Survey Reveals Confusion About How Much Life Insurance Costs
{September 16th, 2020} by Staff Reports
Life insurance can pay for final expenses and provide financial security for loved ones left behind, but a new national survey from Erie Insurance shows many people are confused about it. Large percentages of respondents were unsure how various occupations and health conditions might affect who can or can’t get life insurance, and many significantly […]
Distributor Group Mobilizes Anti-DOL Fiduciary Rule Campaign
{September 16th, 2020} by Allison Bell
A group for life, annuity and long-term care insurance distributors is asking independent insurance agents to help it fight the U.S. Department of Labor’s new sales standards regulation draft. The Federation of Americans for Consumer Choice (FACC) has sent out an email asking FACC members and supporters to write to the White House, U.S. senators […]
Are your Clients Eligible to Access Life Insurance for LTC Expense but Don’t even Know it?
{September 16th, 2020} by Ramona Neal, CLU, CHFC, CLTC, REBC
Rider Trend: Life Insurance has grown up to be more than life insurance offering Living Benefit Riders to be used while the insured is still alive. Click HERE to read the full story via Living Benefit Review, LLC
Fixed Annuity vs Index Annuity: Which Do You Need?
{September 16th, 2020} by E. Napoletano
Securing steady, reliable income payments in retirement can be a big challenge. Fixed annuities and index annuities are two types of annuity contracts that can help provide reliable retirement income. While their names are suspiciously similar, these two annuity products work very differently. A fixed annuity offers a guaranteed rate of return on your initial […]
Crediting Interest With An Annual Reset One-Year Term Point-To-Point Crediting Method
{September 16th, 2020} by Wade Pfau
We start with considering how interest is credited to fixed index annuities, since this is the area that differs the most from variable annuities. Since FIAs are fixed annuities, crediting interest is the technical term for the returns generated by the contract value. As with variable annuities, it can be difficult to provide a standard explanation for […]
NexPhase Capital Announces Sale of Insurance Technologies to Thomas H. Lee Partners
{September 16th, 2020} by NexPhase Capital
NEW YORK, Sept. 14, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — NexPhase Capital, LP (“NexPhase” or the “Firm”), an operationally focused private equity firm and sub-advisor to the Moelis Capital Partners (“MCP”) Opportunity Funds, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell Insurance Technologies, LLC (“Insurance Technologies” or “InsTech” or the “Company”), a provider of sales and regulatory […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Ohio National Financial Services, Inc. and Its Subsidiaries
{September 16th, 2020} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICR) of “a+” of The Ohio National Life Insurance Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, Ohio National Life Assurance Corporation (together referred to as the Ohio National Life Group). These companies are the principal insurance […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Sagicor Financial Company Ltd. and Its Subsidiaries
{September 16th, 2020} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Ratings (FSR) of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICR) of “a-” of Sagicor Life Inc. (St. Michael, Barbados) and Sagicor Life Insurance Company (Austin, TX). Concurrently, AM Best has affirmed the FSR of B++ (Good) and the Long-Term ICR of “bbb+” of Sagicor […]
AM Best to Lead Life/Annuity-Focused Session at The Insurance Summit
{September 16th, 2020} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best will lead a session at The Insurance Summit, titled “Life Product and Risks,” on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2020. The Insurance Summit, which is themed as “Where Innovation Meets Regulation,” runs through Sept. 17, and is hosted by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and the National Insurance Producer Registry. The event brings […]
Hannover Re US and Somerset Re Announce CEO Transition, Further Expanding Reinsurers’ Collaboration in the Life and Annuity Market
{September 16th, 2020} by Hannover Re
PEMBROKE, Bermuda & ORLANDO, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Somerset Reinsurance Ltd. (Somerset Re) today reports that Patrick Kelleher, the firm’s founding CEO, has announced his retirement, effective December 31, 2020. Jeff Burt, currently President of Hannover Life Reassurance Company of America (Hannover Re US), a member of Hannover Re Group, and Chairman of Somerset Re, will assume the […]
The Des Moines Register Names American Equity a Winner of the Iowa Top Workplaces 2020 Award
{September 16th, 2020} by American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company®, a leading underwriter of fixed index annuities, has been awarded a Top Workplaces 2020 honor by The Des Moines Register. The list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage, LLC. The anonymous survey uniquely […]
Sagicor Life Insurance Company and Vida Life Announce Partnership
{September 16th, 2020} by Sagicor
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Sept. 14, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Sagicor® Life Insurance Company (Sagicor) and Vida Life™ (Vida) are pleased to announce that they have entered into a strategic partnership. Sagicor’s products and industry-leading Accelewriting® underwriting process combined with Vida’s insights in creating a quality bi-lingual experience will allow both companies to provide a new, innovative life insurance purchasing experience. Together, they will […]
TIAA Named One of the Top 100 Companies for Working Mothers for 10th Year in Row
{September 16th, 2020} by TIAA
NEW YORK, Sept. 15, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — TIAA, a leading financial services provider, has been named one of the 100 Best Companies for working mothers by Working Mother magazine. This year marks the 10th consecutive recognition for TIAA and the company’s 14th time receiving the award. The list recognizes employers for outstanding leadership in establishing policies, programs and a corporate culture […]
As Pandemic and Systemic Pressures Impact Retirement Savings, Advisors and Financial Professionals Favor Key Provision of SECURE Act: Nearly Two-Thirds Likely to Adopt In-Plan Guarantees
{September 16th, 2020} by Nationwide
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Sept. 14, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — As the pandemic’s impact collides with powerful systemic pressures putting more responsibility on individuals to save for retirement, Americans’ plans for retirement have been hit by the perfect storm. Roughly-three fourths of investors (72%) say the COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on how long they are able to live off […]
NAIC Life Insurance Policy Locator Matches More Than $1 Billion in Life Insurance Benefits and Annuities to Beneficiaries
{September 16th, 2020} by National Association of Insurance Commissioners
WASHINGTON, Sept. 14, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — The National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ (NAIC) Life Insurance Policy Locator continues to connect consumers with life insurance benefits. Each year, millions of dollars in life insurance benefits go unclaimed by beneficiaries who can’t find their deceased loved ones’ policies or, in some cases, may not even know the policies exist. That’s where […]
New Annuity Promises Protection Against Social Security Shortfall
{September 16th, 2020} by Jacqueline Sergeant
The Social Security Administration continues to warn that its retirement program’s trust fund reserves will be depleted by 2035, resulting in an annual benefit reduction of about 24%. That is without factoring in the pandemic and a proposed payroll tax cut that could move the date even closer. The possibility of broken promises with Social […]
JPMorgan Top Brass Tell Trading-Floor Staff to Come Back to the Office
{September 16th, 2020} by Julia-Ambra Verlaine
ne of Wall Street’s biggest employers is calling its trading staff back to the office. JPMorgan Chase JPM -3.11% & Co. executives told senior employees of the bank’s giant sales and trading operation that they and their teams must return to the office by Sept. 21, according to people familiar with the matter. Click […]
DOL Says Advice Proposal is Good for Americans; Many Explain Why It’s Not
{September 16th, 2020} by Stephanie Forshee
Industry insiders and watchdogs are finding flaws to varying degrees in the Department of Labor’s proposed exemption for investment advice fiduciaries. The proposal, entitled “Improving Investment Advice for Workers & Retirees,” offers a new prohibited transaction class exemption for investment advice fiduciaries. The exemption would be available to RIAs, broker-dealers, insurance companies, banks, and individual investment professionals […]
Why Annuity Demand Fell During the COVID Crash
{September 16th, 2020} by David Blanchett, Michael Finke and Timi Jorgensen,
Advisor Perspectives welcomes guest contributions. The views presented here do not necessarily represent those of Advisor Perspectives. Market crashes, such as we experienced in March at the onset of the pandemic, drive assets to the safe haven of government bonds. But our research shows this flight to safety mindset did not translate to an increase in demand […]
5 New Things a Top Analyst Is Seeing in the Annuity Market Now
{September 16th, 2020} by Allison Bell
Keefe, Bruette & Woods recently tried to pull insurance investors out of the COVID-19 work-at-home fog by holding a virtual insurance conference. The investment bank — which has its headquarters in the old Equitable Building in Midtown Manhattan — brought executives from 14 big, publicly traded life insurers in to talk about what they’re doing and […]
Nationwide Partners with SS&C to Transform Advisor-Sold Retirement Plan Business
{September 16th, 2020} by SS&C
WINDSOR, Conn., Sept. 10, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: SSNC) today announced that Nationwide, a leading insurance and financial services company, has partnered with SS&C to support and enhance its advisor-sold retirement plan platform. The strategic partnership will enable Nationwide to expand its advisor-sold retirement plan business and enter new markets. “Partnering with SS&C will allow Nationwide […]
Citi’s Next CEO Is Jane Fraser
{September 16th, 2020} by Janet Levaux
Citi has named Jane Fraser as its next CEO, making her the first woman to lead a large Wall Street bank. Fraser, 53, will take the reins from current Chief Executive Michael Corbat, 60, in February 2021, when he plans to retire after leading the bank for the past eight years. Click HERE to read the […]
The 4 Profiles In The Annuity Sweet Spot
{September 16th, 2020} by John hilton
The COVID-19 pandemic, economic turmoil and market fluctuations are testing the messages that annuity sellers use to market products. Those factors are also creating opportunities, a panel agreed Wednesday during the Supply Chain Summit hosted by the Insured Retirement Institute. Click HERE to read the full story via INN
There’s No Easy Fix to the DOL Fiduciary Rule
{September 16th, 2020} by Kim O'Brien
“It’s like déjà vu all over again.” Yogi Berra said a lot of things decades ago that seem apt today concerning the Department of Labor fiduciary rule. He also said “you can observe a lot by watching.” Click HERE to read the full story via ThinkAdvisor. Wink’s Note: A fiduciary rule is […]
No-Commission Annuities as a Substitute for Low-Yielding, Investment-Grade Bonds
{September 16th, 2020} by Rajiv Rebello
Advisor Perspectives welcomes guest contributions. The views presented here do not necessarily represent those of Advisor Perspectives. In a low-yield environment, advisors need to use financial planning tools like no-commission annuities to improve after-tax, after-advisory fee bond returns. A large bond allocation has long been the staple diversification tool for advisors to hedge market risk in their […]
Eagle Life Announces New Fixed Annuity Product Series
{September 9th, 2020} 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 three- and five-year fixed annuity products. The all-new Eagle Guarantee Focus® Series is a stable-money alternative designed for clients who desire both safety of principal and growth potential, especially during times of market […]
AM Best Comments on Sale of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company’s Retirement Services Business to Empower Retirement
{September 9th, 2020} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has commented that the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A++ (Superior) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating (Long-Term ICR) of “aa+” of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) (Springfield, MA) remain unchanged following today’s announcement that it has entered into an agreement to sell its retirement plan business to Empower Retirement. The […]
Empower Retirement to Acquire Retirement Plan Business of MassMutual
{September 9th, 2020} by -Empower Retirement and Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company
GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo. & SPRINGFIELD, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Empower Retirement and Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement for Empower to acquire the MassMutual retirement plan business. The acquisition will capitalize on both firms’ expertise, provide technological excellence and deep product capabilities, and create scale to the benefit […]
Regulators Hope FAQs Will Push States To Adopt Annuity Sales Rules
{September 9th, 2020} by John Hilton
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners has finished a series of frequently asked questions designed to help states adopt new annuity sales rules. The four-page document lists 13 questions and related answers on a variety of topics. Regulators are looking for comments on the FAQs by Oct. 2. Comments should be sent only by email to Jolie […]
Northwestern Mutual’s Latest Ad Campaign Celebrates American Resilience
{September 9th, 2020} by Northwestern Mutual
MILWAUKEE, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Northwestern Mutual, a leading financial services company, unveiled new ads today featuring poignant and powerful stories of real client experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ads showcase the challenges Americans are facing, and how partnering with a Northwestern Mutual advisor and having a financial plan in place can make a meaningful difference […]
5 Ideas About the Great-West-MassMutual Deal, for Annuity Sellers
{September 9th, 2020} by Allison Bell
Empower Retirement shook up the retirement plan market today by agreeing to provide a total of $3.35 billion in ceding commissions and extra capital for the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company retirement plan business. Empower — a Greenwood Village, Colorado-based arm of Great-West Lifeco of Winnipeg, Manitoba — is on track to acquire $167 billion in […]
AmeriLife Links New Annuity to Credit Suisse Index
{September 9th, 2020} by Allison Bell
AmeriLife has turned to two life insurance subsidiaries of A-CAP to stock its non-variable annuity shelves. The Clearwater, Florida-based life, health and annuity distributor is introducing the Accumulation Protector Plus Annuity contract, which it’s also calling the APP contract. Click HERE to read the full story via ThinkAdvisor
New Voya Survey Finds Half of Employed Americans Plan to Work in Retirement as a Result of COVID-19
{September 9th, 2020} by Voya
WINDSOR, Conn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Voya Financial, Inc. (NYSE: VOYA), announced new findings today from a consumer survey revealing that, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, more than half (54%) of employed Americans are now planning to work in retirement — with many (40%) noting an interest to have a “safety net” to cover unexpected costs and […]
Putting Families First During Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
{September 9th, 2020} by Wendy Herndon
Each year in the U.S., about 16,000 children face a cancer diagnosis.1 During Childhood Cancer Awareness Month this September, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic holding the country’s attention, this immunocompromised community deserves our support more than ever. No parent wants to think about the possibility of his or her child getting cancer, especially considering the physical […]
Millennials and Gen Z Want to Retire Earlier: Vanguard
{September 9th, 2020} by Alex Padalka
Financial advisors are likely to have a far more receptive audience among millennials in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, but the generation’s idea of retirement is very different from that of their older counterparts, according to a recent report. Almost half of millennials surveyed said the pandemic has increased their interest in obtaining professional […]
Young, Black Morgan Stanley FAs on Wirehouse Success: Be Persistent, Ask Questions
{September 9th, 2020} by Alex Padalka
Black financial advisors face obstacles in succeeding in the business, but two young Black advisors at Morgan Stanley say the challenges are certainly surmountable, according to news reports. Isaac Richard III and Dominique Jordan say they want to change perceptions investors may have when looking for an advisor, Black Enterprise writes. “The wealth inequality gap between Black and white […]
Fixed Index Annuities: What Are They? How Are They Different?
{September 9th, 2020} by Wade Pfau
In this discussion of fixed index annuities, which use to be called equity indexed annuities, I am mostly making an implicit assumption that the annuity is competitively priced. Internal costs reflect was is needed to support the guarantees provided by the insurance company and to keep the company reasonably profitable. But costs are not excessive […]
Wink Sees Sharp Drop in Q2 Individual Life Sales
{September 9th, 2020} by Allison Bell
COVID-19 may have pushed more consumers to apply for life insurance, but the increase in awareness may not yet be doing much for the dollar value of new sales. Wink Inc. says the dollar value of sales of all of the types of non-variable individual life products it tracks fell at least 6% between the […]
Brooke Shields Partners With Life Happens For Life Insurance Awareness Month: “2020 Is A Wake-Up Call For Everyone”
{September 9th, 2020} by Liz Frazier
2020 has been a year of uncertainties. The global pandemic has brought about anxiety and a feeling of powerlessness for most of us. We worry about our jobs, finances, health, loved ones and our own mortality. But there is something we still have control over, and it is more important now than ever before: protecting […]
FINRA Sanctions Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC and Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC More Than $2 Million for Supervisory Violations Related to Variable Annuity Switches
{September 9th, 2020} by FINRA
Firms to Pay $1.4 Million in Restitution to Approximately 100 Affected Customers WASHINGTON—FINRA announced today that Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC and Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC (Wells Fargo) have agreed to pay more than $1.4 million in restitution, plus interest, to approximately 100 customers and fines totaling $675,000 for failing to supervise recommendations […]
John Hancock Integrates Amazon Halo with Vitality Program
{September 9th, 2020} by Anthony R. O'Donnell
John Hancock (Boston), the U.S. division of Toronto-based Manulife, has partnered with Amazon to integrate Amazon Halo with the John Hancock Vitality Program. Starting this fall, all John Hancock Vitality customers will be able to link the Amazon Halo Band to the program to earn Vitality Points for the everyday efforts they make to live a healthier, […]
The Financial Vulnerabilities of Retirees Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic
{September 9th, 2020} by Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Despite the ongoing pandemic, three in four retirees (75 percent) say their confidence in their ability to maintain a comfortable lifestyle through retirement has stayed the same, according to a study released today by nonprofit Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies® (TCRS). While this stability in retirement confidence seems to be good news, it […]
Pandemic’s Impact on the Market and Economy Has Rattled Retirement Confidence
{September 9th, 2020} by Kiplinger
WASHINGTON, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Americans are less optimistic about their ability to enjoy a comfortable retirement due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to a new nationwide retirement survey released today by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine and the Alliance for Lifetime Income. Survey findings are available on Kiplinger.com and in the October Issue of Kiplinger’s Personal Finance on newsstands today. Half of […]
Canvas Introduces Direct-to-Consumer Annuity Options Online
{September 9th, 2020} by Canvas
PHOENIX, Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Canvas, a Phoenix-based insurance agency owned by Puritan Life Insurance Company of America (Puritan), is one of the first companies in the United States to launch fixed annuity options sold completely online, without commissioned sales agents. The Signature Future Fund and Flex Fund annuities from Canvas are sold directly to consumers and guarantee locked-in […]
Fidelity National Financial, Inc. Announces Virtual Participation at Barclays Global Financial Services Conference
{September 9th, 2020} by Fidelity National Financial, Inc.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Fidelity National Financial, Inc. (NYSE: FNF) (the “Company”) today announced that the Company’s President, Mike Nolan, Chief Financial Officer, Tony Park, and FGL Holdings’ CEO, Chris Blunt will participate in a fireside chat at the Barclays Global Financial Services Conference at 1:15 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, September 15, 2020. A live webcast and replay of the presentation […]
FBL Financial Group Announces Receipt of Proposal to Acquire Public Minority Stake
{September 9th, 2020} by FBL Financial Group, Inc.
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–FBL Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: FFG) (the “Company”) announces today that it has received a non-binding proposal dated September 4, 2020 (the “Proposal”) from Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company (“FBPCIC”) to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock of the Company […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Genworth Financial, Inc. and Its U.S. Life Subsidiaries
{September 9th, 2020} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of B (Fair) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating (Long-Term ICR) of “bb+” of Genworth Life and Annuity Insurance Company (GLAIC) (Richmond, VA). Concurrently, AM Best has affirmed the FSR of C++ (Marginal) and the Long-Term ICRs of “b” of Genworth Life Insurance Company (GLIC) […]
Athene to Participate in 2020 Barclays Global Financial Services Virtual Conference; Live Webcast Available
{September 9th, 2020} by Athene Holding, Ltd.
PEMBROKE, Bermuda–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Athene Holding Ltd. (“Athene”) (NYSE: ATH) will participate in the 2020 Barclays Global Financial Services Virtual Conference on Tuesday, September 15, 2020. On that day at 10:30am ET, Jim Belardi, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, will participate in an analyst-led fireside chat. A live webcast of the presentation will be available on the […]
Amazon and John Hancock Announce Strategic Collaboration Aimed at Helping Customers Improve Their Health and Wellness
{September 9th, 2020} by John Hancock
John Hancock Integrates Amazon Halo to Empower Life Insurance Customers to Live Longer, Healthier Lives SEATTLE and BOSTON, Aug. 27, 2020 /PRNewswire/ – Today, Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) and John Hancock, the US division of Toronto-based Manulife (NYSE: MFC), announced a strategic collaboration to provide engaging tools and resources to help John Hancock life insurance customers improve their individual health. This effort builds on John Hancock’s longstanding […]
An open letter to Corporate America: I can’t feel my pain
{September 9th, 2020} by Shundrawn Thomes
“My questions speak to matters of the heart, which supersede racial classification, political affiliation and religious denomination. What has contributed to our current state of affairs? Why are others acting or reacting in a particular manner? How can I personally make a difference?” Click HERE to read the full story via InvestmentNews
A Midwestern Life and Annuity Issuer May Go Private
{September 9th, 2020} by Allison Bell
A property and casualty insurer that’s closely related to FBL Financial Group wants to help buy out the other shareholders and take FBL Financial private. The P&C carrier, Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company, said Friday that its board has offered to pay a total of $440 million, or $47 per share, for the […]
Weighing Pandemic Risks When Donating to Colleges
{September 8th, 2020} by Paul Sullivan
Many colleges and universities are struggling to reopen safely and offer in-person classes during the pandemic. At risk is not just the health and safety of their students, faculty and staff, but in many cases the financial viability of the institutions themselves if they have to go to remote learning, which could prompt students and […]
Envestnet | MoneyGuide Teams With FIDx on Annuities: Tech Roundup
{September 8th, 2020} by Jeff Berman
Envestnet | MoneyGuide e8ntered into a strategic partnership with Fiduciary Exchange that provides insurance-licensed financial professionals the capability to plan, research, propose and manage annuity products from within MoneyGuide. Financial advisors who use MoneyGuide software will now be able to seamlessly implement annuity strategies modeled in a client’s financial plan via the FIDx platform, the […]
Life Industry Reps Try to Speed Shape DOL Rollover Standards Draft
{September 8th, 2020} by Allison Bell
Officials at the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) clearly think they have heard from all of the usual investment advice standards interest groups about 5,000 times too often. They struggled to squeeze all remaining public discussion of their new 401(k) plan rollover standards draft into one day of testimony, held Thursday. Phyllis Borzi, a former EBSA head, […]
Women fund managers beat men at stock picks, Goldman finds
{September 8th, 2020} by Lu Wang
Women fund managers remain woefully underrepresented in the fund industry, but they’re doing a better job picking stocks than their male counterparts, at least this year. Among some 500 large-cap U.S. mutual funds, those with at least one-third of manager positions held by women have beaten those with no women by 1 percentage point in […]
Does a 40% Bond Allocation Make Sense in Today’s Portfolios?
{September 8th, 2020} by Kurt Fillmore
Whether you’re the kind of investor who meets regularly with an adviser or the set-it-and-forget-it type who rarely looks at your 401(k), there’s a good chance your portfolio is set up with something close to a 60/40 mix of stocks and bonds. That asset allocation — with approximately 60% of an investor’s money in stocks […]
A-CAP and AmeriLife Launch New Fixed Indexed Annuity Linked to the Credit Suisse Momentum Index
{September 2nd, 2020} by A-CAP
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–A-CAP and AmeriLife today announced the launch of the Accumulation Protector Plus℠ (“APP”) Annuity, a 10-year fixed indexed annuity. The APP Annuity is the latest addition to the industry-leading product lines of A-CAP’s two insurance subsidiaries, Sentinel Security Life Insurance Company and Atlantic Coast Life Insurance Company. The APP Annuity is distinct in […]
Equitable Life & Casualty Insurance Company Changes Corporate Name to SILAC Insurance Company
{September 2nd, 2020} by Equitable Life & Casualty Insurance Company
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Equitable Life & Casualty Insurance Company, a leading provider of fixed and fixed indexed annuities, announced today that it will be changing its corporate name to SILAC Insurance Company. SILAC Insurance Company will continue to operate in its current structure and there has been no change in ownership and staff. The […]
Investors Heritage Ranks Among Fastest-Growing Private Companies on the 2020 Inc. 5000
{September 2nd, 2020} by Investors Heritage Life Insurance Company
FRANKFORT, Ky.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Investors Heritage Life Insurance Company (“Investors Heritage”) is pleased to announce that it was named to Inc. Magazine’s 2020 Inc. 5000 list, which ranks the nation’s fastest-growing private companies. With three-year growth of 371%, Investors Heritage ranked as the second fastest-growing private life insurer nationwide, the sixth fastest-growing private company in Kentucky, and […]
Transamerica Announces Fee Reductions on 26 Fund Share Classes
{September 2nd, 2020} by Transamerica
DENVER, Aug. 31, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Transamerica today announced management fee reductions on 26 share classes for mutual funds and variable annuity funds. Contingent upon share class, these reductions total 259 basis points annually and range from as much as 20 to two basis points per share class. The cumulative impact for 26 share classes is on approximately $4.98 […]
Ohio National enhances whole life portfolio with new riders
{September 2nd, 2020} by Ohio National Financial Services
CINCINNATI, Aug. 31, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ohio National Financial Services is pleased to announce the addition of the Protector Plus and Level-premium Paid-up Additions (PUA) riders to its limited pay whole life insurance lineup. Previously available together only on the Prestige 100 II lifetime pay whole life policy, their combination on limited pay whole […]
Black Basketball Pro Turned Advisor Worried About ‘Clear Color Line’
{September 2nd, 2020} by Susan Rupe
Many white advisors may have never asked a Black advisor what it’s like to be a minority in the industry. So Chris Gandy told them what it’s like. Gandy is president and founder of Midwest Legacy Group in Chicago and president of NAIFA-Chicagoland. Click HERE to read the full story via INN […]
Life Insurance In The Age Of COVID-19
{September 2nd, 2020} by Daniel Bortz
As a young entrepreneur with no kids, Jesse Silkoff hadn’t purchased life insurance before the coronavirus crisis. “I just didn’t think I needed it yet, and I’ve committed most of my financial resources to my business,” says Silkoff, 31, the president and co-founder of MyRoofingPal.com, an online marketplace that connects property owners with roofing contractors. COVID-19, […]
Need For Life Insurance Heightened By The Global Pandemic
{September 2nd, 2020} by Press Release
One thing that the COVID-19 pandemic has made clear is that life is fragile and a person’s financial situation can change very quickly. Yet, despite the fact that people generally recognize the value of life insurance, LIMRA research shows 46% of Americans are uninsured and many more do not have enough coverage. Before the pandemic, […]
Life/Annuity Industry’s 2020 Net Income Falls 66%, A.M. Best Finds
{September 2nd, 2020} by Staff Reports
The life/annuity industry’s net income fell by 66% in the first half of 2020, compared with the year-ago period, A.M. Best reported today, driven by a major reinsurance agreement inked between Jackson National and Athene. This financial review is detailed in a new Best’s Special Report, titled, “First Look— Six-Month 2020 Life/Annuity Financial Results.” Although […]
Pacific Life Foundation Awards $75,000 in College Scholarships to Students Who Lost a Parent Without Life Insurance
{September 2nd, 2020} by The Pacific Life Foundation
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Pacific Life Foundation (the Foundation) has awarded five $15,000 college scholarships through Life Happens (www.LifeHappens.org) and its annual Life Lessons Scholarship Program to aid the financial burden of students who have lost a parent without life insurance. The scholarships are part of September’s Life Insurance Awareness Month, designed to help educate individuals […]
Millennials and Gen Xers Shaping the Future of Financial Planning by Establishing New Norms with Financial Professionals
{September 2nd, 2020} by AIG Life & Retirement
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–According to a new study from AIG Life & Retirement and the MIT AgeLab, financial clients are expressing a willingness and desire to step beyond traditional conversational boundaries with their financial professionals. This is particularly apparent with younger clients between the ages of 30 and 45 who indicate the most interest in discussing […]
COVID, Low Rates Slam 2Q Annuity Sales: Wink
{September 2nd, 2020} by John Hilton
Annuity sales were down sharply in all but two product categories during the second quarter, according to the Wink’s Sales & Market Report, in a particularly tough sales period. Overall sales for all deferred annuities in the second quarter were down 12.8% when compared to the previous quarter and 21.2% when compared to the same […]
The Time is Now for Life Insurance: Life Happens & Brooke Shields Kick-Off Life Insurance Awareness Month
{September 2nd, 2020} by Life Happens
ARLINGTON, Va., Sept. 1, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Brooke Shields returns as the spokesperson for Life Happens, a nonprofit dedicated to educating consumers about the importance of life insurance and other related products for sound financial planning. During September’s Life Insurance Awareness Month (LIAM), Life Happens and Brooke Shields will join together to emphasize the value of life insurance. Following the […]
Massachusetts begins enforcing fiduciary rule despite Reg BI
{September 2nd, 2020} by Mark Schoeff Jr.
Massachusetts began enforcing Tuesday a regulation that would raise the investment-advice standard for brokers, becoming the first state to implement a rule to compete with a new federal advice standard. Click HERE to read the full story via InvestmentNews
Couples Are Complicated Prospects: New York Life Investments
{September 2nd, 2020} by Allison Bell
Married women who account for a majority of household income may have tricky relationships with their spouses, and they want advisors who understand them. Analysts at New York Life Investments have published some data on the “married woman breadwinner” market in a summary of results from a new consumer survey. Click HERE to read the […]
States Need Insurance Policyholder Advocacy Agencies: Advocate
{September 2nd, 2020} by Allison Bell
A longtime insurance consumer advocate has a proposal for fighting racism in insurance: Give every state a permanent, securely funded agency that can represent consumers in all kinds of disputes involving insurance. Birny Birnbaum, director of the Center for Economic Justice, included the “Bureau for the Consumer Advocate” (BICA) provision in a proposal for developing […]
Jackson Launches Digital Experience for Independent RIAs
{September 2nd, 2020} by Jackson National Life Insurance Company
LANSING, Mich.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jackson National Life Insurance Company® (Jackson®) today announced it has introduced a new distribution digital experience focused on independent Registered Investment Advisors (iRIAs) and their clients. As part of this new service, Jackson distribution associates will serve as licensed insurance professionals to help meet the needs of iRIAs and their clients. The new online […]
Athene Holding Ltd. Declares Third Quarter 2020 Preferred Stock Dividends
{September 2nd, 2020} by Athene Holding, Ltd.
PEMBROKE, Bermuda–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Athene Holding Ltd. (“Athene”) (NYSE: ATH) announced that it has declared the following preferred stock dividends on its non-cumulative preference shares (represented by depositary shares, each representing a 1/1,000th interest in a preference share), payable on September 30, 2020 to holders of record as of September 15, 2020. Quarterly dividend of $396.875 per […]
Transamerica Cuts Fees on 26 Share Classes of Active Funds, Variable Annuities
{September 2nd, 2020} by Allison Bell
Transamerica has reduced fees on 26 share classes of several actively managed mutual funds and variable annuity funds. The fee reductions range from two to 20 basis points and are the second set of fee cuts for the year. They were effective as of Aug. 28 for some funds and Aug. 31 for others. In […]
NAIC Race and Insurance Panel Schedules Open Meeting
{September 2nd, 2020} by Allison Bell
A new state insurance regulator panel will be looking at how it should address matters related to race, diversity, inclusion and fairness in the insurance sector. The Special Committee on Race and Insurance, an arm of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), is preparing to hold a two-hour open meeting starting at 2 p.m. Eastern […]
Life Insurers’ Commercial Mortgage Investments Did Great in Q2: Trepp
{September 2nd, 2020} by Allison Bell
Life insurers’ U.S. commercial mortgage investments did well in the second quarter, in spite of COVID-19 and pandemic-related lockdowns. Life insurers’ commercial mortgage loans provided 4.58% in total return for the second quarter. That was up from a 1% drop in the first quarter, and up from 3.11% in total return for the second quarter […]
Many Life Insurers Plan to Add Employees: Jacobson
{September 2nd, 2020} by Allison Bell
Low interest rates and COVID-19-related turmoil are squeezing U.S. life, health and annuity issuers — but half expect to add staff over the next 12 months. One-third expect to maintain current staffing levels, and just 17% expect to downsize, according to analysts at the Jacobson Group and Aon PLC’s Ward unit. Click HERE to read the full story […]
Dalbar to DOL: A Rollover Decision Is Not an Investment Decision
{September 2nd, 2020} by Allison Bell
Dalbar has told the Employee Benefits Security Administration that EBSA has based proposed sales standards for 401(k) plan rollovers on a faulty premise: that rollover decisions are investment decisions. “Rollover decisions are primarily driven by spending choices, personal obligations, estate considerations and longevity risk,” Dalbar says, in an outline of Dalbar executives’ views that was sent […]
GAO Tells Lawmakers Offshore Variable Life Can Be Abused
{September 2nd, 2020} by Allison Bell
A U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) team is telling Congress that taxpayers can abuse private placement variable life insurance. The GAO team looked at the product for Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. The team focused on two types of offshore insurance: micro-captive insurers controlled by U.S. businesses, and private placement […]
Study Finds 2 in 3 RIAs Would Consider Annuities if Clients Inquire
{September 2nd, 2020} by RetireOne
SAN FRANCISCO and NASHVILLE, Tenn., Sept. 1, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Joint research from RetireOne® and Jackson National Life Insurance Company® (Jackson®) finds that 68% of registered investment advisors (RIAs) would consider recommending an annuity in cases where clients asked about annuities. For the remaining third who say they would not recommend an annuity, cost, lack of liquidity and complexity are the main concerns cited. […]
Annuity Sales Slump During Pandemic
{September 2nd, 2020} by Ben Mattlin
t’s a uniquely difficult time for retirement planning. Because of the pandemic, the economy is on edge. Equity markets are volatile, and interest rates remain at record lows. So it’s not surprising that annuities—a key tool for retirement planning—are in a tizzy, too. Click HERE to read the full story via Financial Planning
Two-Thirds of RIAs Open to Recommending Annuities: Survey
{September 2nd, 2020} by Michael S. Fischer
Sixty-eight percent of RIAs say they would consider recommending annuities to clients who ask about them, according to joint research released Tuesday by RetireOne, a platform for fee-based insurance solutions, and Jackson National Life Insurance Co. The remaining third of RIAs in the study said they would not recommend an annuity because of cost, lack of liquidity […]
‘Everything Is About Engagement’: Idea File
{September 2nd, 2020} by Allison Bell
For Mike James, COVID-19 is not a friend. James has been of NFP’s NFP Life Solutions unit since July 2017, and head of individual solutions at NFP since January 2006. He came into NFP as a sales executive with NFP’s Partners Financial, after spending 14 years at John Hancock. Click HERE to read the full […]
FBL Financial Group to Present at Investor Conferences in September
{September 2nd, 2020} by FBL Financial Group, Inc
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–FBL Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: FFG) today announced that it will participate in two investor conferences in September. Dan Pitcher, Chief Executive Officer, and Don Seibel, Chief Financial Officer, will discuss the company at the Keefe, Bruyette & Woods 2020 Virtual Insurance Conference on Wednesday, September 9, 2020 at 4:40 p.m. Eastern […]
Voya Financial Provides Update on Sale of Individual Life Business and Other Closed Blocks
{September 2nd, 2020} by Voya Financial, Inc
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Voya Financial, Inc. (NYSE: VOYA), today announced that it now expects to complete the divestment of its Individual Life and other legacy non-retirement annuities businesses in the fourth quarter of 2020. Voya previously announced that it has sold these businesses to Resolution Life Group Holdings (Resolution Life) pursuant to a Master Transaction Agreement […]
Majesco Positioned as a Visionary in Gartner 2020 Magic Quadrant for Life Insurance Policy Administration Systems, North America
{September 2nd, 2020} by Majesco
MORRISTOWN, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Majesco (NASDAQ: MJCO), a global provider of cloud insurance platform software for insurance business transformation, today announced that it has been once again positioned as a Visionary in the August 2020 Magic Quadrant for Life Insurance Policy Administration Systems, North America. Per the report, which evaluates 11 vendors, “This Magic Quadrant provides a […]
FBL Financial Group Declares Quarterly Dividend
{September 2nd, 2020} by FBL Financial Group, Inc.
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–FBL Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: FFG) today announces that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.50 per share to owners of Class A and Class B common stock. The dividend will be payable on September 30, 2020 to shareholders of record as of September 15, 2020. FBL Financial […]
SDNY Rules on Class Plaintiffs’ Motion for Class Certification in AXA COI Litigation
{September 1st, 2020} by Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP, Ric Fukushim, Khail LeQuang, Aaron Rubin
On August 13, 2020, in the putative class action challenging AXA’s COI rate increase on Athena Universal Life II (“AUL II”) policies, Judge Jesse M. Furman of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York issued an order granting in part and denying in part the class plaintiffs’ motion for class […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Sammons Financial Group, Inc. and Its Subsidiaries
{August 26th, 2020} by A.M. Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A+ (Superior) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICR) of “aa-” of Midland National Life Insurance Company (Midland National) and North American Company for Life and Health Insurance (North American) (both domiciled in West Des Moines, IA). In addition, AM Best has affirmed the […]
Advisers might be warming to annuities: Report
{August 26th, 2020} by Emile Hallez
The COVID-19 crisis could make 2020 the year when some advisers learn to like annuities and others are reminded why they considered them in the past, according a recent report from Cerulli Associates. Click HERE to read the full story via InvestmentNews
Transamerica Supports Derecho Recovery Efforts in Cedar Rapids
{August 26th, 2020} by Transamerica
BALTIMORE, Aug. 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Transamerica announced today that the Aegon Transamerica Foundation has approved a grant of $250,000 to United Way of East Central Iowa to support recovery efforts after a powerful line of storms, known as a derecho, swept through the Midwest on August 10. The storm caused significant damage to homes and buildings and left more than […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of National Western Life Group, Inc. and Its Subsidiaries
{August 26th, 2020} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating (Long-Term ICR) of “a” of National Western Life Insurance Company (NWLIC) (Centennial, CO). Concurrently, AM Best has affirmed the FSR of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term ICR of “a-” of Ozark National Life Insurance Company (Ozark) […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of American International Group, Inc. and Most Subsidiaries; Downgrades Issuer Credit Ratings of Life/Health Subsidiaries
{August 26th, 2020} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has affirmed the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating (Long-Term ICR) of “bbb” of American International Group, Inc. (AIG) (headquartered in New York, NY) [NYSE: AIG]. AM Best also has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term ICRs of “a” of its property/casualty insurance subsidiaries (collectively referred to as […]
Top Texas Insurance Regulator to Give Up Post in September
{August 26th, 2020} by Allison Bell
Kent Sullivan, the Texas insurance commissioner, says he’ll be giving up that post in September and returning to the private sector. Sullivan has not yet said what he expects to do in the private sector. In Texas, the governor appoints the insurance the commissioner. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, appointed Sullivan to be commissioner […]
Lindberg gets more than 7 years for trying to bribe elected official; says he’ll appeal
{August 26th, 2020} by MICHAEL GORDON AND AMES ALEXANDER
Greg Lindberg, the billionaire businessman at the heart of one of North Carolina’s worst government corruption scandals, will spend more than seven years in prison, a federal judge ruled Wednesday in Charlotte. U.S. District Judge Max Cogburn also ordered Lindberg to pay a $35,000 fine and placed him on three years’ probation for his scheme […]
Are Your Clients Ready For Retirement?
{August 26th, 2020} by Julie Stewart
Baby boomers should have at least $1 million of investable assets to generate adequate income for the duration of their life expectancy, according to a report by the Insured Retirement Institute. Note, that figure doesn’t even include Social Security benefits. Are Your Clients Ready For Retirement? In order to effectively assist your clients in designing a retirement plan that allows […]
RILAs Take The FIA Road In This Crisis
{August 26th, 2020} by Steven A. Morelli
Consumers are rushing to safety as they did early in the Great Recession, but they are running toward different products during this economic downturn – and that trend is likely to continue even in this ultralow rate environment. That is one of the projections to expect from Todd Giesing, senior director, annuity research, Secure Retirement […]
How To Build Your Own Retirement Paycheck
{August 26th, 2020} by Stephen Chen
As the CEO of a company whose mission is to help people secure retirement, I am obsessed with the unintended consequences of retirement planning and advice that focuses more on assets than income. It makes sense that the companies that produce this advice and manage the assets, from brokerages like Fidelity and Schwab to robo-advisors […]
Principal Financial’s Dan Houston on biggest risks and predictions for the COVID-19 pandemic
{August 26th, 2020} by Fortune On Demand
Houston says liquidity and listening to employee concerns has helped Principal weather the crisis so far. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Click HERE to view via FORTUNE
Two Cheers for DOL’s Lifetime Income Disclosure
{August 26th, 2020} by Kerry Pechter
The Department of Labor has issued a 112-page “interim final rule”—still subject to amendment in response to public comment, but final if not amended—that implements legislation requiring defined contribution plans to include “lifetime income illustrations” in an annual plan benefit statement. Click HERE to read the full story via RIJ
Greg Lindberg Sentenced To 87 Months In Prison For Bribery
{August 26th, 2020} by Staff Reports
Insurance magnate and billionaire Greg Lindberg was sentenced to more than seven years in prison Wednesday for orchestrating a bribery scheme involving independent expenditure accounts and improper campaign contributions. Lindberg, 50, of Durham, N.C., the founder and chairman of Eli Global and the owner of Global Bankers Insurance Group, was sentenced to 87 months in […]
Annuities: Offering Protection In A COVID-Crazy World
{August 26th, 2020} by Ryan Skinner
Will I run out of money? Do I run the risk of losing my savings due to outside factors? It is no secret that these are two of the main questions facing those approaching or considering retirement, even more so considering the COVID-19 pandemic. Click HERE to read the full story via INN […]
Life Happens Launches COVID-19 Financial Relief Scholarship for U.S. Students
{August 26th, 2020} by Life Happens
ARLINGTON, Va., Aug. 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Life Happens, a nonprofit dedicated to educating consumers about the importance of life insurance and other related products, launches a COVID-19 Relief Scholarship, an extension of its annual Life Lessons Scholarship Program, to provide financial aid to college or college-bound students in the U.S. who have experienced the death of a […]
COVID-19 Raises Importance of Life Insurance and Drives Consumer Purchase Intent, Study Shows
{August 26th, 2020} by Lincoln Financial Group
RADNOR, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–As a result of COVID-19, more than a third of consumers think life insurance is more important and a similar number say they have or are planning to purchase life insurance according to a new study from Lincoln Financial Group (NYSE:LNC).1 Additionally, the study found that digital options increase the likelihood to purchase life […]
Security Benefit expands its flexible retirement platform with new App and Enhanced Service Capabilities
{August 26th, 2020} by Security Benefit
TOPEKA, Kan.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Security Benefit announced today the expansion of its retirement plan service platform with a broad set of new digital enhancements, among them is its new My Security Benefit app and SmartChoice open architecture platform. The app is now available in the App Store and on Google Play. “While this has been a time when many companies […]
Parents and Their Adult Children Disagree on Their Future Financial Interdependence as They Think About Navigating Life Beyond COVID-19
{August 26th, 2020} by New York Life
New York Life data Suggests an Opportunity to Normalize Intergenerational Financial Conversations August 24, 2020 10:32 AM Eastern Daylight Time NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on all aspects of life and has resulted in significant changes to the way we work, live and think about money. These changes are especially […]
Accenture Positioned as a Leader in Gartner’s 2020 Magic Quadrant for Life Insurance Policy Administration Systems, North America
{August 26th, 2020} by Accenture
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Accenture (NYSE: ACN) has been positioned as a Leader in Gartner’s “Magic Quadrant for Life Insurance Policy Administration Systems, North America*” report for the Accenture Life Insurance and Annuity Platform (ALIP). According to the report, which evaluated 11 different software vendors on 15 criteria, “As the COVID-19 pandemic has clearly demonstrated, business operating conditions can […]
AM Best: Low Interest Rates Challenge Life/Annuity Writers (AM BestTV)
{August 26th, 2020} by AM BestTV
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–In this episode of AMBestTV, Associate Director Jason Hopper and Financial Analyst Igor Bass, both of AM Best, said economic turmoil from the COVID-19 pandemic is creating new challenges for life/annuity writers. Click on http://www.ambest.com/v.asp?v=interestrates820 to view the entire program. Hopper outlined the steps that the life/annuity insurers have taken to de-risk their portfolios, while also describing […]
Allianz Life Gives $2 Million in Grants to Twin Cities Nonprofits
{August 26th, 2020} by Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America
INNEAPOLIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz Life) announced today that it is making $2 million in grants to nonprofits in the Twin Cities with the goal of helping to address inequities in the community and bring about positive change in the lives of at-risk members of the Twin Cities community, specifically people […]
TruChoice Financial Group, LLC Appoints Jim Maietta Chief Distribution Officer
{August 26th, 2020} by TruChoice Financial Group
MINNEAPOLIS, Aug. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — TruChoice Financial Group, LLC (TruChoice), one of the largest distributors of financial services products in the insurance industry, today announced the appointment of Jim Maietta as Head of Sales/Chief Distribution Officer (CDO), effective Aug. 16, 2020. “This hiring decision is a critical next step in moving our ‘One TruChoice’ vision forward,” said TruChoice President and […]
3 Things to Ask About Annuities Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic
{August 26th, 2020} by Dylan Huang
COVID-19 and its economic aftershocks have raised important questions for Americans preparing to leave the workforce, and surfaced new concerns about their ability to meet the financial demands of retirement. Advisors’ working environment has also changed significantly. Many advisors are adapting to new technology, learning how to maintain connections with current clients or building relationships with […]
SEC to Take Up Long-Awaited Accredited Investor Definition Changes
{August 26th, 2020} by Melanie Waddell
The Securities and Exchange Commission plans to take up Wednesday the long-awaited changes to the agency’s “accredited investor” definition. The securities regulator notes that the amendments “are the product of years of efforts by the Commission and its staff to consider and analyze possible approaches to revising” the definition. Click HERE to read the full story […]
Advisors’ Advice: You Don’t Have to Major in Business to Be a Financial Planner
{August 26th, 2020} by Ginger Szala
Advisors’ academic backgrounds are as varied as the advice they provide and the clients they serve. Many have studied business and finance, but plenty graduated outside that norm and still became successful financial advisors. We recently asked financial advisors, via the Financial Planning Association and the XY Planning Network, what they majored in and how their […]
Ohio National Financial Services is pleased to announce the addition of the Annual Point-to-Point with S&P 500 (Higher Cap) allocation option to its ONdex fixed indexed annuity (FIA).
{August 26th, 2020} by Melanie Waddell
The Labor Department plans to hold a hearing on its proposed fiduciary rule that aims to align with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Regulation Best Interest, according to a notice in the Federal Register. A Labor spokesperson confirmed to ThinkAdvisor in a late Friday afternoon email message that a hearing is planned. Click HERE to read […]
ONdex fixed indexed annuity adds higher cap S&P 500® index option
{August 26th, 2020} by Ohio National Financial Services
CINCINNATI, Aug. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ohio National Financial Services is pleased to announce the addition of the Annual Point-to-Point with S&P 500 (Higher Cap) allocation option to its ONdex fixed indexed annuity (FIA). The new option may help clients capture more market growth during periods of strong performance, while offering market loss protection […]
Variable Indexed Annuity Sales Keep the Light On
{August 26th, 2020} by Allison Bell
Life insurer support helped keep U.S. sales of individual variable indexed annuities growing in the second quarter, even as sales of all other major types of individual annuities fell. Analysts at the Secure Retirement Institute say, in a summary of new survey data, that overall individual annuity sales fell 24%, to $49 billion. Click HERE to read […]
Transamerica Foundation Gives $250,000 to Iowa Storm Recovery Efforts
{August 26th, 2020} by Allison Bell
The Aegon Transamerica Foundation is giving $250,000 to United Way of East Central Iowa, to help Iowa recover from a derecho that blew through the Midwest Aug. 10, the company announced today. A derecho is a windstorm with wind that blows in a straight line, about as hard as the wind in a hurricane. The Aug. […]
Interest Rate Assumption Changes Could Be the New Monster
{August 26th, 2020} by Allison Bell
For analysts at S&P Global Ratings, the possible effects of changes in life insurers’ interest rate assumptions is one of the question marks looming over the industry. Deep Banerjee, a lead analyst at S&P, talked about his company sees life insurers Wednesday, during a web meeting S&P organized to review insurers’ second-quarter financial reports. Click […]
Jackson Names Liz Werner SVP, Investor Relations
{August 26th, 2020} by Jackson National Life Insurance Company
LANSING, Mich.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jackson National Life Insurance Company® (Jackson®) today announced Liz Werner has been named Senior Vice President, Investor Relations, Jackson. Werner joins the company with broad investor communications experience across the financial services industry, including banking, insurance and advisory services. She assumed her new role on August 10 and will be based in Jackson’s Lansing, […]
AmeriLife® Names Barbara Stewart President of AmeriLife Benefits
{August 26th, 2020} by AmeriLife
Clearwater, Fla. ̶ August 20, 2020 ̶ AmeriLife Group, LLC (“AmeriLife”), the national leader in marketing and distributing life, health and retirement solutions, today announced Barbara S. Stewart as President of AmeriLife Benefits, based in Overland Park, Kan. She previously served as AmeriLife’s Executive Vice President, Marketing and Strategy. In her new role, Stewart will […]
COVID-19 Energizes Life Insurance Awareness Month 2020 Campaign
{August 26th, 2020} by Allison Bell
Life Happens is preparing to start Life Insurance Awareness Month 2020 (LIAM20) Sept. 1, but, unofficially, the outreach campaign is already going strong. Brooke Shields is returning as the campaign spokesperson, and Life Happens is seeking donations to fund a new COVID-19 Life Lessons Scholarship Program. The new scholarship program complements Life Happens’ existing Life […]
iPipeline Platform to Take on New Dimension with Sean Fallon as VP, SSG Digital Platform & Policy Administration
{August 26th, 2020} by iPipeline
EXTON, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–iPipeline®, a leading provider of cloud-based software solutions for the life insurance and financial services industry, today announced the appointment of Sean Fallon to the position of Vice President, SSG Digital® Platform and Policy Administration. Fallon comes to iPipeline from CNO Financial Group, where he served as Vice President, Front Office Application Development, […]
New York Life Teams With Legg Mason’s QS Investors Unit: Annuity Moves
{August 26th, 2020} by Allison Bell
New York Life says it will be working more closely with Legg Mason, and Legg Mason’s QS Investors unit, to develop variable annuity investment menus. The New York-based life insurer has been working to promote news about the expansion of the relationship. New York Life first put QS Investors model portfolios in its variable annuities […]
NAIC Adopts Artificial Intelligence Principles
{August 26th, 2020} by Allison Bell
Members of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) have agreed unanimously to adopt an Artificial Intelligence Guiding Principles. The NAIC’s AI Working Group based the document on a set of AI principles developed by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The United States is one of the 42 countries that has adopted […]
The latest in financial #AdviserTech — August 2020
{August 26th, 2020} by Michael Kitces and Craig Iskowitz
This month’s edition welcomes new co-author (and AdviserTech guru) Craig Iskowitz and kicks off with a look at the emergence of AdviserTech as a financial technology software category unto itself. Click HERE to read the full story via InvestmentNews
Pandemic Has More Americans Thinking About a Retirement Reset
{August 26th, 2020} by Alliance for Lifetime Income
Since COVID-19 and the subsequent market volatility, 7 out of 10 Americans are now pessimistic about their retirement plans and some are turning to lower-risk options for their retirement investments, according to Alliance for Lifetime Income surveys conducted in April and June. Click HERE to read the full story via InvestmentNews
Asset-based fee models are ‘lazy’ — and flawed
{August 26th, 2020} by Jeff Benjamin
The good news for the financial advice business is that there is almost no evidence the trend toward fee compression spreading across financial services is impacting advisory fees. Click HERE to read the full story via InvestmentNews
Pacific Life to DOL: Are You the Rollover Police?
{August 26th, 2020} by Allison Bell
The general counsel for Pacific Life has lasered in on one major life insurer concern about the U.S. Department of Labor’s sales standard proposal: The proposal seems to give DOL new authority to regulate rollovers from 401(k) plans into other investment arrangements. Officials at the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) — the DOL arm that […]
Zurich leads the way with Women’s Innovation Network
{August 25th, 2020} by Bethan Moorcraft
The insurance industry is always looking for innovative ways to attract, retain, and support female employees in their career development. Every company has a different strategy, but one insurer to really make waves in the women in the insurance arena is Zurich North America, thanks in part to one unique employee resource group (ERG) – the Zurich […]
Income Annuities Can Be Mighty Structures
{August 25th, 2020} by David Hanzlik
Constructing a solid income plan is essential to ensuring that clients’ retirement needs are met. But with a rapid decline in pension plans, escalating health care and cost-of-living expenses, and decreasing confidence in the solvency of Social Security, the imbalance between income and costs in retirement is growing starker for many Americans. This trend accelerated […]
Nationwide announces launch of new Nationwide Defined Protection(SM) Annuity registered index-linked annuity
{August 19th, 2020} by Nationwide
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Aug. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Nationwide, one of the strongest, diversified, Fortune 100 insurance and financial services companies, joins with product development partner Annexus, the premier independent designer of indexed retirement solutions, to announce the launch of the Nationwide Defined Protection℠ Annuity (DPA), a new registered index-linked annuity (RILA). DPA is the carrier’s first offering in a […]
ONdex fixed indexed annuity adds higher cap S&P 500® index option
{August 19th, 2020} by Ohio National Financial Services
CINCINNATI, Aug. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ohio National Financial Services is pleased to announce the addition of the Annual Point-to-Point with S&P 500 (Higher Cap) allocation option to its ONdex fixed indexed annuity (FIA). The new option may help clients capture more market growth during periods of strong performance, while offering market loss protection […]
The Absent Insurance Agent My Family Needed Forty Years Ago
{August 19th, 2020} by Charlie Gipple
I was never going to write on this topic until today when I had a conversation with Joe Jordan. Some of you may know Joe, who has written the bestselling book “Living a Life of Significance.” Joe is also a globally sought after speaker on the value of what we do in the insurance business. Joe […]
Royal Neighbors, one of the first life insurance companies to insure women, celebrates 125 years
{August 19th, 2020} by Alma Gaul
Cynthia Tidwell is the leader of a trail-blazing organization founded 125 years ago this year in Rock Island. Tidwell is president and CEO of Royal Neighbors of America, a membership life insurance and annuities organization founded by nine pioneering women who realized women’s lives had financial value and were worthy of life insurance. Royal Neighbors […]
NAIC Executive Committee Adopts Contentious AG 49 Changes
{August 19th, 2020} by John Hilton
A National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ committee had the final word Friday on Actuarial Guideline 49, approving changes designed to tighten up indexed universal life illustrations. The executive committee and the plenary approved the newly named AG 49A with a lone No vote by New York. There were no comments accepted, but Jillian Froment, director […]
Survey: Fears grow about Social Security’s future
{August 19th, 2020} by Courtenay Brown
Younger Americans are increasingly concerned that Social Security won’t be enough to wholly fall back on once they retire, according to a survey conducted by AARP — in honor of today’s 85th anniversary of the program — given first to Axios. Why it matters: Young people’s concerns about financial insecurity once they’re on a restricted income […]
The 5 Myths That Keep Black Americans From Buying Life Insurance
{August 19th, 2020} by John Hilton
Some recent studies show that Black households are more receptive than other races to life insurance — but the key is reaching that market. Nearly 80 percent of Black Americans said having life insurance is a goal for them, a 2019 New York Life study found, versus 63 percent of all adults. More than 90 […]
Social Security Turns 85
{August 19th, 2020} by SRI
On Aug. 14, 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law. Among the provisions of the law was a social insurance program designed to pay retired workers age 65 or older a continuing income after retirement. The intent was to provide economic stability to older Americans, however, Social Security was not […]
A New Boom for Life Insurance
{August 19th, 2020} by Denise Garth
When executives are looking at future business scenarios, they are often called upon to “connect the dots.” If we draw a line from A to B to C to D, what kind of future scenario emerges? In which direction are the dots pointing? Sometimes the lines are fuzzy. The dots don’t quite line up. The […]
Life Insurers’ Bermuda Triangle, Part II
{August 19th, 2020} by Kerry Pechter
Over the past 10 years, a new and vigorous business model has gone viral in much of the once-stodgy life insurance and annuity industry. The model encompasses three types of enterprises, all owned, in many cases, by the same financial services company, private equity firm, or holding company. Click HERE to read the full story […]
Northwestern Mutual Named to the Diversity Best Practices Inclusion Index
{August 19th, 2020} by Northwestern Mutual
MILWAUKEE, Aug. 18, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Northwestern Mutual announced today that the company earned a place in Working Mother Media’s Diversity Best Practices (DBP) Inclusion Index. The index evaluates participants in three key areas: best practices in the recruitment, retention and advancement of people from underrepresented groups; inclusive corporate culture, including leadership accountability; and demographic diversity for women […]
Foresters Financial celebrates twenty years of A.M. Best “A” (Excellent) ratings
{August 19th, 2020} by Foresters Financial
TORONTO, Aug. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ – Foresters Financial™, the international fraternal life insurer, today announced that the independent rating agency A.M. Best Company1 has affirmed The Independent Order of Foresters (IOF) Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of “A” (Excellent) and an issuer credit rating (ICR) of “a+”. Foresters Financial has maintained an Excellent A.M. Best financial strength2 rating for twenty consecutive […]
Transamerica Congratulates PGA TOUR’s Payne Stewart Award Winner Zach Johnson
{August 19th, 2020} by Transamerica
BALTIMORE, Aug. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Transamerica is pleased to congratulate Zach Johnson on winning the PGA TOUR’s Payne Stewart Award. Transamerica and its parent, Aegon, have been Mr. Johnson’s primary sponsors since he joined the PGA TOUR in 2004. Established in 2000, the Payne Stewart Award is presented annually to a professional golfer who best exemplifies steadfast values of character, charity and […]
Policygenius Launches Wills and Trusts Through New Mobile App
{August 19th, 2020} by TruChoice Financial Group
MINNEAPOLIS, Aug. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — TruChoice Financial Group, LLC (TruChoice), one of the largest distributors of financial services products in the insurance industry, today announced the appointment of Jim Maietta as Head of Sales/Chief Distribution Officer (CDO), effective Aug. 16, 2020. “This hiring decision is a critical next step in moving our ‘One TruChoice’ vision forward,” said TruChoice President and […]
Some Insurers May Have Taken Bond Market Liquidity for Granted
{August 19th, 2020} by Allison Bell
Typical insurace company investment managers worry at least some about every imaginable risk, but they may not have worried all that much about the possibility that the bond markets could freeze up. Analysts at Cerulli Associates have raised that possibility in a new look at the state of asset and wealth management in the United […]
DOL Issues Rule on Lifetime Income Statements
{August 19th, 2020} by Melanie Waddell
The Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration released Tuesday an interim final rule intended to help workers estimate how their current savings in a defined contribution plan translates into lifetime monthly payments. The rule implements Section 203 of the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (Secure) Act of 2019. Click HERE to read the full […]
7 Things to Know About Jackson Moving Out of Its U.K. Parent’s House
{August 19th, 2020} by Allison Bell
Jackson National Life Insurance Company could soon return to being an independent, U.S.-based life insurance company. Its parent, Prudential PLC of London, said earlier this week that it sees the sale of an 11.1% equity stake to Athene Holding Ltd., a reinsurer, as the start of efforts to separate from Jackson. Mike Wells, Prudential’s group chief […]
Why Life Insurers Need to Build Wellness Rewards Into Premiums
{August 19th, 2020} by Sammy Rubin
When the insurtech company Lemonade released a video in July to commemorate its fifth anniversary, the company conducted vox pop interviews on the streets of New York , asking ‘What do you think when you hear the world insurance?’. “Boring” and “a trigger word” were among the milder responses. There’s no denying that the industry […]
Technology App Offers Immediate Life Insurance Coverage for First Responders
{August 19th, 2020} by 4NoExam.com
ATLANTA, Aug. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — As COVID-19 takes its toll, people are thinking about life insurance in a new light. Only about half of U.S. adults have this coverage, which provides cash payments to survivors. About a third of those have life insurance through their employers, another concern as companies downsize or close their doors. Most Americans […]
