Ibexis Life & Annuity Insurance Company® Launches WealthDefender™ Fixed Index Annuity Series
{January 14th, 2025} by Ibexis Life & Annuity Insurance Company
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Ibexis Life & Annuity Insurance Company (“Ibexis”) today announced the launch of its WealthDefender™ Series in the independent marketing organization (“IMO”) sales channel. The WealthDefender™ Series offers guaranteed participation rates or an enhanced Bonus option, as well as core features including a bailout rate and full liquidity for disability, nursing home […]
MIB Announces New Data and Analytics Service Providing Unique Insights into Life Insurance Application Activity
{January 14th, 2025} by MIB
BRAINTREE, Mass., Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — MIB, the life insurance industry’s most trusted and secure partner for data-driven insights and digital services announced the launch of MIB AptivitySM, a new data and analytics service that maximizes visibility into near real-time market share and market trends. For decades, MIB has been a trusted source of trends in individually […]
Allianz Life moves to strengthen annuity operations with own reinsurer
{January 14th, 2025} by John Hilton
Wink, Inc. reported third-quarter annuity sales of $115.2 billion, up 6.6% compared to the previous quarter. Allianz Life ranking as the No. 1 seller of indexed annuities, with a market share of 13%, Wink reported. Indexed annuity sales for the third quarter were $36.8 billion, up 57.8% compared to the same period last year. Now that it […]
Delaware Life Announces Suite of Innovative Fixed Index Annuities
{January 14th, 2025} by Delaware Life Insurance Company
ZIONSVILLE, Ind.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Delaware Life Insurance Company, a Group 1001 company, announces three new innovative fixed index annuities (FIAs) – Momentum Growth™, Momentum Growth Plus™, and DualTrack Income™. These FIAs offer investors all the features and benefits of a traditional FIA with the flexibility to control and customize their risk while helping capitalize on positive equity […]
Global Atlantic Announces New Registered Index-Linked Annuity
{January 14th, 2025} by Global Atlantic Financial Group
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Global Atlantic Financial Group (Global Atlantic), a leading insurance provider meeting the retirement and life insurance needs of individuals and institutions, today announced the launch of ForeStructured Growth II, an innovative registered index-linked annuity (“RILA”) designed to help balance growth potential with an element of downside protection. This next-generation RILA solution offers more than […]
Ares Management Raises Over $2.3 Billion of Equity Commitments to Support the Long-Term Growth of Aspida
{January 14th, 2025} by Ares Management Corporation
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Ares Management Corporation (“Ares”) (NYSE: ARES), a leading global alternative investment manager, announced today that it has raised over $2.3 billion of equity commitments from third parties, Ares and affiliates of Ares to support the long-term growth of Aspida Holdings Ltd. (“Aspida”). Aspida is a life insurance and annuity company based in Durham, […]
Life Application Activity Suffers From the Winter Blahs
{January 14th, 2025} by Allison Bell
Consumers may have reacted to the results of the November general elections and year-end blahs by putting off life insurance purchases. MIB Group says its U.S. life insurance application activity index was 7.3% lower in December than in December 2023. Activity was down at least 4% for every age group MIB tracks. Read the full story […]
Integrity Leadership Recognized Among Nation’s Best Corporate Leaders as Ranked by Employees
{January 14th, 2025} by Integrity Marketing Group, LLC
Employees describe Integrity’s executive team as exceptional leaders, providing empathetic guidance and industry vision in leading company toward excellence and innovation. DALLAS – JANUARY 8, 2025 – 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 […]
Industry Pushes Back on Nasaa’s Proposed Curb on ‘Advisor’ Title
{January 14th, 2025} by Alex Padalka
The North American Securities Administrators Association‘s proposal to restrict the use of the “advisor” title is facing pushback from the financial services industry while consumer and investor advocacy groups throw their support behind the measure. In November, Nasaa published a request for comment regarding re-proposed changes to its model rule on Dishonest or Unethical Business Practices Of […]
NAFA Welcomes 2025 Board of Directors
{January 14th, 2025} by NAFA
Washington, DC, January 13, 2025 –(PR.com)– The general membership of NAFA, the National Association for Fixed Annuities, approved the slate of candidates presented for its 2025 board of directors at the association’s annual meeting held recently in Dallas, Texas. Nominations were received from the membership at large, and candidates were vetted by the current board before […]
Board Leaders Ready to Work with Staff and Membership to Craft and Enact a Bold Vision for NAFA 2030
{January 14th, 2025} by NAFA
WASHINGTON (Jan. 13, 2025) — The general membership of NAFA, the National Association for Fixed Annuities, approved the slate of candidates presented for its 2025 board of directors at the association’s annual meeting held recently in Dallas, Texas. Nominations were received from the membership at large, and candidates were vetted by the current board before being […]
Education Is the Best Life Marketing Strategy: Firm Founder
{January 14th, 2025} by Allison Bell
Ads and social media posts may generate leads, but the heart of life insurance sales and marketing is still one-on-one client education. Arik “Eric” Bouskila, the founder of ARI Financial Group, made a plea for financial professionals to put spreading knowledge first in a recent interview. “Understanding specific client needs and forming targeted relationships remains […]
Lincoln Financial Claims Title of Top Annuity Illustration for Sixth Consecutive Year
{January 14th, 2025} by DALBAR
MARLBOROUGH, Mass., Jan. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Lincoln Financial takes the number one spot for annuity illustrations for the sixth year, earning DALBAR’s Pyramid of Communications Excellence, by providing financial advisors with a dynamic tool that demystifies the important factors when considering an annuity. This latest achievement stems from its innovative approach to annuity illustration design, which […]
Northwestern Mutual Quadruples its Showing on Forbes Annual List of America’s Top Advisory Teams
{January 14th, 2025} by Northwestern Mutual
MILWAUKEE, Jan. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Northwestern Mutual announced today that 174 of the company’s firms have been named to Forbes’ Best-in-State lists of Top Wealth Management Teams for 2025. This prominent national ranking signifies the teams’ industry leadership, elite capabilities, and commitment to clients. “Millions of Americans are on a path to greater financial security thanks to the […]
Transamerica Launches Vibrant New Look for its Brand, Reinforcing a Pledge to Help Middle Income Americans
{January 14th, 2025} by Transamerica
Strategic refresh embodies company’s mission to increase access to financial protection products, tools and education BALTIMORE, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Transamerica introduced a rejuvenated brand identity ushering the 120-year-old company into its next era. The new logo and accompanying visual identity — with its vibrant energy and approachability — represents different life stages, and how […]
Lincoln Financial to Report 2024 Fourth Quarter and Full Year Results on February 6
{January 14th, 2025} by Lincoln Financial
RADNOR, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Lincoln Financial (NYSE:LNC) announced today that it will report its results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024 at 6:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, February 6, 2025. A conference call is scheduled for 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time on the same day. Earnings materials, including the 2024 fourth quarter […]
Brighthouse Financial Announces Conference Call to Discuss Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results
{January 14th, 2025} by Brighthouse Financial, Inc
CHARLOTTE, N.C.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Brighthouse Financial, Inc. (Brighthouse Financial) (Nasdaq: BHF) announced today that it plans to hold a conference call and audio webcast to discuss its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. The call will follow the issuance of […]
Majority of Americans Anticipate Improved Economy in 2025
{January 14th, 2025} by Allianz Life
MINNEAPOLIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Americans are more optimistic about the economy than they have been in years even as the effects of inflation linger, according to the 2024 Q4 Quarterly Market Perceptions Study* from Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz Life). The majority of Americans (59%) think the economy will improve in 2025. This is higher […]
New York Life Enters 2025 with Industry-Leading Financial Strength Ratings Affirmed by All Major Ratings Agencies
{January 14th, 2025} by New York Life
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–New York Life, America’s largest mutual life insurer,1 enters 2025 with the highest possible financial strength ratings currently awarded to any life insurer operating in the United States by all four of the major rating agencies. During the most recent review cycle, Standard & Poor’s, Fitch Ratings, A.M. Best, and Moody’s Investors Service have […]
Lincoln Financial Releases Its Q1 Market Intel Exchange, Highlighting Top Investment Trends on the Minds of Investors
{January 14th, 2025} by Lincoln Financial
RADNOR, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Lincoln Financial (NYSE: LNC) released its first quarter edition of Market Intel Exchange, curated from the company’s in-house investment expertise and in partnership with industry-leading asset managers. The report provides insight into key economic and market trends likely to be top of mind for investors in 2025. Key insights include: The Fed is supportive, […]
AM Best Revises Issuer Credit Rating Outlook to Negative for Brighthouse Financial, Inc. and Its Subsidiaries
{January 14th, 2025} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has revised the outlooks to negative from stable for the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICR) and affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term ICRs of “a+” (Excellent) of Brighthouse Life Insurance Company (headquartered in Charlotte, NC), New England Life Insurance Company (Boston, MA) and Brighthouse Life […]
Common myths and misconceptions about IUL
{January 14th, 2025} by Drew Gurley
Indexed universal life insurance offers a unique blend of death benefit protection and cash value accumulation tied to the performance of a stock market index. However, as with other types of life insurance, there are several misconceptions that can hinder an agent’s ability to effectively sell IUL. Here are seven of the most common misconceptions […]
Prudential, Dimensional Fund Advisors and FIDx Collaborate to Help Reinvent Retirement Income in Wealth Management
{January 14th, 2025} by Prudential Financial, Inc.
NEWARK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU) today announced plans to collaborate with Dimensional Fund Advisors and Fiduciary Exchange LLC (FIDx) to bring protected lifetime income strategies to managed accounts via the FIDx Insurance Overlay marketplace. This initiative is designed to further meet the evolving needs of retirement investors who partner with registered investment advisors […]
Annuity Issuer Adds $3B in Capital
{January 14th, 2025} by Allison Bell
Aspida, an annuity issuer controlled by Ares Management Corp., has raised $3 billion that it can use to write more fixed annuities. Ares, a New York-based asset manager with $464 billion in assets under management, said it has raised $2.3 billion in capital for Aspida by arranging to sell stock to outside investors. Aspida has […]
What’s next for the annuities space in 2025?
{January 14th, 2025} by Leo
After experiencing robust growth in recent years, the US annuity market is set to face mixed prospects in 2025, according to a new report from Limra. Read the full story via InvestmentNews Wink’s Moore on the Market: For the record: disagree. Annuity sales will be up. -sjm
Americans Head Into 2025 With Financial Confidence: Survey
{January 14th, 2025} by Michael S. Fischer
Some two-thirds of Americans in a recent survey said they remain confident that they will meet their financial goals despite continuing financial pressures as they head into the new year, New York Life reported Tuesday. This was the same level of confidence respondents expressed in a late 2023 survey. The online poll was conducted Nov. 23 and […]
Private equity firms put profits over patients, Senate panel says
{January 14th, 2025} by Susan Rupe
Private equity is putting profits over patients, a Senate Budget Committee report said as the panel looked into two private equity firms’ efforts to squeeze more money out of hospitals in underserved areas. The Senate’s latest investigation unearthed thousands of documents detailing the financial maneuvers of two private equity firms: Leonard Green & Partners and […]
12 Best States to Raise a Family: 2025
{January 14th, 2025} by Michael S. Fischer
Certain states make it easier than others to raise a family, notes a report released Monday by personal finance website WalletHub. “Raising a family has become significantly more expensive in recent years as the cost of living has risen quickly,” WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said in a statement, “In fact, it can cost a family […]
I’m 101. Here are five things I learnt from my 30-year retirement
{January 14th, 2025} by Lucy Andrews , Money reporter
For Marion Bloom the secret to a long retirement isn’t kale juice or playing pickleball, it’s hard work. Now aged 101, Marion can still recall her first job at the newspaper France, which was published in London and written for French expats. She joined its advertising department in 1942, midway through the Second World War, […]
South Carolina hearing on Atlantic Coast Life policy ban postponed
{January 14th, 2025} by John Hilton
A hearing to decide whether Atlantic Coast Life Insurance will continue offering new policies was postponed until Wednesday, a South Carolina official said. The hearing was to take place Friday. Atlantic Coast is owned by Advantage Capital Partners, known as A-Cap. Claiming the insurer’s underlying financial condition is poor, South Carolina regulators banned Atlantic Coast from […]
Salt Financial Annuity Index analytics report for 2024
{January 14th, 2025} by Staff Reports
Below is the December version of the Salt Financial Annuity Index Report, which also serves as the full-year report for 2024. One index was added over the last month, the First Trust Growth Strength™ Net Fee Index, featured in a RILA at Pacific Life. Read the full story via INN Wink’s Moore on the Market: So, […]
Life insurance and annuity sales: What’s ahead for 2025?
{January 14th, 2025} by Susan Rupe
Variable universal life and registered index linked annuities are expected to see the highest percentage of growth across life and annuity products in 2025, two LIMRA executives said during a recent webcast. Bryan Hodgens, head of LIMRA research, and John Carroll, LIMRA senior vice president and head of life and annuities, provided a glimpse at […]
RILAs Will Still Be King of the Annuity Hill, LIMRA Predicts
{January 14th, 2025} by Allison Bell
U.S. sales of registered index-linked annuities could continue to rise this year, even as sales of most other types of individual annuities fall. Analysts at LIMRA made that prediction in a new annuity market trends analysis. Overall annuity sales performance could return to 2023 levels this year, simply because 2024 sales were so strong, the analysts […]
Ethos and Protective Collaborate to Offer Term Life Insurance
{January 14th, 2025} by Ethos
AUSTIN, Texas & BIRMINGHAM, Ala.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Ethos announces that Protective Life Corporation, and its primary subsidiary Protective Life Insurance Company (together, “Protective”), is now offering proprietary Term Life Insurance directly to consumers through Ethos’ platform. Protective will be a new provider for the Ethos term product suite, providing customers with term periods from 10-40 years and […]
Having a big network is worthless if you don’t use it to help others.
{January 9th, 2025} by Wink's Intel Pros
Did you know that Wink’s CEO, Sheryl Moore shares annuity and life insurance industry job openings on her LinkedIn page? Sheryl doesn’t get paid for helping people find work or fill openings. She shares because of her connections in the business and she knows she can help out. Sheryl is known to say “Having a […]
Make me want to bang my head against a wall.
{January 9th, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
Oh my, Suze Orman…’Should I Cash Out My Annuity?’ Suze Orman Reveals Why This Listener’s Investment Isn’t As Good As It Seems People who look at annuities as investments, and not insurance, make me want to bang my head against a wall. In this situation, why didn’t Suze ask if the annuity purchaser needed to […]
National Life: plaintiff promotes ‘odd theory’ in IUL lawsuit over 0% return
{January 9th, 2025} by John Hilton
Claiming that a plaintiff’s lawsuit over a disappointing indexed universal life (IUL) return rests on “an odd theory,” NLV Financial Corp. is asking a Vermont court to dismiss the complaint. Sanya Virani, of Fortville, Ind., sued NLV Financial Corp. and two life insurance subsidiaries over a 2023 indexed universal life policy that returned 0% after one year. […]
Lincoln Financial Hit With Investor Lawsuits in State Court
{January 9th, 2025} by Allison Bell
Two investors have sued Lincoln Financial in a state court in Pennsylvania over the company’s announcement in November 2022 that it would have to add $2.2 billion to life insurance reserves. The Radnor, Pennsylvania-based company also announced a $634 million reduction in life insurance unit goodwill. The resulting $2.6 billion net loss for the third quarter of […]
A-Cap suspends Sentinel Security Life business; gets reprieve for Atlantic Coast Life
{January 7th, 2025} by John Hilton
Update: A-Cap provided a second statement addressing Utah’s financial audit of its assets. See below. Sentinel Security Life Insurance Co. has suspended writing new business until a judge hears its appeal of a Utah order in March. Sentinel Security is in such poor shape financially, Utah regulators say, that it is using new premium to […]
AmeriLife To Acquire Crump Life Insurance Services
{January 7th, 2025} by AmeriLife Group, LLC
CHARLOTTE and CLEARWATER, Fla. | January 06, 2025 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time AmeriLife Group, LLC (“AmeriLife”), a national organization that develops, markets, and distributes life and health insurance, annuities, and retirement planning solutions, announced today that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Crump Life Insurance Services and Hanleigh Management (collectively “Crump”) from TIH Insurance Holdings, LLC (“TIH”). Per […]
4 Bills That Could Boost Annuities in 2025
{January 7th, 2025} by Melanie Waddell
Annuity bills in play during the 2023-2024 session of Congress may continue to gain traction in 2025. “Many barriers inhibiting the use of protected, guaranteed lifetime income solutions to turn a saver’s accumulated retirement savings into a stream of lifetime income remain present in federal law and regulations,” according to Paul Richman, chief government and […]
Insurance Pros Rethink the Tattoo Taboo
{January 7th, 2025} by Cyril Tuohy
The mainstreaming of body art – especially among younger workers – is forcing carriers to reevaluate policies. Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink, which tracks the life and annuity industry, said in a social media post that her body is covered in tattoos, but nonetheless urged a degree of discretion. “Put that sucker where you can hide […]
Researcher Casts Doubt on World Financial Group Business Model
{January 7th, 2025} by Cyril Tuohy
Indexed universal life sales at Transamerica are booming and Transamerica Life‘s Financial Foundation IUL contract has delivered a record run of three-and-a-half years as the top-selling IUL product across all sales channels, according to Wink, a firm that tracks the life and annuity market. Read the full story via Life Annuity Specialist
New York Life Wealth Watch 2025 Outlook: Americans’ financial confidence holds despite continued debt and inflation challenges
{January 7th, 2025} by New York Life
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–New York Life’s 2025 New Year Outlook Wealth Watch survey finds that financial confidence persists for American consumers, despite ongoing financial pressures. At the close of 2024, 64% of adults remain confident in their ability to meet their financial goals, reflecting the same level of confidence as late 2023. Americans were more aggressive […]
Milliman’s 2024 Fixed Indexed Annuity Industry Experience Studies show sharp increases in surrender rates compared to pre-2022 averages
{January 7th, 2025} by Milliman, Inc.
SEATTLE–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Milliman, Inc., a premier global consulting and actuarial firm, today announced the results of its two 2024 Fixed Indexed Annuity Industry Experience Studies. These comprehensive studies analyze policyholder behavior, including factors such as the contract holder’s age at issue, length and magnitude of the contract, methods of distribution, and tax implications. The two studies […]
Brokers question NASAA proposal to limit use of ‘advisor’ title
{January 7th, 2025} by Dan Shaw
The financial services industry has long recognized a distinction between advisors who collect fees for managing assets and brokers who charge commissions for carrying out securities transactions. Still, firms and trade groups alike are speaking out against a proposed rule that would allow states to prohibit brokers from calling themselves “advisors” or “advisers” when working with retail […]
MetLife and General Atlantic create ‘Chariot Re’ sidecar
{January 7th, 2025} by Editorial Staff
MetLife, Inc., is partnering with the investment firm General Atlantic to launch Bermuda-based Chariot Reinsurance, Ltd., a registered Class E Bermuda-based life and annuity reinsurance company. Read the full story via RIJ
Nut Case: Prudential and Brighthouse’s Bets on Pistachios
{January 7th, 2025} by Kerry Pechter
The endless rows of pistachio trees in California’s flat, arid Central Valley yield millions of bags of pricey green snack-nuts every year. A decade of celebrity-driven advertising has propelled pistachios into a global sales sensation—enough to attract major loans from institutional investors. Read the full story via RIJ
Delay Social Security, Invest More or Buy an Annuity: What’s Best for Retirement Income?
{January 7th, 2025} by John Manganaro
Clients who want to claim Social Security early and reinvest the proceeds need a strong stomach for taking portfolio risk in order to come out ahead, according to a recent report published by PGIM’s David Blanchett. Beating the delayed claiming strategy requires an 8% annual return for an individual retiree, according to Blanchett, and achieving comparable returns […]
The MYGA as a Bond Alternative
{January 7th, 2025} by Allison Bell
Registered index-linked annuities have been getting a lot of attention lately, but they accounted for just 14% of U.S. individual annuity sales in the third quarter of 2024, according to Wink. Sales of multi-year guaranteed annuities — contracts from issuers that promise to pay a set interest rate for at least a specified number of years, […]
What Clients Really Ask Accountants About Annuities
{January 7th, 2025} by Allison Bell
Accountants can be a good source of referral business for agents and advisors who help clients with life insurance, annuities and other products. Paul Miller, a certified public accountant, is the managing partner at Miller & Co., a Whitestone, New York-based accounting firm that serves about 3,000 clients. Many of the clients are executives, international business […]
Prudential Welcomes Babies Born Jan. 1 With $150 Checks
{January 7th, 2025} by Allison Bell
The babies born Wednesday are the first members of Generation Beta — and Prudential Financial wants their parents to think about their retirement savings. Members of Generation Beta will begin to turn 70 on New Year’s Day in 2095. Prudential is trying to get the attention of the Generation Beta newborns’ parents by offering to […]
Ex-employees sue Verizon over pension transfer deal with Prudential, RGA
{January 7th, 2025} by John Hilton
A group of ex-Verizon employees filed the latest lawsuit challenging the efficacy of insurance companies managing pension funds. Filed Monday in the Southern District of New York, the Verizon pensioners claim the pension risk transfer (PRT) deal agreed to in March threatens their retirement funds. Verizon inked the $5.9 billion PRT deal for Prudential Financial and Reinsurance […]
What in the clickbait is this?
{January 7th, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
Why is it that the clickbait “What are annuities and how do they work?” nearly always gets it wrong, when it comes to annuities? I hate it when articles talk about the “types” of annuities, and mention immediate annuities and deferred annuities, but don’t specify that fixed, indexed, structured and variable annuities are all types […]
Honorable Mention
{January 7th, 2025} by Editorial Staff
Allianz sets up Bermuda reinsurer Global insurer Allianz, parent of Allianz Life in the U.S., has established a new independent strategic reinsurance platform called Sconset Re Ltd., which will be capitalized through equity investments from high-quality institutional partners. Located in Bermuda, Sconset Re “will specialize in assuming fixed indexed annuity product risk and its asset […]
Delay Social Security, Invest More or Buy an Annuity: What’s Best for Retirement Income?
{January 7th, 2025} by David Blanchett
lients who want to claim Social Security early and reinvest the proceeds need a strong stomach for taking portfolio risk in order to come out ahead, according to a recent report published by PGIM’s David Blanchett. Beating the delayed claiming strategy requires an 8% annual return for an individual retiree, according to Blanchett, and achieving comparable returns […]
I just wish that AJ was here to see it all!
{January 7th, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
Eleven years ago, I lost my son to suicide. AJ Betts was relentlessly bullied for being gay. Eleven years ago, I learned that his gift of bodily donation was restricted to “life saving organs” only; just because he was gay. He could not donate his blood, intestines, corneas, or tissues. Ten years ago, my former […]
How the life insurance industry can restore its relevance
{January 7th, 2025} by Ramnath Balasubramanian
The life insurance industry has some bright spots. High interest rates have spurred demand and annuity sales have reached record levels. In other ways, though, there are distinct shadows. The sector’s rate of growth is slower than that of gross domestic product, and performance among public companies lags that of their financial-services peers. An important […]
Generation Beta has arrived, planning for their financial future should start now
{January 7th, 2025} by Steve Randall
The youngest Gen Zs are still in their early teens and Generation Alpha is mostly still in grade school, but 2025 adds a new generation into the mix. Read the full story via InvestmentNews
DALBAR Applauds Financial Firms for Excellence in Contact Center Customer Experience
{January 7th, 2025} by DALBAR
MARLBOROUGH, Mass., Dec. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — DALBAR, the leading auditor of customer service in the financial services sector, has announced the winners of the 2024 Service Award. This year’s recipients have demonstrated exceptional innovation in customer care, successfully navigating the evolving demands of digital transformation while maintaining personal connections with clients. Award winners were selected through an […]
A New Year but Unresolved Questions Remain
{January 7th, 2025} by Brent Schutte, CFA®
Brent Schutte, CFA, is chief investment officer of the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company. The new year typically brings with it a host of market predictions for the coming 12 months, including educated predictions of the closing levels of the major indices at year-end. The forecasts can make for interesting reading but often fall short […]
Globe Life fends off shareholder lawsuits alleging the company misled investors
{January 7th, 2025} by John Hilton
A Texas judge consolidated two of multiple lawsuits Friday alleging that Globe Life misled investors. In November, Jui Cheng Hsiao and Gautam Jadhav filed separate shareholder derivative lawsuits against the executives and directors of Globe Life Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. A shareholder derivative suit is a lawsuit […]
Measuring The Markets: The Long And Short View
{January 7th, 2025} by Kevin Jestice
Prior to this year’s election, a Nationwide Retirement Institute survey showed a majority of investors believe the results of the 2024 U.S. federal elections will have a bigger impact on their retirement plans and portfolio than market performance – up 10 percentage points from just a year ago. In my opinion, this view is more likely to […]
Happy New Year!
{December 31st, 2024} by Wink's Intel Pros and Sheryl J. Moore
The new year is filled with opportunity; our hopes are that you are successful in all you do in the months to come.
100 Most Powerful People in Financial Advice
{December 31st, 2024} by Conneqtor.org
Follow them, conneqt with them, add them to your Supergrow list and read and comment on their posts… There’s much to learn from these legends. ………………………………………………………………….. 25. 25,349 – Sheryl J. Moore – Member at Forbes Finance Council | The MOST Connected Person in Life Insurance & Annuities | Relationship-Builder | Annuity Expert | Life […]
Reading suggestions for 2025
{December 31st, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
My friend Brad Pistole, RICP®, CAS®, IRMAACP™ has some great reading material suggestions for 2025. I feel honored to be on his list with so many greats in our industry! Check it out HERE! -sjm
The insurance industry 2025: What’s ahead?
{December 31st, 2024} by Doug Bailey
With so many variables and unknowns swirling around the insurance industry, forecasting what’s ahead for 2025 and beyond is an exercise fraught with unusual difficulty. Climate changes, spiraling costs, political and technological upheavals, legal abuse, labor shortages, along with overall uncertainties, make crystal balling nearly impossible. “The insurance cycle has increasingly moved from being boringly […]
Bull or bear? What are financial advisors’ market expectations for 2025?
{December 31st, 2024} by Ayo Mseka
Most financial advisors said they expect the S&P 500 to be up 10% or more by year-end 2025, compared to where it was between November 6 and Nov.13, 2024 (a low of 5,929.04 and a high of 6,001.35), according to the InspereX Pulse 2025 Outlook Survey. More specifically, the survey said that: 67% expect the S&P 500 […]
How to Save Life Insurance
{December 31st, 2024} by Allison Bell
New York Life Insurance Co. is operating in a world that hasn’t been friendly to life insurance. COVID-19 has killed 1.2 million Americans since March 2020, and it has caused more than $45 billion in extra death claims. Click HERE to read the full story via Think Advisor
Stock Markets to Close Jan. 9 for Carter’s Day of Mourning
{December 31st, 2024} by Allison Bell
U.S. stock markets will close Jan. 9, in observance of a national day of mourning for former President Jimmy Carter. The New York Stock Exchange, Nasdaq Inc.’s U.S. equities exchanges and Cboe Global Markets Inc. will shut, the companies said. CME Group Inc., operator of U.S.-based equity and interest-rates markets, had not yet commented on […]
What’s Next for the 2017 Tax Overhaul?
{December 31st, 2024} by Allison Bell
What do you think that life and annuity professionals should be doing now? For clients with estates exceeding the reduced exemption amount, life insurance can provide liquidity to pay estate tax; thus, life and annuity professionals should encourage these clients to set up irrevocable life insurance trusts, or ILITs, to remove the life insurance proceeds […]
Americans’ saving, investment product savvy improves, study finds
{December 31st, 2024} by Ayo Mseka
American consumers are more knowledgeable about their saving and investment products than at any other time in the past decade, according to a new market intelligence report by Hearts & Wallets. A decade ago, product awareness was in the doldrums, with only 45%, or 55 million, U.S. households able to identify the saving and investment products they […]
3 issues investors must be aware of in 2025
{December 31st, 2024} by Susan Rupe
Investors must keep their eyes on three issues as they look ahead to the new year, according to a panel of Morningstar experts. Those issues are: finding returns in a falling interest rate environment, looking at the pros and cons of investing in private assets, and the impact of artificial intelligence on investing. Morningstar analysts […]
What issues top consumers’ list of financial goals for 2025?
{December 31st, 2024} by Rayne Morgan
As the new year approaches, Americans are prioritizing financial health in their resolutions and goals, with many of them focused on debt reduction and money management, according to CFP Board’s latest research, Debt and New Year’s Resolutions Report. Nearly all (97%) who were surveyed identified having at least one financial priority for 2025. Topping the list of 2025 financial goals […]
Pepperwinkle
{December 31st, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
Today was a busy day. But at the end of the workday, Pepperwinkle was not doing good. I could feel that he was in pain. The vet said he slipped his disk. We initially thought it was a stroke. They said he was in tremendous pain. Not any more. Say “hi” to my son for […]
State regulators want to put the kibosh on the Federal Insurance Office
{December 31st, 2024} by John Hilton
State insurance regulators know what they want from the anti-government fervor inspired by the return of President Donald Trump: elimination of the Federal Insurance Office. A coalition of insurance commissioners from nine states issued a joint letter to heads of the Department of Government Efficiency requesting the death of the FIO. Led by Elon Musk […]
Iowa ranks in top 10 states for retirement. How does it compare to the rest of the US?
{December 31st, 2024} by Kate Kealey
Iowa ranked in the top 10 best states to retire in 2025, according to a financial services company. The Motley Fool surveyed 1,500 Americans to rank all 50 states to find out what is most important to those who are retiring. The survey evaluated housing, quality of life, health, crime rates, taxes, weather and the cost of […]
That’s a wrap for 2024
{December 31st, 2024} by Emile Hallez
A few things that stand out in a unique and pivotal year are the fast pace of dealmaking, the rise of active ETFs, and a few regulations that are hitting a brick wall. Click HERE to read the full story via InvestmentNews
TIAA survey finds three out of four employers see growing demand for lifetime income in retirement plans over the next five years
{December 31st, 2024} by TIAA
But 63% of respondents admit they need help understanding the value and importance of annuities TIAA and Nuveen lifetime income default target-date offerings surpass $50 billion in AUM on growing demand NEW YORK, Dec. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Five years after the passing of the SECURE Act, making it easier for Americans to save for retirement through annuities, new […]
Best Life Insurance for People With Disabilities (Prudential Wins)
{December 31st, 2024} by QuickQuote.com
TAMPA, Fla., Dec. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — In a recent report on life insurance for individuals with disabilities, Prudential was ranked number one with an average monthly premium of $100. Disabilities differ, and an individual’s access to life insurance products will depend on how their disability impacts their life expectancy. While discriminating based on disabilities is illegal in many […]
This is the highest that figure has been since 1Q2015!
{December 26th, 2024} by Wink
Question: What percentage of index annuities are issued with a guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefit rider? As we know, there are two primary objectives with FIAs, accumulation and income. I’m curious industry-wide what percentage is focused on income. submitted via Charlie Gipple, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC® on LinkedIn Answer: As of 3Q2024, 59.6% of indexed annuity […]
LOVE this video!
{December 26th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
My precious friend Evan Juice Cutler snagged this awesome video of Shaq. Check it out! -sjm
As people seek-out holistic financial planning, and more finance pros transition to becoming RIAs, this trend will continue.
{December 26th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
Would you be surprised to know that nearly a quarter of all indexed annuity sales originate through an RIA? Hybrid RIAs, that take commissions and do AUM, that is… This percentage has been growing steadily since 2005. I only see this figure increasing, going forward. As people seek-out holistic financial planning, and more finance pros […]
They Look Like CDs, but They’re Annuities—and Sales Are Booming
{December 26th, 2024} by Ann Tergesen
Key Points: Fixed-rate deferred annuities, offered by insurance companies, are similar to CDs but offer higher yields owing to a broader investment portfolio. Sales of fixed-rate deferred annuities have surged, driven by rising interest rates and demand from baby boomers seeking conservative investments. These annuities provide tax-deferred earnings and various maturity options, but […]
Prudential Financial Completes Guaranteed Universal Life Reinsurance Transaction With Wilton Re and Completes Internal Captive Restructure
{December 26th, 2024} by Prudential Financial, Inc.
NEWARK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU) announced today that it has successfully closed a reinsurance transaction for a portion of its guaranteed universal life block with Wilton Re. This transaction, originally announced on Aug. 20, 2024, advances Prudential’s strategic progress to become a higher growth and more capital efficient company. The financial impact of the transaction […]
Boehly’s Insurer Reaps Gains and Doubts From Loans to His Firms
{December 26th, 2024} by Alexandre Rajbhandari and Allison McNeely
Private equity firms have become enamored with insurance and the stable money it provides for credit bets. Todd Boehly is taking it a step further with Security Benefit Life Insurance Co. The firm is central to the billionaire’s plan to consolidate many of his holdings as he builds an asset-management power named Eldridge, taking a page out of the playbooks of Apollo […]
Mutual of America to Lay Off Workers as Part of ‘More Efficient’ Strategy
{December 26th, 2024} by Best’s News & Research Service (Subscription required)
Mutual of America Financial Group is laying off employees as part of its focus on becoming a “more efficient, strategic and customer-focused organization.” Click HERE to read the full story via AM Best
What the Fed Cut Means for Fixed Annuities
{December 26th, 2024} by Finsum
The Fed’s recent rate cuts are reshaping the landscape for fixed annuities, bringing both challenges and opportunities for investors. Fixed annuities, which offer guaranteed returns unaffected by market fluctuations, remain steady for existing contracts but may see reduced rates for new purchases in a lower-rate environment. This could lead less risk-averse investors to consider alternatives like variable […]
Life Insurance Policies for the Rich Targeted in Wyden Tax Bill
{December 26th, 2024} by Zach C. Cohen and Chris Cioffi
Ultra-wealthy investors’ life insurance policies face new taxes under draft legislation unveiled Monday by Senate Finance Committee Chair Ron Wyden, the Oregon Democrat’s latest effort to expose the decades-old inheritance strategy to IRS oversight. Wyden’s proposed legislative text would reclassify so-called private placement life insurance polices and similar annuities as “private placement contracts” if they meet certain […]
Prudential Sheds $11B in Universal Life Guarantee Exposure
{December 26th, 2024} by Allison Bell
Prudential Financial has closed on a deal passing immediate responsibility for about $11 billion in guaranteed universal life exposure to Wilton Re through a reinsurance agreement. The deal, which was announced in August, helped Prudential shed more than one-quarter of the $38 billion of guaranteed universal life exposure it started with in July 2023, when […]
10 Worst Financial Advisor Cases of 2025
{December 26th, 2024} by Dinah Wisenberg Brin
A knowledgeable financial advisor helps guide clients toward wealth, security and the means to reach important goals — paying for college, weddings, vacations and retirement. Like any industry, however, financial services comes with its share of professionals willing to commit crime. In some cases, scofflaw brokers use client funds to finance their own luxury […]
What the New $1.9T Spending Law Means for Life and Annuity Legislation
{December 26th, 2024} by Allison Bell
President Joe Biden signed a major anti-shutdown bill — the American Relief Act, 2025 package — into law Saturday, at a time when many Washington financial services policymakers have already left for the holidays. The text of the new law does include provisions that will authorize the federal government to continue normal operations through March […]
Best’s Special Report: Insurers’ Federal Home Loan Bank Borrowing Slows
{December 26th, 2024} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The pace of insurance borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) slowed last year following a spike when many U.S. life/annuity insurance companies took advantage of the lower cost of borrowing to capitalize on high interest rates and new money yields, according to a new AM Best report. The Best’s Special Report, “Borrowing from the […]
DPL Financial Partners Draws From Extensive Membership to Form Strategic Advisory Board
{December 26th, 2024} by DPL Financial Partners
LOUISVILLE, Ky.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–DPL Financial Partners, the leading platform for commission-free annuities, today announced the formation of a strategic advisory board comprised of RIA firm founders, investment officers, insurance directors, and financial advisors who use DPL’s platform to bring annuity and insurance solutions to clients. The group will provide guidance on development of fee-based products, technology, […]
Northwestern Mutual awarded highest-available financial strength ratings for 34th consecutive year
{December 26th, 2024} by Northwestern Mutual
MILWAUKEE, Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Northwestern Mutual’s superior financial strength remains a hallmark of the 167-year-old company. That was affirmed yet again this month when Fitch Ratings, one of the nation’s leading financial ratings agencies, awarded Northwestern Mutual its top-available designation – ‘AAA Exceptionally Strong’ and a ‘stable outlook.’ This marks the 34th consecutive year in which […]
National Life Group breaks giving record: $914k donated to 595 nonprofits through employee donation match program
{December 26th, 2024} by National Life Group
Montpelier, Vt. (Dec. 11, 2024) – National Life Group, known for its commitment to financial security and community giving, has achieved a new milestone in its corporate philanthropy, donating $913,940 to 595 nonprofits nationwide through its annual employee donation matching program, “Share the Good.” During the month of November, National Life Group employees, directors, and retirees contributed $455,470 with the National Life […]
Can a balance of withdrawals and annuities outshine the 4% rule?
{December 26th, 2024} by Ayo Mseka
A strategic balance of annuities and systematic withdrawals, tailored to individual needs, preferences and market conditions, is the key to optimal retirement outcomes, according to new research by economists Mark Warshawsky and Gaobo Pang. Warshawsky is principal of ReLIA Strategies, former deputy commissioner for Retirement and Disability Policy at the Social Security Administration (2017), and […]
Why annuities are growing in popularity
{December 26th, 2024} by MassMutual Strategic Distributors
Annuities are increasingly popular among Americans seeking guaranteed retirement incomes. To learn what’s driving sales, who’s buying them and what types are available, SmartBrief discussed the market with Matt DiGangi, who heads MassMutual Strategic Distributors’ annuity distribution. SmartBrief: This year has seen record sales in annuities in the US. What do you think are key drivers of […]
SB 263 expected to bring chaos to Calif. insurance, annuity sales come Jan. 1
{December 26th, 2024} by Rayne Morgan
Some stakeholders are concerned California’s new best-interest insurance sales bill – Senate Bill 263 – could bring chaos both to consumers and agents operating in the state come Jan. 1. Under Senate Bill 263, agents who sells cash value life insurance or annuities in the state of California will be required to undergo training to ensure […]
Dropping some knowledge on their relatively-new structured annuity/RILA.
{December 26th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
It looks like InvestmentNews is doing promotional videos now. Check out my main man from Corebridge Financial, Bryan Pinsky, dropping some knowledge on their relatively-new structured annuity/RILA. Is a RILA the right annuity for your client? If you want more information on this product’s innovation, Wink’s subscribers can Click HERE to check out the specifics […]
New Bill Would Allow Direct 401(k) Rollovers to Annuities
{December 26th, 2024} by John Manganaro
New bipartisan legislation introduced in the House of Representatives seeks to help older retirement savers more easily roll assets from their 401(k) accounts into annuities. The bill, which is sponsored by Reps. Jimmy Panetta, D-Calif., and Darin LaHood, R-Ill, also seeks to simplify the 402(f) notice explaining workers’ retirement plan distribution options. Click HERE to read the […]
Q and A: Connecticut regulators discuss PHL Variable rehab efforts
{December 26th, 2024} by John Hilton
It isn’t often that life insurance companies fall into financial trouble. But when they do, the regulatory rehabilitation process is often prolonged and accompanied by infrequent updates. Connecticut Insurance Department regulators are busy wrangling a tough case with PHL Variable Insurance Co. PHL and its subsidiaries, Concord Re, Inc., and Palisado Re, Inc., were placed […]
State regulators want to put the kibosh on the Federal Insurance Office
{December 26th, 2024} by John Hilton
State insurance regulators know what they want from the anti-government fervor inspired by the return of President Donald Trump: elimination of the Federal Insurance Office. A coalition of insurance commissioners from nine states issued a joint letter to heads of the Department of Government Efficiency requesting the death of the FIO. Led by Elon Musk […]
South Carolina bars A-Cap insurers from writing new policies in 2025
{December 26th, 2024} by John Hilton
South Carolina became the second state this month to bar an Advantage Capital Partners-controlled life insurer from writing new business after Dec. 31. “Atlantic Coast Life Insurance Company and Southern Atlantic Re, Inc. have been directed to cease writing all new business, effective December 31, 2024,” reads a statement from Michael Wise, director of the […]
How Retirement Age and Social Security Claiming Age Are Related
{December 26th, 2024} by David Blanchett
Social Security is the bedrock of the American retirement system. According to the Employee Benefit Research Institute and Greenwald Research’s 2024 Retirement Confidence Survey, 91% of retiree respondents report Social Security as a source of income, and 62% say it is a major source of income. In this piece, I leverage survey data to explore […]
The life insurance industry lost another good one
{December 26th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
The life insurance industry lost another good one…Lew Nason has passed. Lew has been such a force in the life insurance business. He has run a successful agency since before I serviced his business in the home office, back in 1999. Let us remember those that have paved the way for us. You have my […]
A New Framework for Fee-Based Annuities with David Lau
{December 26th, 2024} by Jackson National Life Insurance Company
David Lau, the founder and CEO at DPL Financial Partners, is widely recognized as an innovator and disruptor in the financial services industry. His firm specializes in the distribution of low-cost, commission-free insurance and annuity products — as well as technology-driven product discovery tools and education for registered investment advisors and individual investors. He is […]
A-CAP’s Remaining Annuity Businesses Ordered to Cease Writing New Policies
{December 26th, 2024} by Jacob Adelman
Advantage Capital has been ordered by South Carolina regulators to cease any new business under the state’s control, effectively halting the $12 billion annuity and insurance group’s policy-writing operations as of the end of this year. Atlantic Coast Life and South Atlantic Re—the Advantage Capital insurers that fall under South Carolina’s jurisdiction—were instructed to cease […]
California teachers: In-plan annuity rider fees unfair; lawsuit in mediation
{December 26th, 2024} by John Hilton
Several California teacher lawsuits over in-plan annuity costs have been consolidated into one case involving rider fees. The judge is giving participants plenty of leeway for mediation, with a trial dates scheduled for November and December 2026. The initial lawsuits, filed in the Northern District of California, alleged several violations of the California Education Code […]
CreativeOne Celebrates 40 Years of Innovation and Client Success in the Financial Services Industry
{December 26th, 2024} by CreativeOne
OVERLAND PARK, KANSAS, Nov. 20, 2024—CreativeOne, a leading independent marketing organization (IMO) serving financial advisors nationwide, proudly marks 40 years of empowering advisors and shaping the future of financial services. Since its founding in 1984, CreativeOne has been at the forefront of innovation, pioneering industry-leading products and services while building lasting relationships with its advisors. […]
Wishing you joy, data delights, and industry insights
{December 17th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore and the Wink Intel Pros
May the beauty of the season surround you, may you be blessed beyond measure, and may the coming year bring you joy and success. The Wink offices are closed on December 24th & 25th for an extended holiday with our families.
Pacific Life Launches New Registered Index-Linked Annuity
{December 17th, 2024} by Pacific Life Insurance Company
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Pacific Life announced today that it has entered the registered index-linked annuity (RILA) market with Pacific Protective Growth, which offers opportunities to track market indexes while providing levels of protection during market downturns. This RILA debuts the First Trust Growth Strength Net Fee Index and includes a seldom-found crediting strategy that potentially […]
S&P Upgrades Delaware Life Insurance Company Financial Strength and Issuer Credit Rating to A- with Stable Outlook
{December 17th, 2024} by Group 1001 Insurance
ZIONSVILLE, Ind.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Delaware Life Insurance Company (“Delaware Life”), a Group 1001 Insurance company, today announced that S&P Global Ratings (“S&P”) has upgraded its issuer credit and financial strength rating from BBB+ to A- with a stable outlook. Delaware Life’s upgraded S&P rating was assigned based on several factors cited by S&P, including the company’s strong […]
My team gave me some really great gifts, but the card was the BEST.
{December 17th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
Today was Wink, Inc.‘s Christmas party. My team gave me some really great gifts, but the card was the BEST. Thank you so much for your visionary choice, Daniele Longo!! What do you think? -sjm
It is my “coffee,” so to speak.
{December 17th, 2024} by Sheryl J. Moore
Many of you know that I am a Dr. Pepper addict. I used to drink nothing but Dr. Pepper and water, as an adolescent. Today, I drink a can of Dr. Pepper & Cream Soda every morning. It is my “coffee,” so to speak. Matt Mylroie saw one of my recent DP posts, and decided […]
Annuity Issuers Still Struggling to Protect Asset Share: SIFMA
{December 17th, 2024} by Allison Bell
U.S. sales of annuities have been strong, but life insurers are just barely maintaining their share of retirement assets, according to the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association. The amount of annuity reserves held by life insurers increased 8.9% between 2022 and 2023, to $4.2 trillion, but that was a little below the 9% growth […]
Delaware Life Insurance Co. Ratings Raised To ‘A-‘ From ‘BBB+’ On Successful Business And Capital Improvement Strategy
{December 17th, 2024} by S&P Global
TORONTO (S&P Global Ratings) Dec. 11, 2024—S&P Global Ratings today said that it raised its issuer credit and financial strength ratings on Delaware Life Insurance Co. (Delaware Life or DLIC) to ‘A-‘ from ‘BBB+’. The outlook is stable. The rating action reflects the company’s continued progress and solid growth in its fixed and fixed-indexed annuity […]
What 4% Rule? Morningstar Has a New Number
{December 17th, 2024} by John Manganaro
Morningstar identifies a new “safe” fixed withdrawal rate as one of the key takeaways from its updated annual State of Retirement Income report. In addition, this year’s report digs into several potential retirement withdrawal strategies that can help savers make the most of their nest egg in retirement. Click HERE to read the full story via Think […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Jackson National Life Insurance Company and Its Affiliates
{December 17th, 2024} 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 Jackson National Life Insurance Company (JNL), its wholly owned subsidiary, Jackson National Life Insurance Company of New York, and its direct parent, Brooke Life Insurance Company. These companies together are […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Oceanview Life and Annuity Company and Oceanview Reinsurance Ltd.; AM Best Assigns Credit Ratings to Oceanview Secure Reinsurance Ltd.
{December 17th, 2024} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating (Long-Term ICR) of “a” (Excellent) of Oceanview Life and Annuity Company (Oceanview Life) (headquartered in Denver, CO) and its reinsurer affiliate, Oceanview Reinsurance Ltd. (OVRe) (Hamilton, Bermuda). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. […]
Q3 League Tables: Two Carriers Dominate the Fixed-Indexed Annuity Segment
{December 17th, 2024} by Cyril Tuohy
Allianz as Runner-Up: Allianz Life, based in Minneapolis and part of Munich-based Allianz SE, saw third-quarter year-to-date fixed-indexed annuity sales rise 17% from a year ago to $10 billion, according to Limra. Allianz Life’s Allianz Benefit Control Annuity was the best-selling indexed annuity in the third quarter, Wink reported on Tuesday. Wink tracks the life and annuity industry. In […]
Treasury and Fed Tell States to Watch Life Insurers More Carefully
{December 17th, 2024} by Allison Bell
Federal regulators are nervous about the investments and non-U.S. reinsurance inside many life and annuity issuers. The Financial Stability Oversight Council said in an annual report released Friday that state insurance regulators and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners need to get more information about life and annuity issuers’ private market investments and offshore reinsurance, […]
2025 insurance outlook: Dealmaking, distribution, capacity and innovation
{December 17th, 2024} by Jeff Heine
In 2024, the insurance industry underwent significant operational transformation, facing more pressure than ever to innovate, improve efficiency and deliver a world-class customer experience. According to pwc, insurance organizations are “doubling down on enterprise-wide digital transformation,” including strategic technology investments in key areas such as claims and policy administration. Meanwhile, the industry was contending with ongoing […]
Sen. Ron Wyden takes on private placement life insurance with new bill
{December 17th, 2024} by John Hilton
New legislation from Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., would reclassify and tax life insurance primarily used by the ultra-wealthy. Wyden, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee for another two weeks, has long had private placement life insurance in his sights. He released a draft proposal this morning, Bloomberg reported, to reclassify private placement life insurance polices and […]
Yes, the fiduciary rule is probably history, Capital Group analysts say
{December 17th, 2024} by John Hilton
Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer, nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to head the Department of Labor, is being viewed with skepticism by a financial services industry that wants efforts to extend fiduciary duty to go away for good. Chavez-DeRemer, R-Oregon, has a sketchy history with the issue. As member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, she […]
Retirement Regrets Spark Financial Resolutions for the New Year
{December 17th, 2024} by Nationwide
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — As the New Year approaches, America’s workers are taking stock of their financial wellbeing and setting resolutions to improve their future financial health. Nationwide’s 2024 Protected Retirement Survey shares key lessons learned by employees nearing retirement, offering valuable insights for those looking to make smarter financial choices in the year ahead. According […]
MetLife and General Atlantic Announce the Formation of Chariot Re
{December 17th, 2024} by Metlife, Inc
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–MetLife, Inc. and General Atlantic today announced the formation of Chariot Reinsurance, Ltd. (“Chariot Re”), a to-be-registered Class E Bermuda-based life and annuity reinsurance company. Chariot Re is expected to launch in the first half of 2025 and will have a future strategic reinsurance partnership with MetLife. MetLife and General Atlantic anticipate Chariot […]
Corebridge Financial Research Finds Retirement Expectations of Women Don’t Always Meet Realities
{December 17th, 2024} by Corebridge Financial
HOUSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–New research from Corebridge Financial digs into the financial realities of retired women compared to what they expected and provides key learnings for future retirees. The study reveals that only 19% of retired women are finding retirement to be exactly what they expected, with 26% going as far to say that retirement is not […]
The 4 Questions You’ll Get at Holiday Parties This Year
{December 17th, 2024} by Bryce Sanders
The holidays are here. The stock market started partying early. The S&P 500 is up more than 26%; the Dow Jones Industrial Average, about 16%. They are both exceeded by the Nasdaq Composite Index, up more than 27% year to date. Interest rates have started moving down. Some people hope the party will go on […]
10 Worst Financial Advisors in America: 2023
{December 17th, 2024} by Dinah Wisenberg Brin
While financial advisors and brokers can make a positive difference for their clients, helping them to build retirement nest eggs and family wealth, that doesn’t mean that the industry and its clients are immune to fraud, theft and violent crime. Over the years, clients, business associates, romantic partners and the public have been swindled and […]
Death and Retirement Tax Changes Could Add $723B in Revenue Over 10 Years: CBO
{December 17th, 2024} by Allison Bell
The Congressional Budget Office says people who die and retirement savers could do a lot more to cut federal budget deficits. The CBO is predicting that the U.S. federal government will pile up $22 trillion in deficits over the 10-year period from 2025 through 2034. Click HERE to read the full story via Think […]
Nippon Life Closes on Big Corebridge Stake, Adds U.S. Annuity Sizzle
{December 17th, 2024} by Allison Bell
This article was updated after press time to reflect the Resolution Life deal closing. Nippon Life now owns a large chunk of Corebridge Financial, and it could end up being a much bigger player in the U.S. annuity market. Click HERE to read the full story via Think Advisor Wink’s Moore on the Market: […]
Riding the ‘long tail’ of opportunity — with AmeriLife’s Brian Peterson
{December 17th, 2024} by Paul Feldman
Brian Peterson talks about his path from teacher and coach to president of AmeriLife Group’s Accumulation and Retirement Income Distribution division, and what the future looks like for one of the industry’s largest marketing and distribution businesses. When Brian received some questionable financial advice during his early days as a teacher and coach, it drove him […]
What’s next for retirement income security?
{December 17th, 2024} by Doug Bailey
When President Gerald Ford signed the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, it marked a revolutionary overhaul of employer-sponsored retirement plans. Before ERISA, employers and unions decided how employee benefit plans were designed and run. There were no minimum standards, leading to serious abuses and corruption. ERISA federalized private pension plans and made worker […]
Employers Ready to Act on Lifetime Income, But Struggle with ‘Annuity Fluency’
{December 17th, 2024} by Ted Godbout
Five years after enactment of the SECURE Act, new research suggests that more employers are primed to offer lifetime income options within their plans, but adoption of these products may be hindered due to a lack of “annuity fluency.” Overall, roughly 3 in 4 DC plan sponsors — or 76% — expect demand for annuities […]
Insurance salesman raised money for fraudulent oil and gas fund, SEC charges
{December 17th, 2024} by Bruce Kelly
A California insurance salesman was operating as an unlicensed broker when he sold more than $4 million in securities to clients in an energy fund that was later charged with fraud, the Securities and Exchange Commission stated in an order Monday. Click HERE to read the full story via InvestmentNews Wink’s Moore on […]
What I learned about life … and death
{December 17th, 2024} by Kristi Rackliff
In the many grief pamphlets scattered across my house, I have read that the death of a spouse is one of the most devastating events a person can go through. It’s actually ranked the most stressful of losses on the scale of life events. And I believe it. My identity changed immediately as a widow, […]
Why annuities are growing in popularity
{December 17th, 2024} by MassMutual Strategic Distributors
Annuities are increasingly popular among Americans seeking guaranteed retirement incomes. To learn what’s driving sales, who’s buying them and what types are available, SmartBrief discussed the market with Matt DiGangi, who heads MassMutual Strategic Distributors’ annuity distribution. SmartBrief: This year has seen record sales in annuities in the US. What do you think are key drivers of […]
Leading association lobbyists give voice to industry
{December 17th, 2024} by Melanie Kalmar
Behind every piece of legislation is the work of lobbyists who set out to educate policymakers on issues that impact Americans’ lives. For lobbyists Greg Crist, Jennifer Fox, Carl Holshouser and Jason Ortega, the process of helping legislators frame sound policy is just as thrilling as seeing it become law. This involves telling the story […]
Widow of NYC man who jumped to his death sues brokers, insurers over annuity sales
{December 17th, 2024} by John Hilton
The widow of a New York City man who committed suicide last summer by jumping off a building is suing brokers and insurers for allegedly selling him improper annuities. Joan Jacobson claims her late husband Jay suffered from dementia and was preyed on by a trio of brokers. The brokers sold Jay Jacobson $2 million […]
EDGAR Release 24.4
{December 17th, 2024} by Sec.gov
On December 16, 2024, EDGAR Release 24.4 will introduce the following changes: EDGAR Filing Website Updates for Release 24.4 On October 13, 2023, the SEC adopted new Rule 13f-2 and related Form SHO to provide greater transparency through the publication of short-sale related data to investors and other market participants. Under Rule 13f-2, an […]
A Conversation With Ron Barrett
{December 17th, 2024} by P.E. Kelly
F&G, the Des Moines based provider of retail insurance solutions for annuity, life and institutional clients, has for five years published its proprietary Risk Tolerance Tracker, an ambitious and quite in-depth analysis of how American investors are feeling abut their money… and just about everything that might effect it. From retirement risk, inflation and, in […]
Open to All: How Financial Professionals Can Reach LGBTQ+ Clients
{December 17th, 2024} by BISA Member
The makeup of the U.S. population is changing, and so are the financial needs of diverse client groups. One such group that requires individual attention is the LGBTQ+ community. A U.S. Census Bureau survey from 2021 that measures household probability in the U.S. found at least 20 million adults could be lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender — […]
LIMRA: Annuity sales on track to set new record in 2024
{December 17th, 2024} by Doug Bailey
With sales of annuities exploding to record levels, it’s probably no surprise that in the first nine months of 2024 total annuity sales increased 23% to $331.2 billion, and are on pace for another record-breaking year, according to LIMRA’s U.S. Individual Annuity Sales Survey. Total U.S. annuity sales reached a record-high $385.4 billion in 2023, […]
In a complex market, insurance deal activity rebounds in the second half of 2024
{December 17th, 2024} by PWC
The insurance deals market has been very active in 2024, primarily due to ongoing demand for insurance brokerages and managing general agencies (MGAs) as well as life and annuity (L&A) assets. There also has been a reemergence of property and casualty (P&C) carrier deal activity, which had been quiet in recent years relative to L&A. […]
Insurance is a noble craft, but health insurance follows none of its core principles
{December 17th, 2024} by Matt Hickman
May 31 of this year was a bittersweet day of sorts. That’s the day my license as an insurance producer in the state of New Jersey expired. I never got the chance to actually become the eternally derided ‘insurance salesman’ as I instead took a job writing about the fashion industry before I could snag my first client. […]
Wills, life insurance, and retirement savings: What older widows wish they knew
{December 17th, 2024} by Allie Kelly
She’s one of many older widows and widowers who have shared their stories with Business Insider in recent months. They’re among the more than 2,000 Americans who’ve responded to a reader survey about their life regrets. This story is part of an ongoing series. Some widows told BI they lost substantial amounts of their household income or were thrust […]
This Indexed Universal Life Product Has Been the Best-Seller for 3.5 years
{December 10th, 2024} by Cyril Tuohy
Transamerica Life‘s Financial Foundation IUL life insurance contract has delivered a record run of three-and-a-half years as the top-selling product across all sales channels, according to data compiled by industry watcher Wink. The 14 consecutive quarters represent the longest run for an indexed universal life product as a best-seller since Wink began publishing product-level sales in […]
Top 7 Companies for Individual Annuity Reserves
{December 10th, 2024} by Allison Bell
U.S. life insurers ended 2023 with about $2.9 trillion in reserves supporting their benefits promises to individual annuity holders, according to the new 2024 Life Insurers Fact Book. The fact book is like an almanac for the life insurance and annuity sector. The American Council of Life Insurers and a predecessor organization, the Institute […]
What Scares Global Regulators About Life and Annuity Issuers Now
{December 10th, 2024} by Allison Bell
The world’s insurance regulators are watching for two threats that have not attracted much attention in the U.S. life and annuity sectors: hidden leverage and discretionary asset valuations. Officials at the International Association of Insurance Supervisors list those risks in their latest Global Insurance Market Report. Click HERE to read the full story via Think Advisor
