Raymond Farmer will be the NAIC’s president in 2020. Farmer, the South Carolina insurance director, has been the NAIC’s president-elect. Farmer will succeed Eric Cioppa, the Maine insurance superintendent. Farmer has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi and a law degree from John Marshall […]
NAIC Regulators Move Annuity Sales Model Forward
{December 11th, 2019} by John Hilton
A key National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ committee put its tentative stamp of approval Sunday on strengthened suitability in annuity transactions model law. The Life Insurance and Annuities Committee met Sunday morning in Austin, Texas at the NAIC Fall Meeting. The committee adopted the text of the annuity sales model, which adds a best-interest standard […]
AmeriLife Buys Majority Stake in Agent Support Group
{December 11th, 2019} by Allison Bell
A life, health and annuity distributor is expanding its ability to help financial advisors set up high-end life insurance arrangements. AmeriLife Group LLC of Clearwater, Florida, said Tuesday that it has acquired a majority stake in Agent Support Group Inc. of New York. AmeriLife has relationships with about 140,000 insurance agents and advisors. Agent Support Group […]
Efma and Accenture Launch 5th Annual Innovation in Insurance Awards
{December 11th, 2019} by Efma and Accenture
PARIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Efma and Accenture (NYSE: ACN) are now accepting applications for the fifth annual Efma-Accenture Innovation in Insurance Awards, which recognize insurers and insurtechs that are transforming the insurance industry. Established in 2016, the awards celebrate the most innovative projects and ideas in insurance and provide a forum for organizations to share best practices. The […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Securian Financial Group, Inc. and Its Subsidiaries
{December 11th, 2019} by A.M. Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A+ (Superior) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICR) of “aa” of Minnesota Life Insurance Company and its subsidiary, Securian Life Insurance Company, together referred to as Securian Financial Insurance Group (Securian). AM Best also has affirmed the FSR of A (Excellent) and […]
Canada Throws China Oceanwide-Genworth Deal a Lifeline
{December 11th, 2019} by Allison Bell
Canadian regulators have made a decision that could increase the odds that Genworth Financial Inc. will be able to sell itself to China Oceanwide Holdings Group Co. Ltd. — or that Genworth will have the cash to survive on its own if the China Oceanwide deal falls through. The Canadian regulators gave Brookfield Business Partners, an arm of Brookfield […]
Principal Names Chris Littlefield as New General Counsel
{December 11th, 2019} by Principal
DES MOINES, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Principal Financial Group® today announced Christopher (Chris) Littlefield (53), former president and CEO of Fidelity & Guaranty Life Insurance (FGL) Holdings, will join Principal as its new general counsel effective January 13, 2020. After 38 years with the Principal®, current executive vice president, general counsel and secretary Karen Shaff, announced her intentions to […]
Accenture Named a Leader in Automated Life Insurance Underwriting Systems By Independent Research Firm
{December 11th, 2019} by Accenture
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Accenture (NYSE: ACN) has been named a leader in automated life insurance underwriting systems in a new report from independent research firm Forrester. In the report — “The Forrester Wave™: Automated Life Insurance Underwriting Systems, Q4 2019”[1] — Accenture was named a leader based on the current offering and strategy of its product, Accenture […]
Report: Diversity and inclusion in insurance will enable innovation
{December 11th, 2019} by Lyle Adriano
A new white paper discusses how the insurance industry can push innovation – by promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Published jointly by the nonprofit Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF) and insurance consultation firm MarshBerry, the “Women and Insurance: Where Innovation and Inclusion Meet” report identifies insights gleaned from discussions and presentations featured at the IICF […]
Finder.com Features Global Atlantic in Best Life Insurance Companies List
{December 11th, 2019} by Global Atlantic Financial Group
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Price comparison website Finder.com has featured Global Atlantic in its list of the top seven life insurance companies in the U.S. in 2019. Specifically, Global Atlantic was named best for rider selection. The list was developed by Finder.com’s team of experts, who evaluated each company based on industry reputation, product selection, underwriting and policy customization. The […]
SIMON Markets LLC Launches InsurTech Platform for Annuities and Partners with Prudential to Deliver First Annuity Product to Market
{December 11th, 2019} by SIMON Markets LLC
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–SIMON Markets LLC (“SIMON”) today announced that it has expanded its digital platform to empower financial professionals to navigate the multifaceted world of indexed annuities to better serve their clients. Partnering with Prudential, SIMON is reshaping how financial professionals use annuities for retirement planning. The first product is Prudential’s PruSecure®, a fixed indexed […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Prudential Financial, Inc. and Its Subsidiaries
{December 11th, 2019} by Pacific Life
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A+ (Superior) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICR) of “aa-” of the domestic life/health insurance subsidiaries of Prudential Financial, Inc. (PFI) (Newark, NJ) [NYSE: PRU], referred to as Prudential. Concurrently, AM Best has affirmed the Long-Term ICR of “a-” of PFI and […]
Pacific Life Completes Sale of Aviation Capital Group to Tokyo Century Corporation
{December 11th, 2019} by Pacific Life
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Pacific Life Insurance Company today announced it has completed the sale of Aviation Capital Group (ACG), its commercial aircraft leasing subsidiary, to Tokyo Century Corporation (Tokyo Century). In 2017, Tokyo Century acquired from Pacific Life a 20% membership interest in ACG, and later expanded ownership to 24.5%. The completion of this transaction, […]
Best’s Market Segment Report: U.S. Life/Annuity Insurance Market Outlook Held at Stable
{December 11th, 2019} by A.M. Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has maintained its market segment outlook for the U.S. life/annuity (L/A) industry at stable for 2020, citing strong capitalization and improved liquidity among carriers, along with a manageable regulatory environment. Companies’ measured approach to increasing investment risk also is a factor in the stable outlook. A new Best’s Market Segment Report, “Market Segment […]
MetLife Named Life Insurance Company of the Year
{December 11th, 2019} by MetLife, Inc.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates–(BUSINESS WIRE)–MetLife was named Life Insurance Company of the Year at the 2019 Middle East Insurance Industry Awards (MIIA), organized by Middle East Insurance Review. As the fourth time recipient of the award, MetLife was commended for its customer focus and recognized for its efforts in enhancing the customer experience. The awards, […]
Having a baby forced me to confront my mortality, but spending $6.50 a month on life insurance means I don’t lose sleep over it
{December 11th, 2019} by Becky Kleanthous
There’s nothing quite like growing a new human life to make you confront your own mortality. Conceiving soon after miscarriage, and being naturally predisposed to worry, I simply couldn’t shake the feeling that in pregnancy, I was fighting a fire that the universe wanted to fan. Other pregnant women seemed to be glowing and serene, […]
What The SECURE Act Means For Annuities
{December 11th, 2019} by Ben Mattlin
Last May, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act by a whopping 417 to 3. If it passes in the Senate (expected by year-end), many annuity providers will be celebrating. “The SECURE Act will make it easier for employers to offer as part of their retirement […]
The Geneva Association Launches New Women in Insurance Award
{December 11th, 2019} by The Geneva Association
ZURICH, Dec. 9, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — The Geneva Association is launching the Geneva Association Women in Insurance Award, the first global award of its kind, to call attention to the most impactful initiatives implemented by senior-level women in the re/insurance industry. Each year the Award will celebrate a woman’s contribution to advancing the industry’s response to the greatest […]
Younger Consumers Applied for Life Insurance: MIB
{December 11th, 2019} by Allison Bell
MIB Group Inc. is reporting the first year-over-year increase since June 2018 in younger U.S. consumers’ individual life application activity level. For U.S. consumers ages 0 to 44, the individual life application activity level was 4.6% higher in November than it was in November 2018, according to MIB. The overall U.S. individual life application activity […]
The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company Promotes Peter Owh to Managing Partner of Centra Financial Group
{December 11th, 2019} by The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company
HORSHAM, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company (Penn Mutual) is excited to announce the promotion of Peter Owh to managing partner of its Rochester agency, Centra Financial Group. Formerly the managing director, Owh will lead the firm through a seamless transition, focusing on providing a high-touch experience for clients and advisers as well […]
Buttigieg Retirement Plan ‘Impressive,’ But How Will He Pay For It?
{December 11th, 2019} by Cassie Miller
Pete Buttigieg, mayor of South Bend, Ind. and presidential candidate, recently unveiled his plan for a public 401(k) option. Released in late November, the plan focuses on ensuring “all Americans experience dignity and security in retirement.” “I am determined to usher in a new era for older Americans, one that empowers them to age and […]
Integrity Marketing Group Announces Employee Ownership Plan; Nearly $50 Million Paid Out to Employees
{December 10th, 2019} by Integrity Marketing Group
DALLAS — December 10, 2019 — Integrity Marketing Group, LLC (“Integrity”), Integrity Marketing Group, LLC (“Integrity”), the nation’s largest independent distributor of life and health insurance products, today announced the completion of a new Employee Ownership Plan. The plan provides meaningful ownership to all of Integrity’s eligible employees who have at least one year of tenure, […]
How these women are breaking the industry’s culture of secrecy around sexual misconduct By Ann Marsh
{December 10th, 2019} by Ann Marsh
People who publicly allege that they were raped or sexual assaulted face a queasy period waiting to see if their disclosures draw backlash, support or an unpredictable mix of the two. When Mary Moore, who works for advisor billing firm AdvicePay, shared her account with Financial Planning of sexual assault at an industry gathering, she […]
Massachusetts’ Galvin Posts Revised Fiduciary Rule
{December 10th, 2019} by Alex Padalka
Massachusetts’ top securities watchdog has unveiled an amended regulation that would hold broker-dealers as well as investment advisors operating in the state to the fiduciary standard. The Massachusetts Securities Division of the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth had sought comments on a proposal for a state fiduciary standard in June, ending the comment period in […]
Lifetime Income: Building Confidence From Uncertainty
{December 10th, 2019} by Patrick C. Rowan
There is no doubt that preparing for retirement can be tricky. A recent study by TIAA found only 27 percent of Americans are highly confident they will never run out of money in retirement, leaving the majority (73 percent) worried about how they will make ends meet in retirement. What can advisors do to improve the […]
DALBAR Announces 2019 Financial Intermediary Service Award Winners
{December 10th, 2019} by DALBAR
MARLBOROUGH, Mass., Dec. 10, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Today DALBAR recognized those companies providing industry-leading telephone support to financial advisors, agents and other intermediaries. These firms stood out from the competition in the service being provided to this critical audience after a year-long audit of their service delivery, based on direct observation and evaluation. The winners of the 2019 Financial […]
Integrity Marketing Group Announces Employee Ownership Plan; Nearly $50 Million Paid Out to Employees
{December 10th, 2019} by Integrity Marketing Group
DALLAS, Dec. 10, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Integrity Marketing Group, LLC (“Integrity”), the nation’s largest independent distributor of life and health insurance products, today announced the completion of a new Employee Ownership Plan. The plan provides meaningful ownership to all of Integrity’s eligible employees who have at least one year of tenure, at no cost to them. This […]
CNO Financial Group Receives Number One Ranking Among the 2019 Healthiest 100 Workplaces in America®
{December 10th, 2019} by CNO Financial Group
CARMEL, Ind., Dec. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — CNO Financial Group was recently recognized as the top Healthiest 100 Workplace in America, an award program administered by Springbuk®. This marks the sixth year that CNO Financial has been recognized as a top Healthiest 100 Workplace for its commitment to employee health and exceptional corporate well-being programming and the first year […]
Patriot Life Insurance Company Upgrades Its Life & Annuities Underwriting Capabilities
{December 10th, 2019} by Sapiens International Corporation
HOLON, Israel, Dec. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Sapiens International Corporation, (NASDAQ: SPNS) (TASE: SPNS), a leading global provider of software solutions for the insurance industry, announced today that Patriot Life Insurance Company (Patriot Life Insurance), a North American life insurance provider with an extensive network of independent agents, upgraded to Sapiens UnderwritingPro for Life & Annuities version 10. UnderwritingPro has been a powerful vehicle to […]
As change accelerates, insurers need profound transformation and the right talent, reveals EY Insurance Outlook 2020
{December 10th, 2019} by EY
NEW YORK, Dec. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — As insurance industry growth remains stagnant for another year due to low interest rates, the shifts in consumer demographics around the world coupled with heightened expectations for digital experiences present insurers with risks and opportunities. The EY Insurance Outlook 2020 report – based on collective sector workshops with insurance leadership across the globe […]
Foresters Financial makes it easier for certain US cannabis users to qualify for non-medical life insurance
{December 10th, 2019} by Foresters Financial
TORONTO, Dec. 4, 2019 /PRNewswire/ – Foresters Financial™ today announces modernized underwriting guidelines across its non-medical life insurance product portfolio for Americans who use cannabis. “As more States permit limited cannabis usage, particularly for medicinal purposes, we made the decision to modernize our products to stay in step with this evolving trend – a change that makes life […]
Life & Health Insurance, Investment and Retirement Planning Powerhouse AmeriLife® Expands its Platform of Advanced Life Insurance Services with Acquisition of Agent Support Group
{December 10th, 2019} by AmeriLife Group, LLC
CLEARWATER, Fla., Dec. 10, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — AmeriLife Group, LLC (“AmeriLife”) – the national leader in marketing and distributing life, health and retirement solutions – has acquired a majority interest in Agent Support Group (ASG), a leading multi-company life insurance brokerage agency group in the New York metropolitan area. Agent Support Group, founded in 1973, is a LIBRA Insurance […]
Robert Kerzner Joins PHP Agency’s Board of Directors
{December 10th, 2019} by PHP Agency, Inc.
ADDISON, Texas, Dec. 9, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Robert Kerzner, CLU, ChFC, former President and CEO of LIMRA, LOMA, and LL Global Inc., is joining the PHP Agency Inc. Board of Directors. PHP is proud to add one of the most highly focused and experienced experts in financial services to its team. After graduating from Central Connecticut State University in […]
Hancock Launches Aspire – A Solution For Americans With Diabetes
{December 10th, 2019} by Brooks Tingle
As consumers, we are all experiencing increasingly personalized service and solutions in today’s modern, digital economy. We’ve come to expect online retailers will suggest books or other items we may like via advertisement targeting. Many not only anticipate what we need but when we need it. Content is served to us based on who we […]
Multiyear Agreement Positions Nationwide as Official Insurance Partner of Minor League Baseball
{December 10th, 2019} by Minor League Baseball
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. and COLUMBUS, Ohio, Dec. 9, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) and Nationwide, one of the largest providers of insurance and financial services products in the U.S., today announced a multiyear partnership making the Columbus-based company the “Official Insurance Partner of Minor League Baseball.” Under the terms of the new agreement, Nationwide secures exclusive national rights in the insurance […]
Stability Council Keeps Right to Cry, ‘That Insurer Is Drowning!’
{December 10th, 2019} by Allison Bell
Officials at the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC) say they will communicate better, emphasize general financial safety advice, and think harder about cost-benefits ratios when they decide whether a life insurer or other nonbank company poses a serious threat to the U.S. financial system. But FSOC officials will still have the authority to give an […]
State Insurance Regulators Post AI Principles Draft
{December 10th, 2019} by Allison Bell
If artificial intelligence (AI) systems are going to have anything to do with insurance, they ought to obey the same rules that the flesh-and-blood players follow. A team of state insurance regulators at the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) has put that goal in a new AI regulatory principles draft. The NAIC’s new Artificial […]
If Amazon Were An Insurance Agent It Would Do This
{December 10th, 2019} by Paul Feldman
WJD? Of course, that stands for “What Would Jesus Do?” But John Rossman often gets asked, “What Would Jeff Do?” “Jeff” would be Jeff Bezos of Amazon, where Rossman was a key manager during the organization’s critical growth years between 2002 and 2005. Many other companies with .com after their name had folded during the dot-com […]
BLS: November Insurance Jobs Bounce Back After Flat October
{December 10th, 2019} by A.M. Best
WASHINGTON – After a flat showing in October, hiring ticked up in the insurance industry as companies added 2,900 employees in November, according to preliminary data from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. The bump was 0.1%, bringing insurance employment to an estimated 2,735,300, BLS data showed. It was a small rebound […]
Larry Fink Sends a Message: Flout BlackRock Rulebook at Your Own Risk
{December 9th, 2019} by Annie Massa
BlackRock Inc. fired a top official over a consensual affair, the firm’s second high-profile dismissal this year over misconduct, as Chief Executive Officer Larry Fink cracks down on the behavior of his senior lieutenants. Mark Wiseman, global head of active equities and viewed as a potential successor to Fink, was terminated for violating the company’s policy […]
Tata Consultancy Services announce lay-offs
{December 9th, 2019} by KCRG
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – Tata Consultancy Services, or TCS, is laying off employees in Cedar Rapids. Last year, the company started partnering with Transamerica’s Life and Annuities business. And now TCS says it’s transitioning to a digital operating model, and some jobs within the company are no longer required. TCS say the lay-offs affect fewer […]
Insure.com Survey Finds Best Life Insurance Companies
{December 9th, 2019} by Insure.com
FOSTER CITY, Calif., Dec. 3, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Insure.com, a comprehensive resource for insurance information, today released a survey showcasing the best rated life insurance companies, as picked by the policyholders who have them. The survey asked over 1,700 current customers to rank the companies by customer service, value for the price, ease of website and mobile […]
New Annuity Ties Crediting Rates to BlackRock ETF Performance
{December 9th, 2019} by Allison Bell
An arm of FGL Holdings Inc. has introduced a new indexed annuity contract that will offer crediting rates tied to the performance of iShares exchange-traded funds, or ETFs. Fidelity & Guaranty Life Insurance Company has filed the new F&G Power Accumulator contract as a fixed product. F&G says the product is the first contract brought […]
Best Fixed Annuity Rates For December 2019
{December 9th, 2019} by Matt Carey
As 2019 draws to a close, top fixed annuity rates remain attractive relative to similar investments. When I describe fixed annuities, I’m talking about an annuity that has a preset rate of return for a preset period of time with the ability to liquidate the product at the end of the guarantee period without incurring […]
New Tax Regs Could Shake Up U.S. Life Reinsurance Gameboard
{December 7th, 2019} by Allison Bell
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has completed work on a batch of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 regulations that could, possibly, chase some non-U.S. reinsurers out of the U.S. life reinsurance market. The IRS developed the regulations to implement the TCJA Base Erosion and Anti-Abuse Tax (BEAT) provisions. The BEAT provisions impose a […]
What Nervous Investors Are Buying to Feel Brave
{December 7th, 2019} by Jason Zweig
One of Wall Street’s hottest investments lets you participate in most of the gains on stocks while sidestepping some of the losses. The most important word in that sentence is “some.” If you buy a so-called buffered annuity, your satisfaction will depend on how well you understand that you are protected against some losses, not […]
Big BBB debt rollover is just three years away: A.M. Best
{December 7th, 2019} by Editorial Staff
By year-end 2022, $2.5 trillion of the debt of U.S. investment-grade corporations will mature, accounting for roughly half the U.S. investment-grade corporate bond market. Of those maturing bonds, 34% is rated BBB, according to a new AM Best Special Report. “Given that these bonds must be refinanced or repaid by then, close attention should be […]
‘SIMON’ Makes Indexed Annuities Simpler
{December 6th, 2019} by Kerry Pechter
Structured notes and indexed annuities don’t ordinarily mingle. Structured notes are after-tax securities built by investment banks for high net worth clients of wealth managers at wirehouses and private banks. FIAs are tax-deferred products built by life insurers for clients of insurance agents and advisers at independent broker dealers. But on the SIMON platform, they do mingle. […]
Industry, Consumer Reps Take Final Whack At NAIC Annuity Sales Rule
{December 6th, 2019} by John Hilton
Final comments are in as stakeholders make a last-ditch effort to sway state insurance regulators on its suitability in annuity transactions model law. With a Sunday meeting looming before its parent Life Insurance and Annuities Committee, the Annuity Suitability Working Group is preparing to present a tentative draft of its annuity sales model, which the […]
WoodmenLife Launches Unified Selling Experience for Agents with iPipeline
{December 5th, 2019} by iPipeline
Illustrations Integrator and e-App Implementations Streamline and Accelerate Sales Process EXTON, PA (November 19, 2019) – iPipeline® – a leading provider of cloud-based software solutions for the life insurance and financial services industry – today announced WoodmenLife has implemented iPipeline’s Illustration Integrator® with iGO® e-App to provide its sales representatives with a unified selling experience. iPipeline’s […]
Adam Antoniades Promoted to Chief Executive Officer of Cetera
{December 5th, 2019} by Cetera Financial Group
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 3, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Cetera Financial Group announced today that Adam Antoniades has been appointed the firm’s Chief Executive Officer, and a member of the Board of Directors. Adam has a long and accomplished history with Cetera, most recently serving as its President since 2014. In this role he has successfully united the organization and its community […]
Massachusetts Steps Closer to Stricter, Uniform Fiduciary Standard
{December 3rd, 2019} by John Manganaro
Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth William Galvin has signed off on a proposed rule that would impose a fiduciary conduct standard for broker/dealers, agents, investment advisers and investment adviser representatives providing financial advice to clients in the Commonwealth. Secretary Galvin said his approval of the proposed fiduciary rule now allows for a formal comment period […]
RIAs Give No-Load Annuities Another Look
{December 3rd, 2019} by Ben Mattlin
Tom Meyer can hardly believe what he’s saying. “I’ve been anti-annuities for 36 of the past 37 years, but there are new products that are worth considering,” he says. Meyer is CEO of Meyer Capital Group, a fee-only investment management and financial planning firm in Marlton, N.J. Annuities, he explains, were not in his playbook […]
Annuities and the Charles Schwab Deal
{December 3rd, 2019} by Kerry Pechter
Caught between tectonic forces—Wall Street’s demand for higher profitability and Main Street’s demand for lower fees—what’s a publicly held brokerage giant to do? For Charles Schwab, the answer was to scale up by acquiring rival TD Ameritrade this week in all-stock deal worth $26 billion. But what, if anything, will the ensuing consolidation of discount […]
New York Governor Vetoes Producer Continuing Ed Bill
{December 3rd, 2019} by Allison Bell
New York state Gov. Andrew Cuomo, D, has vetoed a bill that could have helped the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) and other insurance producer groups support their policy analysis and producer education operations. The bill, Senate Bill 4365, would let insurance agents and brokers use active membership in groups like NAIFA […]
Business Transfer Model Could Apply to Life, Health and Annuity Business
{December 3rd, 2019} by Allison Bell
Some state insurance legislators want to let an insurer pass full responsibility for unwanted blocks of business — including life insurance, health insurance and annuity business — on to another insurer, without having to sell the entire company or go through a state-supervised receivership. Members of the National Council of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) are planning to […]
You Might Need to Help Assess Annuity Shoppers’ Debts
{December 3rd, 2019} by Allison Bell
The people and companies that help Americans save for retirement might have to try harder to find out how much they owe. Members of the Annuity Suitability Working Group wants annuity sellers to get a consumer profile that includes information about many matters, including annuity prospects’ “debts and other obligations.” The working group is part […]
Galvin Signs Off on Massachusetts Fiduciary Rule
{December 3rd, 2019} by Melanie Waddell
After a preliminary comment period, Massachusetts Secretary of State William Galvin — the state’s top securities regulator — has signed off on the state’s fiduciary rule. ”There will now be a formal comment period and hearing before the regulations can be promulgated,” a spokesperson for Galvin’s office told ThinkAdvisor early Monday. The rule, which Galvin proposed […]
What Life Insurance Agents Should Know About AI and Digital Analytics
{December 3rd, 2019} by Neal Silbert
Artificial intelligence is here, and here to stay. Whether you realize it or not, you feel its impact through the marketing appeals you receive online or in the mail; in the placement, packaging, and pricing of items in a supermarket; and in a myriad of other ways. AI is also embedded in life insurance operations, […]
Federal Life Updates Variable Annuity Registration
{December 3rd, 2019} by Allison Bell
A Midwestern life insurer affiliated with Insurance Capital Group LLC recently updated the N-4 registration statement for its individual deferred variable annuity contract. The insurer, Federal Life Group Inc., filed the N-4 revision with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Like a similar N-4 form filed in May, the updated form shows that Federal […]
11 Nifty Holiday Gifts for Clients Under $100 (Sorry, FINRA)
{December 3rd, 2019} by Michael S. Fischer
The year-end holiday season is a time many service providers see as an opportunity to bolster client relationships with something as simple as a greeting card or perhaps a gift. Financial advisors, who increasingly understand the importance of providing clients personalized service, can enhance these relationships by sending a gift at the holidays. For a […]
Accumulation: Safe & Secure
{December 3rd, 2019} by Rich Lane
Rarely does a piece of national legislation significantly improve the availability of annuities to consumers, but that is what has occurred with the SECURE Act. Though it hasn’t yet been enacted into law, advisors should examine how the proposed legislation would affect annuity sales, while also being prepared to respond to changes should the bill […]
Fifty Percent of Investors Under 50 Want Shared Religious Values With Their Financial Advisor
{December 3rd, 2019} by Crossmark Global Investments
HOUSTON, Nov. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Discussions about religious values are often avoided in business settings, but recent data shows that avoiding the topic as a financial advisor could hurt your business. In the most recent Pew data, 72% of adults in the U.S. reported some religious affiliation.1 Furthermore, a recent survey from Crossmark Global Investments (“Crossmark”), a […]
AM Best Ranks UnitedHealth Group and AXA as World’s Largest Insurers
{December 3rd, 2019} by BestWeek
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–UnitedHealth Group Incorporated occupied the top spot in AM Best’s ranking of the world’s 25 largest insurance companies for a fifth straight year, with $178.1 billion in net premiums written (NPW) in 2018. In addition, AXA S.A. moved past Allianz SE into the No. 1 spot on AM Best’s ranking by 2018 non-banking assets. […]
Keeping Your Spending in Check: New Research From Principal Looks at How Americans Are Managing Their Money This Holiday Season
{December 3rd, 2019} by Principal Financial Group
DES MOINES, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Americans are saving some, spending more and saying see-ya to holiday stress. As the year winds to close, new research from Principal Financial Group® digs in to the holiday spending mindset of Americans, and where they’re headed financially in 2020. Holiday Spending & Budgeting Sixty-seven percent of Americans are spending the same or more than last […]
New MassMutual Study Finds Widespread Worry Among Employers About Employees’ Financial Woes
{December 3rd, 2019} by Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company
SPRINGFIELD, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Eight in 10 employers say their employees are struggling financially as they face persistent problems such as saving for retirement, paying down debt and dealing with medical expenses, to name a few, according to new research from Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual®). The 2019 MassMutual Workplace Financial Wellness Study1 finds that 79% of employers […]
Securities America Allies with Veteran Executive David Pintaric to Launch New Super-OSJ
{December 3rd, 2019} by Securities America
LA VISTA, Neb.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Securities America, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc. (NYSE American: LTS, LTS PrA, LTSL, LTSF, LTSK, LTSH), today announced a strategic alliance with 33-year wealth management industry veteran David Pintaric that will combine Mr. Pintaric’s deep experience and industry background with Securities America’s technology, expertise and resources in […]
Great American’s New Video Series Shines a Spotlight on Financial Professionals
{December 3rd, 2019} by Great American Insurance Group
CINCINNATI–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The annuity companies of Great American Insurance Group, leading providers of fixed and fixed-indexed annuities, launched “Creating Great Retirements,” a new video series featuring financial professionals sharing their secrets to success. The series follows industry experts who are securing their clients’ financial futures with the help of Great American’s retirement solutions. While each video […]
Athene Holding Ltd. Declares Fourth Quarter 2019 Preferred Stock Dividends
{December 3rd, 2019} by Athene Holding, Ltd.
PEMBROKE, Bermuda–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Athene Holding Ltd. (“Athene”) (NYSE: ATH) announced that it has declared a dividend on its 6.35% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Perpetual Non-Cumulative Preference Shares, Series A (the “Series A Preference Shares”) in the amount of $396.875 per share (equivalent to $0.396875 per depositary share, each representing a 1/1,000th interest in a Series A Preference Share), […]
Best’s Special Report: U.S. Life/Annuity Insurers’ BBB Bond Exposures Continue to Grow
{December 3rd, 2019} by A.M. Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The U.S. life/annuity industry has increased its bond allocations to NAIC Class 2 Securities markedly over the last decade, to more than 34% of overall holdings from 27% in 2009, as current market trends remain attractive for BBB debt issuance, according to a new AM Best special report. The Best’s Special Report, “U.S. Life/Annuity Insurers’ BBB […]
Can Life Insurance Claims Be Denied for Drug Overdose?
{December 3rd, 2019} by Veronica Baxter
The short answer is, it depends on whether an exclusion applies, whether the overdose falls within the definition of “accidental” death in the policy and under state law, and, believe it or not, what type of drugs are involved. Drug Overdose and Life Insurance Exclusions There are certain types of death that are excluded from […]
SEC issues FAQs on investment advice rule
{December 3rd, 2019} by Greg Iacurci
The Securities and Exchange Commission published answers Tuesday to frequently asked questions about its investment advice rule that takes effect next year. Click HERE to read the full story via InvestmentNews.
Commending Finra on its efforts to improve its exam program
{December 3rd, 2019} by Dale Brown
Assisting the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority Inc. in its ongoing effort to enhance the effectiveness of its examination program has been one of our long-standing priorities. Click HERE to read the full story via InvestmentNews.
Team managing $550 million at Northwestern Mutual goes indie with LPL
{December 3rd, 2019} by InvestmentNews
Gatewood Wealth Solutions, a 13-person team managing $550 million at Northwestern Mutual in St. Louis, has gone independent and affiliated with LPL Financial’s broker-dealer and corporate registered investment adviser platforms. Click HERE to read the full story via InvestmentNews.
Massachusetts advances fiduciary duty proposal; public hearing required prior to final rule
{December 3rd, 2019} by Mark Schoeff Jr.
A regulatory proposal to raise investment advice standards in Massachusetts advanced last week, giving momentum to state-level efforts to strengthen broker requirements independently of a new Securities and Exchange Commission advice reform regulation. Click HERE to read the full story via InvestmentNews.
Schwab plan to purchase TD Ameritrade will be boon to fortunes of both companies
{December 3rd, 2019} by Bloomberg News
Charles Schwab Corp.’s plan to buy TD Ameritrade Holding Corp. for $26 billion is proving a boon for the fortunes anchored by two of America’s biggest brokerages. Click HERE to read the full story via InvestmentNews.
The Millennial’s Quick Guide to Life Insurance
{December 3rd, 2019} by Catherine Brock
Insurance is among the least sexy of financial instruments. You pay your premiums to safeguard against some possible disaster and then hope you never get your money’s worth. That’s some value proposition, right? Throw in the issue of your own mortality, and you might be inclined to ignore the need for life insurance entirely. And […]
7 Reasons Life Insurance Is a Great Christmas Gift
{December 3rd, 2019} by Martin Fenton – Pipeline Insurance
It’s the season to be jolly! And, for many of us, the gifts we will be receiving are a big part of the excitement of Christmas. Typical presents like clothes, jewelry, electronics or knickknacks for the home are what most people will be expecting. Why not put a little more thought into your gift-giving this […]
Hartford Insurtech Hub launches life, annuity program
{December 3rd, 2019} by Nathan Golia
The Hartford InsurTech Hub, a three-year-old insurtech acceleration program, is kicking off a “2.0” version focused on life, annuity, retirement, long-term care and benefits insurtechs. While the two cohorts the Hub have run to date have been heterogenous in composition, the idea to break out these lines of business comes as the insurtech movement increases […]
Voices Google vs. financial advisors
{December 2nd, 2019} by Carolyn McClanahan
With all the buzz about tech companies such as Google teeing up to enter wealth management and threatening to replace financial advisors, it is important to consider what the advisor brings to the table. Is it enough? First let’s review what advisors actually do. Advisory firms provide services that vary widely from advisor to advisor. […]
AmeriLife Partners with Wamberg Genomic Advisors to Provide Access to Cancer Guardian, Innovative Cancer Support Services
{November 27th, 2019} by AmeriLIfe
LA JOLLA, Calif., Nov. 26, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — AmeriLife, a national leader in developing, marketing and distributing annuity, life and health insurance solutions to enhance the lives of others, has partnered to offer Wamberg Genomic Advisors’ Cancer Guardian™ to clients through its insurance agents and brokers. Cancer Guardian is the first program that gives its members access to personalized […]
Integrity Marketing Group Expands in the Midwest with Acquisition of Senior Solutions
{November 27th, 2019} by Integrity Marketing Group
DALLAS, Nov. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Integrity Marketing Group, LLC (“Integrity”), the nation’s largest independent distributor of life and health insurance products, today announced the acquisition of Senior Solutions, an insurance marketing organization based in Omaha, Nebraska with operations throughout the greater Midwest. As part of the deal, founder Ryan Schaake will become an owner in Integrity. Financial terms of the private transaction […]
Northwestern Mutual Announces New Accelerated Underwriting Capabilities to Reimagine the Client Experience
{November 27th, 2019} by Northwestern Mutual
MILWAUKEE, Nov. 19, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — To create a more integrated and seamless experience for its clients, Northwestern Mutual is leveraging technology and innovation to help more Americans achieve financial security. Through advanced analytics and predictive modeling, Northwestern Mutual announced that it has recently rolled out an accelerated underwriting process for disability insurance product applications, a technology the […]
What Advisors Really Think About the Fisher Controversy
{November 27th, 2019} by Janet Levaux
The disclosure of Ken Fisher’s remarks during a closed-door session at a recent industry event and the resulting fallout have been carefully watched by financial advisors and the media. Given the significance of these developments, Investment Advisor/ThinkAdvisor polled advisors and other financial professionals to ask them what they specifically think about Fisher’s remarks and the […]
New York Life Announces Company Record $1.9 Billion Total Dividend Payout to Policy Owners
{November 27th, 2019} by New York Life
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–New York Life, America’s largest mutual life insurer, today announced that the company expects to pay eligible participating policy owners a dividend payout of $1.9 billion in 2020, the largest in the company’s history. This record milestone will mark the 166th consecutive year that New York Life has paid a dividend to policy owners, […]
Best’s Special Report: Life/Annuity Insurers Keep Appetite for Long-Term Debt in Check
{November 27th, 2019} by A.M. Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Long-term debt obligations among publicly traded U.S. life/annuity (L/A) insurance companies has declined by 14% over an eight-year span, to $89.3 billion in 2018 from $103.8 billion in 2010, according to a new AM Best report. A new Best’s Special Report, titled, “Life/Annuity Companies’ Appetite for Long-Term Debt Kept in Check,” states that many of the 19 […]
Securities America Allies with Veteran Executive David Pintaric to Launch New Super-OSJ
{November 27th, 2019} by Securities America
LA VISTA, Neb.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Securities America, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc. (NYSE American: LTS, LTS PrA, LTSL, LTSF, LTSK, LTSH), today announced a strategic alliance with 33-year wealth management industry veteran David Pintaric that will combine Mr. Pintaric’s deep experience and industry background with Securities America’s technology, expertise and resources in […]
Best’s Special Report: U.S. Life/Annuity Insurers’ Net Income Fell by 18% in Nine-Month 2019 Period, Preliminary Results Show
{November 27th, 2019} by A.M. Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Net income in the U.S. life/annuity industry dropped by approximately 18% to $27.6 billion in the first nine months of 2019, compared with the same prior-year period, as net realized capital losses declined $4.9 billion. This financial review is detailed in a new Best’s Special Report, titled, “First Look – 9-Month 2019 Life/Annuity Financial […]
A Broker Impersonated His Client … Twice. It Didn’t Go Well.
{November 27th, 2019} by Jeff Berman
An ex-Royal Alliance Associates broker allegedly impersonated one of his clients during not one, but two telephone calls with the customer services hotline of an annuity company, and things went badly from there for him, according to a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority letter of acceptance, waiver and consent he signed Nov. 5. Harold A. Schwartz […]
The Money Mood Is Down
{November 27th, 2019} by MDRT
PARK RIDGE, Ill. (Nov. 20, 2019) — With news of the yield curve inversion and the presence of additional economic indicators, many experts are warning consumers of a pending recession expected to hit before the 2020 elections. A recent study conducted by MDRT shows the majority of Americans (82%) are at least somewhat nervous they […]
7 Reasons Low, Low Interest Rates Could Make Us Sick
{November 27th, 2019} by Allison Bell
World governments have used too much low-interest-rate medicine to get us over the effects of the 2007-2009 Great Recession, according a team of analysts at a research arm of Swiss Re. Now, governments may have lowered rates about as far as rates can go, the current low rates don’t seem to be helping the economy much, and […]
How a Top Principal Executive Sees Insurtech: Idea File
{November 27th, 2019} by Allison Bell
Principal Financial Group Inc. is the kind of technology prospect that could make an insurtech startup founder’s heart sing. It’s big, it has operations all over the world, and it’s based in Des Moines, Iowa. It’s one of the companies that supports Des Moines’ Global Insurance Accelerator program. Sri Reddy, a senior vice president at […]
FBL Financial Group’s Board of Directors Announces New Chief Executive Officer
{November 27th, 2019} by FBL Financial Group, Inc.
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Board of Directors of FBL Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: FFG) today announced the appointment of Daniel D. (Dan) Pitcher as Chief Executive Officer and Class A director, effective January 1, 2020. He will succeed current Chief Executive Officer Jim Brannen, who previously announced plans to retire in early 2020. Commenting on this […]
Women’s Retirement Savings Are Way Behind Men’s. Here’s Why That Gender Gap Persists
{November 27th, 2019} by Reshma Kapadia
When it comes to basic views on the costs and timing of retirement, men and women share similar outlooks. When it comes to confidence about retirement security and actual savings, however, the stark differences between men’s and women’s views underscore a persistent gender gap. According to a new study from the Transamerica Center for Retirement […]
Ohio National Beats B-D Reps in Trail Commission Lawsuits
{November 27th, 2019} by Mrinalini Krishna
A federal judge in Alabama has dismissed a lawsuit brought against Ohio National by five individual broker-dealer reps. The lawsuit pertains to Ohio National entities’ decision to stop payment of trail commissions on certain variable annuity products last year. ProEquities rep Ansley “Trip” Whatley, LPL Financial rep (formerly of Raymond James) Susan Moore, Securities America advisor Tracy Lentz, NEXT Financial’s Keith Bowers and LPL FA Chris Noone all sued Ohio […]
He exposed Fisher’s comments. Here’s what Alex Chalekian wants the industry to do next
{November 27th, 2019} by Ann Marsh
PASADENA, California — Ever since Alex Chalekian tweeted his disgust last month at sexually charged comments Ken Fisher made at the exclusive Tiburon CEO Summit, he can no longer walk through conferences he attends without being stopped. Men and women approach to say thank you, he says. Others pull him aside to recount sexual assaults […]
Why female CFOs outperform their male peers
{November 27th, 2019} by onali Basak & Jeff Green
Companies looking for better financial returns should consider a female CFO. Within the first 24 months of appointing female CFOs, companies saw, on average, a 6 percent increase in profits and an 8 percent better stock return compared with performance under their male predecessors. These women brought in $1.8 trillion of additional cumulative profits, according to a study […]
Longevity Insurance with an Inter-Generational Twist
{November 27th, 2019} by Kerry Pechter
Is there a market for a deferred income annuity (DIA) contract that middle-aged people can buy digitally, with monthly contributions of under $250, that will pay them an income if and when one of their parents reaches a ripe old “trigger age”? Click HERE to read the full story via RIJ.
Securian to Acquire Benefits Firm
{November 27th, 2019} by Allison Bell
Securian Financial Group Inc. has become the latest life insurer to expand its benefits capabilities. The St. Paul, Minnesota-based company has agreed to acquire Empyrean Benefit Solutions Inc. for a price that was not disclosed. Empyrean is a Houston-based benefits enrollment and human resources administration company that was founded in 2006. About 400 employers use […]
7 Things to Know About Someone Who Helps Make Prudential Happen
{November 27th, 2019} by Allison Bell
Patty Capawana, vice president, events, at Prudential Financial Inc. is one of the 340,800 or so home office employees who keep U.S. life insurance home office operations humming — and one of about 50,000 people who work for Prudential, or with Prudential, around the world. She manages part of Prudential’s use of the most powerful communications […]
WoodmenLife Updates Illustration System
{November 27th, 2019} by Allison Bell
WoodmenLife has started using the Illustration Integrator system from Internet Pipeline Inc., along with iPipeline’s iGO app. WoodmenLife reps can now re-use external calculations to generate an illustration PDF, then send the PDF directly at an agent’s app, according to iPipeline. Click HERE to read the full story via ThinkAdvisor.
New York Life Predicts 5.6% Increase in 2020 Dividend Payments
{November 26th, 2019} by Allison Bell
New York Life Insurance Company is expecting to pay about $1.9 billion in dividends to eligible policyholders in 2020. The projected payout is 5.6% bigger than the $1.8 billion dividend payment total the New York-based insurer announced for 2019. Between 2018 and 2019, the projected dividend total increased 1.1%. New York Life is a mutual […]
Are Fixed Indexed Annuities Trending Again for 2020?
{November 26th, 2019} by Robert Bloink and William H. Byrnes
All signs point to the possibility that fixed indexed annuities may once again be poised to become the hottest product in guaranteed lifetime income planning. In general, fixed indexed annuities provide protection against loss of principal while pegging growth to a major index, such as the S&P 500. Clients tend to like the idea of […]
DOL Continues Aggressive Enforcement Pace in 2019
{November 26th, 2019} by Melanie Waddell
The Labor Department’s Employee Benefits Security Administration recovered more than $2.5 billion in payments to plans, participants and beneficiaries and recovered more than $2 billion from its investigations in fiscal 2019. EBSA also reported late Thursday that its criminal investigations led to the indictment of 76 individuals — including plan officials, corporate officers and service […]
AIG to Sell Vast Majority of Fortitude Stake to Carlyle, T&D
{November 26th, 2019} by Kimberly Chin and Leslie Scism
American International Group Inc. AIG -0.26% said it would sell the vast majority of its stake in Fortitude Group Holdings LLC to the Carlyle Group CG 2.25% LP and Japanese insurance firm T&D Holdings Inc. 8795 -1.42% for roughly $1.8 billion, as the insurer works on paring down its exposure to lines of business it no longer sells. A new Carlyle-managed fund and T&D will acquire a combined […]
How financial advisors can strive for a higher standard when recommending life insurance
{November 26th, 2019} by Darla Mercado
The process of recommending life insurance doesn’t have to be rife with conflicts of interest. Insurance has its place in a client’s comprehensive financial plan. For instance, term coverage can protect a young family in the event of a breadwinner’s early demise. Permanent life insurance — which can be complicated because of its underlying cash value — […]
The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company Maintains Dividend Scale and Awards $100 Million Payout in 2020
{November 26th, 2019} by The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company
HORSHAM, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company (Penn Mutual) is pleased to announce that the company has maintained its dividend scale for 2020, and has been approved for a $100 million payout to eligible policyholders in 2020. Dividends are a key measure of a mutual company’s performance and Penn Mutual has paid dividends to […]
Best’s Special Report: U.S. Life/Annuity Holdings of Structured Notes on the Rise
{November 26th, 2019} by A.M. Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The U.S. life/annuity industry increased its holdings in structured notes by one-third over a three-year period, with book adjusted/carrying value reaching $16 billion in 2018, up from $12 billion in 2015, according to an AM Best report. Larger insurers are the primary purchasers of structured notes, as they typically have more sophisticated investment capabilities. Transamerica […]
Nearly Half of Americans Struggle to Discuss Finances With Loved Ones, Reveals Lincoln Financial Group Research
{November 26th, 2019} by Lincoln Financial Group
RADNOR, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Pass the turkey…and do you have enough life insurance? New research released from Lincoln Financial Group (NYSE:LNC) shows that while 93% of Americans believe it is important to set a plan for their family and their own financial future, 47% of them – nearly half of the entire country – struggle to discuss […]
Five brokers lose Ohio National lawsuit over annuity commissions
{November 26th, 2019} by Greg Iacurci
A group of five brokers lost a lawsuit against Ohio National Life Insurance Co. over the insurer’s termination of commission payments for certain variable annuity policies. Click HERE to read the full story via InvestmentNews.
Life Insurance After Your Kids Are Grown
{November 26th, 2019} by Michael F. Kay
Get ready for this—the life insurance industry is planning to target all of us. I’ve just been looking at a new study from the insurance research firm Conning, which says pressures are weighing on the life insurance industry to innovate and use technology for such purposes as mining customer data. Soon you might be […]
Can AIG Arrest The Steady Decline In Its Top Line?
{November 26th, 2019} by Trefis Team, Great Speculations
American International Group, Inc. (NYSE: AIG) is a leading provider of Property & Casualty Insurance, Life Insurance, Group & Individual Retirement products, bank-owned life products and Mutual Fund services to retail customers, small to medium businesses, corporations and other institutions. The company reported a 10% decline in revenues over the last two years, from $52.4 […]
New big kid on the block
{November 26th, 2019} by Ryan W. Neal
Financial advisers’ newest competition isn’t a technology startup or consumer giant like Amazon or Google, as many have been fearing. Their latest challenge comes from one of the oldest names on Wall Street. Click HERE to read the full story via InvestmentNews.
13 Best & Worst Broker-Dealers: Q3 Earnings, 2019
{November 26th, 2019} by Janet Levaux
Earnings of S&P 500 companies fell -2.2%, the third straight quarter for a year-over-year decline, according to FactSet. Still, 75% of S&P firms posted earnings surprises, and 60% reported revenue surprises. A big majority of those in financial services, 80%, had sales that topped estimates; the upside was about 3% over anticipated results. Click HERE […]
FBL Financial Group Declares Quarterly Dividend
{November 26th, 2019} by FBL Financial Group, Inc.
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–FBL Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: FFG) today announced that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.48 per share to owners of Class A and Class B common stock. The dividend will be payable on December 31, 2019 to shareholders of record as of December 16, 2019. FBL Financial […]
MetLife to Acquire Digital Estate Planning Capabilities
{November 26th, 2019} by MetLife, Inc.
NEW YORK & MIAMI–(BUSINESS WIRE)–MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET) (“MetLife”) and Bequest, INC (d/b/a Willing), a leading digital estate planning service, today announced they have entered into a definitive agreement under which MetLife will acquire Willing. This transaction brings new digital capabilities to MetLife and reinforces the company’s commitment to providing simple and easy-to-use benefits that […]
Announces New Accelerated Underwriting Capabilities to Reimagine the Client Experience
{November 20th, 2019} by Northwestern Mutual
MILWAUKEE, Nov. 19, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — To create a more integrated and seamless experience for its clients, Northwestern Mutual is leveraging technology and innovation to help more Americans achieve financial security. Through advanced analytics and predictive modeling, Northwestern Mutual announced that it has recently rolled out an accelerated underwriting process for disability insurance product applications, a technology the […]
Nineteen Facts That Illuminate Women’s Retirement Risks
{November 20th, 2019} by Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 14, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Only 12 percent of women workers are “very” confident that they will be able to fully retire with a comfortable lifestyle, according to 19 Facts About Women’s Retirement Outlook, a new study released today by nonprofit Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies® (TCRS). “Today’s women are better educated and enjoy career opportunities that were unimaginable […]
North American Company for Life and Health Insurance Announces Protection Builder Indexed Universal Life Product
{November 20th, 2019} by North American Company for Life and Health Insurance
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa, Nov. 18, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — North American Company for Life and Health Insurance® (North American), a member of Sammons® Financial Group, Inc. (SFG) and one of America’s leading insurance companies, today announced the launch of its Protection Builder Indexed Universal Life (IUL) insurance product. The product combines guaranteed death benefit protection1; cash value growth potential; […]
Midland National Life Insurance Company Announces Strategic Protector Indexed Universal Life Product
{November 20th, 2019} by Midland National Life Insurance Company
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa, Nov. 18, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Midland National® Life Insurance Company (Midland National), a member of Sammons® Financial Group, Inc. (SFG) and one of America’s leading insurance companies, today announced the launch of its Strategic Protector Indexed Universal Life (IUL) insurance product. The product combines guaranteed death benefit protection1; cash value growth potential; an accelerated death benefit […]
Eagle Life Announces New Income Product
{November 20th, 2019} by Eagle Life Insurance Company
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Eagle Life Insurance Company®, a leading annuity provider that specializes in safe, innovative retirement options, announces the addition of a new income-focused fixed index annuity product. The Eagle Select™ Income Focus is designed for clients who desire safety of principal, growth potential and an income stream that cannot be outlived. The […]
HONORING OUTSTANDING WOMEN IN THE FINANCIAL ADVICE INDUSTRY
{November 20th, 2019} by InvestmentNews
InvestmentNews is recognizing female financial advisers and industry leaders who are advancing the advice business through their passion, creativity, intellect and willingness to help other women along the way. Click HERE to view the winners.
Gender investing gap costs women in the long run, Krawcheck says
{November 20th, 2019} by Bruce Kelly
The most common — and potentially costly — mistake women make with money is that they fail to invest enough of it, according to Wall Street veteran Sallie Krawcheck. Click HERE to read the full story via InvestmentNews.
Brian Williams Honored as 2019 Bo Johnson Spirit Award for Lifetime Achievement Winner
{November 20th, 2019} by NAFA
WASHINGTON (Nov. 18, 2019) — NAFA, the National Association for Fixed Annuities, announced Brian Williams, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Financial Independence Group, as the winner of its 2019 Bo Johnson Spirit Award for Lifetime Achievement. The award recognizes courage, spirit and determination that challenges the status quo, inspires others to achieve, contributes unselfishly to others, […]
AIG names head of multinational for General Insurance
{November 20th, 2019} by Ryan Smith
American International Group (AIG) has announced the appointment of Allison Barrett as global head of multinational, General Insurance. Barrett will join the company Dec. 09 and will report to Michael Price, head of global service businesses and global chief operating officer for General Insurance. In her new role, Barrett will drive the execution of General […]
Majority of Americans Plan to Continue Working in Retirement
{November 20th, 2019} by TD Ameritrade
OMAHA, Neb.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Employees age 65 and older currently make up the fastest-growing segment of the American workforce1. In fact, according to a new survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of TD Ameritrade, the majority of Americans age 40 and older plan to continue working in a paid position after retiring. Often with a longer lifespan […]
The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America Names Andrew McMahon President
{November 20th, 2019} by The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America
NEW YORK, Nov. 14, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America announced today that Andrew McMahon, an industry veteran and head of the company’s largest business, has been elected President by its Board of Directors. Mr. McMahon’s appointment is part of Guardian’s regular succession planning process and is effective January 1, 2020. He will continue to […]
National Western Life Selects Equisoft to Accelerate its Growth Strategy
{November 20th, 2019} by Equisoft
PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ – Equisoft, a leading global provider of digital business solutions for the insurance and wealth industries, announced today that it has been selected by National Western Life Insurance Company to replace its core legacy policy administration system to support its digital growth initiatives. As part of this modernization project, Equisoft will implement […]
Complaint claims Ohio National poses ‘danger’ due to its ‘illegal’ activity
{November 20th, 2019} by Greg Iacurci
An insurance agent filed a complaint Friday with the Ohio Department of Insurance against Ohio National Life Insurance Co., alleging that the insurer’s treatment of a customer’s insurance premiums broke the law and that three senior executives tried to “cover up” the activity after it was reported internally. Click HERE to read the full story […]
Investors Reap Windfall From Former Hartford Financial Unit
{November 20th, 2019} by Juliet Chung and Leslie Scism
Several wealthy families and investment firms have received an early $700 million payout from a once-troubled unit of Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. HIG 0.19% that has enjoyed a remarkable turnaround since the financial crisis. The investors, which include the family offices of former hedge-fund manager Timothy Barakett and of Hyatt Hotels Corp. H 1.06% […]
Ohio National, Foes Seek Stay of Texas Trail Commission Case Until Parallel Ohio Lawsuit Resolved
{November 20th, 2019} by Greg Land
In the midst of multiple lawsuits accusing Ohio National Life Insurance of improperly cutting off trail commissions to brokers and agents selling its variable annuities, a Texas brokerage and the insurer have asked a federal judge to stay litigation there until a parallel lawsuit in Ohio can proceed. The filing comes after U.S. District Judge Susan Dlott of the […]
Can We Tolerate Millions of Elderly People Living in Cars?
{November 20th, 2019} by Allison Bell
Dr. Joanne Lynn last week warned members of Congress that enormous misery is coming, in about 10 years, if the country fails to improve support programs for the elderly. Lynn, a geriatrician, is the head of the long-term services and supports (LTSS) team at Altarum, an Ann Arbor, Michigan-based health policy research center. She’s the […]
Fidelity to Add USAA Income Annuity
{November 20th, 2019} by Allison Bell
Fidelity Investments has added a single-premium immediate annuity (SPIA) from USAA Life Insurance Company to the income annuity menu at its Fidelity Insurance Network program. A SPIA contract gives the purchaser a way to convert one big payment into a stream of income payments that starts right away. The typical purchaser is a newly retired […]
World Regulator Group May Let U.S. Have Its Own Capital Standards
{November 20th, 2019} by Allison Bell
An international insurance regulator group today adopted a capital standards approach that horrifies U.S. life insurers — but it said it might let the United States and other countries use an alternative promoted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS) approved the Insurance Capital Standard Version 2.0 standard at the […]
New Annuity Starts Lifetime Income Stream at Age 91 or Later
{November 20th, 2019} by Allison Bell
Haven Life Insurance Agency is offering a new defense against longevity risk: a deferred income annuity contract with benefits that start when the annuitant is at least 91 years old. Haven Life — a web-based agency arm of Massachusetts Life Insurance Company — is aiming the AgeUp annuity contract at working-age adults who want to protect their […]
North Dakota Commissioner Might Be the World’s Tallest Politician
{November 20th, 2019} by Allison Bell
Jon Godfread, the North Dakota insurance commissioner, might the “world’s tallest male politician.” Godfread announced Tuesday that Guinness World Records has certified him as having that status, based on measurements recorded in Bismarck, North Dakota, Oct. 4. Guinness World Records states on its website that Godfread is 6 feet 10 inches tall, or 210.767 centimers […]
States and Feds Split on Major World Insurance Standards Deal
{November 20th, 2019} by Allison Bell
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) says it likes the deal “Team USA” negotiators have hammered out with the International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS) over how the world’s financial services regulators will supervise insurer financial strength. The U.S. Treasury Department’s Federal Insurance Office (FIO) says it’s already filed an official objection to the newly approved […]
Tech Firm Aims to Help U.S. Life Insurers Do More With Their Data
{November 20th, 2019} by Allison Bell
A data analysis firm is making a major push to win clients in the U.S. life insurance sector. The company, SparkBeyond Ltd., has put out a white paper describing, in general terms, what its artificial intelligence-based research engine system has done for insurance industry clients, including life insurance company clients. SparkBeyond says for example, that […]
Kentucky Department of Insurance Moving to New Offices
{November 20th, 2019} by Allison Bell
The Kentucky Department of Insurance is moving to new offices in a new building starting next week. The department is heading to the Mayo-Underwood Building, a new state office building at 500 Mero St. in Frankfort, Ky. The department has been located at 215 W. Main St. in Frankfort. The department will be devoting Nov. 26 […]
Insurers Are Very Careful Nonbank Lenders: Economists
{November 20th, 2019} by Allison Bell
Insurers may be a bad alternative for corporate borrowers who think bankers are bunch of boring old fuddy-duddies. Insurers are very careful lenders themselves, and the maturities of their loans tend to be much longer, according to three economists who have studied nonbank lending. The economists — Sergey Chernenko of Purdue University, Isil Erel of Ohio State University, […]
Many Caregivers Try to Keep It Secret: Northwestern Mutual
{November 20th, 2019} by Allison Bell
The workplace may have another taboo topic: Being a decent, responsible person who takes care of aging parents or other adults with disabilities. Analysts at Northwestern Mutual have raised that possibility in a new slice of data from a poll the company organized earlier this year. The sample included 1,400 Americans ages 18 or older […]
American Equity Unit Adds Indexed Annuity
{November 20th, 2019} by Allison Bell
An arm of American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company has added an indexed annuity aimed at clients who want to protect their income against longevity risk. Eagle Life Insurance Company has filed the new Eagle Select Income Focus contract as a non-variable product. The product is part of an existing family of Eagle Select indexed annuities. Eagle Life […]
New annuity aimed at adult children of aging parents
{November 20th, 2019} by Insurance Forums Staff
One-third of 65-year-olds will likely live past 90, but many are underfunded for that long a life span and their families are often not prepared to cover the gap. That’s why Haven Life Insurance Agency, MassMutual’s in-house startup, just introduced AgeUp, a new product designed to provide financial protection for the adult children of the boomer […]
Ameriprise Adds 2 Advisors From LPL
{November 20th, 2019} by Jeff Berman
Ameriprise Financial’s franchise channel picked up First American Financial, a team of advisors based in Marlton, New Jersey, from LPL Financial. Advisors Bill Eldridge and Don Delmonte lead the team at First American and manage about $158 million in assets, Ameriprise said Thursday. The First American team also includes client service associates Denise Cherry, Lyn McCracken and […]
Millennials Understand Fixed Income Better Than Do Older Investors: Survey
{November 20th, 2019} by Michael S. Fischer
Millennials have a slightly better grasp than older investors of the role fixed income plays in retirement planning and how the asset class responds to market cycles, according to a study released Monday by BNY Mellon Investment Management. Asked by pollsters when average investors should consider adding fixed income to their investment portfolios, 36% of millennials said […]
SEC Chairman Wants to Know: ‘Have We Preserved Choice’ in Reg BI?
{November 20th, 2019} by Melanie Waddell
The Securities and Exchange Commission “really encourages engagement” as the agency implements Regulation Best Interest, the agency’s Chairman, Jay Clayton, said Tuesday. “I want to know: Have we preserved choice?” Clayton said during a question-and-answer session at the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association’s annual conference in Washington. “Choice in a way that provides investors […]
Hearsay Systems Launches New Compliance Consulting Arm
{November 20th, 2019} by Melanie Waddell
Hearsay Systems said Friday that it has launched a new consulting practice, Hearsay Compliance Advisory Services, to help financial services firms comply with industry regulations like the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Regulation Best Interest and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority’s recently enacted Advertising Rule 2210. “As new technologies permeate the financial services industry, compliance issues […]
