WinkConnect
{April 13th, 2021} by Wink's Intel Pros
Ever search for a product on AnnuitySpecs/LifeSpecs, failed and asked us for support, only to find out that you needed to look under “The XYZ Insurance Company,” rather than plain ‘ole “XYZ Insurance Company?” Or, maybe you’ve looked for information on an annuity product and the only word that you could remember from the […]
Recently, Nebraska, Idaho and North Dakota passed rules matching NAIC’s standard, joining other states on the roster: Arkansas, Arizona, Delaware, Iowa, Michigan and Rhode Island.
{April 13th, 2021} by Emile Hallez
Numerous states have been incorporating a model regulation for annuity sales that is designed to mirror the SEC’s Regulation Best Interest. Click HERE to read the full story via InvestmentNews.
FBL Tells Investors How to Price a Life Insurer
{April 13th, 2021} by Allison Bell
What You Need to Know One measure of deal value is price divided by book value, with “accumulated other comprehensive income” excluded from book value. FBL says typical ratios for recent annuity issuer deals have ranged from 1 to 1 to about 1.25 to 1. The firm contends that prices for deals made before COVID-19 […]
The Myths That Keep People From Buying Life Insurance
{April 13th, 2021} by Press Release
Arlington, Va. and Windsor, Conn., April 12, 2021 – Despite record-high consumer intent in purchasing life insurance, new research finds too many Americans mistakenly feel life insurance is financially out of reach or too difficult to obtain. According to the 2021 Insurance Barometer Study, 36% of consumers say they plan to purchase life insurance within the […]
Post-Pandemic Financial Planning: Protection, Growth And Retirement Income
{April 13th, 2021} by Craig Hawley
It’s been a year since Covid-19 was declared a global pandemic. Stock markets have recovered, and the outlook for 2021 is looking up, especially as the vaccine rollout ramps up and the economy begins to open up. Job gains in March are expected to be the largest since October, and manufacturing is expected to continue […]
Nebraska measures bolster annuity protections
{April 13th, 2021} by Douglas Clark
The American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) is supporting Nebraska state measures providing citizens statewide with enhanced consumer protections when buying annuities. Officials said Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts recently signed legislation focusing on the best interest of consumer interests in the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Suitability in Annuity Transactions Model Regulation. Click HERE […]
In the Future, the Bias Will Likely Be for Annuities
{April 13th, 2021} by Rebecca Moore
ALTHOUGH BOTH EMPLOYERS AND THEIR EMPLOYEES see the value of guaranteed lifetime income options, differences appear among 401(k) and 403(b) providers when it comes to retirement plan design, according to a survey by TIAA. The survey found 403(b) plan sponsors are more likely to see income replacement as the biggest influence on their plan decisions […]
What’s Cooking at ‘Income Lab’?
{April 13th, 2021} by Kerry Pechter
True story: Around midnight, a sleepless retiree speed-dials her adviser. Their last meeting had ended on what the adviser thought was a positive note: a Monte Carlo simulation showed that the client’s portfolio had a 94% likelihood of success through age 90. Click HERE to read the full story via RIJ
The Rise Of The Variables, Part I
{April 13th, 2021} by Steven A. Morelli
The theme of 2021 and beyond might be The Rise of the Variables because of the many pressures on the fixed product side of the business. The rise would be the return of one giant and an offspring of another. Timothy Pfeifer of Pfeifer Advisory, which advises carriers on product design, said interest rates, regulations, […]
Racial Equity Is Different From Diversity, NAIFA Members Told
{April 13th, 2021} by Susan Rupe
Racial equity is different from diversity efforts, and Derrik Anderson told NAIFA members how and why this is so. Anderson is executive director of Race Matters and spoke during Thursday’s portion of NAIFA’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Impact Week. He discussed why DEI is a critical issue for any organization and provided some practical steps […]
Florida Court Considers Law Forcing Life Insurers To Try To Find Beneficiaries
{April 13th, 2021} by John Hilton
The Florida Supreme Court will hear a constitutional challenge to a 2016 state law that put new requirements on life-insurance companies to determine whether policyholders have died and to contact beneficiaries. Four insurers went to the Supreme Court last year after a divided 1st District Court of Appeal upheld the law. The Orlando Sentinel reported […]
Barometer Shows Greater Interest In Buying Life Insurance
{April 13th, 2021} by Susan Rupe
One in three consumers surveyed said COVID-19 prompted them to consider buying life insurance in the next 12 months. That was one of the significant findings in the 11th annual Insurance Barometer survey, conducted by LIMRA and Life Happens. The annual survey looks at the consumer mindset around topics relevant to the life insurance industry. Click […]
Life Insurance Industry Eyes ‘Moon Shot’ In Underserved Communities
{April 13th, 2021} by Susan Rupe
The life insurance industry has a chance at a “moon shot” this year in terms of expanding its investment in underserved communities. That was the word from Bruce Ferguson, senior vice president of state relations for the American Council of Life Insurers. Ferguson and two other ACLI executives spoke on the organization’s Economic Empowerment and […]
Industry Still Lags In Developing, Advancing Women, WIFS President Says
{April 13th, 2021} by Susan Rupe
It’s not difficult to attract women to the financial services industry, said Carrie Sayre, president of Women in Insurance and Financial Services. But it’s the development and advancement of women in which the industry fails. Sayre, who is chief talent officer of 6M Group, spoke Tuesday as part of NAIFA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Impact […]
National Western Life Insurance Company (NWL®) launches Equisoft/manage, a flexible cloud-based policy administration system
{April 13th, 2021} by Equisoft
PHILADELPHIA, April 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ – Equisoft announced today the successful implementation of phase one of its cloud-based policy administration platform that will support NWL’s Life and Annuity operations across the full policy lifecycle. The new platform, along with the new NWL® ChoiceOptimizer Fixed Indexed Annuity product, went live in February. Subsequent phases of this large modernization […]
RetireOne Launches Tool to Help RIAs Quantify the Impact of Fixed Index Annuities in Client Portfolios
{April 13th, 2021} by RetireOne
SAN FRANCISCO, April 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — RetireOne® — the leading independent platform for fee-based insurance solutions — today announced the broad availability of the Advisory Annuity Impact Calculator, a tool that enables advisors to evaluate improvements in risk-adjusted returns for their client-specific portfolios. During this time of high equity valuations and low fixed income yields, RetireOne and inStream Solutions, LLC, […]
Principal Charity Classic, Sammons Financial Group Launch New Giving Program in Support of DE&I
{April 13th, 2021} by Sammons Financial Group
DES MOINES, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Principal Charity Classic and Sammons Financial Group have partnered to launch a new program called The Legacy Project, which will donate to organizations with defined goals, strategies, and measurable outcomes to address the issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion. First year funding in the amount of $50,000 will go to The […]
Allianz Life Named a 2021 FORTUNE 100 Best Company to Work For
{April 13th, 2021} by Jamie Johnson
MINNEAPOLIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz Life) announced today it was named a 2021 FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For. The company ranked 52 on the list. This is the 10th consecutive year that Allianz Life has been included on the list as a result to its commitment to company culture, […]
FBL Financial Group Files Investor Presentation
{April 13th, 2021} by FBL Financial Group, Inc.
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–FBL Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: FFG) (“FBL Financial Group” or “the Company”) today filed a presentation regarding the previously announced transaction pursuant to which Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company (“FBPCIC”) will acquire all of the outstanding shares of FBL Financial Group Class A and Class B common stock, excluding […]
Principal to Announce First Quarter 2021 Financial Results
{April 12th, 2021} by Principal Financial Group
DES MOINES, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Principal Financial Group® (Nasdaq: PFG) announced today that it will release first quarter 2021 financial results 15 minutes after U.S. markets close on Tuesday, April 27, 2021. On Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at 10 a.m. ET, Dan Houston, chairman, president, and chief executive officer, and Deanna Strable, executive vice president and chief financial […]
Actuaries Find Race and Ethnicity Disclosure Gap
{April 12th, 2021} by Allison Bell
What You Need to Know About 12% of U.S. residents are Black, and 15% are Hispanic or Latino. In the insurance industry, 12% of employees are Black and 12% are Hispanic or Latino. Just 4.4% of new SOA members are Black, and 3.7% of new members are Hispanic or Latino. Society of Actuaries members are […]
New York Wants Life Insurers to Analyze Portfolio Climate Exposure
{April 12th, 2021} by Allison Bell
What You Need to Know The New York State Department of Financial Services has proposed guidance that could affect all insurers domiciled in the Empire State. The department wants insurers to think about hurricanes, floods, wildfires, droughts and chronic shifts in weather patterns. All insurers, regardless of size, would have to have a written climate […]
Is an AML Crackdown Coming for RIAs?
{April 12th, 2021} by Melanie Waddell
Welcome back to Human Capital. I’m Melanie Waddell, ThinkAdvisor’s Washington bureau chief. This week the Securities and Exchange Commission’s exam division issued a risk alert detailing broker-dealers’ anti-money laundering compliance failures, specifically those related to filing suspicious activity reports. Ben Marzouk, an attorney at Eversheds Sutherland, tells Human Capital that recent chatter forewarns that likely […]
FINRA Zooming In on Platform Outages, Suspicious Activity Reports
{April 12th, 2021} by Melanie Waddell
This year’s Financial Industry Regulatory Authority exams will focus on broker-dealer filings of suspicious activity reports (or SARs), technology governance, and communications about digital assets, in addition to Regulation Best Interest, says Bill St. Louis, FINRA’s senior vice president of retail and capital markets firms. “There’s an intersection between cyber events and [anti-money laundering],” St. […]
Proposal Could Make Life Insurers Bigger Real Estate Owners
{April 12th, 2021} by Allison Bell
State insurance regulators are working on a change in the rules for counting life insurers’ assets. In theory, the change could lead life insurers to spend billions of dollars more on buying office buildings, apartment complexes, industrial properties and other types of commercial real estate. The American Council of Life Insurers wants the National Association […]
Affluent Americans’ Financial Goals Are Changing: BofA
{April 12th, 2021} by Alex Padalka
Financial advisors working with affluent Americans today are dealing with a different set of priorities than they were two decades ago, but an advisor’s expertise is still highly prized, according to a survey. Affluent investors turned more to financial advisors than to anyone else to learn about markets and manage their investments during the pandemic: […]
Cartoon Characters: Why Advisors Are Creating Explainer Videos
{April 12th, 2021} by Chana R. Schoenberger
While the country was obsessed last year with the pandemic and the presidential election, financial advisor Ben Hockema turned himself into a cartoon character. To generate interest from prospects, Hockema commissioned an animated explainer video to showcase his practice. In the 90-second production, which can be seen on YouTube, a bearded avatar of Hockema appears, […]
Billionaire Bill Foley Is SPAC Market’s Overlooked Star
{April 12th, 2021} by Amrith Ramkumar
Fast-trading, social-media-obsessed investors have driven the special-purpose acquisition company craze. One of the biggest SPAC creators is a staid insurance executive who wants nothing to do with them. Billionaire Bill Foley, owner of the Vegas Golden Knights team in the National Hockey League, has bypassed unproven electric-car makers and speculative space companies and instead focused […]
MassMutual acquires Blueprint Income
{April 12th, 2021} by MassMutual
SPRINGFIELD, Mass., Feb. 8, 2021 – Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) today announced the acquisition of Blueprint Income, Inc., a leading online annuity marketplace, from Stone Ridge Holdings Group. Blueprint Income offers an online marketplace where users can purchase simple annuities, offered directly to consumers and through affinity partners. Over 1.5 million users in 2020 […]
What the 60/40 Portfolio Debate Is Missing
{April 12th, 2021} by John Ruth
There’s been a lot of commentary recently about the time-honored 60/40 portfolio being ripe for a rethink. We couldn’t agree more. But we believe that the conversations, and particularly the solutions being suggested, are headed in entirely the wrong direction. On top of that, nobody seems to be asking if these proposals are serving clients […]
For Every Life, There is a Story
{April 6th, 2021} by Wink's Intel Pros
April is Donate Life Month; this is a time to remember loved ones who gave the incredible gift of organ, tissue, and eye donation and to celebrate the impact made in the lives of recipients. This month, we remember Alexander M. Betts Jr. (AJ), the son of Wink’s CEO, Sheryl J. Moore and the significance […]
Athene Launches Fixed Indexed Annuity Designed to Maximize Long-Term Retirement Savings
{April 6th, 2021} by Athen
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa, March 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Athene USA (“Athene”), a leading provider of retirement savings products, announced the launch of Athene AccuMaxSM, a fixed indexed annuity that provides enhanced protected accumulation potential for “patient money” set aside for retirement or other long-term savings goals. Athene AccuMax is issued by Athene Annuity and Life Company (“AAIA”), a subsidiary […]
Investors Heritage Launches Heritage Income Advantage to Offer Innovative Guaranteed Retirement Income
{April 6th, 2021} by Investors Heritage Life Insurance Company
FRANKFORT, Ky.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Investors Heritage Life Insurance Company (“Investors Heritage”) today announced the launch of a new fixed index annuity – the Heritage Income Advantage (“HIA”) – to help policyholders protect assets from market downturns, grow retirement savings, and secure a lifetime income stream. “We are excited to launch this new, industry-leading product on this 60th anniversary […]
A New Retirement Security Framework Is Required to Meet Unprecedented Challenges Posed by “Peak 65” Moment
{April 6th, 2021} by Alliance for Lifetime Income
WASHINGTON, March 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The Alliance for Lifetime Income, a non-profit consumer education organization, today published a new economic report that spotlights how underprepared millions of baby boomers are for today’s retirement realities and proposes ideas for a new retirement security framework as we approach a historic demographic milestone in the US. Peak 65 is a […]
Security Benefit Life’s Secret Sauce
{April 6th, 2021} by Kerry Pechter
Joe Wittrock, CIO at Security Benefit Life, explains how the firm’s investments outperform. Eldridge Industries, run by ex-Guggenheim president Todd Boehly, owns SBL, Billboard magazine and lots else. There’s a belt-and-suspenders aspect to pegging the performance of a fixed indexed annuity (FIA)—a product that can’t lose money unless “surrendered” prematurely—to the movement of an […]
VAs suffer record outflows, but enjoy record assets
{April 6th, 2021} by Editorial Staff
As Morningstar’s quarterly VA sales report for 4Q2020 shows, the VA business is complicated, with record-high sales of index-linked VAs, record-high VA assets on the books, but record outflows from VAs overall. Go figure. The registered index-linked annuity, or RILA, has perhaps the least self-descriptive name in the entire annuity industry, and that’s saying something. […]
Updates from Allianz Life, Athene and Investors Heritage
{April 6th, 2021} by Editorial Staff
New caps on AllianzIM Buffered Outcome ETFs; Investors Heritage Life offers climate-friendly index on new FIA; AccuMax is launched by Athene. New caps on AllianzIM Buffered Outcome ETFs Allianz Investment Management LLC announced new upside caps for the April series of its Buffered Outcome ETFs suite: the AllianzIM US Large Cap Buffer10 Apr ETF and […]
Pacific Life Introduces Sustainable Bond Framework Strengthening Commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Initiatives
{April 6th, 2021} by Pacific Life
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Pacific Life announced today the introduction of a Sustainable Bond Framework under which framework it can issue Sustainable Bonds through the Capital Markets Group of its Institutional Division. “Our mission is to always deliver superior risk-adjusted investments that provide scalable and value-added solutions to our clients. But we’re also continuing to generate […]
FBL Financial Group Special Committee Sends Letter to Shareholders
{April 6th, 2021} by FBL Financial Group, Inc.
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–FBL Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: FFG) (“FBL Financial Group” or “the Company”) today sent a letter to shareholders urging them to vote “FOR” the previously announced definitive agreement under which Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company will acquire all of the outstanding shares of FBL Financial Group Class A and […]
AIG Retirement Services Launches New Mobile App Capabilities to Help Nonprofit and Public Service Employees Save for Retirement
{April 6th, 2021} by AIG Retirement Services
HOUSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AIG Retirement Services, a leading retirement plan provider for tax-exempt and public sector employers, today announced the launch of its enhanced mobile enrollment experience, bringing convenience and simplicity to employees as they prepare for their financial future. Eliminating the need for paper forms and other administrative burdens, the modernized mobile app offers plan participants […]
Symetra Celebrates Two Community Program Milestones
{April 6th, 2021} by Symetra Life Insurance Company
BELLEVUE, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Symetra Life Insurance Company celebrates two community program milestones this week as ‘Symetra Empowers Communities’ completes its first program year with more than $2 million in distributed funding and the company’s COVID-19 initiative, ‘Care & Feeding,’ reaches its 20,000 delivered-meals goal. Symetra Empowers Communities “‘Symetra Empowers Communities’ expresses our deep commitment to the […]
Half of Young Employees Say Pandemic Made Work-Life Balance Better; 3 in 4 Baby Boomers Disagree
{April 6th, 2021} by Metlife
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–One year after the COVID-19 pandemic forced many U.S. employees across the country to transition to remote work, the youngest and oldest generations are divided on its impact. MetLife’s 19th annual U.S. Employee Benefit Trends Study finds more than half of workers in their 20s (51 percent), including Gen Z and young millennials, say […]
Athene Completes Significant Pension Risk Transfer Transaction with JCPenney
{April 6th, 2021} by Athene Holding, Ltd.
HAMILTON, Bermuda, April 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Athene Holding Ltd. (“Athene”) (NYSE: ATH), a leading financial services company specializing in retirement services, announced the close of a significant pension risk transfer transaction in connection with JCPenney’s1 pension plan termination. Under the terms of the transaction, which was signed in March 2021, JCPenney transferred $2.8 billion in pension obligations to Athene. Athene’s wholly-owned […]
New survey: 1 in 5 Americans have been forced to delay or cancel their retirement due to the pandemic
{April 6th, 2021} by Nationwide
COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 31, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken many U.S. adults’ confidence in retiring comfortably or on time, with one-in-five (19%) reporting it has forced them to delay their retirement or no longer retire at all, according to the new 2021 Tax-Efficient Retirement Income survey. Conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of The […]
Industry Veteran Charlie Gipple Launches The Retirement Academy
{April 6th, 2021} by CG Financial Group
Des Moines, IA: Charlie Gipple, owner of CG Financial Group and long-time industry expert on annuities, life insurance, long-term care, presentation skills, and sales strategies has announced the launch of “The Retirement Academy” on April 5. The Retirement Academy is an online training platform for agents, registered reps and broker dealers that is video-heavy and […]
John Hancock Meets Strong Market Demand with New Protection Variable Life Insurance Product
{April 6th, 2021} by John Hancock
TSX/NYSE/PSE: MFC SEHK: 945 Competitive Age-100 Guarantee and Compelling Living Benefits Offer Blend of Security and Opportunity Low-cost, level-pay scenarios No investment restrictions to maintain age-100 guarantee (and full range of investment choices) Exciting living-benefit options BOSTON, Mass., April 5, 2021 /PRNewswire/ – Today, John Hancock, the US division of Toronto-based Manulife (NYSE: MFC), announced a new protection variable universal life […]
Sammons Financial Group Acquires Beacon Capital Management
{April 6th, 2021} by Sammons Financial Group, Inc.
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa, April 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Sammons Financial Group announced it has closed on its acquisition of Beacon Capital Management – a next-generation registered investment advisory (RIA) firm and turnkey asset management program (TAMP). Announced in January, Sammons Financial Group acquired Beacon to expand into the growing advisor marketplace. Beacon is based in Dayton, Ohio. “We look forward to the […]
Introducing Surevested: A Life Insurance Agency Powered by Artificial Intelligence
{April 6th, 2021} by Surevested
NEW YORK, March 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Life insurance is the greatest gift you can give your family and today, Survested, a new life insurance agency, is launching to make the process simple, honest, and completely transparent. Powered by artificial intelligence, Surevested’s powerful technology matches consumer data with thousands of policies from top-tier life insurance companies. By making […]
West Coast Is an Annuity-Suitability Update Desert: NAIC Map
{April 6th, 2021} by Allison Bell
Texas may soon adopt an annuity sales standard update developed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. But New York state has gone its own way, and, as of March 25, Illinois, Pennsylvania and the entire West Coast had no noteworthy adoption efforts in the pipeline. California, Oregon and Washington were sticking with the annuity suitability […]
Hybrid LTC To The Rescue?
{April 6th, 2021} by Tracey Longo
The long-term-care insurance industry is bleeding. Can hybrid policies save it? Traditional LTC insurance policies are in trouble—the industry has had to spike premiums as it struggles to make good on guaranteed benefits to its customers—at a time when interest rates are near zero and insurers can’t depend on higher rates to support benefits. For […]
Security Benefit’s President Likes Selling Annuities
{April 6th, 2021} by Allison Bell
Some days, it looks as if low interest rates forever might have killed the U.S. individual annuity. Many executives of publicly traded life insurers have promised securities analysts that their companies have taken a “disciplined” approach to pricing, slashed living benefits guarantees, suspended sales of the products facing the most pressure, and generally done everything […]
Who should buy an annuity? Boston College has thoughts
{April 6th, 2021} by Contributor
Deciding whether to buy an annuity is one of the more complicated calculations an investor might have to make. Not all annuities are the same. Nor are investors. And a new study from Boston College says that demographics play a crucial role in determining the value of an annuity to any given investor. The Center […]
6 Good, Clean Annuity Jokes
{April 5th, 2021} by Allison Bell
COVID-19 has hit retirement savers as they are facing three other crises: the aging of the baby boomers, low interest rates, and a high level of self-consciousness about humor. A few years ago, financial services professionals might have been able to lighten the mood with a few jokes about, say, some group of colleagues with […]
Athene Adds Non-Variable Indexed Contract: Annuity Moves
{April 5th, 2021} by Allison Bell
Athene USA has introduced the Athene AccuMax non-variable indexed annuity contract. Like other indexed annuities, the AccuMax contract can connect a holder’s crediting rate, or rate at which interest is credited to the annuity contract value, to the performance of an investment index. The AccuMax contract offers holders access to crediting rate choices linked to […]
13 ‘Must-Have’ Abilities And Offerings For Today’s Financial Advisors
{April 5th, 2021} by Expert Panel, Forbes Finance Council
11. Virtual Meetings A webcam and a microphone have become essential to working in financial services since the pandemic hit last year. If financial services professionals cannot “meet” with their clients virtually and face-to-face meetings are no longer an option, their businesses will die. When was the last time you convinced someone to write a […]
What Parents Need To Focus On When Encouraging Young Adults To Save For Retirement
{April 5th, 2021} by Jim Poolman
One of the most rewarding feelings in adulthood is earning that first paycheck. It is a mark of pride, the culmination of years of hard work and study, and a great responsibility as young people begin to take ownership of their expenses. Around this time, 20-somethings are encouraged to put money away for retirement purposes […]
MRS Introduces E-App for Annuity Policies
{April 5th, 2021} by http://www.punch-pr.com
Quicker, easier application process nets client success MILWAUKEE, WI, UNITED STATES, April 1, 2021 /EINPresswire.com/ — MRS, a global leader in insurance automation and technology solutions, announced today the release of a new electronic application (E-App) system for annuity policies. The new technology will allow financial and insurance professionals to complete and submit annuity applications […]
Labor Department sues MetLife for details on ‘missing’ annuity reforms
{April 5th, 2021} by Barbara Grzincic
MetLife Inc has been stonewalling the U.S. Labor Department’s request for more information about its new methods of locating “missing” pensioners who are entitled to annuities, the government said Wednesday in a petition filed in federal court in Manhattan. Click HERE to read the full story via Reuters
Annuity Advocates: The Industry ‘Lost Track’ of What Annuities Are
{April 5th, 2021} by AM Best
Reconsider the simplicity of annuities, said Ramsey Smith, founder, ALEX.fyi; Paul Tyler, chief marketing officer, Nassau Financial; and Bruno Caron, associate director, AM Best (March 30, 2021).
Ohio National Announces Strategic Transaction with Constellation
{March 30th, 2021} by Ohio National Financial Services
March 23, 2021 Sponsored demutualization of Ohio National Mutual Holdings, Inc. initiated with Constellation, an insurance holding company backed by Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec and Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board Provides Ohio National with long-term financial stability and significantly enhances financial strength to build upon its leadership position and accelerate its growth […]
Integrity Acquires Brokers International — An Iconic Leader in Life, Annuities and Wealth Planning
{March 30th, 2021} by Integrity Marketing Group
DALLAS, March 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Integrity Marketing Group, LLC (“Integrity”), the nation’s largest independent distributor of life and health insurance products, today announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire Brokers International, Ltd. As one of the oldest and most influential life insurance, annuity and wealth-planning organizations, Brokers International supports thousands of agents, agency partners and financial […]
Midland National Is First to Offer Independent Agents Access to an ESG Index
{March 30th, 2021} by Midland National Life Insurance Company
DES MOINES, Iowa, March 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Midland National Life Insurance Company (Midland National) introduced the first index aligned with the growing environmental, social, and governance – or ESG – marketplace. The new BlackRock ESG US 5% Index ER (ticker: BESGUVCX) will be available across three Midland National products and represents the first time an index of […]
Security Benefit Adds Two Diversified Index Credit Options for Strategic Growth Series
{March 30th, 2021} by Security Benefit
TOPEKA, Kan.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Security Benefit today announced the addition of two new index accounts based on the S&P 500® Factor Rotator Daily RC2 7% Index (Factor Rotator) and the S&P Multi-Asset Risk Control (MARC) 5% Index. Both diversified indexes are now options in new purchases of the firm’s Strategic Growth Series annuities, which offer contract-holders the potential […]
Best’s Special Report: U.S. Life/Annuity Industry’s Net Income Cut Nearly in Half in 2020
{March 30th, 2021} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The U.S. life/annuity (L/A) insurance industry saw its net income cut nearly in half in 2020, to $24 billion from $45 billion. These preliminary results are detailed in a new Best’s Special Report, titled, “First Look: 12 Month 2020 Life/Annuity Financial Results,” and the data is derived from companies’ annual statutory statements received as of […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Lincoln National Corporation and Its Subsidiaries
{March 30th, 2021} 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 ICR) of “aa-” of The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Lincoln Life & Annuity Company of New York (Syracuse, NY) and Lincoln Life Assurance Company of Boston (LLAC) (Dover, NH). […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company and Its Subsidiaries
{March 30th, 2021} 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-” of The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company (Penn Mutual Life) (Horsham, PA) and its wholly owned subsidiaries, The Penn Insurance and Annuity Company (Wilmington, DE), Vantis Life Insurance Company (Windsor, CT) and […]
AM Best Comments on Credit Ratings of Ohio National Financial Services, Inc. and Its Subsidiaries Following Announced Strategic Transaction with Constellation Insurance Holdings, Inc.
{March 30th, 2021} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has commented that the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICR) of “a+” of The Ohio National Life Insurance Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, Ohio National Life Assurance Corporation (together referred to as the Ohio National Life Group), remain unchanged following the announcement […]
AM Best Removes From Under Review With Developing Implications and Affirms Credit Ratings of Aspida Life Re Ltd.
{March 30th, 2021} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has removed from under review with developing implications and affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “a-” of Aspida Life Re Ltd. (Aspida Re) (formerly known as F&G Reinsurance Ltd.) (Bermuda). Aspida Re is a subsidiary of Aspida Holdings Ltd., which is an indirect […]
Best’s Commentary: U.S. Life Insurance Products to Change in Reaction to New Tax Rules
{March 30th, 2021} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–New interest rate assumptions for U.S. life insurance companies in the recently enacted Consolidated Appropriations Act will allow higher premiums to be paid into life products and still meet the definition of life insurance, according to a new AM Best commentary. Two tests are used to determine if a life insurance contract meets the definition […]
AM Best Upgrades Issuer Credit Ratings of Athene Holding Ltd. and Its Subsidiaries
{March 30th, 2021} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has upgraded the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating (Long-Term ICR) to “bbb+” from “bbb”, the existing Long-Term Issue Credit Ratings (Long-Term IRs) and the indicative Long-Term IRs of Athene Holding Ltd. (Athene) (NYSE:ATH) (Bermuda). Concurrently, AM Best has upgraded the Long-Term ICRs to “a+” from “a” and affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) […]
Bestow Data Shows Women Are Closing the Life Insurance Coverage Gap
{March 30th, 2021} by Bestow
DALLAS, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Bestow, the first full-stack life insurance platform, today released proprietary data showing key differences between women’s life insurance purchasing behaviors compared to men. The findings reveal that women are empowered life insurance purchasers when given 100% digital, self-directed experiences and are closing the industry’s coverage gap. “The busiest people on Earth are […]
Chubb Issues Statement in Response to The Hartford
{March 30th, 2021} by Chubb Limited
NEW YORK, March 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Chubb Limited (NYSE: CB) today issued the following statement in response to the recent statement from The Hartford: As demonstrated by our industry-leading returns and underwriting performance, we have created an unsurpassed franchise in the insurance industry and its most dynamic markets. We continue to have great confidence in our ability to […]
Forbes Recognizes Seven Northwestern Mutual Advisors on Annual Top Women Wealth Advisors List
{March 30th, 2021} by Northwestern Mutual
MILWAUKEE, March 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Northwestern Mutual announced today that seven financial advisors affiliated with the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company have been named to the 2021 edition of the Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors list. “I’m incredibly proud of these talented advisors and the impact they make,” said Aditi Javeri Gokhale, chief commercial officer and president […]
Sammons Financial Group Further Develops Registered Investment Advisor Channel
{March 30th, 2021} by Sammons Financial Group
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Sammons® Financial Group, Inc. has named Cooper Sinclair to the position of associate vice president, Sales and Distribution for RIA Distribution. In his new role, Sinclair will be responsible to further develop and lead the strategic direction of Sammons Financial Group’s fee-based Registered Investment Advisor, or RIA, channel. Core position functions include establishing […]
AmeriLife Names David Paul National Sales Director, Simplified Issue Life
{March 30th, 2021} by AmeriLife Group, LLC
CLEARWATER, Fla., March 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — AmeriLife Group, LLC (“AmeriLife”), a national leader in developing, marketing, and distributing annuity, life, and health insurance solutions, has announced the promotion of David Paul to national sales director, Simplified Issue Life. In this role, Paul will deliver sales leadership and support existing final expense and simplified issue life initiatives for AmeriLife’s Brokerage and […]
DALBAR Recognizes AIG & Nationwide For Customer Experience Excellence
{March 30th, 2021} by DALBAR, Inc
MARLBOROUGH, Mass., March 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — There are lots of ways that today’s consumers can interact with their financial services providers. To truly deliver a superior standard of care, companies need to maintain an exceptional experience across channels. DALBAR’s Customer Experience Excellence Award, our highest honor, recognizes those companies who are able to consistently provide a best-in-class […]
Guardian and Atidot Partner to Create New Insurance Models and Customer Experiences Using Artificial Intelligence and Predictive Analytics
{March 30th, 2021} by Guardian
NEW YORK, March 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian Life) today announced it has entered into a joint venture with the AI and predictive analytics innovators at Atidot. The collaboration is focused on creating a platform that deploys artificial intelligence and machine learning to power data driven decision-making that helps make insurance products […]
Allianz Said to Study Hartford Situation After Chubb’s Offer
{March 30th, 2021} by Jan-Henrik Foerster and Aaron Kirchfeld
Chubb Ltd.’s $23 billion takeover offer for Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. has prompted Germany’s Allianz SE to study the feasibility of a counteroffer, according to people familiar with the matter. Europe’s biggest insurer is discussing its options with potential advisers, said the people, asking not to be identified because the discussions are private. While Allianz views Hartford as […]
Genworth Names Chairman With Private Equity Deal Experience
{March 30th, 2021} by Allison Bell
The board of Genworth Financial Inc. has picked Melina Higgins — who has deep deal making and finance experience — to succeed James Riepe as the company’s chairman. The board also added Howard Mills, a former New York state insurance superintendent, and two other independent directors, Genworth announced Thursday. Tom McInerney will remain Genworth’s president […]
Idaho Finalizes Best Interest Rule for Annuity Sales
{March 30th, 2021} by Alex Padalka
Idaho has become the latest state to adopt a best interest rule on the sale of annuities. House Bill 79, as it’s known, was signed by Republican Governor Brad Little earlier this month, according to the Idaho State Legislature. The rule requires brokers, investment advisors and other financial professionals to put consumers’ interests first when recommending annuities. Click HERE […]
Advisor Development Consultant (Annuity Marketer)
{March 30th, 2021} by N/A
Simplicity Des MoinesWest Des Moines, IA, USA Compensation $75,000 to $100,000 Annually (plus commission) Benefits Offered 401K, Dental, Life, Medical, Vision Employment Type Full-Time Why Work Here? “Simplicity is transforming the financial services industry and we are looking for top talent to join us.” Department: Sales Position Title: Advisor Development Consultant Essential Job Function: The […]
BISA Announces 2021 Leadership
{March 30th, 2021} by BISA
BISA Announces 2021 Leadership WASHINGTON, D.C., The Bank Insurance & Securities Association (BISA) announces the appointment of two newly selected Board officers and two new members to serve on the association’s Board of Directors in addition to the full slate of officers and board members for 2021. In their newly selected Board officer […]
10 Things Women Need To Know About Life Insurance
{March 30th, 2021} by Cameron Huddleston and Amy Danise
Women: It’s time for you to close the gender gap in life insurance ownership. Just 47% of women have life insurance coverage versus 58% of men, according to the 2021 Insurance Barometer Study by Life Happens and LIMRA, insurance industry groups. Yet women are just as likely to need life insurance as men. “It’s important […]
Life Insurance Providers Global Market Opportunities And Strategies To 2030: COVID-19 Impact and Recovery
{March 30th, 2021} by Reportlinker
New York, March 29, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report “Life Insurance Providers Global Market Opportunities And Strategies To 2030: COVID-19 Impact and Recovery” – https://www.reportlinker.com/p06039381/?utm_source=GNW Description: Where is the largest and fastest growing market for the life insurance providers? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and […]
Honorable Mention
{March 30th, 2021} by Editorial Staff
Canadian firm buys Ohio National for $1 billion; Net income of life/annuity industry fell almost 50% in 2020; New index annuity income rider from AIG; SIMON adds First Trust Target Outcome ETFs; KKR, owner of Global Atlantic, reports earnings; Voya, Morningstar in managed accounts partnership; A ‘longevity’ biotech SPAC. Click HERE to read the full […]
Consumers Want Liquidity: Survey
{March 30th, 2021} by Allison Bell
The hot new investment these days may be a rainy day fund. The Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) looks at what consumers want, and need, in a new batch of results from a survey of 2,034 U.S. adults, ages 18 and older, that was conducted in November 2020, as the third U.S. wave of the COVID-19 pandemic […]
Allstate To Take $4 Billion Net Loss This Quarter On Life Sales
{March 29th, 2021} by Katherine Chiglinsky
Allstate Corp. struck another deal to sell part of a life-insurance business and warned investors that the divestitures will result in a roughly $4 billion net loss in the first quarter. Wilton Re agreed to pay $220 million to buy Allstate Life Insurance Co. of New York in a transaction that will complete Allstate’s exit […]
Can Annuities Boost Retiree Returns?
{March 29th, 2021} by Ben Mattlin
Although interest rates are rising they’re still pretty low by historical measures, so it’s hard to get a safe, reliable return on savings—especially for retirees who may have a relatively short timeframe. Variable annuities, which invest in mutual fund-like sub-accounts, can post decent gains depending on the vagaries of the market, but they’re also […]
Allianz weighs Hartford offer after Chubb bid – sources
{March 29th, 2021} by Mark Rosanes
Allianz is said to be privately considering making a counteroffer for Hartford Financial Services after Chubb’s $23 billion offer. Sources familiar with the situation told Bloomberg that the Munich, Germany-headquartered insurance giant is discussing with potential advisers the feasibility of a possible bid. Deliberations are said to be at an early stage and Allianz could decide against making an […]
11 Popular Financial Tips That May Cause More Harm Than Good
{March 29th, 2021} by Expert Panel, Forbes Finance Council
3. ‘Annuities are expensive and ineffective.’ When consumers read or hear that “annuities are expensive” and “don’t offer market-like returns” from the investment community, it has the potential to derail their retirement plans. Often, investment professionals don’t realize that annuities’ primary value proposition is transferring risk—that the purchaser will live in retirement too long—not necessarily […]
In the face of an unprecedented pandemic, Dan Arnold and James Cracchiolo saw their total pay fall last year.
{March 29th, 2021} by Bruce Kelly
After leading two of the most prominent financial advice companies through the tumult caused by COVID-19 last year, the chief executives of LPL Financial Holding Inc. and Ameriprise Financial Inc. were rewarded with cuts to their total 2020 compensation, just as share prices for both firms have hit new highs. Click HERE to read the full story […]
Ohio National To Demutualize In Response To ‘Challenging’ Conditions
{March 29th, 2021} by Staff Reports
Ohio National executives cited “challenging” economic conditions today in announcing an expansive reorganization plan to demutualize the company. The Ohio National Mutual Holdings board of directors unanimously approved a strategic transaction with Constellation Insurance Holdings. ONMH is the parent company of Ohio National Financial Services, a leading provider of financial products. Click HERE to read […]
IRI: Virginia Annuity Rule Should Include 6-Month Grace Period
{March 29th, 2021} by Steve Morelli
Virginia is the latest state to adopt an updated annuity suitability rule but might be among the first ones to take effect unless the state adds a six-month grace period. Without a change in the rule, producers would have to comply with the new standard as of the implementation date of May 1. The Insured […]
Allstate Completes Exit of Life and Annuity Businesses
{March 29th, 2021} by The Allstate Corporation
NORTHBROOK, Ill.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) has agreed to a transaction in which Wilton Re will pay $220 million to acquire Allstate Life Insurance Company of New York (ALNY). The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2021, subject to regulatory approval and other closing conditions. This transaction, along with the […]
Integrity Acquires Brokers International In Blockbuster Deal
{March 29th, 2021} by John Hilton
“This is huge because Brokers International was the first marketing organization in the life insurance and annuity space, and they’re now selling to the biggest distributor of [Medicare supplement] products in the nation,” said Sheryl Moore, president and CEO of Moore Market Intelligence. “Now they’re going to have the opportunity to leverage their med supp […]
Integrity Adds $3.5B of Yearly Premiums With Latest Purchase
{March 29th, 2021} by Richard Bedard
Sheryl Moore, CEO of Moore Market Intelligence, told InsuranceNewsNet the acquisition was “huge,” combining the first marketing organization for life insurance and annuities, Brokers International, with the largest distributor of Medicare supplement products. She also touted the opportunities for cross-selling. Click HERE to read the full story via Life Annuity Specialist
Sammons Doubles Down on Fee-Based Advisors With New Hire
{March 29th, 2021} by Cyril Tuohy
Sinclair has a lengthy history of working with fee-based advisors, said Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink, publisher of Wink’s Sales & Market Report, which tracks the industry. He used to work for Jefferson National, which provided annuities to these advisors, she noted. “His experience will no doubt be helpful to Sammons in their initiatives to further annuity […]
Jackson Reports 2020 Financial Results¹, Continues Demerger Preparations
{March 29th, 2021} by Jackson National Life Insurance Company
LANSING, Mich.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jackson® today announced its full-year financial results, generating $2.8 billion in IFRS pre-tax operating income2 in 2020. Jackson also reported $19.2 billion in total sales and deposits3, noting significant growth in variable annuity and advisory sales. At the end of January, Prudential plc (Prudential; NYSE: PUK), Jackson’s parent company, announced it intends to separate Jackson through […]
US Life & Annuity Industry Carries Mixed Momentum In 2021
{March 29th, 2021} by N/A
March 16, 2021 — The pace of the U.S. life and annuity industry’s emergence from COVID-19 disruption accelerated late in an otherwise challenging 2020, setting the stage for favorable year-over-year comparisons in key individual business lines in 2021. Life, annuity, and accident and health direct premiums and considerations increased 1.1% in 2020, fueled by double-digit […]
FIAs Stand The Test Of Market Volatility
{March 29th, 2021} by Jason Mitchell
With financial anxieties remaining high amid continued market volatility, many Americans are putting more thought into securing their futures, and in doing so, contributing more than ever to their savings. In fact, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis1, the average savings for Americans were 13.7% in December of 2020 versus only 7.2% […]
When’s the next sales release? Be the first to know!
{March 23rd, 2021} by Wink's Intel Pros
Wink is preparing for the release of 4th Quarter, 2020’s Wink’s Sales & Market Report.* All of our quarterly sales releases, annual reports, and other major announcements are published on our site at Wink’s Press Releases. Contact Jamie at support@winkintel.com to be added to our Press Release distribution list and always be in-the-know and the […]
American Equity Goes Live with Penn River’s ProductHub to Improve Product Rules Management
{March 23rd, 2021} by Penn River
NEWTON SQ, Pa., March 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Penn River Inc. announced today that American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company (American Equity), a leading underwriter of fixed indexed annuities, is in production with Penn River’s ProductHub platform. The implementation is the first step in a comprehensive modernization program focused on the design, implementation and management of product rules utilizing Penn […]
Jasmine Jirele Named President and CEO of Allianz Life
{March 23rd, 2021} by Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America
MINNEAPOLIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz Life) announced today that Jasmine Jirele has been named president and CEO of Allianz Life, succeeding President and CEO Walter White, who will retire December 31, 2021. Jirele’s leadership experience spans strategy, product innovation, marketing, operations, and digital and experience management. She has served as Allianz […]
How Securian Grew In 2020 While Life Insurance Payouts Increased
{March 23rd, 2021} by Star Tribune (Minneapolis MN)
As a provider of life insurance, St. Paul-based Securian Financial knew more than most companies the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Like other companies, Securian sent employees home to work remotely, technology investments made the shift easier and streamlining some processes helped them better serve customers. It issued new COVID-related benefits and stipends for […]
Broker-dealer M&A shows signs of life in 2021
{March 23rd, 2021} by Bruce Kelly
The breakneck pace of mergers and acquisitions by registered investment advisers and various large buyers, often called aggregators, has been grabbing headlines for the past few years. Click HERE to read the full story via InvestmentNews.
AIG Life & Retirement Launches New Lifetime Income Benefit for The Power Series of Index Annuities®
{March 23rd, 2021} by AIG
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AIG Life & Retirement, a division of American International Group, Inc. (NYSE: AIG) and a leading provider of annuities, today announced a new protected lifetime income benefit for The Power Series of Index Annuities. Available exclusively through independent marketing organizations (IMOs), the new Lifetime Income Choice benefit guarantees income growth and creates added […]
Insurers Now Realize A Pressing Opportunity To Support New Consumer Needs, Post Pandemic
{March 23rd, 2021} by N/A
Consumer priorities have changed significantly as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, with nearly half (45%) of consumers surveyed planning to save more and those most impacted financially seeking to mitigate future financial uncertainty. This is according to the EY Global Insurance Consumer Survey, a survey of more than 2,700 consumers across Europe and North […]
In-plan annuities: Potential new trend?
{March 23rd, 2021} by Kristen Beckman
The dramatic volatility over the past 12 months due to the COVID-19 pandemic may be driving increased engagement in retirement planning and a heightened focus among both plan sponsors and participants on in-plan guaranteed lifetime income options. According to the February 2021 TIAA Retirement Insights Survey, which polled 1,005 plan participants and 502 plan sponsors […]
ACLI: Idaho Leaders Enact Enhanced Protections For Annuity Consumers
{March 23rd, 2021} by ACLI
WASHINGTON – American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) President and CEO Susan Neely and National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) Idaho President Guy Stubbs issued the following joint statement on the best interest annuity law signed recently by Idaho Governor Brad Little: “Legislation signed by Gov. Brad Little and championed by Insurance Department […]
Life Insurance Premium Down, Policy Sales Up In Mixed 2020 Data
{March 23rd, 2021} by Staff Reports
While total life insurance new annualized premium fell 3% in 2020, the number of policies sold in 2020 increased 2% for the year, driven by strong whole life and term sales, according to LIMRA’s U.S. Individual Retail Life Insurance Sales Survey. “In 2019, fourth quarter premium jumped 15% ahead of the mandatory adoption of the […]
Principal May Remain Largely Intact: KBW Analyst
{March 23rd, 2021} by Allison Bell
Principal Financial Group Inc. may come out of its strategic review with less life and annuity business on its books but with its current product strategy largely intact. Ryan Krueger, a securities analyst at Keefe, Bruyette & Woods (KBW), talked about that possibility in a recent life and annuity market commentary. KBW is part of […]
Awareness of simplified underwriting boosts chances people will buy life insurance
{March 23rd, 2021} by Insurance Forums Staff
While fully underwritten policies may net better deals, consumers seem to like simplified issue life insurance. While already underway prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, many life insurance policies are now underwritten through “simplified” or “streamlined” processes, which are less reliant on physical data (e.g., blood, urine, examination) and more reliant on readily available datasets (e.g., […]
Nationwide’s Sixth Annual Advisor Authority Study – Women’s Retirement
{March 23rd, 2021} by Gaining Perspective, featuring: Ann Bair and Lori Hall of Nationwide
As the COVID-19 pandemic wears on, women investors are more concerned about their finances and feel less prepared than they’ve been in years. Nearly three in four women with investable assets of $100,000 or more said the pandemic has negatively impacted their ability to retire. Ann Bair and Lori Hall present the findings from […]
Multi-Generational MERIT Insurance Services Secures Future Growth by Joining Integrity Platform
{March 23rd, 2021} by Integrity Marketing Group
DALLAS, March 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Integrity Marketing Group, LLC (“Integrity”), the nation’s largest independent distributor of life and health insurance products, today announced it has acquired MERIT Insurance Services (“MERIT”), a leading brokerage general agency (“BGA”) based in Hartford, Connecticut. As part of the acquisition, Jace Rosenbluth, President of MERIT, will become a Managing Partner with Integrity. Financial terms of the […]
Number of New U.S. Individual Life Policies Sold Rises: LIMRA
{March 23rd, 2021} by Allison Bell
U.S. consumers got more individual life insurance for less money in the fourth quarter of 2020, according to new insurer survey results from LIMRA. LIMRA found that insurers sold 2% more individual life policies in the latest quarter than in the year-earlier quarter. The total amount of coverage purchased increased 1%, but total new annualized premiums […]
Fixed Income Products in a Zero-Rate Market
{March 23rd, 2021} by John Ruth
It’s a relatively new thing in America that a large contingent of people publicly distrust those who create wealth. Yet, what started with Occupy Wall Street has culminated in a pitched battle where Wall Street, represented by hedge funds shorting GameStop, was roundly defeated by Main Street, represented by day traders taking the long position. […]
State Lawmakers Consider Remote Notarization Model
{March 23rd, 2021} by Allison Bell
A team of state insurance legislators wants to help people prove their signatures and documents are real without making in-person visits to notaries. The lawmakers, members of the National Council of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL), are working on a draft of a Remote Notarization Model Act. NCOIL included the draft model in a packet of materials for the group’s upcoming spring […]
Nine Northwestern Mutual Advisors Named to the Barron’s Top 1,200 Financial Advisors Ranking for 2021
{March 23rd, 2021} by Northwestern Mutual
MILWAUKEE, March 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Northwestern Mutual announced today that nine financial advisors affiliated with Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company have been named to the 2021 Barron’s Top 1,200 Financial Advisors ranking. “In an unprecedented year, our advisors and their teams remained deeply committed to providing comprehensive financial security to individuals and families,” said Aditi Javeri Gokhale, chief […]
AmeriLife Acquires Insurance 360; Expands Capabilities to Serve Term Life Insurance Market
{March 23rd, 2021} by AmeriLife Group, LLC
CLEARWATER, Fla., March 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — AmeriLife Group, LLC (“AmeriLife”), a national leader in developing, marketing, and distributing annuity, life, and health insurance solutions, has acquired Insurance 360, an insurance provider that offers term life, universal life, disability income, long-term care, and survivorship insurance policies from major insurance carriers. “Under President Scott Harper’s direction, Insurance 360 has become one of the […]
DALBAR Identifies the Top Account Statements
{March 23rd, 2021} by DALBAR, Inc
MARLBOROUGH, Mass., March 17, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The results of DALBAR‘s annual Trends and Best Practices in Investor Statements study are in, and BNY Mellon’s Pershing, BlackRock, Merrill and AIG all landed in the top spot within their respective lines of business. Pershing’s brokerage statement topped the list for the third consecutive year, achieving the highest brokerage statement score of […]
AmeriLife Announces SVP Of Strategy And Innovation
{March 23rd, 2021} by AmeriLife Group, LLC
CLEARWATER, Fla., March 17, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — AmeriLife Group, LLC (“AmeriLife”), a national leader in developing, marketing, and distributing annuity, life, health insurance and retirement planning solutions, has hired Galya Appell as senior vice president of Strategy and Innovation. In this role, Appell will lead the design, planning, execution, and integration of AmeriLife’s business strategies. She will work with senior leaders […]
Every Single Middle School Student Can Benefit From Financial Literacy Education According to New Study
{March 23rd, 2021} by EVERFI, MassMutual Foundation
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. & AMHERST, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Newly released findings from a two-year study of the efficacy of financial education on middle school students affirm significant knowledge gain in the subject matter, and advocates more such learning be provided to students in this age group. Conducted by the University of Massachusetts Donahue Institute (UMDI), the largest study […]
Protective to Host 2021 Company Update Webcast Wednesday, March 31 at 9am CDT
{March 23rd, 2021} by Protective Life
BIRMINGHAM, Ala.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Protective Life Corporation (“Protective”), a wholly owned U.S. subsidiary of Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc. (TSE:8750, “Dai-ichi”), will host a Company Update webcast on March 31, 2021, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. CDT. Company leaders will provide information about Protective’s 2020 financial results, current business strategy and 2021 outlook. The group will also take […]
New York Life Announces Strong 2020 Financial Results Underscoring Company’s Enduring Financial Strength
{March 23rd, 2021} by New York Life
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–New York Life, America’s largest1 and most admired2 mutual life insurer, today announced strong financial results for 2020 that highlight the company’s ability to successfully weather the unprecedented and challenging moments of 2020. New company highs with $27 billion in surplus, $702 billion in assets under management, $1.1 trillion in individual life insurance in force […]
FBL Financial Group Special Committee Sends Letter to Shareholders
{March 23rd, 2021} by FBL Financial Group, Inc.
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–FBL Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: FFG) (“FBL Financial Group” or “the Company”) today sent a letter to shareholders urging them to vote “FOR” the previously announced definitive agreement under which Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company (“FBPCIC”) will acquire all of the outstanding shares of FBL Financial Group Class A […]
Wells Fargo: Younger Women Are Increasingly Earning the Title of “Breadwinner”
{March 22nd, 2021} by Wells Fargo
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Women’s contributions to their family’s finances are growing, according to a new Wells Fargo study released today in conjunction with International Women’s Day. The study polled 2,195 women in households with $250,000 or more in assets or $100,000 or more in income about how they are feeling, responding to, and leading through uncertainty and […]
Why Index Flex is Going to Change the Annuities Game
{March 22nd, 2021} by dkorth@finsum.com (FINSUM)
The annuities world is generally not what most advisors would describe as “exciting”. Annuities are crucial products which fill a valuable void for millions of clients, but there is nothing in the space akin to a sizzling thematic ETF. However, New York Life recently launched a very interesting product that brings a degree of flexibility […]
American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) Responds to Social Media Misinformation About COVID-19 Vaccine
{March 16th, 2021} by ACLI
WASHINGTON, March 12, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) Senior Vice President, Policy Development Paul Graham issued the following statement on social media misinformation relating to COVID-19 vaccines: “A social media post appears to be behind the spread of entirely false information, suggesting a COVID-19 vaccine could be a factor a life insurer considers in […]
As Investors Seek Protection and Growth, Lincoln Level Advantage® Tops Registered Index-linked Annuity Sales In 2020
{March 16th, 2021} by Lincoln Financial Group
RADNOR, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–During a year when investors and financial professionals alike sought solutions that offered protection for retirement assets, Lincoln Financial Group’s (NYSE: LNC) industry-recognized annuity, Lincoln Level Advantage, surpassed $5 billion in sales – becoming the number one selling registered index-linked annuity (RILA) in the industry for 20201. Unpredictable markets were cited as the top […]
Life Insurers Are Not Denying Claims Based On Covid Vaccine, ACLI Says
{March 16th, 2021} by Targeted News Service
American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) Senior Vice President, Policy Development Paul Graham said social media is rife with misinformation relating to COVID-19 vaccines. “A social media post appears to be behind the spread of entirely false information, suggesting a COVID-19 vaccine could be a factor a life insurer considers in the claims-paying process. “The […]
Will Covid-19 Vaccination Disqualify You From Life Insurance? Here Are The Claims
{March 16th, 2021} by Bruce Y. Lee
What does getting a Covid-19 vaccine have to do with life insurance? Well, neither rhymes with the “porcupine.” But some on social media are claiming another link between the two: that receiving a Covid-19 vaccination may actually prevent you from receiving life insurance coverage. Click HERE to read the full story via Forbes. ACLI responds: […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Subsidiaries of CUNA Mutual Holding Company
{March 16th, 2021} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICR) of “a+” of CMFG Life Insurance Company (CMFG Life) and MEMBERS Life Insurance Company (MEMBERS Life). Both companies are life/health subsidiaries of CUNA Mutual Holding Company (CUNA Mutual) and collectively referred to as CMFG […]
Infographic: Americans’ evolving financial priorities create opportunities for financial advisors
{March 16th, 2021} by Alan Goforth
Americans are serious about their finances in 2021, giving advisors an opportunity to help them reach their objectives. More than half of U.S. adults said their top New Year’s resolution is related to finances, according to a recent Harris poll conducted on behalf of the Million Dollar Round Table trade group. Among the key findings: Advisors made […]
Insurance leader reflects on “intentional risk-taking”
{March 16th, 2021} by Bethan Moorcraft
How many of you have engaged in a round of ‘Pass the Baby’ during your first ever meeting as the manager of a global insurance team? I’d hazard a guess at very few. That’s one of the unique experiences had by Julie Wood (pictured), managing director and Southeast Zonal leader at Marsh, and panelist at […]
SURVEY SAYS: Would You “Invest” in an Annuity?
{March 16th, 2021} by Rebecca Moore
Last week, I asked NewsDash readers, “Does your DC plan offer an annuity option as part of its investment lineup, and if it did, would you put some of your savings into it?” More than two-thirds (68.2%) of respondents work in a plan sponsor role, 18.2% are recordkeepers/TPAs/investment consultants and 13.6% are advisers/consultants. Click HERE […]
A black eye for FINRA? Brokers with checkered histories cast doubt on enforcement efforts
{March 16th, 2021} by Tobias Salinger
One advisor is in jail, accused of murdering a client for his life insurance money. Another was arrested on charges of child sex abuse. An alternative investment manager raised billions of dollars for funds now described by authorities as a Ponzi-like scheme by selling its risky and costly products through wealth managers. None of these […]
Volatility Control – When Less Is Mower
{March 16th, 2021} by Jeff Barnes
I have a friend who races riding lawn mowers. Yes, this is actually a thing. He even travels out of state to compete in races. Click HERE to read the full story via INN
Inspiring Women of Iowa award finalists announced
{March 16th, 2021} by N/A
Sixteen finalists in four categories for the annual Inspiring Women of Iowa award have been announced. The event, whose proceeds benefit the Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa, honors women of courage, confidence and character as well as people who make up the communities that support them. Courage Award finalists are Chelsea Krause, Sheryl Moore, Krista […]
Insurance Is an Asset Class: Idea File
{March 16th, 2021} by Allison Bell
Robin Raju has been head of individual retirement at Equitable’s individual retirement business for close to a year, and he has been with Equitable and its affiliates since 2004. He said one key shift he sees Equitable driving is an emphasis on showing how insurance fits in a client’s financial life. More and more, Equitable […]
Harry Dent: ‘Biggest Crash Ever’ Likely by End of June
{March 15th, 2021} by Jane Wollman Rusoff
Here’s Harry S. Dent Jr. taking the stock market’s temperature: It’s at fever pitch! “It’s the riskiest market since 1929,” he argues. And the U.S. economy? Ready to fall apart. “A huge collapse is coming. This thing will be hell.” That’s what “The Contrarian’s Contrarian,” as Dent has been dubbed, tells ThinkAdvisor in an interview. […]
Sales of Protection-Oriented U.S. Individual Annuities Continue to Rise
{March 15th, 2021} by Allison Bell
Many U.S. life insurers have been favoring sales of annuities with some built-in protection against loss of account value, especially with the rise of stock market volatility. That trend pushed up sales of what the Secure Retirement Institute classifies as protection-focused annuities in 2020, even as sales of what the organization classifies as income-focused annuities […]
AIG Hires Life & Retirement Separation Executive: Personnel Moves
{March 15th, 2021} by Allison Bell
American International Group Inc. has hired Lisa Buckingham to fill the newly created role of executive vice president and global head of AIG enterprise design and Life & Retirement separation initiatives. Buckingham will help the New York-based insurer separate the life insurance and annuities business from the rest of the company. Buckingham previously was executive […]
Integrity Marketing Acquires Copeland Group: Deals
{March 15th, 2021} by Allison Bell
Private equity-owned Integrity Marketing Group LLC has acquired Copeland Insurance Group. Integrity Marketing, a Dallas-based insurance market organization, has been buying many other smaller distributors. It has relationships with 340,000 agents. The Copeland Group is a Longview, Texas-based Medicare plan distributor that was founded by Mel Copeland in 1962. The firm now has about 130 employees […]
The Future Can Be Female: Starting the Finance CEO Pipeline Earlier
{March 15th, 2021} by Jane Carten
When I walk into a room and see a crowd full of white men over the age of 40, I know I’m in the right place. Lack of diversity in the asset management industry is a fact that is palpable. Earlier this fall, when Jane Fraser was announced as the next CEO of Citigroup, there […]
Unlocking the Benefits of a Reverse Rollover Strategy
{March 15th, 2021} by Robert Bloink and William H. Byrnes
The Labor Department’s recently released investment advice fiduciary standard has highlighted the importance of rollover decisions when it comes to retirement planning. When most clients think of rollovers, they think of the traditional 401(k)-to-IRA rollover — rollovers that might be employed several times throughout a typical client’s career, as they change employers over the years. The IRA-to-401(k) rollover — […]
Is a 4% Withdrawal Rate ‘Just Right’? It Depends.
{March 15th, 2021} by Ginger Szala
How much should your clients spend in retirement? Too much and they’ll go broke, too little and they could be unnecessarily sacrificing quality of life. Is there a “just-right” rate of withdrawal from retirement accounts? Morningstar portfolio strategist Amy C. Arnott examined this question in a recent column. As it has been explored many times by […]
Merrill Data Shows Benefits of Segmenting Clients Based on Wealth, Behavior — Not Age, Sex
{March 15th, 2021} by Jeff Berman
Merrill Lynch’s success with the digital adoption of its products and services shows why advisors and financial services firms should avoid targeting one demographic segment, according to April Rudin, a financial services marketing strategist and CEO of The Rudin Group. Click HERE to read the full story via ThinkAdvisor
New products bulletin
{March 15th, 2021} by Editorial Staff
Nationwide and Annexus partner on income-generating FIA; Equitable extends RILA feature to variable annuity; Securian offers new IOVA. Nationwide and Annexus partner on income-generating FIA Nationwide is partnering with Annexus, the prominent independent designer of fixed indexed annuities (FIAs), to issue Nationwide New Heights Select, which is built “on the foundation of 2020 top-selling income […]
Pandemic Hurt Annuity Sales in 2020
{March 15th, 2021} by Kerry Pechter
Overall US annuity sales volumes fell nine percent in 2020, to $219 billion in 2019, according to the Secure Retirement Institute (SRI) US Individual Annuity Sales Survey. Click HERE to read the full story via RIJ
Jackson National top seller of annuities in 2020
{March 15th, 2021} by InvestmentNews
With sales of $17.9 billion, Jackson National Life topped the total annuity sales chart in 2020. Click HERE to read the full story via InvestmentNews
