Jackson Enters the Registered Index-Linked Annuity Market
{October 13th, 2021} by Jackson National Life Insurance Company
LANSING, Mich.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jackson National Life Insurance Company® (Jackson®), the main operating subsidiary of Jackson Financial Inc. (NYSE: JXN), today announced the launch of Jackson Market Link ProSM (JMLP) and Jackson Market Link Pro AdvisorySM (JMLPA), two new registered index-linked annuities (RILAs). JMLP (commission-based) and JMLPA (fee-based) offer consumers the opportunity to grow assets before and during retirement while offering […]
F&G Purchases 30% Ownership Stake in Freedom Equity Group
{October 13th, 2021} by Fidelity & Guaranty Life; Fidelity National Financial, Inc.
DES MOINES, Iowa, Oct. 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — F&G, part of the FNF family of companies and a leading provider of annuities and life insurance, announced a 30% ownership stake in Freedom Equity Group (FEG), a top Life IMO and longtime F&G partner. The opportunity brings new distribution capacity for F&G to fuel growth in middle market […]
BlackRock Adding Annuities to 401(k) Plans
{October 13th, 2021} by Bernice Napach
BlackRock, the world’s biggest asset manager with more than $9 trillion in assets, is moving into annuities. The firm has a new target date retirement product for 401(k) plans that will provide workers a stream of payments through their lives. Called the LifePath Paycheck solution, it embeds annuity contracts issued by Equitable and Brighthouse Financial, […]
Arizona IMO Seeks Bankruptcy Protection From IUL Fraud Fight
{October 13th, 2021} by John Hilton
A prolific pension fraud scheme that spread to the insurance industry before being shut down by federal investigators continues to produce fresh lawsuits. And it also continues to claim new victims — the latest being Shurwest, a successful Scottsdale, Ariz., independent marketing organization. Shurwest filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy Aug. 31 after executives realized “there’s […]
Pandemic Spurred Eight out of 10 People to Reevaluate Life and Finances
{October 13th, 2021} by Lincole Financial Group's 2021 Retirement Power study
RADNOR, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The last 18 months have had a significant impact on businesses, the economy and society — and nearly eight in ten U.S. workers are reevaluating what is important in life, including finances, their career and retirement, according to Lincoln Financial Group’s (NYSE: LNC) 2021 Retirement Power® study. People participating in an employer-sponsored retirement plan are especially […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Jackson National Life Insurance Company and Its Affiliates; Assigns Issuer Credit Rating to Jackson Financial Inc.
{October 13th, 2021} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating (Long-Term ICR) of “a” (Excellent) of Jackson National Life Insurance Company (JNL), its wholly owned subsidiary, Jackson National Life Insurance Company of New York, and its direct parent, Brook Life Insurance Company. These companies together are referred […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of American International Group, Inc. and Its Subsidiaries
{October 13th, 2021} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has affirmed the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating (Long-Term ICR) of “bbb” (Good) 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” (Excellent) of AIG’s property/casualty (P/C) insurance subsidiaries (collectively […]
American Equity Executes Industry Re-defining Reinsurance Partnership with Brookfield Reinsurance
{October 13th, 2021} by American Equity Investment Life Holding Company
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–American Equity Investment Life Holding Company (“American Equity”) (NYSE: AEL), announced today that it has closed its previously announced reinsurance transaction with North End Re (Cayman) SPC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners Ltd. (“Brookfield Reinsurance”) (NYSE, TSX: BAMR). Under the terms of the agreement, effective July […]
Retirement Parachutes, in Different Colors
{October 13th, 2021} by Kerry Pecther
The 401(k) annuity and the “contingent deferred annuity,” or CDA—two concepts related to the provision of retirement income, but with different audiences in different distribution channels—were in the news this past week. Click HERE to read the full story via RIJ
Jackson Rumbles Onto the Index-Linked Annuity Field
{October 13th, 2021} by Allison Bell
An individual variable annuity giant says it would like a big slice of the registered index-linked annuity (RILA) market pie. Jackson Financial today announced the official launch of its new Jackson Market Link Pro and Jackson Market Link Pro Advisory RILA contracts — and raised the possibility that the $24 billion RILA market rankings could […]
3 Reasons the Annuity Party Could Keep Going
{October 13th, 2021} by Allison Bell
U.S. individual annuity sales looked great in the second quarter, and analysts see reasons why the numbers could continue to look great for at least the next few quarters. The third quarter of 2021 ended Sept. 30, and publicly traded insurers are getting ready to release their earnings, and their annuity sales totals, in the […]
Federal Life Plans to Offer Crypto Contracts: Annuity Moves
{October 13th, 2021} by Allison Bell
Federal Life Insurance Co. wants to help wealthy, sophisticated investors tie variable annuity returns to the performance of cryptocurrencies. The Riverwoods, Illinois-based insurer is preparing to introduce a private placement variable annuity that will let owners link some of the account value to Bitcoin assets, Ether assets and other cryptocurrency assets. Click HERE to read […]
Canadian Firm Closes on $10B American Equity Reinsurance Deal
{October 13th, 2021} by Allison Bell
A subsidiary of Brookfield Reinsurance has closed a deal to reinsure about $10 billion in annuities for American Equity Investment Life Holding Co. The deal means that annuity advisors will continue to be able to do business with an annuity issuer that’s based in the United States — in West Des Moines, Iowa — rather than […]
AMERICAN COUNCIL OF LIFE INSURERS (ACLI) ELECTS NEW CHAIR AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS
{October 13th, 2021} by ACLI
WASHINGTON — The American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) today elected its Chair, officers and Board of Directors at the 2021 ACLI Annual Conference. ACLI member companies are leading providers of solutions that help 90 million American families meet their financial protection and retirement security needs. The Chair and Board of Directors lead the industry association. They […]
US Life Insurers Remain On Strong Financial Footing, ACLI Speaker Says
{October 13th, 2021} by Ayo Mseka
A panel of executives from S&P discussed the challenges and opportunities facing the industry and several factors driving the outlook for the industry in this COVID-19 environment during the 2021 American Council of Life Insurers’ (ACLI) virtual Annual Meeting. Kevin Ahern, managing director, North American Insurance Ratings, S&P Global Ratings, moderated the discussion, which featured […]
Trendspotter: Demand for Guaranteed Retirement Income Is Surging
{October 13th, 2021} by Ginger Szala
A recent survey found that 78% of advisors reported that predictable income is more important to clients than asset growth. Although the study is from DPL, an annuity platform, the company isn’t alone in seeing a rise in the pursuit for guaranteed income as bond yields have dropped. As DPL’s CEO, David Lau, told ThinkAdvisor […]
Private equity drives another record quarter for RIA M&A
{October 13th, 2021} by Jeff Benjamin
Wealth management industry consolidation continues to blow past quarterly records and is now on pace for 287 deals this year, according to the latest report from Echelon Partners. Click HERE to read the full story via InvestmentNews
Reg BI to Be Folded Into Regular SEC Exams
{October 13th, 2021} by Melanie Waddell
The Securities and Exchange Commission will be incorporating compliance with Regulation Best Interest into its regular exams, John Polise, associate director of the SEC’s Broker-Dealer and Exchange Oversight, said Tuesday. After completing Phase 1 and 2 of Reg BI exams, the “good news is there’s not going to be a Phase 3,” Polise said during the […]
Allianz Sued for ‘Assessing a Surrender Charge on the Surrender Charge’ in VAs
{October 13th, 2021} by Melanie Waddell
Allianz Life Insurance Co. was hit with a lawsuit Monday for “assessing a surrender charge on the surrender charge” on its variable annuity contracts. The plaintiffs, who are seeking class-action status, assert that Allianz improperly charged all variable annuity contract holders with respect to “surrender charges” in connection with administration of variable annuity contracts issued […]
Get to the Point-to-Point
{October 13th, 2021} by Tim Wood
These days, many retirees are very concerned about market volatility doing severe damage to their retirement nest-egg. There is no level of protection from market risk losses in a traditional account invested in the securities market. So what can we do as financial professionals to help our clients eliminate this risk but still have the […]
Annuity Sales Close Best Sales Quarter Since Early 2020 As Interest Rates Rise
{October 13th, 2021} by INN Insider Pro
Life insurance companies have their attention focused on the Senate, where they will have to vote on the second advance payment of life annuities, which was approved in the Chamber of Deputies and on which the Financial Market Commission has issued harsh warnings due to its impact. Click HERE to read the full story via […]
Simplicity Group Acquires Oxbow Marketing Company and Partners with Robb Daugherty
{October 13th, 2021} by Simplicity Group
SUMMIT, N.J., Oct. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Simplicity Group (“Simplicity”) today announced the acquisition of Ohio-based Oxbow Marketing Company (“Oxbow”). Led by industry vet Robb Daugherty, who becomes a partner in Simplicity Group following this transaction, Oxbow will leverage Simplicity’s resources in the annuity, life space and wealth management, and continue to provide exceptional products and service to Oxbow’s client […]
Shields Brokerage Partners with Integrity to Increase Resources for Enhanced Agent Services
{October 13th, 2021} by Integrity Marketing Group, LLC
DALLAS, Oct. 12, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Integrity Marketing Group, LLC (“Integrity”), one of the largest independent distributors of life, health and wealth products, today announced it has acquired Shields Brokerage, a distinguished independent marketing organization (“IMO”) based in Exeter, New Hampshire. As part of the acquisition, Chris Shields, President of Shields Brokerage, will become a Managing Partner in Integrity. Financial […]
David O’Malley Set to Become Penn Mutual CEO
{October 13th, 2021} by Allison Bell
The board of The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company has named a longtime company veteran to succeed Eileen McDonnell as the company’s CEO. Chief Operating Officer David O’Malley will succeed McDonnell as CEO Jan. 1, 2022, Penn Mutual says. McDonnnell, who has been the Horsham, Pennsylvania-based company’s chairman as well as its CEO, will continue […]
Jackson to Report 3Q 2021 Financial Results
{October 13th, 2021} by Jackson National Life Insurance Company
LANSING, Mich.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jackson Financial Inc.1 (NYSE: JXN) will announce financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2021 after market close Tuesday, November 9, 2021. Jackson’s press release and supplemental financial materials will be available at investors.jackson.com. Jackson will host a conference call webcast Wednesday, November 10, 2021 at 10 a.m. ET to review the third […]
Global Atlantic acquires majority stake in eRESI Mortgage
{October 13th, 2021} by Global Atlantic Financial Group LLC
CHARLOTTE, N.C.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–eRESI Mortgage, LLC (“eRESI”), an innovative mortgage funding platform that offers comprehensive private capital solutions to the residential mortgage market, today announced that subsidiaries of The Global Atlantic Financial Group LLC (“Global Atlantic”), a leading life and annuity insurance company, have made a strategic investment and capital commitment to become its majority owner. […]
AIG to Report Third Quarter 2021 Results on November 4, 2021 and Host Conference Call on November 5
{October 12th, 2021} by AIG
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–American International Group, Inc. (NYSE: AIG) will report financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2021 after the market closes on Thursday, November 4, 2021. AIG’s press release and financial supplement will be available in the Investors section of AIG’s website at https://www.aig.com. AIG will also host a conference call on Friday, […]
LIMRA To Produce Educational Videos
{October 10th, 2021} by Karen Demasters
Online educational videos for financial and insurance professionals are being produced by LIMRA and a digital production company, LIMRA announced Tuesday. Hoopis Performance Network will create the short, video-based online courses with experts and advisors in the financial services and insurance industries. The videos are designed to provide advanced knowledge and skills for financial professionals […]
RetireOne and Midland National Launch Constance – a New Portfolio Retirement Income Guarantee
{October 8th, 2021} by RetireOne
SAN FRANCISCO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–RetireOne® and Midland National Life Insurance Company (Midland National) proudly announce the launch of a new, zero-commission contingent deferred annuity (CDA) called Constance. This stand-alone living benefit unbundles the annuity’s insurance component from its underlying investments. In doing so, Constance allows Registered Investment Advisors (RIA) flexibility to wrap client brokerage accounts, Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA), […]
4 in 5 Millennial Workers Expect Major Life Changes in Next Year: MetLife
{October 5th, 2021} by Michael S. Fischer
As the country emerges from the depths of the pandemic, 81% of U.S. millennial employees are expecting to make a major life change in the next 12 months, according to results of a survey on open enrollment released this week by MetLife. Twenty-four percent of millennials plan to buy a new home, 22% to get […]
Coming of Age in the World of Life Insurance
{October 5th, 2021} by Karl Kreunen
Will the millennial generation buy life insurance today? There are many who doubt that they will. After all, they’re young, many don’t own homes, and they say they aren’t getting married and definitely aren’t having kids. I should know, I have a millennial son — he’s 27 and all of the above. Still, I have […]
Another Reason Advisors Are Warming to Annuities
{October 5th, 2021} by Bernice Napach
Beyond the usual reasons given for the growing use of annuities among financial advisors including an aging population, expansion of non-commission products and low bond yields is a little-known development that DPL Financial Partners uncovered in a recent advisor survey: They are making little or no money on fixed income assets. According to the survey, “well […]
Wanted: Better Disclosures For Index-Linked Annuities
{October 5th, 2021} by Tracey Longo
It’s not every day the Consumer Federation of America aligns its lobbying interests with the annuities industry, but the powerful group made an exception when it sent a letter to lawmakers asking them to pass legislation allowing companies to streamline their registration and create more meaningful disclosures for index-linked annuities products. The bipartisan “Registration for […]
Gary Ross McPhail
{October 5th, 2021} by Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Gardens
Obituary Gary Ross McPhail Naples – Gary Ross McPhail, 73, passed away on September 27, 2021 in Naples, FL. Born in Cicero, IL, Gary was the son of the late Philip McPhail and Dolores Theriault. Gary is survived by his beloved wife, Jeanie McPhail, and his children and stepchildren, Phillip Mark MacPhail, Laura Jean McPhail, […]
Best Practices—Leaving A Lasting Legacy
{October 5th, 2021} by Ben Nevejans
Our industry lost a great man last month. To know Bill Zimmerman was to love and respect him. Though it would take him hours to make it through just one aisle of the NAILBA exhibit hall, stopping every couple of yards to engage with an old friend or meet someone new, he could never get […]
Data, Data, Data Driving Life Underwriting
{October 5th, 2021} by Ken Leibow
Digital point of sales solutions for life insurance continue to become more innovative. I am trying to keep up. The auto-fulfillment process for applying for life insurance is all about data and getting an instant underwriting decision. While we all want instant underwriting decisions, the impaired risk business is not going away. There are new […]
Goldman Sachs, Robin Hood Foundation, and Guardian Life Support The Knowledge House
{October 5th, 2021} by The Knowledge House
NEW YORK, Sept. 28, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The Knowledge House launches its 2021 Fellowship campaign and speaker series with the goal to raise $1.2 million dollars to support 200 up-and-coming technologists. The funds will supply fellows with a year of study and mentoring access to high-level technology professionals. Goldman Sachs, Robin Hood Foundation, The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (Guardian Life), and other partners have committed […]
The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company Announces Executive Leadership Succession
{October 5th, 2021} by The Penn Mutual LIfe Insurance Company
HORSHAM, Pa., Sept. 28, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company announced today that, effective January 1, 2022, David O’Malley will serve as the company’s president and chief executive officer as part of a planned succession process. Eileen McDonnell, current chairman and chief executive officer, will assume the role of executive chairman of the Penn Mutual board of trustees. […]
Job seekers prefer companies that offer guaranteed lifetime income in retirement
{October 5th, 2021} by TIAA
NEW YORK, Sept. 28, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — More than 70% of workers say they would choose to work for or stay with a company that offers access to guaranteed lifetime income in retirement over one that does not, TIAA’s 2021 Lifetime Income Survey reveals. “So many people are considering career changes, and they are telling us that benefits that extend […]
NAIC Report Shows Total Premiums Across All Lines Grew 6% In 2020
{October 5th, 2021} by NAIC
WASHINGTON, Sept. 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) today released the second volume of the 34th edition of the Insurance Department Resources Report (IDRR). The report includes premium volume by type and state and demonstrates a healthy state-based insurance market for 2020. The first volume of the 2020 IDRR was released Sept. 8, 2021. This report includes […]
White Glove Partners with America’s IRA Expert Ed Slott to Provide New Workshop Topic
{October 5th, 2021} by White Glove
BIRMINGHAM, Mich., Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — White Glove, a tech-enabled marketing services company that specializes in turnkey Done-For-You client acquisition and nurturing strategies for financial advisors, today announced a partnership with America’s IRA Expert, Ed Slott, CPA, to provide financial advisors with a new workshop topic based off of his bestselling book, The Retirement Savings Time Bomb (Penguin Random […]
Haven Technologies Launches Advanced Cloud-Native Insurtech Platform for Life, Fixed Annuities and Disability Industries
{October 5th, 2021} by Haven Technologies
NEW YORK, Oct. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Announced today at Insuretech Connect, Haven Technologies is an advanced insurtech platform for the life, fixed annuities and disability industries. Backed and wholly owned by Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual), the newly launched Haven Technologies will leverage a SaaS model to make its solutions available to carriers. The modern, cloud-native […]
After Summer of Optimism, Worries over Future Market Crash Reach Highest Levels in 2021
{October 5th, 2021} by Allianz Life
MINNEAPOLIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–After a summer of relative calm, Americans are increasingly worried about retirement risks related to market volatility, inflation, and COVID-19, according to a new study from Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz Life). The Q3 Quarterly Market Perceptions Study found that people are more worried that a big market crash is in […]
AM Best to Lead Session at American Council of Life Insurers’ Annual Conference
{October 5th, 2021} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Members of AM Best’s life/health ratings division will lead an online session as part of the American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) Annual Conference, which takes place, Oct. 12-13, 2021. In the session, titled, “Life and Annuity Weathers Pandemic in 2020, Threats and Challenges Still Exist,” Ken Frino, managing director, Mike Porcelli, director, and Edward […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Ohio National Financial Services, Inc. and Its Subsidiaries
{October 5th, 2021} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICR) of “a+” (Excellent) of The 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 […]
Best’s Market Segment Report: U.S. Life/Annuity Mutual Insurers Gain M&A Momentum While Pivoting for Pandemic
{October 5th, 2021} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Increased merger and acquisition (M&A) activity so far in 2021 in the U.S. life/annuity mutual insurance market is expected to continue as the industry becomes more competitive and scale becomes more important, according to a new AM Best report. The Best’s Market Segment Report, titled, “U.S. Life/Annuity Mutual Insurers Gain M&A Momentum While Pivoting for the […]
Russell Investments’ Q4 2021 Market Outlook: Strategists Expect Pandemic-Recovery Trade to Shake off Growing Pains
{October 5th, 2021} by Russell Investments
SEATTLE–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Russell Investments’ strategists expect the pandemic-recovery trade to resume in Q4 as inflation subsides, COVID-19 infection rates decline, and central bank tapering turns out to not equal tightening. Although the strategists expect the U.S. economy will likely sustain above-trend growth into 2022, they believe the easiest gains are probably in the rear-view mirror as […]
Allstate Completes Sale of Life Insurance Company of New York
{October 5th, 2021} by News Desk
The Allstate Corp. moved closer to its complete exit from the life insurance and annuity business with the closing of the sale of its Allstate Life Insurance Company of New York to Wilton Re for approximately $400 million. The ALNY transaction, along with the previously announced agreement to sell Allstate Life Insurance Co. (ALIC) to Everlake […]
Ladder Partners with Redtail Technology to Make Life Insurance Easy for Advisors
{October 5th, 2021} by Ladder
PALO ALTO, Calif., Sept. 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Ladder, the company offering flexible life insurance in minutes, today announced an integration with Redtail Technology, the leading provider of client relationship management (CRM) solutions for financial services firms. The news was shared from Riskalyze’s annual Fearless Investing Summit in Palm Springs, CA. The new integration will bring a suite of proprietary Ladder technology […]
Announcing the Financial Advisor IQ Service Awards
{October 5th, 2021} by Loren Fox
We are proud to announce the winners of the second annual Financial Advisor IQ Service Awards. The awards honor those the asset managers, DC plan recordkeepers and other business partners that advisors consider most valuable to their day-to-day practices. The 2021 FA-IQ Service Awards are based on 903 responses to an online poll, across brokerage, […]
Making sense of the RILA revolution
{October 3rd, 2021} by Athene
With sales topping $24 billion in 2020, registered index-linked annuity (RILA) sales have maintained a 38% compound annual growth rate since they were introduced nearly a decade ago. Click HERE to read the full story via InvestmentNews Wink’s note: Wink classifies “RILAs” as structured annuities.
Buying Life Insurance? The Industry Is Being Transformed. What You Need to Know.
{September 28th, 2021} by Leslie Scism
A growing number of U.S. life insurers—small, midsize and some of the industry’s biggest household names—have sold or announced they will sell their U.S. consumer life-insurance and annuity businesses. Most are selling to a nontraditional type of owner: private-equity firms, asset managers, hedge funds and other investment entities. Some of the industry newcomers are buying […]
An Agent’s Case for Term Life
{September 28th, 2021} by Mark A. Peterson
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused everyday Americans to seriously consider their own mortality and the potential financial consequences for their loved ones. As a result of people’s heightened focus around health and financial security, we have seen an increased awareness of the value of life insurance — particularly with younger generations. In the first six […]
Arent Fox Represents Opt-Out Plaintiffs in Coordination with Class Actions Against Universal Life Insurance Carriers for Unlawful Cost-of-Insurance Increases
{September 28th, 2021} by Franjo Dolenac and Julius Rousseau, III
The absence of insurance regulations to limit or deter unlawful cost-of-insurance (“COI”) increases for universal life insurance (“ULI”) policies has resulted in a flurry of class action activity against carriers. Some carriers have increased COI rates by as much as 100 percent in a single year, leaving ULI policy owners to fend for themselves […]
I’m HIPP, and That’s Not Cool
{September 28th, 2021} by John Rafferty
Huey Lewis and The News once sang, “It’s Hip to be Square.” My wife and I are also HIPP. We’re “High Income, Pre-retired, and Pension-less.” HIPP is not so cool. I don’t think it squares with a solid retirement strategy. Click HERE to read the full story via RIJ
What the Secure Act Means for Annuities in Retirement Plans
{September 28th, 2021} by David Paul and Michelle Ritcher
On Dec. 20, 2019, President Trump signed the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (Secure) Act into law. This bipartisan legislation, which had been in the works for several years, seeks to further promote access to retirement income within the 401(k) market. An important aspect of this act is a “safe harbor” provision for […]
This Top Raymond James Annuity Broker Runs a Record Label, Too
{September 28th, 2021} by Jane Wollman Rusoff
When Jeffrey Oster finally admitted that his career Plan A would not materialize, he embarked on freshly created Plan B — far, far afield indeed from Plan A. Nevertheless, this would soon allow him to happily pick up Plan A without quitting what turned out to be a successful, lucrative Plan B career. Plan A? […]
Lincoln Financial Group Announces Flow Reinsurance Transaction With Talcott Resolution
{September 28th, 2021} by Lincoln Financial Group
RADNOR, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Lincoln Financial Group (NYSE: LNC) today announced it has entered into an agreement with Talcott Resolution Life Insurance Company to reinsure up to $1.5 billion in sales of Lincoln’s flagship variable annuity living benefit rider. The transaction covers business issued from April 1, 2021, through June 30, 2022. “Recent industry transactions reflect an […]
Riskalyze and Allianz Life Form Strategic Alliance on Technology and Analytics for Select Annuity Products
{September 28th, 2021} by Riskalyze
AUBURN, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Riskalyze, the company that invented the Risk Number®, today announced a new partnership with Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz Life), a leading retirement solution provider that has helped Americans prepare for their financial future for more than 125 years. As part of this relationship, Allianz Life will be featured in the Riskalyze Partner Store, […]
Panel: Variable Annuities Still Alive, Have Opportunities To Thrive Again
{September 28th, 2021} by John Hilton
The variable annuity market is in a transition period reliant on product and regulatory evolution to keep sales high. If that evolution takes place, VAs could easily recapture their former glory while meeting consumers’ needs in a variety of ways, an Insured Retirement Institute panel agreed this week. The nonqualified variable annuity market is growing […]
Why Life Insurance Must Be A Key Element in Any Financial Strategy
{September 28th, 2021} by Steve Rueschhoff and David Levenson
The COVID-19 experience has made it clear that life is fragile – physically, emotionally and financially. For many Americans, the pandemic has been a wake-up call, a trigger to reexamine the financial strategies they have created to prepare for the unexpected. Life insurance must be an essential piece of those strategies. Click HERE to read […]
How 2 Couples Covered Their Income Gaps for Life with Income Annuities
{September 28th, 2021} by Ken Nuss
When you’re planning your retirement, consider your need for cash flow. If your cash flow isn’t right, the rest of your investment strategy will become unstable. You may need to sell off investments when you have to rather than when you want to. To determine your needs for cash now and in the future, here are some questions […]
5 Secrets for Annuity Selling Success
{September 28th, 2021} by Bill Broich
Before I get started, let me handle the gorilla in the room: You need to have a marketing budget. You must invest in yourself. The amount you are willing to invest will affect the success you will find. If you do not have funds set aside, don’t read any further. I hear it all the […]
Annuity Litigation Roundup
{September 28th, 2021} by Dimitrije Canic, Brooke Patterson
Court Emphasizes Disclosure Substance Over Form A recent decision in Nofsinger v. Jackson National Life Insurance Co. shut down a putative class action in which the plaintiff alleged she surrendered her annuity contract after receiving a deceptive letter regarding her contract options from Jackson National and was then charged an improper surrender charge. In Nofsinger, the plaintiff purchased […]
Allianz Is Said Planning to Offload Large U.S. Life Portfolio
{September 27th, 2021} by an-Henrik Foerster, Eyk Henning, and Matthew Monks
Allianz SE is working to offload a large block of U.S. life insurance policies in a move that could free up several billion dollars in capital, people with knowledge of the matter said. Europe’s largest insurer is discussing a potential reinsurance deal for a portfolio with tens of billions of dollars in assets and liabilities, according […]
Governor Whitmer Proclaims September as Life Insurance and Annuity Awareness Month; DIFS Announces $3.9 Million Recovered for Consumers
{September 27th, 2021} by Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services
Media Contact: Laura Hall, 517-290-3779,DIFS-Press@michigan.gov Consumer Hotline: 877-999-6442, Michigan.gov/DIFScomplaints FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 23, 2021 (LANSING, MICH) Governor Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed September as Life Insurance and Annuity Awareness Month, and the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) and the Life Insurance Association of Michigan (LIAM) are reminding consumers of the importance of life insurance. “Life insurance not only provides […]
The Hidden Benefits of Universal Life Insurance
{September 27th, 2021} by INN Feed
iQuanti: Universal life insurance is a type of permanent life insurance. In other words, the policy will cover you for your entire life assuming required premiums are paid and all requirements of keeping the policy active are fulfilled. Some universal life insurance policies offer cash value and flexibility with premiums and death benefit that give […]
Prudential Financial to sell $31B PALAC block of legacy variable annuities to Fortitude Re
{September 21st, 2021} by Fortitude Group Holdings
NEWARK & JERSEY CITY, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Prudential Financial, Inc. (“Prudential”) (NYSE: PRU) and Fortitude Group Holdings, LLC, the parent company of Bermuda’s largest multi-line reinsurer (“Fortitude Re”), today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Prudential will sell a portion of its in-force legacy variable annuity block to Fortitude Re for a […]
Lincoln to Reinsure $9.4B in UL and Executive Benefits Policies
{September 21st, 2021} by Allison Bell
Lincoln Financial wants to shed a large amount of risk associated with old insurance policies while continuing to sell new policies. The Radnor, Pennsylvania-based life insurer today announced that it has arranged to have Security Life of Denver — an arm of Resolution Life Group Holdings — reinsure a block of in-force universal life insurance […]
American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI): Policyholders’ COVID-19 Vaccine Status Does Not Affect Life Insurance Claims
{September 21st, 2021} by ACLI
WASHINGTON, Sept. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) Senior Health Actuary Jan Graeber issued the following statement on misinformation relating to COVID-19 vaccines: “We said it before and, unfortunately, we must say it again because misinformation about life insurance claims and the COVID-19 vaccine continues to spread. “Policyholders should rest assured that nothing has […]
Annexus and PlanGap Partner To Offer Timely Protection For Social Security
{September 21st, 2021} by Annexus
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Sept. 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Annexus, the leading independent product design and distribution company of fixed indexed annuities (FIAs) and indexed universal life insurance policies, and PlanGap, a financial product innovation company pioneering Social Security protection, have announced a strategic partnership. The partnership provides Annexus exclusive rights to add a patent pending PlanGap® feature to […]
A New Path to Inflation-Proof Lifetime Income
{September 21st, 2021} by Kerry Pechter
Achaean Financial and National Western Life Insurance are finally bringing to market Lorry Stensrud’s long-nurtured idea for an immediate income annuity with upside potential. RIJ recently obtained a copy of the state filing document from National Western. State approvals are pending. Click HERE to read the full story via RIJ
Insurers Can Close The Coverage Gap While Helping Underserved Groups
{September 21st, 2021} by Susan Rupe
Consumers showed a greater interest in buying life insurance during the COVID-19 pandemic, but how can carriers continue to capitalize on that interest? How can insurers close the coverage gap while bolstering diversity, equity and inclusion? A recent report by Deloitte Center for Financial Services, “Financial Inclusion And The Underserved Life Insurance Market,” analyzed ways […]
It’s Time to Shine, Birmingham: Protective Life Corporation and the BJCC Celebrate the Official Lighting of Protective Stadium
{September 21st, 2021} by Protective Life Corporation
BIRMINGHAM, Ala.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Following the recent launch of a new brand identity, Protective Life Corporation (Protective), a wholly owned U.S. subsidiary of Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc. (TSE:8750) celebrated alongside employees, elected officials, business and community leaders and project partners as the Protective Stadium identification signage was officially turned on for the first time at Protective Stadium last evening. […]
AM Best Comments on Credit Ratings of Fortitude Reinsurance Company Ltd. Following Announced Prudential Annuities Life Assurance Corporation Acquisition
{September 21st, 2021} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has commented that the Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “a” (Excellent) of Fortitude Reinsurance Company Ltd. (Fortitude Re) (Bermuda) remain unchanged following the its parent company’s recent agreement to acquire Prudential Annuities Life Assurance Corporation (PALAC) (Arizona). AM Best views the acquisition of PALAC, […]
Resolution Life Enters Into Reinsurance Agreement With Lincoln Financial Group
{September 21st, 2021} by Resolution Life US Holdings
WEST CHESTER, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Resolution Life US Holdings Inc., a subsidiary of Resolution Life Group Holdings LP (‘Resolution Life’), a global manager of in-force life insurance businesses, today announced the signing of a $9.4 billion reinsurance transaction between its insurance subsidiary, Security Life of Denver Insurance Company (‘SLD’) and Lincoln National Corporation’s (‘Lincoln’) insurance subsidiary, The […]
Jackson Financial Announces Second Quarter 2021 Results
{September 21st, 2021} by Jackson Financial Inc.
LANSING, Mich.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jackson Financial Inc. (NYSE: JXN) today announced financial results for the three months ended June 30, 2021. Jackson separated from Prudential plc on September 13, 2021, and the second quarter results mark the company’s first quarterly earnings report as an independent public company. Key Highlights Net loss of $540 million, or ($5.72) per diluted […]
AM Best Places Credit Ratings of Prudential Annuity Life Assurance Corporation Under Review With Negative Implications
{September 21st, 2021} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has placed under review with negative implications the Financial Strength Rating of A+ (Superior) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “aa-” (Superior) of Prudential Annuity Life Assurance Corporation (PALAC), headquartered in Newark, NJ. PALAC’s Credit Ratings (ratings) were placed under review with negative implications following the announcement that Fortitude Group Holdings, […]
Allianz Life Study Sheds Light on “One-Size-Fits-All” Retirement Planning Problem for BIPOC Communities
{September 21st, 2021} by Allianz Life
MINNEAPOLIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The majority of Americans who identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, including Hispanic and Asian/Asian Americans) believe they won’t have enough saved for retirement (52% Black/African American; 56% Hispanic; 62% Asian/Asian American), according to the 2021 Retirement Risk Readiness Study* from Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz Life). While […]
Life Insurance Activity Returns To Year-Over-Year Growth, MIB Reports
{September 21st, 2021} by MIB Life Index
U.S. life insurance application activity returned to growth in August 2021 compared to August 2020 with year-over-year activity up 5.5%, MIB reports. While year-over-year comparisons are impacted by fluctuations in 2020 activity due to COVID, when comparing results to 2019, August 2021 is up 9.5%, MIB reported. The industry remains on track for a strong […]
Principal Financial Group signals it will cut some Des Moines positions amid restructuring
{September 21st, 2021} by Tyler Jett
Principal Financial Group is laying off some Des Moines workers as the company shutters some of its lines of business. Principal issued a notice to the state last week, announcing plans to cut 25 positions by Oct. 11. The Des Moines-based financial services company, which employs about 6,300 workers in the metro, announced in June that it […]
FAs Weigh In: Remote Work, Comp, Mentoring Ideal for Female Advisors
{September 21st, 2021} by Rita Raagas De Ramos
FA-IQ reached out to advisors to ask: What advice would you give to young women considering becoming advisors? Susan Sofronas, managing director at Geller Advisors. New York City and Los Angeles-based Sofronas has been in the industry for 30 years and her firm has $4.6 billion in client assets. Click HERE to read the full […]
FINRA CEO, SEC commissioner call for ‘one-stop’ regulatory database
{September 21st, 2021} by Tobias Salinger
Count an SEC commissioner and the CEO of FINRA among those calling for a single public database for financial advisors’ and broker-dealers’ regulatory disclosures rather than the current patchwork. In a panel at the North American Securities Administrators Association’s annual meeting, SEC Commissioner Allison Herren Lee and FINRA CEO Robert Cook said they would like […]
Here’s What Consumers Want: Allianz Life CEO
{September 21st, 2021} by Allison Bell
The head of a major annuity issuer says the nature of life and annuity distribution is changing because that’s what the customers want. Jasmine Jirele, CEO of Allianz Life of North America, touched on distribution earlier this week, during a session at KPMG’s 33rd annual insurance conference. Jirele, who was named to succeed Walter White […]
Insurance stocks post modest declines; Prudential Financial, Lincoln ink deals
{September 21st, 2021} by Tom Jacobs
Insurance stocks tracked closely with the broader market during a week that saw two life giants sign substantial deals, including one that stands to further alter the seller’s business mix. The S&P 500 declined 0.57% to 4,432.99 for the week ending Sept. 17, while the S&P 500 Insurance Index dipped 0.59% to 521.19. Prudential Financial […]
Commentary: Why AG49 Is Like Frankenstein’s Monster
{September 21st, 2021} by John Hutchinson
Actuarial Guideline 49 has been bolted onto and restitched to the point where it degenerated into a grotesque monster with a life of its own. Like the road to hell, AG49’s original path was paved with good intentions. Its stated aim was to alleviate confusion by creating uniformity among indexed universal life illustrations plus requiring […]
The Myths Preventing Consumers From Seeking Life Insurance Coverage
{September 21st, 2021} by Tim Heslin
The purpose of Life Insurance Awareness Month is to educate consumers about the importance of life insurance and the role it plays in protecting a family’s financial future. According to LIMRA, 30 million American households are underinsured, and another 30 million completely lack life insurance coverage. If a primary wage-earner dies unexpectedly, that could create […]
Celent & Equisoft exclusive insurance research reveals: 91% of carriers are prioritizing the use of data and analytic technologies to inform decisions on pricing
{September 21st, 2021} by Equisoft
Commissioned by Equisoft as part of a new global study, this North American research will help carriers to plan, prioritize and make investment decisions on how to unlock the strategic value of their data to create new opportunities for growth, process optimization and customer experience improvement. PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ – In a new report commissioned […]
Conning is Pleased to Announce its Newest Focus Report – The Pressure to Innovate Through RPA (Robotic Process Automation)
{September 21st, 2021} by Conning
HARTFORD, Conn., Sept. 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — RPA (Robotic Process Automation) is one of the fastest growing innovative technologies being adopted by property-casualty and life/annuity insurers. Insurance companies are incorporating RPA capabilities across the value chain, and an ecosystem of RPA-focused startups has formed to support such transformations. The Conning Focus Report, “The Pressure to Innovate Through RPA“, […]
Imagine The Future Of Illustrations
{September 20th, 2021} by Chris W. Kite
Updated Indexed Universal Life (IUL) illustration regulations are upon us! A long and winding road for regulators and carriers. Will illustrations get even longer? Similar to what John Lennon sings in Across the Universe, words and numbers are flowing out like endless rain into a paper cup … But we are seeing some shorter illustrations […]
David Frederick Babbel
{September 20th, 2021} by Main Line Media News
The world lost a man of faith, scholarship, and passion for the Phillies when long-time Bryn Mawr resident David Frederick Babbel, 72, passed away on May 20, 2021, from the effects of leukemia. Born on April 12, 1949, in Salt Lake City to Frederick William and June Andrew Babbel, Dave spent his youth in Arlington, […]
SEC Stacks Investor Protection Deck
{September 20th, 2021} by Rich Bake
Gary Gensler spent Tuesday, September 14, getting customarily grilled by lawmakers who control his budgetary resources. In prepared testimony, Gensler spelled out, in detail, his expansive agenda as chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Retail trading practices, the rise of cryptocurrency and disruptive technologies all sit atop his “to be prioritized” list aired […]
The many uses of advisory annuities for fiduciary financial professionals
{September 20th, 2021} by Pacific Life
Modern annuities are sophisticated strategies that can address the core financial-planning areas of retirement: income, tax, and legacy planning. Click HERE to read the full story via InvestmentNews
Pacific Life Foundation Awards $75,000 in College Scholarships During Life Insurance Awareness Month
{September 20th, 2021} 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 […]
SIMON Welcomes AIG Life & Retirement to Annuities Platform
{September 20th, 2021} by SIMON
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–SIMON Annuities and Insurance Services LLC (SIMON) today welcomes AIG Life & Retirement as the most recent carrier to join SIMON’s centralized Marketplace and premier platform for wealth managers. AIG Life & Retirement will have a broad selection of its annuities available on SIMON’s digital insurtech platform, which delivers a state-of-the-art product selection, […]
Jackson Financial Completes Separation From Prudential
{September 14th, 2021} by Jackson Financial Inc.
LANSING, Mich.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jackson Financial Inc.1 (Jackson®) today announced that it has completed its previously announced separation from Prudential plc (Prudential; NYSE: PUK) through a demerger. Jackson is now an independent company, and its Class A common stock is expected to commence “regular way” trading under the ticker symbol “JXN” on the New York Stock Exchange on September 20, […]
Protective Life Corporation Introduces New Brand Identity, Showcases Commitment as Protectors
{September 14th, 2021} by Protective Life Corporation
BIRMINGHAM, Ala.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Today Protective Life Corporation (Protective), a wholly owned U.S. subsidiary of Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc. (TSE:8750), announces a new brand identity that exemplifies the Company’s 114-year commitment of putting people first, delivering on promises and striving to do more for its customers, business partners, employees and communities. The new brand leverages the potential of Protective’s […]
Jackson — the Annuity Giant — Separates From Parent
{September 14th, 2021} by Allison Bell
Jackson Financial Inc. — a leader in the U.S. individual variable annuity market — announced today that it has completed the process of separating from its former parent, Prudential PLC of London, through a demerger. The U.K. Prudential, which has no connection with the U.S. Prudential Financial, announced in March 2020 that it intended to separate from […]
Texas names new insurance commissioner
{September 14th, 2021} by Rebecca Delaney
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Cassie Brown as commissioner of insurance at the Texas Department of Insurance. The term is set to expire on 1 February 2023. Brown previously served in the department as commissioner of workers’ compensation, where she was responsible for overseeing the division’s regulation of the state’s workers’ compensation system, as […]
Life Expectancy And The New Underwriting
{September 14th, 2021} by Robert Goldstone
For the first time in many of our lifetimes, life expectancy in the United States has declined. Not only did it just not go up as much as we expected—it actually declined. The fall of 1.5 years in 2020 from 78.8 years to 77.3 was the steepest decline since World War II, and the last […]
Insight Into Insurtech Solutions That Impact Life Insurance Awareness
{September 14th, 2021} by Ken Leibow
September is Life Insurance Awareness Month. It’s well known that four out of 10 American households are putting their financial future at risk by not having life insurance. I wanted to dig into the little known aspects of pre-sales, sales, fulfillment, and inforce digital platforms that make a difference in generating new business, motivating consumers, […]
Annuities: Retirement Is 43 Percent Off?
{September 14th, 2021} by Charlie Gipple
Many of the agents that work with CG Financial Group are well aware of the “Four Percent Rule” and the history around it. You probably are as well. I also make sure that agents are very familiar with the 2.8 percent rule. Why do I think understanding these rules are important for folks that sell […]
Exploring Fixed Index Universal Life Insurance Opportunities In Vertical Industries
{September 14th, 2021} by David R. Foster
Often when we speak to financial professionals looking for life insurance opportunities, they will say they have increased their focus on the needs of business owners. Business owners have their own set of unique risks that need to be addressed, including business succession planning, attracting, retaining and motivating key employees, and structuring and funding buy-sell […]
The RILA Market Is Evolving As Fast As It Is Growing
{September 14th, 2021} by Micah Hesting
As time goes on, the everchanging RILA market grows stronger and stronger in its offerings. From Athene’s “large bonus” on any earnings in the account to Equitable’s “not only will we credit back your losses, but we will also add them as a gain,” the offerings just keep getting better and better. If you are […]
Why Your Annuity Trumpet Should Get Louder As Interest Rates Decrease
{September 14th, 2021} by Charlie Gipple
I know the title of this column seems contrary to what you would think but hear me out as I discuss the “relativity game” that annuities play and play very well. You may be thinking that this is yet another conversation about how annuities usually pay more than other “interest bearing” products like CDs, but […]
Integrity Marketing Acquires a $35M Life Distributor
{September 14th, 2021} by Allison Bell
Integrity Marketing Group has acquired Twardowski Insurance Agency, an independent marketing organization that expects to sell new life insurance to about 30,000 people this year. The new policies will generate about $35 million in annual paid premium, according to Integrity Marketing. Click HERE to read the full story via ThinkAdvisor
Parents at Home Need Life Insurance Too: Idea File
{September 14th, 2021} by Allison Bell
Jessica Lepore, the founder of Surevested, an online life insurance agency that opened earlier this year, is spreading a message that’s almost as old as the modern U.S. life insurance industry: The work that husbands and wives do at home has a large financial value Lepore is doing this in observance of Life Insurance Awareness […]
New study: 8 in 10 retirement plan sponsors say participants want guaranteed lifetime income investment options
{September 14th, 2021} by Nationwide
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Sept. 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Nearly nine in 10 plan sponsors and participants (88%), respectively, agree that income in retirement is vital to financial security, according to the Nationwide Retirement Institute’s® 2021 In-Plan Lifetime Income survey of plan sponsors, plan participants, and plan advisors or consultants. However, despite recognizing the importance of income in retirement, the survey found participants don’t […]
Securian Financial and Securian Asset Management Sign Principles for Responsible Investment
{September 14th, 2021} by Securian Financial
ST. PAUL, Minn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Furthering their commitment to secure a sustainable future, Securian Financial and its subsidiary, Securian Asset Management, have signed the United Nations-supported Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI). PRI signatories are committed to including environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors in their investment decision making and ownership. More than 4,000 organizations worldwide—including 700 U.S. asset […]
Maybe a Mutual Life Insurer Is Different: Idea File
{September 14th, 2021} by Allison Bell
Northwestern Mutual has been a mutual insurer — meaning that it’s owned by its policyholders — since it was founded, back in 1857. Since then, the company has survived several swings of the life insurance company structure popularity pendulum, to and from preferences for mutual insurers, publicly traded insurers, and ordinary privately held companies. Click […]
Life Insurers Could Pay Death Benefits Through Virtual Credit Cards
{September 14th, 2021} by Allison Bell
Life insurers could soon be paying more claims through virtual payment cards. Traditionally, many life insurers have been so conservative that they have resisted accepting payments made through credit cards or debit cards, let alone pushing cash into cards. But One Inc., a Folsom, California-based insurance payment company founded in 2006, recently formed a relationship […]
Jackson launches enhanced Retirement Expense & Income Calculator
{September 14th, 2021} by Jackson National Life Insurance Company
LANSING, Mich.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jackson National Life Insurance Company® (Jackson®) today announced enhancements to its proprietary retirement expense calculator tool, designed to help financial professionals effectively project their clients’ retirement expenses based on the federal government’s Consumer Expenditures Survey data. The updated tool, now named the Retirement Expense & Income Calculator, features an income gap analysis and a Proposed […]
AM Best Revises Issuer Credit Rating Outlook to Negative for Genworth Life and Annuity Insurance Company; Affirms Credit Ratings of Genworth Financial, Inc. and Its U.S. Life Subsidiaries
{September 14th, 2021} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has revised the outlook to negative from stable for the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating (Long-Term ICR) and affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of B (Fair) and the Long-Term ICR of “bb+” (Fair) of Genworth Life and Annuity Insurance Company (GLAIC) (Richmond, VA). The outlook of the FSR is stable. Concurrently, AM […]
Allianz Life Partners with iJoin and IPX to Offer Guaranteed Income Option
{September 14th, 2021} by Allianz
MINNEAPOLIS – Sept. 9, 2021 – Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz Life) announced today that it has partnered with LDI-MAP (d.b.a. iJoin) and IPX Retirement to be the first company to provide a guaranteed income option on the iJoin platform. Recordkeepers and advisors using iJoin will be able to offer the Allianz Lifetime […]
The Bermuda Triangle was Busy this Summer
{September 13th, 2021} by Kerry Pechter
Followers of what RIJ calls the “Bermuda Triangle” trend may have spotted a couple of large deals in that space this past summer—during that deceptively peaceful lull between mass vaccinations and the Delta surge. Click HERE to read the full story via RIJ
Bermuda’s Role in a Changing Annuity Industry
{September 13th, 2021} by Kerry Pechter
Bermuda’s pink sand beaches and reliably blue skies are lovely, but the tiny archipelago in the Atlantic has an added appeal. Its financial regulatory climate makes it a perfect domicile for the reinsurance operations of life insurers and, to an increasing degree, private equity companies. Click HERE to read the full story via RIJ
SEC’s New Ad Rule Is Advisors’ Top Compliance Challenge: Poll
{September 13th, 2021} by Melanie Waddell
Registered investment advisors view the Securities and Exchange Commission’s new marketing and advertising rule as the “hottest” compliance topic this year, with the second-hottest being cybersecurity, according to a recently released Investment Adviser Association poll. IAA’s 2021 Investment Management Compliance Testing Survey, conducted with ACA Compliance Group, also found that firms would like the SEC […]
Goldman Sach spinoff powering FIG’s new annuity and investment dashboard
{September 13th, 2021} by Financial Planning
Financial Independence Group, a company that connects independent financial advisors with insurance products, is using technology originally developed by Goldman Sachs to power a new advisor dashboard that brings together annuities with structured investments. The new platform, dubbed Quinci, aims to be a one-stop-shop for advisors to access a digital marketplace of fixed and registered […]
LIMRA and the Society of Actuaries Research Institute Announce New Partnership on Experience Study Data Collection
{September 13th, 2021} by LIMRA and SOA
WINDSOR, Conn. and SCHAUMBURG, Ill., September 8, 2021 – LIMRA and the Society of Actuaries (SOA) Research Institute announced today a new three-year partnership to collect and process data to be used in industry-wide experience studies. Through this partnership, LIMRA and the SOA Research Institute will be able to continue developing in-depth experience study reports and […]
J.P. Morgan Helps 401k Participants in Retirement with SmartRetirement Plus, Incorporating a Protected Lifetime Income Solution from AIG Life & Retirement
{September 13th, 2021} by J. P. Morgan Asset Management
NEW YORK, Sept. 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — J.P. Morgan Asset Management today announced plans to launch SmartRetirement Plus, a unique retirement income solution for American workers. SmartRetirement Plus will pair J.P. Morgan Asset Management’s retirement investment funds and spending intelligence with AIG Life & Retirement’s IncomEdge Control annuity[1]. AIG Life & Retirement is an innovator in protected lifetime income […]
After the 9/11 Attacks, Wall Street Bolstered Its Defenses
{September 13th, 2021} by Alexander Osipovich
The nearly weeklong stock-market shutdown that followed the Sept. 11 attacks seems unimaginable in today’s world of round-the-clock trading. During the past 20 years, advances in technology and broad efforts to bolster U.S. market infrastructure have made such outages rare. Last year, when the coronavirus pandemic led to plunging stock prices, record volumes and an […]
Life Insurance Awareness Month is Here: Kelly Rowland & Life Happens Urge Americans to Talk About Life Insurance
{September 7th, 2021} by LIfe Happens
ARLINGTON, Va., Sept. 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Life Happens, a national nonprofit educating consumers about the importance of life, disability and long-term care insurance in a complete financial plan, today launches its annual Life Insurance Awareness Month (LIAM) campaign with four-time Grammy award-winning singer, songwriter, producer, humanitarian and mother Kelly Rowland. Life Happens’ partnership with Kelly seeks to […]
NCOIL HIGHLIGHTS LIFE INSURANCE AWARENESS MONTH
{September 7th, 2021} by NCOIL
Manasquan, NJ – Congress has designated September as “National Life Insurance Awareness Month”. The National Council of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) applauds this designation. NCOIL focuses on this campaign to serve as a reminder to families of the value of life insurance and encourage them to perceive life insurance as an investment into their families’ security. […]
OneAmerica Affirmed by A.M. Best with A+ (Superior) Rating
{September 7th, 2021} by OneAmerica
INDIANAPOLIS, Aug. 31, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — OneAmerica®http://www.oneamerica.com/ today reported that A.M. Best has affirmed the financial strength rating A+ (Superior) for insurance companies of OneAmerica, including American United Life Insurance Company® (AUL) and its affiliate, The State Life Insurance Company® (State Life). The ratings analyze the financial strength and performance of the companies and the ability to meet existing obligations. The A+ (Superior) […]
Looking For Life Amid COVID-19
{September 7th, 2021} by John Hilton
Elaine Tumicki has tracked life insurance sales data for decades and has never been more excited than right now. Her enthusiasm is rooted in the new post-pandemic realities. To keep it simple, life insurance is a hot property. Click HERE to read the full story via INN
NAIC Giving States The Answers
{September 7th, 2021} by John Hilton
Insurance regulators are having substantial success in pushing to get states to adopt a best-interest update to annuity sales rules. Whether it is enough success and happening fast enough is yet to be determined. As of press deadline, at least 15 states had adopted some form of the new NAIC update to the Suitability in […]
Consumer Group Urges Congress To Cut Regulatory Barriers To Index-Linked Annuities
{September 7th, 2021} by Tracey Longo
It’s not every day the Consumer Federation of America aligns its lobbying interests with the annuities industry, but the powerful group is making an exception, sending a letter to lawmakers asking them to pass legislation that would allow companies to streamline their registration and create more meaningful disclosures for index-linked annuities products. The bipartisan “Registration […]
Looking gender bias straight in the eye
{September 7th, 2021} by Mallory Hendry
Growing up in what can only be described as a real-life version of the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Fotini Iconomopoulos’ father bestowed upon her the nickname of “The Negotiator,” and she wore that label proudly. “Girls were expected to speak only when spoken to, but I challenged the gender norms of my upbringing,” Iconomopoulos said. […]
California Supreme Court Rules That Life Insurers Must Give Proper Cancellation Notices and Grace Periods to All Policyholders Before Terminating Policies
{September 7th, 2021} by Nicholas & Tomasevic
SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Today, the California Supreme Court ruled that legislation added to the Insurance Code on January 1, 2013, provide safeguards for all policyholders and beneficiaries, including existing ones, not just those who had policies issued on or after January 1, 2013. The following protections apply to all life insurance policies in force on or […]
Aflac Launches Awareness Campaign During National Sickle Cell Awareness Month
{September 7th, 2021} by Aflac
COLUMBUS, Ga., Sept. 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Aflac, a leading provider of supplemental insurance in the U.S. and a strong supporter of children with cancer and blood disorders, announced today that the company is commemorating National Sickle Cell Awareness Month with several educational initiatives and activities throughout the month and beyond. Beginning in early 2022, Aflac will expand […]
LIMRA: First Half of 2021 Had Highest U.S. Life Insurance Policy Sales Growth Since 1983
{September 7th, 2021} by LIMRA
WINDSOR, Conn., Sept. 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — In the first six months of 2021, the total number of policies sold increased 8%, compared with prior year results. This is the highest policy sales growth recorded since 1983, according to LIMRA’s Second Quarter U.S. Individual Life Insurance Sales Survey. Total U.S. life insurance premium increased 21% in the second quarter […]
American Families Overconfident But Underprepared For An Unexpected Death, According To New USAA Data
{September 7th, 2021} by USAA
SAN ANTONIO, Sept. 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — End-of-life planning is not a popular conversation topic — so much so that Americans feel more comfortable talking about politics (68%) than about planning for an unexpected death (62%). In a new survey, USAA Life Insurance Company explored how American civilian and military families talk about and prioritize life insurance and […]
LifeQuotes.com Reminder: September is Life Insurance Awareness Month; Prices Fall to All-Time Lows
{September 7th, 2021} by LifeQuotes.com
DARIEN, Ill., Sept. 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — LifeQuotes.com, the online insurance broker that offers instant, comparative quotes from 40 leading life insurers and allows customers to purchase from the company of their choice, today reminds consumers that September is Life Insurance Awareness Month and that life insurance prices are now at all-time lows. Michell Zieba, vice president, […]
Fidelity National Financial, Inc. Announces Virtual Participation at Barclays Global Financial Services Conference
{September 7th, 2021} by Fidelity National Financial, Inc.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Sept. 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Fidelity National Financial, Inc. (NYSE: FNF) (the “Company”) today announced that the Company’s President, Mike Nolan, Chief Financial Officer, Tony Park, and F&G’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Chris Blunt, will participate in a fireside chat at the Barclays Global Financial Services Conference at 7:30 a.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, September 15, 2021. A live webcast […]
Workers’ savings just don’t match expected retirement income, survey finds
{September 7th, 2021} by Kate Dore
Most workers over age 40 don’t have sufficient retirement savings and aren’t setting aside enough to catch up, according to a survey from the Insured Retirement Institute. Despite the nest egg shortfall, many still expect to retire early and believe they will have ample retirement income. More than half of older Americans have less than $50,000 […]
Sun Life U.S. moves Connecticut office to downtown Hartford
{September 7th, 2021} by Sun Life
WINDSOR, Conn., Aug. 31, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Sun Life U.S. announced plans to move its Connecticut office to One Financial Plaza, also known as “The Gold Building,” at the corner of Main and Pearl Streets in downtown Hartford. Sun Life will occupy 47,000 square feet of space in one of the largest, most prominent office towers in Hartford. The building offers […]
Want ‘Diamond Hands?’ Buy An Annuity!
{September 7th, 2021} by John Nuemann
The meme culture has produced a new class of investors and some important lessons for financial advisors and their clients. The Reddit crowd is seemingly unfazed by extreme volatility in stocks like GameStop or AMC because of a cherished talent they call “Diamond Hands.” Diamond Hands is the ability to stomach all of the risk, […]
How annuities are labeled matters, new Morningstar research finds
{September 7th, 2021} by Robert Steyer
Clearly, Juliet Capulet never had to sell or market annuities. When Shakespeare’s tragic heroine asked “What’s in a name?” it was a plaintive cry that the intrinsic nature of humanity shouldn’t depend on someone’s definition. Morningstar Inc., Chicago, on the other hand, has found that a name can play a prominent role in the intrinsic […]
This Life Insurance Awareness Month Is Different
{September 6th, 2021} by Allison Bell
Life Happens started the 2021 Life Insurance Awareness Month campaign today with plenty to talk about. The Arlington, Virginia-based nonprofit group has worked to spread the awareness message by developing a marketing guide and a pre-recorded webinar for agents and brokers. Life Happens also has brought in Kelly Rowland — a former member of the group […]
Variable Universal Life Sales Roar Higher
{September 6th, 2021} by Allison Bell
A lull in the COVID-19 pandemic helped U.S. life insurers increase sales of individual life coverage in the second quarter. Total annualized premium revenue from new retail sales was 21% higher in the second quarter than in the second quarter of 2020, according to new insurer survey results from LIMRA. Click HERE to read the […]
Why Do So Many Foreign Nationals Want U.S. Life Insurance?
{September 6th, 2021} by Michael Gomez
The U.S. life insurance industry enjoys a number of advantages over other countries, making it increasingly attractive to non-U.S. citizens and residents, namely high death benefit capacity, comparatively low insurance costs, well-capitalized insurers, stable currency and a robust regulatory environment. This edge has led to more U.S. life insurance companies creating formal foreign national […]
5 Lessons on Investment Indexes Used by Insurers, Other Firms
{September 1st, 2021} by Allison Bell
Laurence Black has started The Index Standard, a company that could help bring order and quality ratings to the world’s rapidly growing list of investment indexes. Black has been working in the index world since 2003, when he was head of thematic research and indexes at a business that’s now part of ABN AMRO. While […]
Luma Financial Technologies Introduces Latest Annuity Feature: “Luma Compare
{September 1st, 2021} by Luma Financial Technologies
CINCINNATI–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Luma Financial Technologies (“Luma”), the world’s top independent and most objective, multi-issuer structured products and annuities platform, is pleased to announce the onboarding of their latest annuity-focused tool, “Luma Compare.” Luma Compare, which lives within Luma’s award-winning platform, removes many of the past challenges that advisors faced when transacting in the annuity […]
As Covid cancels industry events, advisers weigh attending what’s left
{August 31st, 2021} by Jeff Benjamin
The daily ebb and flow of the status of the Covid-19 pandemic, accompanied by rolling debates over the efficacy of the vaccines, has left many of the financial services industry’s road warriors in holding patterns as they wait to see which events are still on the schedule and which might not be worth the risk. […]
Prudential makes $200M commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion through private equity investments
{August 31st, 2021} by Prudential Financial, Inc.
NEWARK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU) has made a $200 million commitment through the Prudential DEI Portfolio to private equity investments constructed with a diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) lens. Investments will focus on limited partner stakes with substantial ownership and/or management by women and minorities, particularly those raising capital for first or second […]
FA Says Ameriprise Ahead In Social Media Marketing. This Might Be Why.
{August 31st, 2021} by Andrew Kessel
When 17-year UBS Financial Services veteran financial advisor Marc Gendell moved to Ameriprise Financial in June, his new affiliation’s social media marketing was among its biggest draws. Gendell, who has been in the industry since 1998, said earlier this month that “Ameriprise is ahead of the curve” in this regard and he “started getting new […]
Best’s Special Report: First-Half 2021 Net Income Soars in U.S. Life/Annuity Insurance Industry
{August 30th, 2021} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Net income for U.S. life/annuity (L/A) insurance industry soared in the first half of 2021 on reduced expenses, rising to $18 billion from $1 billion in the same prior-year period, according to a new AM Best report. This financial review is detailed in a new Best’s Special Report, titled, “First Look: Six-Month 2021 Life/Annuity Financial Results,” and […]
Lincoln Financial Group Announces Executive Leadership Succession
{August 30th, 2021} by Lincoln Financial Group
RADNOR, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Lincoln Financial Group (NYSE: LNC) today announced that Dennis R. Glass, president and CEO, will transition roles following the 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders planned for next May, becoming the chairman of the board. Ellen G. Cooper, currently executive vice president, chief investment officer, head of Enterprise Risk and the Annuity Solutions group, […]
Ash Brokerage, Ameritas and SCOR Reveal New Instant Decision Term Life Product
{August 30th, 2021} by Ash Brokerage
FORT WAYNE, Ind., Aug. 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Ash Brokerage, Ameritas and SCOR announce a new next-generation term life insurance product, Ash Instant term issued by Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. This innovative digital product is available to Ash advisors through the Ash Term Express platform. Together, the product and platform are transforming the life insurance landscape. “It’s not enough to keep […]
Northwestern Mutual Study Finds Americans’ Personal Debt Has Dropped More than 20% Over the Last Two Years
{August 30th, 2021} by Northwestern Mutual
MILWAUKEE, Aug. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The latest findings from Northwestern Mutual’s 2021 Planning & Progress Study show that among U.S. adults aged 18+ who carry debt, they hold an average of $23,325 excluding mortgages. This represents a downward trend of over 20% since 2019. Average Amount of Debt Per Year (exclusive of mortgages): 2019 $29,800 2020 $26,621 2021 $23,325 […]
