Utah judge: Sentinel Security is back in business until May 12 trial start
{March 19th, 2025} by John Hilton
A Utah judge paused an emergency order banning Sentinel Security Life Insurance Co. from writing new business nationwide. Judge Donald H. Hansen paused the order after a South Carolina judge reversed a similar order last month against Atlantic Coast Life Insurance Co. Both insurers are owned by Advantage Capital Partners, known as A-Cap. Read via INN
Invesco Launches Invesco QQQ 15 Index
{March 19th, 2025} by Invesco Ltd.
ATLANTA, March 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Invesco Indexing LLC, an independent index provider owned by global asset manager Invesco Ltd. (IVZ), announced today the launch of Invesco QQQ 15 Index. Invesco QQQ 15 Index will incorporate equity exposure focused on the Invesco QQQ, with the goal of offering strong risk adjusted returns that seeks to maintain a target […]
Offshore reinsurance: Rising popularity. Rising risk?
{March 19th, 2025} by John Hilton
Resolution Life recently announced one of the largest Bermuda reinsurance deals to date: a $9.7 billion portfolio ceded by Protective Life Corp. The transaction includes blocks of in-force structured settlement annuities and secondary guarantee universal life business, Resolution Life said in a March 7 news release. Under the agreement, Protective retains administration of the policies. […]
Integrity’s Industry-leading Technology Enhances The Elite Agency’s Mission to Serve Diverse Communities
{March 19th, 2025} by Integrity Marketing Group, LLC
DALLAS, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Integrity Marketing Group, LLC (“Integrity”), a leading distributor of life and health insurance, and provider of wealth management and retirement planning solutions, today announced it has partnered with The Elite Agency, an independent marketing organization based near Long Beach, California, and led by Albert Lau. Financial details of the partnership were not disclosed. “Integrity and […]
American National Launches Digital Experience for Do-It-Yourself Planners Seeking Guaranteed Growth through Annuities
{March 19th, 2025} by American National Insurance Company
HOUSTON, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today American National Insurance Company announced it is now offering fixed annuity products through a simple, secure online platform in addition to its extensive network of professional agents and advisors. This innovative experience allows individuals to purchase American National’s Palladium® Multi-Year Guarantee Annuity (MYG annuity) through a do-it-yourself platform, […]
Transamerica Enhances Agent Experience with NIPR/AgentSync Integration
{March 19th, 2025} by Transamerica
BALTIMORE, March 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Transamerica today announced a significant step forward in its commitment to supporting financial professionals. By integrating the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR) through AgentSync, Transamerica now delivers daily updates to agent licensing and appointment data. This enhancement eliminates delays and enhances the overall life insurance and annuity experience for agents and […]
Best’s Special Report: Credit Rating Downgrades in U.S. Life/Health Insurance Segment Outpace Upgrades in 2024
{March 19th, 2025} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Issuer Credit Rating (rating) downgrades in the U.S. life/health insurance segments increased to 27 in 2024 from 17 in the previous year, while the number of ratings placed under review more than tripled to 37, according to a new AM Best special report. The Best’s Special Report, titled, “US Life/Health Downgrades Outnumber Upgrades in 2024,” notes […]
Guaranty Income Unveils New Digital Experience
{March 19th, 2025} by Kuvare
BATON ROUGE, La.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Guaranty Income Life Insurance Company (Guaranty Income), a leading provider of fixed indexed annuities, unveiled an enhanced gilico.com website to better serve its customers and financial professionals in the years ahead. Since its founding in 1926, Guaranty Income has earned a reputation for financial strength, trust, and delivering dependable retirement solutions. The new site’s […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Fidelity & Guaranty Life Holdings, Inc. and Its Life/Health Subsidiaries
{March 19th, 2025} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings of “a” (Excellent) of Fidelity & Guaranty Life Insurance Company (Des Moines, IA) and Fidelity & Guaranty Life Insurance Company of New York (New York, NY). These subsidiaries of Fidelity & Guaranty Life Holdings, Inc. (FGLH) (Delaware), […]
Pan-American Life Insurance Group Reports Record Net Income for 2024 On Strong Operating Performance
{March 19th, 2025} by Pan-American Life Insurance Group
NEW ORLEANS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Pan-American Life Insurance Group (PALIG), a leading provider of life, accident, and health insurance throughout the Americas, announced today financial results for the full year ending December 31, 2024*. In 2024, PALIG delivered yet another year of outstanding revenue growth and strong operational performance, including the successful acquisition and integration of Encova Life. […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company and Its Subsidiaries
{March 19th, 2025} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A+ (Superior) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings of “aa-” (Superior) of Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company and its subsidiaries, United of Omaha Life Insurance Company, Companion Life Insurance Company (Melville, NY) and United World Life Insurance Company. Concurrently, AM Best has affirmed the Long-Term […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Fidelity & Guaranty Life Holdings, Inc. and Its Life/Health Subsidiaries
{March 19th, 2025} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings of “a” (Excellent) of Fidelity & Guaranty Life Insurance Company (Des Moines, IA) and Fidelity & Guaranty Life Insurance Company of New York (New York, NY). These subsidiaries of Fidelity & Guaranty Life Holdings, Inc. (FGLH) (Delaware), […]
AM Best Comments on Credit Ratings of Protective Life Corporation’s Key Subsidiaries Following Announced Reinsurance Agreement with Resolution Life Group Holdings Ltd.
{March 19th, 2025} 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 Ratings (Long-Term ICR) of “aa-” (Superior) of the primary life insurance subsidiaries of Protective Life Corporation (headquartered in Birmingham, AL), collectively known as Protective, remain unchanged following an announced reinsurance arrangement under which it will cede […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Western & Southern Financial Group, Inc. and Its Subsidiaries
{March 19th, 2025} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A+ (Superior) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICRs) of “aa” (Superior) of the life insurance subsidiaries of Western & Southern Financial Group, Inc. (WSFG). The WSFG subsidiaries included in this rating unit are The Western and Southern Life Insurance Company (WSLIC), Western-Southern […]
Record 2024 Results Underscore New York Life’s Unparalleled Financial Strength
{March 19th, 2025} by New York Life
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–New York Life, America’s largest1 mutual life insurer, today announced record financial results for 2024 that underscore the company’s unsurpassed financial strength. Top-line growth was driven by a record $1.9 billion in insurance sales and $808 billion in assets under management. The company also posted record results of $33.3 billion in surplus, $3.5 billion […]
The Troubling Case of the NAIC and Questions Concerning Transparency and Accountability
{March 19th, 2025} by Kerry Pechter
Wink’s Moore on the Market: Who is the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) beholding to? Why do they not have to pay taxes? Where is the accountability? Kerry Pechter of Retirement Income Journal has a great lead, if you want to find out more. -sjm
Lincoln Financial Announces Plans to Launch Two New Private Market Funds to Expand Its Solutions Platform
{March 19th, 2025} by Lincoln Financial
RADNOR, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Lincoln Financial (NYSE: LNC), a leading provider of insurance, annuities, group benefits and retirement solutions, announces its expansion into the rapidly growing private markets industry, partnering with Bain Capital, a leading global private investment firm, and Partners Group, one of the largest firms in the global private markets industry, to launch two new private markets-focused funds. […]
An ‘Insurance Renaissance’ Is Fueling Private Credit Surge, Says AllianceBernstein
{March 19th, 2025} by Scott Carpenter
An “insurance renaissance” is quietly reshaping a traditionally sleepy industry as a surge in annuities sales fuels demand for investment products with shorter duration and less liquidity, according to AllianceBernstein, an $806 billion asset manager owned by insurer Equitable. Read the full story via Bloomberg
AmeriLife’s “Empowering Voices” Campaign Celebrates National Women’s History Month
{March 19th, 2025} by AmeriLife
CLEARWATER, Fla., March 18, 2025 (Newswire.com) – AmeriLife Group, LLC (“AmeriLife”), a national organization that develops, markets, and distributes life and health insurance, annuities, and retirement planning solutions, is celebrating National Women’s History Month through the theme of “Empowering Voices” as it recognizes the remarkable women leaders driving innovation and excellence within its industry. This month-long celebration […]
Finra Wants Input on Modernization Initiative
{March 19th, 2025} by Alex Padalka
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) said it’s setting out on a “broad review” of the requirements it places on its member firms and associated persons. The review aims to come up with ways to modernize FINRA’s rules as well as its treatment of non-FINRA rules applicable to broker-dealer firms, according to a recent regulatory […]
SEC’s Uyeda Expects Slowdown in Rulemaking After ‘Ambitious’ Biden Era
{March 19th, 2025} by Nicola Whie
The interim chief of the US Securities and Exchange Commission says he expects a slowdown in the Wall Street regulator’s rulemaking after three-and-half “overly ambitious” years of pursuing market reforms. Read via Bloomberg
Market Watchers: Annuity Surrenders May Continue Their Momentum in 2025: Surrender benefits increased 19% year-over-year through the second quarter of 2024, according to a Best’s Special Report.(Annuities)
{March 19th, 2025} by INN Insider News
Annuities boomed in the United States in recent years as equity markets, higher interest rates and an aging population all contributed to record demand. The U.S. Federal Reserve began raising interest rates in March 2022 to combat rising inflation. Read via INN Insider news
United States Private Equity Market Competition, Forecast and Opportunities, 2024-2025 & 2030: Growing Trend Towards ESG Integration, Private Equity Firms Targeting Middle-Market Companies
{March 19th, 2025} by ResearchAndMarkets
Dublin, Jan. 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The “United States Private Equity Market, By Region, Competition, Forecast and Opportunities, 2020-2030F” report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com’s offering. The United States Private Equity Market was valued at USD 475.08 Billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 860.39 Billion by 2030, rising at a CAGR of 10.46% The United […]
Insurance industry faces 4 possible future scenarios
{March 19th, 2025} by Susan Rupe
The insurance industry faces four possible future scenarios. Insurance executives are optimistic about the major trends influencing their industry, but remain aware of critical risks to their organization. A panel of experts reviewed the findings of The Economist Impact research on the future of the industry during a recent webinar. Those four possible scenarios are: […]
California insurance department sued by consumer group over public records
{March 19th, 2025} by Press Release
The Life Insurance Consumer Advocacy Center (LICAC) has filed a lawsuit against the California Department of Insurance (CDI) for violations of the California Public Records Act. LICAC has repeatedly requested available data from CDI on complaints by California consumers concerning life insurance and annuities. The lawsuit states that CDI’s refusal to provide this data is […]
LIMRA launches new tools to help life insurers adopt AI
{March 19th, 2025} by Ayo Mseka
LIMRA’s AI Governance Group (AIGG) continues to lead efforts to help U.S. life insurance companies safely and effectively adopt AI, with the launch of Turnkey Templates & Strategic Guides. Whether developing AI in-house or with a vendor, these resources are designed to help companies make informed decisions regarding AI adoption, LIMRA said. These turnkey frameworks include comprehensive cost benefit […]
Empower CEO: stock market volatility ‘here to stay for a bit’
{March 19th, 2025} by John Hilton
Empower CEO Edmund Murphy III isn’t ready to sound any alarms over the tumbling stock market, which fell about 3,000 points in one month. The market self-corrects about every two years on average, Murphy said, a trend that dates to the early-1960s. “It’s going to happen, and there’s lots of different triggers, but I think […]
Group of 29 plaintiffs sue Penn Mutual over whole life tax-avoidance ‘sham’
{March 19th, 2025} by John Hilton
A group of 29 plaintiffs claim that Penn Mutual Life Insurance Co. and several co-defendants ran a tax-avoidance scam around whole life insurance policies. The amended complaint filed last week in U.S. District Court for the Central District of California alleges fraud and negligence, as well as violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations […]
Special master to complete review of Lindberg finances by mid-May
{March 19th, 2025} by John Hilton
The special master assigned to untangle Greg Lindberg’s finances and arrive at a restitution number is expected to complete his work by mid-May, according to a new court filing by Lindberg. The disgraced financier filed a time extension Tuesday to respond to a presentencing report, which was filed under seal on March 6. Lindberg’s response […]
MIB Sees Strong Term Life Application Growth
{March 19th, 2025} by Allison Bell
New, high-tech marketing and underwriting programs might be getting more consumers interested in term life insurance. U.S. application activity for term life policies was 13% higher in February than in February 2024, according to MIB Group. Whole life activity fell 1%, and universal life activity dropped 18%. Read via Think Advisor
IRA Contributions Are Surging, but Not for All
{March 19th, 2025} by John Manganaro
The share of households contributing to individual retirement accounts has ticked up in recent years — a little bit for low-income workers and a lot for those younger than 40. The surge in younger contributors is most likely due to new fintech platforms that promote IRAs to millennials, according to a new analysis by the Center for […]
Crooks Are Using Life and Annuity Products to Launder Money, Fraud Tracker Says
{March 19th, 2025} by Allison Bell
Traditionally, criminals used banks to make the cash produced by illegal activities look clean. That history has helped turn life insurance and annuity products into the new frontier for money launderers. Michelle Rafeld, executive director of the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud, talked about life and annuity money laundering at a recent in-person session of the […]
Venerable Novates Initial Block of Variable Annuities from Equitable
{March 19th, 2025} by Vernerable
WEST CHESTER, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Venerable Holdings, Inc. (Venerable), is pleased to share the successful transfer of a legacy block of novated variable annuity contracts from Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company (“Equitable”) to the Venerable administrative platform. The novated legacy block includes deferred and payout annuities from Equitable’s Accumulator® Series 06, 07, and 8.1 contracts reinsured by […]
Unkefer & Associates, DFS Marketing, and AmeriLife Insurance Marketing Unite to Form Southwest Annuities Marketing
{March 19th, 2025} by AmeriLife
PHOENIX, AZ AND CLEARWATER, FL / ACCESS Newswire / March 11, 2025 / In a significant step towards strengthening its market presence and optimizing operations, AmeriLife’s Wealth distribution division announced today that its affiliates Unkefer & Associates, DFS Marketing (DFS), and AmeriLife Insurance Marketing (AIM) will now operate under the new name, Southwest Annuities Marketing (SAM). This strategic merger is designed […]
Why it makes sense to diversify within a fixed index annuity
{March 19th, 2025} by InvestmentNews
Daniel Getler, vice president of index and fund solutions at Group 1001, sits down with InvestmentNews anchor Gregg Greenberg to explain the importance of volatility-controlled indexes, as well as diversification in fixed index annuities. Watch via YouTube Wink’s Moore on the Market: I was surprised by Daniel Getler, CFA‘s comment about the “unpopularity” […]
Annuities Banned by Utah Regulator Go Back on Sale
{March 19th, 2025} by Jacob Adelman
Annuity specialist Advantage Capital says it is resuming sales through its Utah-based insurance subsidiaries after an administrative judge paused a state regulator’s order that had halted new business by the units. Advantage Capital’s South Carolina subsidiaries have continued operations without interruption, where a separate regulatory order to cease sales was also overturned. Read via Barron’s
Crooks Are Using Life and Annuity Products to Launder Money, Fraud Tracker Says
{March 19th, 2025} by Allison Bell
Traditionally, criminals used banks to make the cash produced by illegal activities look clean. That history has helped turn life insurance and annuity products into the new frontier for money launderers. Michelle Rafeld, executive director of the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud, talked about life and annuity money laundering at a recent in-person session of the […]
Tony Robbins endorses annuities.
{March 19th, 2025} by Jay Judas
Do you remember when Tony Robbins was pro-PPLI before he was anti-PPLI? Now he has changed his mind on annuities. Today, he likes them.🙄 Some folks should probably stay in their lane. I get my annuity education from Sheryl J. Moore.. TheStreet reports that the personal finance expert, Tony Robbins, says he used to believe […]
Athene Sets Record for Annual Annuity Sales for Second Year Running, Tops Rankings
{March 19th, 2025} by Athene
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa, March 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Athene, the leading retirement services company and subsidiary of Apollo Global Management, Inc. (NYSE:APO), ranked number one in LIMRA’s 2024 U.S. Retail Annuity Survey, with $36 billion in sales. This is the second consecutive year that Athene has sold more annuities annually than any other […]
Best’s Market Segment Report: US Life/Annuity Insurers to Experience Modest Growth, While Net Income Returns to Pre-Pandemic Levels
{March 12th, 2025} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best is projecting modest growth in capital & surplus of approximately $48 billion for the U.S. life/annuity (L/A) insurance industry over the combined 2024-2025 period, according to a new Best’s Market Segment Report. The segment’s net income in 2025 is projected to exceed pre-pandemic levels and reach an estimated $51.1 billion in 2025, up […]
More than Two-Thirds of Women Investors’ Careers Impacted by Caregiving Responsibilities
{March 12th, 2025} by Nationwide
COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Women of all ages planning for retirement are grappling with an uncomfortable reality: Economic uncertainty and family caregiving responsibilities may be impacting their ability to retire with financial security. A new Advisor Authority study, powered by the Nationwide Retirement Institute, highlights how these attitudes and perceptions vary among different generations of […]
Inflation is Americans’ Top Financial Concern and Most Say Their Income is Not Keeping Up, According to Northwestern Mutual’s 2025 Planning & Progress Study
{March 12th, 2025} by Northwestern Mutual
MILWAUKEE, March 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Inflation continues to sting in America, with significant numbers of U.S. adults saying elevated prices in the grocery aisles, at the gas pump and elsewhere are having a large impact on their finances. Meanwhile, among people who don’t own a home, the majority say homeownership will never be affordable – not now, […]
Ameritas Investment Company celebrates 40 years
{March 12th, 2025} by Ameritas Investment Company, LLC (AIC)
LINCOLN, Neb., March 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Ameritas Investment Company, LLC (AIC) is celebrating its 40th anniversary. The milestone is marked by the company’s longtime commitment to being an independent advisory and brokerage firm supporting holistic wealth management professionals and their clients. Based in Lincoln, Nebraska, AIC and affiliate Ameritas Advisory Services, LLC (AAS) deliver flexibility and choice for […]
Guaranty Income Unveils New Digital Experience
{March 12th, 2025} by Guaranty Income Life Insurance Company
BATON ROUGE, La.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Guaranty Income Life Insurance Company (Guaranty Income), a leading provider of fixed indexed annuities, unveiled an enhanced gilico.com website to better serve its customers and financial professionals in the years ahead. Since its founding in 1926, Guaranty Income has earned a reputation for financial strength, trust, and delivering dependable retirement solutions. The new […]
Pacific Life Named One of World’s Most Ethical Companies for Eighth Consecutive Year
{March 12th, 2025} by Pacific Life Insurance Company
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Pacific Life has been named one of the 2025 World’s Most Ethical Companies® by the Ethisphere Institute, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices. Pacific Life was evaluated on its culture of ethics; environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives; ethics and compliance program; and initiatives that […]
Venerable Novates Initial Block of Variable Annuities from Equitable
{March 12th, 2025} by Venerable Holdings
WEST CHESTER, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Venerable Holdings, Inc. (Venerable), is pleased to share the successful transfer of a legacy block of novated variable annuity contracts from Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company (“Equitable”) to the Venerable administrative platform. The novated legacy block includes deferred and payout annuities from Equitable’s Accumulator® Series 06, 07, and 8.1 contracts reinsured by […]
Protective Announces $9.7B Strategic Reinsurance Agreement with Resolution Life
{March 12th, 2025} by Protective Life Corporation
BIRMINGHAM, Ala.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Protective Life Corporation (Protective), a U.S. subsidiary of Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc. (TSE:8750), is pleased to announce it has signed a strategic reinsurance agreement with Resolution Life, through which Protective’s operating subsidiaries, Protective Life Insurance Company and West Coast Life Insurance Company, will cede in-scope blocks of structured settlement annuities and secondary guaranteed universal life policies […]
Dave Ramsey and Suze Orman Are Not Your Retirement Planning Friends, Author Says
{March 12th, 2025} by John Manganaro
Financial gurus like Dave Ramsey and Suze Orman have helped many Americans eliminate debt and take their first steps toward financial freedom. But according to David McKnight, the author and financial planning expert, that doesn’t mean that their paint-by-numbers approach to retirement income planning holds water. Disciplined investors who have saved well and played by the rules, McKnight maintains, […]
Protective Life to Reinsure $9.7B in Life and Annuity Reserves
{March 12th, 2025} by Allison Bell
Protective Life says a new reinsurance deal will free up capital it can use to make acquisitions. The Birmingham, Alabama-based company said Thursday that it has agreed to have Resolution Life reinsure structured settlement annuities and universal life policies backed by $9.7 billion in reserves. Protective will continue to administer the policies and contracts involved in the […]
Inflation Worries Are Back: Northwestern Mutual
{March 12th, 2025} by Allison Bell
Northwestern Mutual executives are worried that U.S. consumers may have moved away from thinking that normal prices are stable prices. They see signs that consumers now see inflation as normal. “Half of Americans believe inflation will be higher a year from now,” John Roberts, the Milwaukee-based life and annuity issuer’s chief field officer, said at […]
TIAA Adds Annuity Options in IRAs
{March 12th, 2025} by Allison Bell
TIAA is using the mystique of its retirement savings products to court individual investors. The company is now offering its lifetime income annuities to all retirement savers through a new TIAA IRA program. The program will give holders of TIAA’s individual retirement accounts access to TIAA annuities through a program that’s comparable to the TIAA Secure Income […]
State Regulators Might Make Annuity Issuers’ Risk Scores Secret
{March 12th, 2025} by Allison Bell
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners could try to make insurance companies’ financial health summary scores confidential. The Capital Adequacy Task Force, part of the NAIC, is considering a proposal that would discourage the release of risk-based capital ratios. Ohio regulators have called for prohibiting any insurer from putting its RBC ratio in its earnings-related […]
Securian and InsLyft launch innovative Hindsight Indexed Account
{March 12th, 2025} by Doug Bailey
The development of customized or proprietary indexes by financial investment companies has been trending in recent years as more firms find traditional benchmarks like the S&P 500 or the Dow Jones average, expensive, outdated, archaic, and overcomplicated. One of the latest to join the trend is InsLyft, a top financial distribution and product innovator, which […]
When an IUL might be a sensible alternative to an FIA
{March 12th, 2025} by Drew Gurley
Discussions with clients who want to jump into the weeds about indexed universal life insurance and annuities are a lot of fun. These clients are in close touch with their future. First, they likely have not turned over their financial strategy planning and management reins to a financial advisor. Read via INN
Bestow CEO explains how insurtechs must differentiate in age of AI
{March 12th, 2025} by Rayne Morgan
In an environment where technology and AI have begun proliferating even traditional insurance practices, insurtechs must find other ways to differentiate themselves and adapt, Melbourne O’Banion, CEO and co-founder, Bestow Inc., said. Bestow is one of the more recognizable names in the American insurance landscape, with CNBC naming it as one of the world’s leading […]
Annuities save Social Security $100B, ACLI research reveals
{March 12th, 2025} by ACLI
WASHINGTON – New research from the American Council of Life Insurers finds that benefits from annuities enable retirees to postpone receiving Social Security payments, saving the program $100 billion over time as the greatest surge of baby boomers retire. By delaying Social Security payments until age 70, retirees can increase their benefit payments with each […]
Consumer group: NAIC wants influence without accountability
{March 12th, 2025} by John Hilton
A consumer advocacy group is asserting that the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) enjoys widespread power and influence without the accompanying transparency and accountability. Building upon a previous report, the American Consumer Institute released an updated paper last week analyzing the NAIC’s tax status, lobbying activities, influences, operations and spending habits. The problem, as […]
Equitable, Allianz move into top 5 in final LIMRA 2024 annuity sales list
{March 12th, 2025} by John Hilton
Equitable Financial and Allianz Life parlayed a strong 2024 into a top-five finish in the LIMRA annual annuity sales rankings. For the first time ever, total quarterly annuity sales surpassed $100 billion in all four quarters of the year. Total annuity sales finished at $432.6 billion, up 12% yearly, according to LIMRA’s U.S. Individual Annuity […]
All Americans Gain Access to TIAA Lifetime Income Annuities
{March 12th, 2025} by TIAA
NEW YORK, March 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — TIAA is for the first time making its proprietary lifetime income annuities available to all Americans through the TIAA IRA. For over a century, TIAA has provided guaranteed pension-like retirement checks to millions of workers in the nonprofit, academic and medical fields. In 2022, corporate 401(k) plan sponsors and other defined […]
Could in-plan annuities head up a new asset class?
{March 12th, 2025} by John Hilton
Creating a new asset class could help more Americans access the in-plan guaranteed lifetime income options studies show are needed to help avert a mass retirement crisis. Cheryl Evans, director of the Lifetime Financial Security program at the Milken Institute, endorsed the idea during the Retirement Symposium: The Forces Transforming Retirement, hosted Tuesday by Milken […]
Life and Annuity Products Pay for Themselves: Insurers
{March 12th, 2025} by Allison Bell
Individual annuities will save Social Security about $110 billion over the next 10 years, by helping contract owners delay when they start claiming Social Security retirement benefits, according to the American Council of Life Insurers. Private disability insurance could save Social Security $8.2 billion, and private long-term care insurance could save Medicaid $14 billion. The […]
To Change Your Clients’ View of Retirement, Stop Using This Phrase
{March 12th, 2025} by John Manganaro
Financial advisors who use Monte Carlo simulations to develop retirement income plans must be careful with the language they use to present such plans, as the same financial plan can feel very different to clients based on its framing. This was among the takeaways of a mainstage presentation given by financial planning experts Michael Kitces and Michael Finke during […]
Protective Life to Reinsure $9.7B in Life and Annuity Reserves
{March 12th, 2025} by Allison Bell
Protective Life says a new reinsurance deal will free up capital it can use to make acquisitions. The Birmingham, Alabama-based company said Thursday that it has agreed to have Resolution Life reinsure structured settlement annuities and universal life policies backed by $9.7 billion in reserves. Protective will continue to administer the policies and contracts involved in the […]
Retirement, Roller Coasters And Annuities
{March 12th, 2025} by Sri Reddy
Most people, kids and adults included, enjoy thrill rides and roller coasters. They offer a rush of adrenaline and excitement while also feeding an individual’s willingness – or desire – to accept risk into their life. As a Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) charterholder, I believe there are several parallels between a roller coaster and a person’s […]
17 Northwestern Mutual Advisors Honored on Latest Barron’s List
{March 12th, 2025} by Northwestern Mutual
MILWAUKEE, March 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Northwestern Mutual announced that 17 of its advisors were recognized on Barron’s prestigious list of the nation’s top 1,200 financial advisors. “I am so proud of these advisors, and their extraordinary efforts on behalf of the clients they proudly serve,” said John Roberts, Northwestern Mutual’s chief field officer. “Our trusted expert advisors and teams help […]
Integrity and The Modern Insurance Store Announce Partnership to Prioritize Holistic Life, Health and Wealth Planning for Seniors
{March 12th, 2025} by Integrity Marketing Group, LLC
DALLAS, March 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Integrity Marketing Group, LLC (“Integrity”), a leading distributor of life and health insurance, and provider of wealth management and retirement planning solutions, today announced it has partnered with The Modern Insurance Store, an independent marketing organization based near Cincinnati, Ohio, and led by Daniel Farlow and Anthony Selm. Financial details of the partnership were not disclosed. “It […]
MassMutual Reports Strong 2024 Financial Results
{March 4th, 2025} by MassMutual
SPRINGFIELD, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–MassMutual today reported strong financial results1 for 2024, maintaining its position as a leading provider of protection, accumulation, and lifetime income solutions, significantly growing its wealth management business, and making meaningful progress on its long-term strategy. Financial performance highlights for the year ended December 31, 2024 include: Growth in sales, client assets: Sales from MassMutual’s […]
Globe Life hit with a pair of lawsuits over handling of 2024 data breach
{March 4th, 2025} by John Hilton
lobe Life, Inc. faces a pair of lawsuits filed this week over a June 2024 data breach that exposed as many as 850,000 policyholders, a fact the insurer did not disclose until January of this year. It’s how Globe Life handled the data breach that most irked plaintiffs Barbara Buford and Ronald Singletary. Both are […]
Wave of Fixed-Rate Annuity Maturities Looms, Morgan Stanley Analysts Say
{March 4th, 2025} by Allison Bell
The end of surrender-charge periods for individual fixed annuities could free more than $70 billion in cash to flow just about anywhere. The new wave of maturities could hurt annuity issuers that are losing sales momentum and help the annuity issuers that are now hot, according to Bob Jiang Huang and other analysts at Morgan […]
Life, Health and Annuity Sales and Marketing Hiring May Hold Steady
{March 4th, 2025} by Allison Bell
U.S. life, health and annuity issuers are still interested in adding sales and marketing talent, but not that interested. Jacobson Group and Aon’s Ward performance benchmarking division asked insurers to rate how likely they are to expand staffing for 12 types of employees on a 7-point scale, with 7 reflecting the highest likelihood of increasing staffing. […]
This New Definition Could Hurt Some Annuity Issuers’ Safety Scores
{March 4th, 2025} by Allison Bell
State insurance regulators’ new rules for grading insurers’ investments could hurt some life and annuity issuers’ “risk-based capital ratios,” or safety scores. Helen Zhou Remeza, head of insurance investment strategies at PineBridge Investments, writes about the possibility in a new commentary on insurers’ portfolios. Overall, U.S. life insurers have a “strong liquidity profile, limited policyholder surrender risk, […]
Does your investor client know how much they pay in fees?
{March 4th, 2025} by Ayo Mseka
In a recent survey on investor fees by Hearts & Wallets, customers reported that they are paying for nearly half of their primary and secondary saving and investing relationships, but four out of ten don’t know how they pay in at least some of their paid relationships. In addition, about one in five mistakenly said […]
Judge sides with SEC in allowing disputed witnesses in Cutter case
{March 4th, 2025} by John Hilton
A Massachusetts judge will allow the Securities and Exchange Commission to call five disputed witnesses in an upcoming trial over annuity sales by advisor Jeffrey Cutter. Cutter had accused the SEC of trying to ambush his defense by adding five surprise witnesses and “entirely new theories of liability” just weeks before the April 14 trial date. In March […]
‘The biggest risk you face is …’ He wants to retire in 10 years with a $6K monthly income, annuities and $650K in retirement. Can he?
{March 4th, 2025} by Alisa Wolfson
MarketWatch Picks highlights items we think you’ll find useful; we are independent of the MarketWatch newsroom. We might earn a commission from links in this content. Learn more Question: “I am 53 years old and still working. I am planning to retire at 62 and when I retire, my estimated monthly income will be $6,000 per […]
Honorable Mention
{March 4th, 2025} by Editorial Staff
In sales, deferred annuities finish ‘up’ year with a ‘down’ quarter: WinkIntel; AM Best upgrades Lincoln’s credit outlook; Axonic and Hexure collaborate on Waypoint MYGA; Invst launches pooled employer plan; Ratings of Nassau companies are upgraded. Read via RIJ
Open Letter to NAIC’s Life Actuarial Task Force
{March 4th, 2025} by Peter Gould
‘You encourage and abet the whack-a-mole behavior of insurers that regulators have tolerated in the industry—to the detriment of consumers… I don’t want to be left holding the (empty) bag, like the 92,000 PHL Variable Life policy owners,’ writes Gould, a variable annuity contract owner. Read via RIJ
‘Rated Note Feeders’ Attract NAIC Attention
{March 4th, 2025} by Kerry Pechter
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) has formed a Risk-Based Capital Model Governance Task Force to reassess and modernize capital requirements for insurance companies, according to the NAIC. Read via RIJ
Open Letter to Scott O’Neal, Actuary, NAIC
{March 4th, 2025} by Larry J. Rybka, JD, CFP
In the 12 years since [the problem of financial reinsurance was identified], insurance regulators have done little other than allow this situation to now mushroom,’ writes Rybka, a prominent figure in annuities and insurance, in his open letter to the NAIC actuary. (See related open letter by Peter Gould.) Read via RIJ
Ensight and Luma Financial Technologies Partner to Transform the Life & Annuity Sales Experience for Financial Professionals
{March 4th, 2025} by Ensight
SAN DIEGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Ensight (San Diego), the leading sales enablement platform for annuity, life and long-term care (LTC) insurance carriers and distributors, has announced a strategic platform integration partnership with Luma Financial Technologies ( LUMA), a global provider of structured products and insurance solutions. Through this technology partnership, Ensight and Luma have developed a seamless integration, introducing the […]
US life insurance Q4 2024 earnings recap: Revenues rise for most top insurers
{March 4th, 2025} by Hailey Ross and Noor Ul Ain Adeel
The 10 largest US life insurers fared well in the fourth quarter of 2024, with most reporting higher year-over-year revenues and only one reporting a net loss. For six of the top 10 life insurers, revenue rose year over year in the fourth quarter. Eight of the top 10 saw fourth-quarter expenses decline year over […]
Morningstar: U.S. life insurers maintaining cash liquidity levels
{March 4th, 2025} by John Hilton
Despite extended low interest rates, private equity takeovers, and a trend toward riskier investments, U.S. life insurers are maintaining solid cash liquidity reserves, Morningstar reports. New Morningstar research finds that life insurance company cash reserves trended higher during the COVID-19-influenced 2020, then settled back to where they were in 2015 – just under 3%. That is higher […]
Why annuities are popular!
{March 4th, 2025} by MassMutual Strategic Distributors
Uncertainty in economic markets drives investors to safe bets, especially during retirement. Annuities deliver the guaranteed retirement income many Americans crave. To learn what’s driving sales, who’s buying them and what types are available, SmartBrief discussed the market with Alex Samoila, National Sales Manager for MassMutual Strategic Distributors. SmartBrief: Last year was another banner year for annuity sales […]
Retirement Savers Achieve Positive Momentum Through 2024
{March 4th, 2025} by Fidelity Investments
BOSTON, February 27, 2025 – According to Fidelity Investments®’ latest Q4 2024 retirement analysis, retirement savers experienced a year of positive growth in 2024. While average balances across the board dipped slightly from Q3, the end-of-year 401(k) balance ranks as the second-highest average on record and an 11% increase from the start of 2024. Additionally, both long-term Gen X[1] 401(k) savers […]
F&G Annuities & Life Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results
{February 25th, 2025} by F&G Annuities & Life, Inc.
DES MOINES, Iowa, Feb. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — F&G Annuities & Life, Inc. (NYSE: FG) (F&G or the Company) a leading provider of insurance solutions serving retail annuity and life customers and institutional clients, today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and twelve months (full year) ended December 31, 2024. Net earnings attributable to common shareholders for the fourth […]
Wave of Fixed-Rate Annuity Maturities Looms, Morgan Stanley Analysts Say
{February 25th, 2025} by Allison Bell
The end of surrender-charge periods for individual fixed annuities could free more than $70 billion in cash to flow just about anywhere. The new wave of maturities could hurt annuity issuers that are losing sales momentum and help the annuity issuers that are now hot, according to Bob Jiang Huang and other analysts at Morgan […]
Jackson reports 42% bump in Q4 annuity sales, up $39% for the year
{February 25th, 2025} by John Hilton
Jackson Financial sticks to what it does best and that’s annuities. Amid a red-hot annuity market, executives were in a celebratory mood while discussing fourth-quarter and full-year 2024 results Thursday. The insurer, which not long ago posted a few weak quarterly reports, shared eye-popping numbers with Wall Street analysts: Annuity sales up 42% in Q4 over […]
Jackson Still Has Too Much Money
{February 25th, 2025} by Allison Bell
Retail annuity sales growth caused huge amounts of cash to flow into Jackson Financial in 2024, and the company now has to find a way to spend it. Establishing reserves for new annuities ate up some capital at the Lansing, Michigan-based company reduced the main life insurance company subsidiary’s risk-based capital ratio, or financial health […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Equitable Holdings, Inc. and Its Subsidiaries
{February 25th, 2025} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings of “a+” (Excellent) of Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company of America (EFLICOA) (Phoenix, AZ) and Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company (EFLIC) (New York, NY). EFLICOA and EFLIC collectively are referred to as Equitable Life Group. Concurrently, AM […]
FNF Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Financial Results
{February 25th, 2025} by Fidelity National Financial, Inc.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Feb. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Fidelity National Financial, Inc. (NYSE: FNF) (“FNF” or the “Company”), a leading provider of title insurance and transaction services to the real estate and mortgage industries and a leading provider of insurance solutions serving retail annuity and life customers and institutional clients through its majority-owned, publicly traded subsidiary F&G Annuities & […]
Advisors Excel Raises $1.7 Million for Four National Nonprofits at Annual Event
{February 25th, 2025} by Advisor's Excel
TOPEKA, Kan., Feb. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Advisors Excel, a leading marketing organization supporting independent financial professionals, announced a remarkable fundraising achievement of $1.7 million in support of four impactful organizations—Folds of Honor, The V Foundation for Cancer Research, Camp Southern Ground, and The Jones Project. The funds were raised during Advisors Excel’s annual World Series of Success event […]
Best’s Special Report: Use of Life/Annuity Sidecars as Reinsurance Solution Expected to Increase
{February 25th, 2025} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Strong U.S. annuity sales has led to increased formations of sidecars by insurance companies to manage the growth and maintain risk-based capitalization levels, with ceded reserves increasing threefold in the two-year period to 2023, according to a new AM Best report. The Best’s Special Report, “Use of Life/Annuity Sidecars as Asset-Intensive Reinsurance Solution Expected to Increase,” […]
Equitable Holdings Reinsures 75% of its Individual Life Block with RGA, Enhancing Focus on Growth in Retirement, Asset Management, and Wealth Management
{February 25th, 2025} by Equitable Holdings, Inc
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Equitable Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: EQH), the leading financial services holding company of Equitable, AllianceBernstein and Equitable Advisors, announced today that certain of its insurance company subsidiaries1 have entered into an agreement with RGA Reinsurance Company (“RGA”) to reinsure 75% of the Company’s in-force individual life insurance block (the “Block”) on a pro-rata basis. The […]
Advisor: SEC trying to ambush my defense on bad annuity sales charges
{February 25th, 2025} by John Hilton
A Massachusetts financial advisor claims the Securities and Exchange Commission is trying to ambush his defense in an annuity sales complaint by adding five surprise witnesses and “entirely new theories of liability” two months before trial. Jeffrey Cutter is asking a federal judge to deny the five witnesses the SEC added for the April 14 […]
Jackson Announces Outstanding Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results
{February 25th, 2025} by Jackson National Life Insurance Company
LANSING, Mich.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jackson Financial Inc. (NYSE: JXN) (Jackson®) today announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024. Fourth Quarter 2024 Highlights Retail annuity sales of $4.7 billion in the fourth quarter of 2024, up 42% from the fourth quarter of 2023 Variable annuity sales of $2.8 billion in the […]
RGA Announces Reinsurance Transaction with Equitable Holdings
{February 25th, 2025} by RGA
ST. LOUIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated (NYSE: RGA), a leading global life and health reinsurer, today announced it has entered into an agreement with Equitable Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: EQH, ”Equitable”) to reinsure a diversified block of life insurance products and expand their strategic partnership. RGA to reinsure $32 billion of a diversified mix of life […]
9 Iowa companies are among the most trustworthy in the US. See which ranked No. 1.
{February 25th, 2025} by Kate Kealey
Iowans are passionate about their local companies, whether it be Casey’s or Hy-Vee. Sure, an Iowan might trust these locally-based companies, but how well do they fare outside of their home state? Well, Iowans have a strong intuition for quality business because nine Iowa-based companies made Newsweek’s list of the most trustworthy companies in America. One […]
F&G Annuities announces CFO transition
{February 25th, 2025} by TipRanks
F&G Annuities CFO Wendy Young will transition from her CFO role on April 1 to become F&G’s Chief Liability Officer, a newly created position. In conjunction with this transition, the company has appointed Conor Murphy as its new CFO, effective April 1, 2025. Murphy previously served as President and CEO of Resolution Life US. Prior […]
IUL vs. annuities: Settling the debate
{February 25th, 2025} by Drew Gurley
This subject gets a lot of agents pretty jazzed. There are two pretty entrenched camps on indexed universal life and annuities. And those two camps don’t seem to like each other very much. Read via INN
Equitable Agrees to Reinsure 75% of $32B in Individual Life Policies With RGA
{February 25th, 2025} by Allison Bell
Equitable Holdings today said it has agreed to reinsure 75% of its in-force individual life insurance policies with Reinsurance Group of America. The deal would include a mix of policies backed by $32 billion in reserves. Equitable would continue to administer the policyholder relationships and provide customer support. For Equitable, completing the deal would free […]
Northwestern Mutual sees record dividend, surplus
{February 25th, 2025} by Doug Bailey
While insurance companies and their shareholders have generally had a lot to celebrate over the last year as earnings and dividends have grown, nowhere is that perhaps more apparent than at Northwestern Mutual. The 167-year-old Milwaukee-based insurer last week reported record-breaking financial results, declaring its highest-ever policyholder dividend – $8.2 billion, more than triple the […]
The ‘guardrails approach’ to retirement income
{February 25th, 2025} by Susan Rupe
Retirement spending strategies typically balance two competing priorities: maximizing the retiree’s spending or leaving a legacy. But research from Morningstar looks at a new metric – the spending/ending ratio – to help retirees assess how various retirement spending strategies balance those competing priorities. Flexible portfolio-spending strategies, delaying Social Security and purchasing annuities can help increase lifetime income […]
Judge Gives DOL 60 Days to Mull Fiduciary Rule Appeal
{February 25th, 2025} by Melanie Waddell
Judge Catharina Haynes has given the Labor Department 60 days to decide whether it will appeal two district courts’ universal stays of Labor’s 2024 fiduciary rule. The Labor Department on Feb. 12 asked the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit to pause the consolidated appeals, which were initiated under the administration of President Joe Biden. […]
Ameriprise ‘Chasing Headlines’ in Client Data Dispute, LPL Argues
{February 25th, 2025} by Melanie Waddell
In the latest salvo in the ongoing legal dispute between Ameriprise and LPL Financial over advisors’ alleged breaches of contractual agreements, LPL states in a new response that Ameriprise is “chasing headlines” and has filed seven other actions over the past year “without making any attempt to address them with LPL before suing.” On Feb. 11, […]
Life-annuity sidecars gain traction as reinsurance solution
{February 25th, 2025} by Kenneth Araullo
The growth of US annuity sales has driven insurers to increase their use of sidecars as a tool to manage risk-based capital levels and accommodate expanding reserves. According to a new report from AM Best, ceded reserves tripled between 2021 and 2023, reaching nearly US$55 billion. The report highlights how the individual annuity sector has […]
Could an ‘insurance overlay’ help managed accounts in retirement?
{February 25th, 2025} by Tobias Salinger
With financial advisor-managed accounts expanding by the trillions of dollars, annuity issuers are pitching an insurance strategy designed to reduce the risk of outliving retirement savings. A protective “wrapper” in the form of a contingent deferred annuity enables an advisor to keep client assets under their management with the investments of their choice while offering […]
Penn River Collaborates with NTT DATA on Variable Annuity Implementation
{February 25th, 2025} by Penn River
NEWTOWN SQUARE, PA, UNITED STATES, February 18, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ — Penn River, Inc., a pioneer in cloud-native policy administration systems, and NTT DATA, a global digital business and IT services leader, have announced the implementation and introduction of their variable annuity product. This marks a significant milestone with Penn River’s support for variable annuity while […]
MassMutual Ascend Upgraded To ‘AA’; Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. Ratings Affirmed At ‘AA+’; Outlooks Stable
{February 25th, 2025} by S&P
NEW YORK (S&P Global Ratings) Feb. 20, 2025–On Feb. 20, 2025, S&P Global Ratings raised to ‘AA’ from ‘A+’ its financial strength and long-term issuer credit ratings on MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Co. and its core subsidiary, Annuity Investors Life Insurance Co. (collectively, MM Ascend). At the same time, we affirmed our ‘AA+’ financial strength […]
CEO of John Hancock’s Parent Talks About Volatility Fears
{February 25th, 2025} by Allison Bell
Manulife Financial Chief Executive Officer Roy Gori acknowledged Thursday that geopolitical uncertainty could be a problem, and he made the case for why life and annuity customers and investors should trust Manulife to get them through the storm. Executives from many other life and annuity issuers have avoided saying much about the potential impact of […]
Athene CEO Urges Insurance Regulators to Go ‘America First,’ Thwart Spread of Solvency II
{February 25th, 2025} by AM Best
Insurance regulators in the United States should push back on the growth of European-style regulations that could deter some long-term insurance functions, Athene Holding Ltd. Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Jim Belardi said Read via Best’s News
How Much Does an Annuity Cost?
{February 25th, 2025} by Marc Guberti
Annuities can provide guaranteed income for life, making them an attractive option for retirees and long-term investors. However, before committing to one, it’s essential to understand the costs involved. Read via MSN Wink’s Moore on the Market: There is no deferred annuity that pays a 10% commission anymore, FYI. And I have never heard […]
Securian Financial Enhances Its Flagship Indexed Universal Life Insurance Product
{February 19th, 2025} by Securian Financial
ST. PAUL, Minn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Securian Financial has launched an enhanced version of its flagship indexed universal life (IUL) insurance product. Eclipse Accumulator II IUL, an accumulation-focused product issued by Minnesota Life Insurance Company, includes everything financial professionals and their clients valued about its predecessor product—low charges, simplicity and transparency—plus new and unique indexed accounts. “Eclipse Accumulator […]
Brighthouse Keeps Mum on Potential Sale
{February 19th, 2025} by Allison Bell
Executives from Brighthouse Financial are not talking about a Financial Times report that the company may be trying to find a buyer. Securities analysts asked executives from Apollo Global Management and Equitable Holdings about the report during the public conference calls those companies held to go over their latest earnings. The analysts did not ask Brighthouse a […]
SC judge rules Atlantic Coast can stay in business; rips regulators
{February 19th, 2025} by John Hilton
A South Carolina judge reversed a state Department of Insurance order today that had banned Atlantic Coast Life Insurance Co. from writing new premiums. Judge Ralph King Anderson III rejected the department’s conclusion that Atlantic Coast is in financial distress. “The evidence shows that ACL maintains a positive cash flow and has not experienced any […]
DOL Hits Pause on Fiduciary Rule Appeal
{February 19th, 2025} by Melanie Waddell
The Labor Department has paused its consolidated appeals of two district courts’ universal stays of Labor’s 2024 fiduciary rule. The filing in U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit states that, due to the recent change in administration on Jan. 20, “DOL is now under new leadership,” and that new agency officials “are still in the […]
The Dimming of Brighthouse—Or a New Dawn?
{February 19th, 2025} by Kerry Pechter
Last week the Financial Times reported: “Brighthouse Financial is seeking to sell itself, with some of the most prominent private capital managers expected to make bids for the US provider of life insurance and annuities. Read the story at RIJ
A Flood of ‘Flow Reinsurance’
{February 19th, 2025} by Kerry Pechter
“Flow reinsurance,” a type of reinsurance that’s increasingly used by U.S. annuity issuers to manage their capital requirements, reminds me of mortgage lenders’ “originate-to-distribute” model that helped lead to the Great Recession of 2008. Read the story at RIJ
To Replace, or Not to Replace, an Annuity
{February 19th, 2025} by John Stevenson
I recently had someone reach out to me who wanted to replace six annuity contracts that he had with Nationwide. He had purchased them three years ago, and the current surrender charges were 9% plus a market value adjustment (MVA) charge of over 3%. With a total of over 12% in surrender charges to get […]
John Hancock CEO Tells Congress About Helping People Live Longer
{February 19th, 2025} by Allison Bell
John Hancock’s version of the Vitality wellness program could end up influencing how members of Congress think about health care. The House Ways and Means health subcommittee brought Brooks Tingle, the chief executive officer of John Hancock, to Capitol Hill last week to testify at a hearing on modernizing the U.S. health care system. Ways and Means […]
Brighthouse: annuity success, RBC struggles, as possible sale rumors fly
{February 19th, 2025} by John Hilton
The curious case of Brighthouse Financial could be summed up in one question posed during the middle of the insurer’s Q4 conference call with analysts Wednesday. “Does it make sense for this company to be public on a standalone basis?” a Jefferies analyst asked. Brighthouse posted very strong Q4 earnings of $5.88 per share, beating […]
DOL asks court to pause its appeal of fiduciary rule stay
{February 19th, 2025} by John Hilton
The Trump administration Department of Labor wants a time out from ongoing lawsuits to decide how to deal with the controversial Retirement Security Rule, its latest fiduciary rule. The DOL filed a motion Tuesday to pause its appeals from stays granted in a pair of Texas lawsuits. Finalized a year ago by the Biden administration, the RSR […]
Surrenders expected to rise at Corebridge, new RILA already selling strong
{February 19th, 2025} by John Hilton
Corebridge Financial saw its fixed annuity surrender rate drop to 9.7% in the fourth quarter. That’s the good news. Then Elias Habayeb, chief financial officer, delivered the bad news to Wall Street analysts on a conference call Thursday morning. “We expect to see our surrender rate increase in the coming year with large lots of […]
Court grants Trump administration’s request to pause fiduciary rule lawsuits
{February 19th, 2025} by Brian Croce
A federal judge has approved a Department of Labor request to pause two cases challenging the DOL’s Biden-era fiduciary investment advice rule so that Trump administration officials can familiarize themselves with the pending litigation. The Department of Justice, on behalf of the DOL, filed the motion Feb. 11 with the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of […]
NCOIL HIGHLIGHTS FEBRUARY AS INSURANCE CAREERS MONTH
{February 19th, 2025} by NCOIL
Belmar, NJ – As February marks the ninth annual Insurance Careers Month, the National Council of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) is proud to join the Insurance Careers Movement (ICM) in highlighting the many important and fulfilling career opportunities the insurance industry has to offer. The ICM is a global network of more than 1,000 insurance carriers, […]
Nationwide L.inc+ suite enhancements provide greater investment flexibility
{February 19th, 2025} by Nationwide
Columbus, OH – As investors continue to fret about how inflation and the high cost of living will impact their ability to live confidently in retirement, some are turning to their financial advisor for help, with 20% saying they are frequently discussing how to convert accumulated savings into retirement income, according to Nationwide’s Advisor Authority survey. […]
Conning research: Insurers must be flexible in the 2025
{February 19th, 2025} by Susan Rupe
A new administration in Washington continues to add uncertainty to the broader macro environment. So this is the year that insurers must be strategically flexible. That was the word from Conning as the research company gave its outlook for the coming year in a recent webinar. Read the story at INN
Reinsurance News Strong deal momentum accelerates growth for Somerset Re
{February 19th, 2025} by Kassandra Jimenez-Sanchez
Somerset Re, a provider of reinsurance solutions for global life insurance and annuity business, has experienced quick growth as it enters 2025 with strong deal momentum. Over the last decade, the reinsurer has had a strong history of successful deal execution which has contributed towards building a well-diversified book across the life and annuity space. […]
Hawkins Insurance Partners with Integrity to Drive Growth for Dynamic Agent Group and Expand Community Impact
{February 19th, 2025} by Integrity Marketing Group, LLC
Hawkins Insurance Partners with Integrity to Drive Growth for Dynamic Agent Group and Expand Community Impact Access to Integrity’s unparalleled partner network and proprietary technology will empower Hawkins Insurance agents to meet client needs more efficiently and holistically DALLAS – FEBRUARY 11, 2025 – Integrity Marketing Group, LLC (“Integrity”), a leading […]
Moyes & Associates Joins Integrity to Deliver Exceptional Client Experiences and Expand Senior-focused Services
{February 19th, 2025} by Integrity Marketing Group, LLC
Moyes & Associates Joins Integrity to Deliver Exceptional Client Experiences and Expand Senior-focused Services Integrity’s industry-leading technology platform and support resources will help Moyes & Associates agents expand their reach and better anticipate and identify client needs DALLAS – FEBRUARY 19, 2025 – Integrity Marketing Group, LLC (“Integrity”), a leading distributor […]
StanCorp’s Parent Agrees to Buy Legal & General’s U.S. Term Life Business
{February 19th, 2025} by Allison Bell
The U.S. individual life market could soon get a new player that really wants to be there. Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance Co. has agreed to pay Legal & General Group the equivalent of $2.3 billion for a deal that would include the company’s Legal & General America business. Legal & General America issues policies through […]
Annuity Regulators Should Look Harder at Cayman Islands, CEO of Athene’s Parent Says
{February 19th, 2025} by Allison Bell
The head of an asset manager that owns a big annuity issuer is unimpressed by the assets at some other annuity issuers. Marc Rowan, the chief executive officer of Apollo Global Management, the parent of Athene, talked about the state of annuity issuer investments Tuesday during a conference call with securities analysts. Rowan told the […]
Knighthead Insurance Group acquires Merit Life Insurance Co
{February 19th, 2025} by Abigail Adriatico
Global financial protection solutions provider Knighthead Insurance Group has announced its acquisition of Merit Life Insurance Co. Following the acquisition, Merit will operate under the Knighthead Life brand, which will be led by Knighthead Insurance CEO and chief investment officer Edward Massaro. Speaking on the acquisition, Massaro said the brand showcases Knighthead Insurance’s history. Read […]
Crediting Rate Increase
{February 19th, 2025} by Mountain Life
LEXINGTON, Ky., Feb. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — We are excited to announce a crediting rate increase on our 3-year Secure Summit Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuity. Effective Monday, February 17, the crediting rate will be 6.00% on the 3-year term. The increased crediting rate comes after an upgrade to a B+ Financial Strength Rating from AM Best earlier this month. “Thanks to […]
Guardian recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2025
{February 19th, 2025} by Guardian
NEW YORK, Feb. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian) announced today it was named to Forbes’ 2025 list of “America’s Best Large Employers” for the fourth consecutive year. Reflecting the company’s purpose to inspire well-being®, Guardian was recognized as a workplace that nurtures talent and encourages innovation. “We are honored to […]
Ameritas celebrates 18th Center of Excellence Certification
{February 19th, 2025} by Ameritas
LINCOLN, Neb., Feb. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The group division of Ameritas proudly marks a milestone as it receives the BenchmarkPortal Center of Excellence Certification for the 18th consecutive year. This certification reaffirms leadership and dedication to customer service and support and celebrates nearly two decades of continuous advancement and commitment to excellence. The recognition for 2024 highlights […]
Atlantic Coast Life Insurance Company and Southern Atlantic Re Vindicated in South Carolina Administrative Law Court Order
{February 19th, 2025} by A-CAP Group
COLUMBIA, S.C.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–A-CAP Group, a New York-based insurance and financial services company with over $9 billion in assets under management and $302 million in capital, today announced that the South Carolina Administrative Law Court has ruled in favor of Atlantic Coast Life Insurance Company (ACL) and Southern Atlantic Re, Inc. (SAR) in their challenge to […]
AM Best Upgrades Issuer Credit Ratings of Nassau Financial Group, L.P. Operating Insurance Subsidiaries
{February 19th, 2025} by AM
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has upgraded the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICR) to “bbb+” (Good) from “bbb” (Good) and affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of B++ (Good) of Nassau Life Insurance Company, Nassau Life and Annuity Company and Nassau Life Insurance Company of Kansas. These companies are collectively referred to as the Nassau Insurance […]
Corebridge Financial Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results
{February 19th, 2025} by Corebridge Financial
HOUSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Corebridge Financial, Inc. (“Corebridge” or the “Company”) (NYSE: CRBG) today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024. Kevin Hogan, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, “I am pleased to report strong performance for Corebridge, as we generated full year top-line and earnings growth with premiums and deposits […]
Brighthouse Financial Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results
{February 19th, 2025} by Brighthouse Financial, Inc
CHARLOTTE, N.C.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Brighthouse Financial, Inc. (“Brighthouse Financial” or the “company”) (Nasdaq: BHF) announced today its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024. Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results The company reported net income available to shareholders of $646 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, or $10.79 per […]
The two-bucket investment approach to making money last
{February 19th, 2025} by Alan Ebright
Preparing for retirement is a key milestone in one’s financial journey, requiring thoughtful planning, strategic investing and effective asset allocation. After working for decades, the goal is to build sufficient savings to sustain a comfortable retirement that could last 25 years or longer. A well-structured financial strategy ensures long-term stability and peace of mind. Read […]
A Volatility Buffer: Discussing Fixed-Indexed Annuities With Retired Clients
{February 19th, 2025} by Robert Cannon
Retirees face many challenges when it comes to managing investment risk. Balancing the need to preserve savings while still seeking growth in a volatile market can be daunting. In my career as a financial advisor, I’ve found that a fixed-indexed annuity (FIA) stands out as a highly effective solution. For financial advisors, incorporating FIAs […]
Three Reasons It May Be Time for an Annuity ‘Refresh’
{February 19th, 2025} by David S Corman
People tend to think of annuities as set-it-and-forget-it investments — and for some, that’s one of the major draws. Annuities can provide predictable payouts for retirees seeking a reliable income source, without much of the worry that can come with other, riskier investments. But even if you’re satisfied with your current annuity (or annuities), it […]
These Hot Annuities Blend Stocks and Bonds. They Could Limit Your Upside.
{February 19th, 2025} by Karen Hube
Retirement investors are pouncing on a type of annuity that promises the best of both stocks and bonds: gains and protection, wrapped neatly into one. Traditionally, only wealthy investors working with private bankers had access to investments that tie your upside performance to the stock market and provide a customizable cushion under losses. But lately […]
JAB Holding Company to Acquire Prosperity Life Group
{February 11th, 2025} by JAB Holding Company
LUXEMBOURG & NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–JAB Holding Company (“JAB”), Elliott Investment Management and Prosperity Life Group (“Prosperity”) today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement whereby JAB will acquire 100% of Prosperity, which is comprised of the Prosperity Life Group Insurance Companies (“Prosperity Life”) and Prosperity Asset Management (“PAM”). With over $25 billion of […]
Prudential Sees Interest Rate Winds Hurting MYGAs, Helping RILAs
{February 11th, 2025} by Allison Bell
Prudential Financial thinks the economic weather will still be good for U.S. individual annuity sales this year. The company is predicting that total account value for the annuities the company wants to sell will grow 20% to 25% this year, to more than $50 billion. Caroline Feeney, the head of Prudential’s U.S. businesses, said during […]
American College Announces Inaugural Retirement Conference
{February 11th, 2025} by John Manganaro
The American College of Financial Services is launching a new retirement-focused conference event next month, dubbed Horizons 2025. George Nichols III, president and CEO of The American College of Financial Services, tells ThinkAdvisor that the Horizons event is about “breaking boundaries, exploring new horizons in retirement planning, and ensuring our profession evolves to meet the needs […]
T. Rowe Price Unit Hopes to Supercharge Annuity Issuer’s Portfolio
{February 11th, 2025} by Allison Bell
Oak Hill Advisors, a T. Rowe Price unit, is getting a chance to show what it can do for investment returns at Aspida Holdings, a midsize indexed annuity issuer. Ares Management, Aspida’s owner, agreed last week to let Oak Hill Advisors manage some of Aspida’s assets and work with Aspida to try to develop new […]
Equitable Weighs Options for Its Life and Benefits Business
{February 11th, 2025} by Allison Bell
Equitable Holdings says it will come up with a plan for improving the performance of its life insurance business and other protection solutions unit operations by about July 31. Executives at the New York-based company discussed their concerns about the protection solutions unit last week, during a conference call with securities analysts. Robin Raju, the […]
Globe Life selling a lot of life insurance, paying heavy litigation costs
{February 11th, 2025} by John Hilton
Globe Life executives might be living in a swirling storm of controversy, but it didn’t impact life insurance sales during the fourth quarter. American Income Life Insurance, a subsidiary, performed particularly well, delivering a 22% increase in life net sales and 7% growth in life premium. Globe Life executives met with Wall Street analysts Thursday […]
RILA sales leader Equitable Holdings races to meet lifetime income demand
{February 11th, 2025} by John Hilton
Equitable Holdings continues to tinker with a formula combining retirement products, wealth strategies and asset management. All three came up winners in 2024, with full-year inflows of $7.1 billion, $4 billion and $4.3 billion, respectively. In the retirement sector, Equitable is lengthening its sales lead in the popular registered indexed-linked annuity category. Read the full story via […]
Q&A: 2024 year-end fixed index annuity performance review
{February 11th, 2025} by Staff Reports
Salt Financial looks back on 2024 and examines the performance of FIA indexes through multiple lenses in this Q&A, with answers provided by Salt Financial President & COO Alfred Eskandar. Market Performance Overview Q: How did different asset classes perform over the year? A: The year saw strong returns in U.S. equities and gold, which […]
