WINK DELIVERS MORE DATA THROUGH THEIR API SOLUTION
{May 12th, 2025} by Wink's Press Release
— FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION — NEWS RELEASE WINK DELIVERS MORE DATA THROUGH THEIR API SOLUTION Wink’s AnnuitySpecs Offers an Application Programming Interface for Standard and Bespoke Data Needs Des Moines, Iowa. May 9, 2025– In the continued pursuit of their mission statement, “To provide the best darned competitive intelligence to the life insurance and annuity […]
Posting again, so don’t say I didn’t warn you
{May 12th, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
If you are an index provider, and you have not asked me to include you in my directory, you need to. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thanks! -sjm
Software Engineer
{May 12th, 2025} by Wink's CTO
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Software Engineer to join our IT team! Wink, Inc. is a data intelligence leader in the annuity and life insurance industries. We are committed to modernizing our applications and providing our customers with efficient, data-driven insights. The ideal candidate will be responsible for designing, developing, and implementing […]
AuguStar Life launches most competitive income IUL product to date
{May 12th, 2025} by AuguStar Life
CINCINNATI , May 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — AuguStar® Life, a Constellation company, is proud to announce the launch of Virtus IUL III, one of the life insurance industry’s top indexed universal life products. Designed to provide clients with a blend of accumulation potential, superior income distribution and protection features, it is an ideal solution for both personal and business […]
Nationwide Prepares to Enter a Quiet Slice of a Booming Segment
{May 12th, 2025} by Cyril Tuohy
Eight insurers currently offer 21 fixed-rate annuities with a guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefit, according to life and annuity researcher Wink. Insurers range from powerhouses such as Prudential Financial, Corebridge Financial and New York Life, to smaller players like Oxford Life and Sentinel Security Life. Some insurers automatically include the income benefit while others offer the benefit as an option. Wink CEO Sheryl Moore said fixed […]
Annuity Sellers Sharpen Channel Focus to Gain Competitive Edge
{May 12th, 2025} by Warren S. Hersch
Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink, which publishes Wink‘s Sales & Market Report, said in an email that sales drivers vary by channel. She noted, for example, that “premium banding” is more impactful in the bank channel than through distributors catering to independent agents. Premium banding is a pricing structure where an annuity’s credited interest rate varies based on […]
John Hancock Marks 10 Years of Helping Customers Live Longer, Healthier, Better Lives Since Launch of Industry-Leading Vitality Program
{May 12th, 2025} by John Hancock
BOSTON, May 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ – Today, John Hancock, a unit of Toronto-based Manulife, is marking the ten-year anniversary of John Hancock Vitality, honoring the insurer’s commitment to helping customers live longer, healthier, better lives. Launched in the spring of 2015, the John Hancock Vitality program, which provides customers with education, support, incentives, and rewards for the everyday things […]
Americans rate their financial happiness a 4.9 out of 10
{May 12th, 2025} by Empower
GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo., May 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On America’s financial scorecard, people rate their happiness with their overall personal finances a 4.97 out of 10, according to new research from Empower, a financial services company – and scores need improvement across the board, as the majority (91%) are prioritizing their financial health and happiness in a year […]
Employees struggle financially making it paycheck to paycheck, while employers fall short in meeting expectations for support
{May 12th, 2025} by Prudential
NEWARK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU) released today its annual Benefits & Beyond study that reveals day-to-day financial stress is a leading concern for employees. Employees are raising their expectations for robust workplace benefits and believe their employers should play a larger role in helping them alleviate that stress. Employers agree, yet many aren’t keeping up […]
Lincoln Financial Expands Elite Indexed Universal Life Portfolio With New Early Cash Value Product
{May 12th, 2025} by Lincoln Financial
RADNOR, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Today, Lincoln Financial (NYSE: LNC) announced the launch of Lincoln WealthBuilderSM ECV IUL, an accumulation-focused life insurance product designed with early cash value benefits for premium finance1 and business cases. It is the second product available as part of the company’s new Elite Indexed Universal Life (IUL) Portfolio issued by The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company. “The opportunity […]
Lincoln Financial Reports 2025 First Quarter Results
{May 12th, 2025} by Lincoln Financial
RADNOR, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Lincoln Financial (NYSE: LNC) today reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025. Execution against strategic and financial objectives drove another quarter of strong performance. First quarter net income (loss) available to common stockholders was $(756) million, or $(4.41) per diluted share. First quarter adjusted operating income available to common […]
Brighthouse Financial Announces First Quarter 2025 Results
{May 12th, 2025} by Brighthouse Financial, Inc
CHARLOTTE, N.C.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Brighthouse Financial, Inc. (“Brighthouse Financial” or the “company”) (Nasdaq: BHF) announced today its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025. First Quarter 2025 Results The company reported a net loss available to shareholders of $294 million in the first quarter of 2025, or $5.04 per diluted share, compared with a […]
Jackson brushes off reinsurance loss, volatility with Q1 annuity sales bump
{May 12th, 2025} by John Hilton
Jackson Financial continues its evolution from primarily a variable annuity seller to a one-stop annuity operation that performs like an asset manager. Jackson’s retail annuity suite reported first-quarter growth across all lines, executives said Thursday: Sales of variable annuities, which reached $2.7 billion, were up 9% from the first quarter of 2024, with a more […]
Brighthouse Financial execs dodge sale rumors, mixed Q1 numbers
{May 12th, 2025} by John Hilton
Rumors are swirling about the potential sale of Brighthouse Financial but executives were tight-lipped during a Friday conference call with Wall Street analysts. “We don’t comment on market rumors or speculation, so I’m just going to leave it at that,” CEO Eric Steigerwalt said at the conclusion of the call. According to a recent Semafor report, Sixth […]
Life insurance application activity again flat in April, MIB reports
{May 12th, 2025} by Staff Reports
Life insurance application activity continued its languid pace in April 2025, up just 0.5% over the year-ago month, the MIB Life Index reported Thursday. When comparing April 2025 to the same month in prior years, activity was up 10.9% compared to 2023 and up 9.3% compared to 2022. On a year-to-date basis, activity through April […]
California Court OKs $80M Life Insurance Policy Lapse Notice Settlement
{May 12th, 2025} by Allison Bell
A proposed class-action settlement in California could help tens of thousands of people who failed to pay their life insurance premiums get their coverage back. U.S. Magistrate Judge Allison Goddard recently granted preliminary approval of a settlement between two insurers — Protective Life Insurance Co. and West Coast Life Insurance Co. — and the owners […]
FINRA Suspends Rep for Unsuitable Annuity Switches
{May 12th, 2025} by Melanie Waddell
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority has fined a former rep and suspended him for 12 months for recommending 10 unsuitable L-share variable annuity exchanges to nine customers, and two unsuitable variable annuity purchases to two customers — which resulted in the customers paying higher fees. According to FINRA’s order, from June 2019 to February 2020, Thomas […]
Fierce Annuity Competition Pushes Issuers to Stand Out
{May 12th, 2025} by Allison Bell
Competition in the U.S. retail annuity market is ferocious, and that could add options for clients who want something different. Lincoln Financial CEO Ellen Cooper talked about the impact of competition on annuity issuer product and strategy creativity today during a conference call with securities analysts. The company’s annuity sales increased 33% between the first […]
Global Atlantic opens larger Bermuda office to support growth
{May 12th, 2025} by Kenneth Araullo
Global Atlantic Financial Group has announced the expansion of its Bermuda operations with the opening of a new office at Washington House on Church Street in Hamilton. The new office spans more than 15,000 square feet, tripling the size of Global Atlantic’s previous space. The facility features open-concept work areas, a lounge, and an […]
If people don’t know that you have it, they’ll assume you don’t.
{May 12th, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
We’ve had this for a couple of years, but I thought that maybe I should promote it. If people don’t know that you have it, they’ll assume you don’t. -sjm
OneAmerica Financial® and Amada Senior Care Announce Innovative Collaboration to Support Caregivers
{May 12th, 2025} by OneAmerica Financial
INDIANAPOLIS, May 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — OneAmerica Financial® and Amada Senior Care, two leaders in the Long-Term Care (LTC) industry, today announced a collaboration aimed at improving the LTC experience for both policyholders and their caregivers. Recognizing the growing and vital role informal caregivers play in supporting their loved ones during long-term care events, OneAmerica Financial recently enhanced its market […]
Finra Defends Outside-Biz Rule Proposal
{May 12th, 2025} by Alex Padalka
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority is hitting back at critics of its recent proposal on updating its regulations on brokers’ and employees’ outside business activities. In March, the industry’s self-regulator issued a request for comment on its proposal to “streamline and reduce unnecessary burdens” and address what it called a “dichotomy” created by the two different rules that are […]
6 steps to successful IUL sales
{May 12th, 2025} by Angela Palo
In more than 20 years working as an insurance agent, I saw firsthand the importance of understanding universal life insurance when it was still the new kid on the block, and well before IUL became a real thing in the late 1990s. IUL is a powerful financial tool that combines life insurance security with the […]
Keep life insurance companies protecting families
{May 12th, 2025} by Staff
Every day, hardworking Oklahomans roll up their sleeves to build better lives — for themselves, their families and their communities. What many folks might not realize is that there’s a powerful engine working quietly behind the scenes to support all that progress: the life insurance industry. Having led the American Council of Life Insurers for seven years, […]
Allianz Life Debuts Enhanced Annuity Options
{May 11th, 2025} by Amanda Umpierrez
Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America announced that it is launching enhanced versions of two fixed index annuities in response to consumer demand and to further help protect Americans from ongoing market volatility. Allianz Benefit Control+TM Annuity and Allianz 222+TM Annuity have more options for diversification and personalization with new features: Read via 401k
Annuity Issuers’ Ordinary Bonds Are Hard to Trade, Apollo’s CEO Warns
{May 11th, 2025} by Allison Bell
The tariff-related storms that hit world investment markets in April showed that, on bad days, publicly traded bonds are not very liquid, according to Apollo Global Management CEO Marc Rowan. Rowan talked about the days when the public bond markets gummed up during a conference call the asset manager held Friday to go over first-quarter […]
Contingent Deferred Annuities: Time for Renewal?
{May 11th, 2025} by Carlton Fields, Harry Eisenstein
Contingent deferred annuities (CDAs) represent an interesting approach to securing lifetime income but have struggled for recognition in the marketplace since their introduction more than a decade ago. Recent developments, however, offer the product a chance for new life and offer advisers an opportunity to build out their toolkits for assisting investors who want a […]
Flourish Annuity Platform Marks Major Expansion
{May 11th, 2025} by John Manganaro
The wealth management technology provider Flourish has announced a significant expansion of its annuity distribution platform for registered investment advisors. The platform, launched in early 2024, now includes registered index-linked annuities, fixed indexed annuities and variable annuities. In addition, advisors serving retirees seeking greater income security can now add guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefits (GLWBs) to eligible […]
New Jersey Adopts the “Best Interest” Standard in Annuity Transactions
{May 11th, 2025} by Bressler, Amery & Ross, P.C., Roxanne Rehm
On April 21, New Jersey became the 50th and final state to adopt the Best Interest standard for annuity transactions. The new New Jersey standard is based on the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Suitability in Annuity Transactions Model Regulation and is designed to protect consumers purchasing annuities by implementing requirements for duty of care, […]
Regional Vice President-Life Insurance
{May 9th, 2025} by AuguStar Life
Regional Vice President for the Upper Midwest territory is responsible for generating sales and growing AuguStar Life Insurance for assigned territories in person and virtually. Proactively marketing AuguStar Life Insurance products through the recruitment of new General Agents while building and retaining relationships with existing General Agents. We are specifically looking for an RVP located […]
I am insurance.
{May 8th, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
**********My life has been full of adversity.********** – Born to teenage parents; – Abused throughout childhood; – Lived in abject poverty; – Married a police officer who went to prison; – First child born with birth defects and health problems; – Single mom with three babies, and no child support; – Lived in abject poverty […]
Revol One Financial® Enduris 6 & 10 FIA™s Can Provide Annuity Owners with Protection from Early Market Volatility
{May 8th, 2025} by Revol One Financial
URBANDALE, IA, UNITED STATES, May 1, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ — In a year already marked by sharp market swings, Revol One Financial® is delivering a product feature built for uncertain times. The Best Entry Rider, available exclusively on the Enduris 6 and Enduris 10 Fixed Indexed Annuities™ (FIAs), is designed to help annuity owners weather market volatility early in the […]
Allianz Life Introduces New Versions of Top-Selling Fixed Index Annuities
{May 8th, 2025} by Allianz
MINNEAPOLIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz Life) announced today that it is launching enhanced versions of two of its top-selling1 fixed index annuities in response to consumer demand and to further help protect Americans from ongoing market volatility. Allianz Benefit Control+TM Annuity and Allianz 222+TM Annuity have more options for diversification and personalization with new […]
Private-Equity Firms Have Increased Risk in Life Insurance, Berkshire’s Jain Says
{May 8th, 2025} by Andy Serwer
The Berkshire shareholder had an insurance question for CEO Warren Buffett and the company’s insurance head, Ajit Jain. It centered on private-equity firms like Blackstone, Apollo, and KKR aggressively expanding to insurance and increasing risk. “There’s no question the private-equity firms have come into this space, and we are no longer competitive in this space,” […]
Nationwide increases roll-up rates on L.inc+, High Point 365 annuity riders
{May 8th, 2025} by Nationwide
Columbus, OH – As investors continue to struggle with today’s volatile economic environment, Nationwide has announced enhanced rates on guaranteed income riders offered in its variable and fixed indexed annuities, providing investors with better value on riders offering flexibility, growth and stability during market volatility. The Nationwide Lifetime Income Rider+® (L.inc+) Suite and Nationwide High […]
CLOs: The 4th Leg of the ‘Bermuda Triangle’
{May 8th, 2025} by Kerry Pechter
Shadow banking” is a phenomenon I’d heard of but never fully understood. Read the story via RIJ. Wink’s Moore on the Market: Do you keep hearing about collateralized loan obligations (CLOs), in association with private equity, but have difficulty understanding them? Well, Kerry Pechter and Retirement Income Journal have us covered! Check it out. […]
Market volatility and its impact on FIA participation rates
{May 8th, 2025} by Susan Rupe
Volatility is a word that has been thrown about a lot lately when describing the state of the stock market and the general economy. But what does market volatility have to do with fixed indexed annuities? A recent webinar by the National Association for Fixed Annuities explained the connection. Volatility impacts FIA participation rates – […]
Offshore reinsurance booms as regulators play catch-up
{May 8th, 2025} by John Hilton
Update: A-Cap insurers and Utah regulators agreed to mediation to settle their dispute. In a deal announced April 29, Utah and three A-Cap-owned insurance companies, Sentinel Security Life Insurance Co., Haymarket Insurance Co., and Jazz Reinsurance Co. agreed to pause their pending litigation. To be a big life and annuity player in 2025 practically requires having […]
KKR execs vow to ‘keep investing’ amid global economic distress
{May 8th, 2025} by John Hilton
KKR will not pull back from its strategy in the face of worldwide market volatility, said co-CEO Scott Nuttall. In fact, the firm expects to be even more aggressive. The global private-equity and investment company – and owner of Global Atlantic Financial Group – KKR reported first-quarter earnings and met with Wall Street analysts Thursday morning. Read […]
Prudential rides U.S. Businesses to Q1 win, but new CEO wants more
{May 8th, 2025} by John Hilton
Prudential Financial reported a first-quarter profit gain off strong underwriting in the insurer’s U.S. Businesses unit. However, new CEO Andrew Sullivan, who was overseeing his first quarterly report, said it was not enough. The Prudential board of directors named Sullivan to succeed Charles Lowrey in December and he took over on March 31. Read via INN
Apollo shakes off loss of ‘Goldilocks’ economy, keeps making money
{May 8th, 2025} by John Hilton
Markets worldwide might be destabilized by ongoing tariff wars initiated by the United States, as well as aggressive military activity in the Middle East and Ukraine. But Apollo Global Management will continue making money. Read via INN
Globe Life execs happy to focus on Q1 sales as controversies fade
{May 8th, 2025} by John Hilton
Globe Life executives took a break from two years of relentlessly bad publicity to discuss strong first-quarter financials this week. The McKinney, Texas-based insurer reported a 13% increase in net income per share and a 10% rise in net operating income per share over the year-ago quarter. The company also reported significant growth in life […]
Corebridge Financial rides RILA rollout success amid choppy Q1 waters
{May 8th, 2025} by John Hilton
Corebridge Financial completed its first full quarter selling a registered index-linked product and the Q1 results were excellent, CEO Kevin Hogan said Wednesday. Introduced in October, the MarketLock RILA made Corebridge the biggest annuity seller to offer products in every major category. The insurer recorded $260 million in RILA sales during the first quarter, Hogan told […]
Guardian enhances Guardian MarketPerform®, expanding access to New York and adding more customizations
{May 8th, 2025} by Guardian
NEW YORK, May 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian) has announced that Guardian MarketPerform®, its Registered Index-Linked Annuity (RILA), is now available in New York. First launched nationwide in 2024, Guardian is also introducing additional investment customization options to Guardian MarketPerform. Guardian MarketPerform is a long-term, tax-deferred retirement product. It offers features that allow those […]
Brookfield Asset Management touts big first-quarter fundraising
{May 8th, 2025} by John Hilton
As private equity giants jockey for assets, Brookfield Asset Management staked its claim with a powerful first-quarter performance. The firm reported a 26% year-over-year increase in fee-related earnings, reaching a record $698 million for the quarter. Distributable earnings also saw a significant jump, growing by 20% to $654 million. Read via INN
FINRA’s New Outside Activities Proposal Is Absurd
{May 8th, 2025} by Ric Edelman
Ed. Note: On May 5, FINRA clarified that its proposal would not require associated persons to report to and receive approval from their broker-dealers to personally purchase bitcoin, a beach house or insurance or maintain a bank account, and that these types of personal activities are, in fact, excluded from the rule. Just when everybody thought crypto […]
Corebridge CEO: Annuity Market Pricing Is Still Rational
{May 8th, 2025} by Allison Bell
Demand for individual annuities is still strong, Corebridge Financial’s CEO told securities analysts Tuesday during a conference call. Corebridge is one of the biggest individual annuity issuers. Marc Rowan, the CEO of Apollo Global Management — the owner of another big annuity issuer, Athene — said Friday that some rivals have been selling annuities for rates […]
Life Insurance ‘Will Not Be a Pay-For’ for Tax Bill, Finseca Tells Congress
{May 8th, 2025} by Allison Bell
Finseca is trying to keep budget and tax bill negotiators in Washington from squeezing more cash out of life insurers and life policyholders. “This industry will not be a pay-for for this tax bill,” Jennifer Fox, the group’s vice president of federal affairs, said in a video with Finseca CEO Marc Cadin that was posted recently on […]
Talcott Arm to Reinsure $10B in MetLife Variable Annuity and Rider Reserves
{May 8th, 2025} by Allison Bell
MetLife has picked an arm of Talcott Resolution Life to reinsure U.S. retail variable annuities and annuity riders backed by about $10 billion in reserves. Completing the deal would eliminate about $100 million in annual earnings. But the deal should also cut investment hedging costs by $45 million per year, free about $250 million in […]
Life Insurance Brokers Need DOL Attention
{May 8th, 2025} by Howard Wolkowitz
Today, under Internal Revenue Service guidelines, career agents are considered statutory employees of the life insurer. Independent brokers do not qualify for statutory employee status. Read via Think Advisor
Annuity Issuers Ask Congress to Change the Tax Rules for Their Bonds
{May 8th, 2025} by Allison Bell
Life insurers are asking Congress for an Internal Revenue Code change that could make annuities cheaper and easier to offer. The insurers want Congress to recognize that bonds and notes are the beef and beans that fill the annuity burritos, not the stoves, ovens and other capital assets used to cook them. Read via Think […]
A lower maximum premium for indexed annuity contracts, that are owned by Trusts or Corporations. Why?
{May 8th, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
I have a client that has a question, which I cannot answer. Can you help? “We have seen that some companies have a lower maximum premium for indexed annuity contracts, that are owned by Trusts or Corporations. Our observation is that most indexed annuities have a max premium of $2 million or $3 million. However, […]
Wow. I cannot read on.
{May 8th, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
In reply to How to Choose an Annuity: Best Annuity Companies of 2025. “Most annuities require buyers to be at least 59 ½ before permitting penalty-free withdrawals.” Not exactly. “Otherwise, you incur a 10% early withdrawal fee.” Actually, it could be as much as 20%. *wince* “…[it] grows (often tax-deferred) through interest payments or investments.” […]
Jackson Announces First Quarter 2025 Results
{May 8th, 2025} by Jackson Financial Inc.
LANSING, Mich.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jackson Financial Inc. (NYSE: JXN) (Jackson®) today announced its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025. First Quarter 2025 Key Highlights Retail annuity sales1 of $4.0 billion in the first quarter of 2025, up 9% from the first quarter of 2024 Variable annuity sales1 of $2.7 billion in the first quarter of 2025, […]
Midland National and Dimensional Fund Advisors Announce Collaboration to Deliver New ETF-based Custom Index Annuity Solutions for Advisors and Their Clients
{May 8th, 2025} by Midland Advisory
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Midland Advisory, part of Midland National® Life Insurance Company, announces a new collaboration with Dimensional Fund Advisors to enhance index-linked annuity solutions. This initiative introduces a creative way for advisors to access Dimensional’s investment philosophy within the framework of a registered index-linked annuity (RILA), in which performance is linked to a custom index constructed […]
Global Atlantic Unveils New Bermuda Office to Accommodate Expansion and Growth
{May 8th, 2025} by Global Atlantic Financial Group
HAMILTON, Bermuda–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Global Atlantic Financial Group (“Global Atlantic”), a leading insurance company meeting the retirement and life insurance needs of individuals and institutions, today announced a strategic expansion of its Bermuda office into a new, state-of-the-art facility at Washington House, located on Church Street in Hamilton. The move marks a major milestone for the company’s continued […]
Corebridge Financial Announces First Quarter 2025 Results
{May 8th, 2025} by Corebridge Financial, Inc
HOUSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Corebridge Financial, Inc. (“Corebridge” or the “Company”) (NYSE: CRBG) today reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025. Kevin Hogan, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, “Corebridge generated strong earnings and delivered attractive capital return over the first quarter, executing on our strategic priorities. Our capital, liquidity and financial flexibility position […]
Insure.com’s 2025 Mother’s Day Index: Mom’s Salary Hits $145,235
{May 8th, 2025} by Insure.com
FOSTER CITY, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Insure.com, a trusted source for expert insurance insights, has released its 15th annual Mother’s Day Index, which finds that the unpaid work mothers typically perform at home would command an annual salary of $145,235 — a 4% increase from last year. Read the full report: Mother’s Day Index 2025: Mom’s salary up 4% […]
F&G Annuities & Life Reports First Quarter 2025 Results
{May 8th, 2025} by F&G Annuities & Life, Inc.
DES MOINES, Iowa, May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — F&G Annuities & Life, Inc. (NYSE: FG) (F&G or the Company) a leading provider of insurance solutions serving retail annuity and life customers and institutional clients, today reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025. Net loss attributable to common shareholders (net loss) for the first quarter of $25 million, […]
FNF Reports First Quarter 2025 Financial Results
{May 8th, 2025} by Fidelity National Financial, Inc.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Fidelity National Financial, Inc. (NYSE:FNF) (“FNF” or the “Company”), a leading provider of title insurance and transaction services to the real estate and mortgage industries and a leading provider of insurance solutions serving retail annuity and life customers and institutional clients through its majority-owned, publicly traded subsidiary F&G Annuities & […]
F&G Annuities & Life Ranked Among Top Pension Risk Transfer Market Leaders For Fourth Consecutive Year
{May 8th, 2025} by F&G Annuities & Life, Inc.
DES MOINES, Iowa, May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — F&G Annuities & Life, Inc. (NYSE: FG) (F&G or the Company), a leading provider of insurance solutions serving retail annuity and life customers and institutional clients, today announced cumulative sales of pension risk transfer (PRT) transactions of more than $7 billion solidifying the Company’s top 10 ranking among PRT market leaders for […]
Joining the Century Club: The New Retirement Risk Americans Aren’t Ready For
{May 8th, 2025} by Nationwide
COLUMBUS, Ohio, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The number of Americans living to 100 and beyond is expected to quadruple by 2054, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Yet despite this surge in longevity, new research from Nationwide Retirement Institute and The American College of Financial Services (“The College”) reveals a troubling disconnect: while lifespans are rising well into the […]
Mountain Life Announces Montana Expansion
{May 8th, 2025} by Mountain Life Insurance Compnany
LEXINGTON, Ky., May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Mountain Life Insurance Company is pleased to announce that it is now operational in the state of Montana. With the awarding of its latest license by the state of Montana, the company now offers its range of products to customers in 13 states. Mountain Life looks forward to welcoming its first agents and customers […]
Kansas City Life Announces First Quarter 2025 Results
{May 8th, 2025} by Kansas City Life Insurance Company
KANSAS CITY, Mo., May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Kansas City Life Insurance Company recorded net income of $1.9 million or $0.19 per share in the first quarter of 2025 compared to net income of $1.6 million or $0.16 per share in the first quarter of 2024. This result included a $4.2 million or 6% decrease in policyholder benefits, net of reinsurance, and a $0.9 million or 3% […]
Fitch upgrades Constellation’s insurance subsidiaries’ rating to ‘A’
{May 8th, 2025} by Constellation Insurance Inc.
CINCINNATI, May 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Constellation Insurance, Inc., announces today that Fitch Ratings has upgraded its Insurer Financial Strength (IFS) rating of its insurance subsidiaries, AuguStar® Life Insurance Company, AuguStar Life Assurance Corporation and National Security Life and Annuity Co, to “A” and assigned a stable outlook. “We are very pleased Fitch has recognized our strategic transformation into […]
John Carroll Interview, Part II: Overcoming the Ned Ryerson stigma
{May 8th, 2025} by John Hilton
The average insurance agent is older, probably white, and most likely a man. These are trends the industry has tried to change for many years. But young people are shying away from careers in insurance. Read via INN
John Carroll Interview, Part I: Products have changed a lot in 40 years
{May 8th, 2025} by John Hilton
The life insurance industry was a lot more vanilla when John Carroll first joined it in the early 1990s. Carroll, senior vice president and head of insurance and annuities for LIMRA, began as an annuity seller for Merrill Lynch, eventually leading campaigns and designing marketing materials. His product suites did not stray far from the […]
Calling All VB.Net & SQL Software Engineers! We’re Hiring!
{May 1st, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
I’m thrilled to announce we’re on the hunt for our next software superstar! We’re seeking a talented Software Engineer with professional experience with VB.Net and SQL Server to join our amazing tech team. You’ll be designing applications and helping maintain our existing systems. Check out the full details and apply here: https://tally.so/r/3lg4oN Let’s build something […]
Listen to Trailblazer Sheryl J. Moore, CEO of Moore Market Intelligence
{May 1st, 2025} by Sheryl O'Connor
Feeling overwhelmed and in need of inspiration? Sheryl Moore, CEO of Moore Market Intelligence and Wink shares how she overcame numerous personal and professional challenges on her journey to success!
Prudential Financial, Inc. Announces First Quarter 2025 Results
{May 1st, 2025} by Prudential Financial, Inc.
NEWARK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU) today reported first quarter results. Net income attributable to Prudential Financial, Inc. was $707 million ($1.96 per Common share) for the first quarter of 2025, compared to net income of $1.138 billion ($3.12 per Common share) for the first quarter of 2024. After-tax adjusted operating income was $1.188 […]
Equitable Holdings Reports First Quarter 2025 Results
{May 1st, 2025} by Equitable Holdings, Inc
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Equitable Holdings, Inc. (“Equitable Holdings”, “Holdings”, or the “Company”) (NYSE: EQH) today announced financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025. “For the first quarter, we reported Non-GAAP operating earnings per share of $1.30, or $1.35 after adjusting for notable items. We continue to see strong organic growth momentum across our […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Principal Financial Group, Inc. and Its Subsidiaries
{May 1st, 2025} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A+ (Superior) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICRs) of “aa” (Superior) of Principal Life Insurance Company and Principal National Life Insurance Company. Both are life insurance operating companies of Principal Financial Group, Inc. (PFG) [NASDAQ: PFG] and collectively referred to as Principal. Concurrently, […]
Principal Financial Group Announces First Quarter 2025 Results
{May 1st, 2025} by Principal Financial Group
DES MOINES, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Principal Financial Group® (Nasdaq: PFG) announced results for first quarter 2025. Diluted earnings per common share 1Q25 Net income attributable to PFG (in millions) 1Q25 Net income attributable to PFG $0.21 Net income attributable to PFG $48 Non-GAAP net income attributable to PFG, excluding exited business1 $1.31 […]
CNO Financial Group Reports First Quarter 2025 Results
{May 1st, 2025} by CNO Financial Group, Inc.
CARMEL, Ind., April 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CNO Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: CNO) today reported net income of $13.7 million, or $0.13 per diluted share, in 1Q25 compared to $112.3 million or $1.01 per diluted share, in 1Q24. Non-economic accounting impacts due to market volatility reduced net income in 1Q25 and increased it in 1Q24. Net operating income,(1) which excludes these non-economic accounting impacts, was $81.1 million, or $0.79 per […]
New Study Finds One in Four Millennial U.S. Workers Expect to Live 30 or More Years in Retirement
{May 1st, 2025} by TIAA Institute
NEW YORK, April 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A new study from the TIAA Institute and the Global Financial Literacy Excellence Center (GFLEC), part of the Stanford Initiative for Financial Decision-making, finds that 26% of Gen Y (Millennial) U.S. workers expect to live 30 or more years in retirement, but will they work long enough to secure their golden […]
Freedom & Faith Agency and Integrity Partner to Help More Americans with Holistic Life, Health and Wealth Coverage
{May 1st, 2025} by Integrity Marketing Group, LLC
DALLAS, April 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Integrity, LLC (“Integrity”), a leading distributor of life and health insurance, and provider of wealth management and retirement planning solutions, today announced it has partnered with Freedom & Faith Agency, an independent marketing organization based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and led by Alisha and Ryan Wimmer. Financial details of the partnership were not […]
IUL: Offering stability amid trade tariff uncertainty
{May 1st, 2025} by Susan Rupe
Protection is the new performance in today’s volatile market environment, and that is why so many consumers are turning to indexed universal life. That was the word from Jared Nepa, senior vice president and head of insurance solutions distribution for Lincoln Financial Distributors. Nepa spoke with InsuranceNewsNet about IUL and its protection against the market […]
MIB Group introduces first e-signature platform specifically for life insurance
{May 1st, 2025} by John Hilton
The first e-signature and workflow support platform specifically designed for life insurance should bring speed and simplicity to the industry, MIB Group said. Paperless Solutions Group, an MIB company, leveraged existing technology to create PSG eXpedite to help manage electronic signatures while improving document processing, explained Andrea Caruso, executive vice president and chief operating officer […]
Stubbornly high Q1 mortality puts a dent in Equitable earnings
{May 1st, 2025} by John Hilton
Equitable Holdings is the latest life insurer to report disturbingly unexplained mortality results. Equitable executives met with Wall Street analysts Wednesday and reported healthy first-quarter revenues of $4.6 billion. However, the mortality results dampened enthusiasm. Read via INN
Annuity and Trust Assets: The Education Connection
{May 1st, 2025} by Allison Bell
Whether going to college is worth it and what kinds of degrees are worth it are controversial topics right now. One takeaway from the Census Bureau annuity and trust ownership data is clear, however: Higher education has a strong correlation with how likely Americans are to own annuities and trusts. Read via Think Advisor
CFP Board to Hike Annual Renewal Fee
{May 1st, 2025} by Melanie Waddell
To maintain its “competitive edge in a crowded field of designations,” the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards announced Tuesday that, effective Oct. 1, the annual renewal fee for using the CFP mark will be increased to $575 from $455 — a 26% increase. “Since launching the first Public Awareness Campaign in 2011, CFP Board […]
Tax Court Judge Notices a Couple Keeping an Annuity
{May 1st, 2025} by Allison Bell
U.S. Tax Court judges could look at clients’ moves to sell or keep annuities when evaluating the clients’ overall financial status. Judge Albert Lauber took the treatment of a couple’s annuity into account in a recent opinion about a case involving a charitable contribution deduction for a conservation easement related to the 2016 donation of 110 acres […]
Equitable: Volatility Helps Push Individual Annuity Sales Higher
{May 1st, 2025} by Allison Bell
Investment market volatility is helping Equitable Holdings sell more annuities. “April was a good month for us,” Equitable CEO Mark Pearson told securities analysts Wednesday during a conference call. Read via Think Advisor
5 Annuity Issuer Risks on the Fed’s Radar
{May 1st, 2025} by Allison Bell
The Federal Reserve Board is in charge of bailing financial services companies out if they get in trouble, and it gives each financial services sector a thorough roasting twice a year, in the biennial Financial Stability Report series. The life and annuity issuers and their regulators contend that bank regulators focus too much on insurers’ […]
Jury Finds Massachusetts Advisor Failed to Disclose Annuity Conflicts to Retirees
{May 1st, 2025} by Melanie Waddell
After a seven-day trial, a jury has found that investment advisor Jeffrey Cutter and his advisory firm, Cutter Financial Group, failed to disclose to their clients significant upfront commissions, among other conflicts of interest, as part of an annuity replacement scheme. Read via Think Advisor Wink’s Moore on the Market: Finally, a decision on the […]
Jury delivers split decision in Jeffrey Cutter annuity sales trial
{May 1st, 2025} by John Hilton
A Massachusetts jury delivered a split verdict Wednesday against an advisor accused of making improper annuity sales. The jury determined that Jeffrey Cutter and Cutter Financial Group did not violate Section 206(1) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, but did find violations of Section 206(2). Read via INN Wink’s Moore on the Market: More […]
I put my vote into PUAs
{May 1st, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
Basic participating whole life insurance dividend options: – Accumulate at interest; – Cash; – Loan interest reduction; – Loan reduction; – One-year term insurance; – Paid-up additional insurance (PUAs); and – Premium reduction. There are numerous other variations; many with a combination of these seven. Which do you think is the most popular? (I put […]
The Boca Raton wins lawsuit against local embattled private equity firm
{May 1st, 2025} by Jock Fistick
An embattled private equity firm has suffered another setback in court. Discover the details of this latest judgment and its potential impact. Read via South Florida Business Journal Wink’s Moore on the Market: Straight from the South Florida Business Journal– “The Boca Raton wins lawsuit against local embattled private equity firm” High level bullets: – […]
Don’t Want To Invest In Stocks Right Now? Here Are 5 Good Alternatives
{May 1st, 2025} by J. Arky
Have you checked your portfolio lately? On second thought, maybe hold off on taking a peek at the numbers. It’s no surprise that with tariffs running wild on the economy, the stock market may be making some people nervous right now. While it might seem like stocks are the best and quickest way to earn some […]
Secure Their Financial Future with Growth and Protection
{May 1st, 2025} by Andrew Farrell
Volatile markets can stir up a lot of emotions and concerns for investors—and they may react in ways that spell trouble for their investments. Read via InvestmentNews
Let me be one of the first to REJECT OUTRIGHT
{May 1st, 2025} by David Dean Holland
Dear CFP Board. Wink’s Moore on the Market: How many agree with David Dean Holland‘s thoughts? I have heard similar complaints about the fees/value received from other organizations recently. What will happen to these organizations, if they cease to provide perceived value, in exchange for the fees collected? Will having an alphabet soup […]
Wichita National Life Implements Hexure’s FireLight to Power Annuity Sales and Market Expansion
{May 1st, 2025} by Hexure
DALLAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Hexure, a leading provider of sales and regulatory automation solutions for the life and annuity industry, announced Wichita National Life Insurance Company (WNLIC) has successfully launched its new Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuity (MYGA) products, Security 3 (6% guaranteed rate) and Security 5 (6.15% guaranteed rate), on the FireLight platform, streamlining annuity sales processes while ensuring quick […]
‘Economic anxiety’ in March boosts slipping annuity sales, LIMRA finds
{May 1st, 2025} by John Hilton
The post-COVID annuity sales surge is waning, but “economic anxiety” may be sparking a second wave. Total Q1 annuity sales were $105.4 billion, down 1% from the record set in first quarter 2024, according to preliminary results from LIMRA’s U.S. Individual Annuity Sales Survey, representing 84% of the total annuity market. Read via INN
IUL sales: How to overcome ‘it’s too complicated’
{April 24th, 2025} by Drew Gurley
As Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink Inc., told InsuranceNewsNet: “While the mechanics of indexed life may initially be overwhelming, the value proposition is simple. Earn interest based upon limited market performance and never be subjected to market declines.” Read via INN Wink’s Moore on the Market: The gospel- Drew Gurley suggests that “insurance agents should […]
AuguStar Retirement’s Orbiter Growth FIA adds new layer of protection with EGAP
{April 24th, 2025} by AuguStar Retirement
CINCINNATI, April 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In a significant move to broaden its reach with bank and broker-dealers, AuguStar® Retirement, a Constellation company, introduces more innovative enhancements to the Orbiter® family of fixed indexed annuities (FIA). The introduction of the new tiered Enhanced Guaranteed Accumulation Protection (EGAP) option for Orbiter Growth provides a unique feature designed for guaranteed growth […]
TruStage Reports Strong Financial Performance in 2024
{April 24th, 2025} by TruStage
MADISON, Wis., April 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Despite challenging market conditions for the insurance industry and extreme weather events impacting millions, TruStage reported strong financial performance across its diverse product and solutions portfolio in 2024. The company ended the year in a favorable financial position, reporting over $5.6 billion in total revenue, over $200 million in net income and over $37 billion in […]
F&G Annuities & Life Announces First Quarter 2025 Earnings Release and Conference Call
{April 24th, 2025} by F&G Annuities & Life, Inc.
DES MOINES, Iowa, April 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — F&G Annuities & Life, Inc. (NYSE: FG) (F&G), a leading provider of insurance solutions serving retail annuity and life customers and institutional clients, will release first quarter 2025 earnings after the close of regular market trading on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. A webcast and conference call to discuss the results will […]
5 Post-Tariff-Tantrum Questions for Annuity Issuers
{April 24th, 2025} by Allison Bell
U.S. life insurance and annuity issuers are about to talk to securities analysts about their first-quarter results — after the wave of U.S. tariffs, or import taxes, announced this month changed everything. Suddenly, everything that happened on or before March 31, when the first quarter ended, seems so outdated. Stocks reacted to the actual, looming […]
Augustar generates industry buzz with 24% premium bonus on its FIA
{April 24th, 2025} by John Hilton
AuguStar Retirement got the annuity industry’s attention this week by announcing a 24% premium bonus on its fixed indexed annuity. The OrionShield 10-year FIA offers a new tiered premium bonus structure, AuguStar said in a news release. The structure allows clients to select up to a 24% premium bonus credited to their initial premium on […]
7 Legal Issues That May Come Up When Annuity Owners Die
{April 24th, 2025} by Allison Bell
Some of the saddest, most common life insurance and annuity suits are interpleader actions. Those are suits filed by annuity issuers that have no idea where to send benefits or other distributions. The companies are asking the courts to take charge of deciding which parties should be paid what. For an agent or advisor helping clients with […]
NAILBA, a Finseca Community, Announces New Inforce Certification
{April 23rd, 2025} by Finseca
Washington, D.C. (April 10, 2025) – The National Association of Independent Life Brokerage Agencies (NAILBA), a Finseca Community, proudly announces the launch of its newest professional credential: Inforce Certification—a specialized program designed to give life insurance professionals the tools to expertly manage the complexities of inforce policy servicing. Because when a life insurance policy is placed […]
If you are reading this, and thinking…”I need someone like that! email me
{April 23rd, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
I could use your help. Are you looking for an expert in product innovation, product marketing, strategy and/or product development? (And no- I am not looking for work! 😃) One of my oldest friends in the business was just downsized. This person is an executive with a proven track record of supporting life insurance and […]
The right individual for this opportunity lives in Philly.
{April 23rd, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
I have another friend, needing the help of the almighty network. This friend is looking to find an experienced or trainable woman to help support his financial advising business. He has found that a lot of women desire to work with a female advisor- imagine that! The right individual for this opportunity lives in Philly. […]
Athene Enhances Flagship Annuity Products, Expands Innovative Preset Allocation Feature
{April 23rd, 2025} by Athene
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa, April 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Athene, the leading retirement services company and subsidiary of Apollo Global Management, Inc. (NYSE:APO), today announced new features on two of its flagship annuity products, designed to simplify the user experience. The Athene AccumulatorSM Fixed Indexed Annuity products now include Preset Allocations, a simplified allocation feature designed to […]
This opportunity is for a Chief Technology Officer (CTO).
{April 23rd, 2025} by Jamie Johnson
Listen up! I have a client who needs help filling a couple of C-Suite positions. This opportunity is for a Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Must have a proven track record with: – Technology strategy and leadership; – Innovation and digital transformation; – IT operations and infrastructure; – Team management and culture; as well as – […]
‘Really huge’ opportunity for life insurance sales if riddle can be solved
{April 23rd, 2025} by John Hilton
The problems facing life insurance sellers are not new: Americans know they need life insurance. Americans say they want coverage. Yet, only slightly more than half of Americans actually have life insurance coverage. Read via INN Wink’s Moore on the Market: There are some great stats in this piece from John Hilton at InsuranceNewsNet. […]
Invesco and MassMutual Announce Repurchase of $1 billion of Invesco Preferred Stock and New Strategic Product and Distribution Partnership with Barings
{April 23rd, 2025} by Invesco
ATLANTA, April 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Invesco Ltd. (NYSE: IVZ) and MassMutual announced today an agreement for Invesco to repurchase $1 billion of its $4 billion of outstanding Invesco, Ltd Series A Preferred Stock otherwise noncallable until May 2040 at the price and on terms described in the agreement. The all-cash repurchase, which will be funded through debt financing, is expected to close in May […]
‘Magic Number’ for Retirement Drops With Inflation
{April 23rd, 2025} by Ted Godbout
Americans’ “magic number” to retire comfortably in 2025 is $200,000 less than last year. After a considerable jump from the previous year, this year’s figure is comparable to those of 2023 and 2022. According to Northwestern Mutual’s 2025 Planning & Progress Study, the amount that Americans believe they will need to retire comfortably in 2025 is […]
What to consider before buying or changing an annuity policy
{April 23rd, 2025} by Office of Insurance Commissioner Washington State
To find out if an annuity is right for you, it’s a good idea to talk with a tax advisor or financial planner first. Before buying an annuity, think about: Your financial goals How much money you have to invest When you want to start taking money out of your annuity How much of a […]
New Jersey Becomes 50th State to Adopt Annuity Best-Interest Sales Standard
{April 23rd, 2025} by Allison Bell
The annuity industry has persuaded all 50 states to update their annuity sales standards. The New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance approved an annuity sales regulation Monday that’s based on a model update developed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. The NAIC tried to design its model update to complement the U.S. Securities […]
5 Reasons Annuity Issuers Like Selling RILAs
{April 23rd, 2025} by Allison Bell
Registered index-linked annuities, or RILA contracts, are still as hot a devil pepper, partly because life insurers believe they are easier to “hedge against risk.” Cameron Ellis, a University of Iowa finance professor, and three colleagues gave clear, detailed descriptions of some of the forces that may keep RILAs stable in a new paper about how companies’ […]
New Jersey becomes 50th state to adopt annuity best-interest rules
{April 23rd, 2025} by John Hilton
New Jersey became the 50th state Monday to adopt a best-interest annuity sales standard. Like nearly all of the other states, the New Jersey statute is based on a model regulation created by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. In February 2020, the NAIC adopted a best-interest standard requiring the following four obligations: care, disclosure, conflict […]
Annuity Features Get Sweeter
{April 23rd, 2025} by Allison Bell
Annuity issuers may have designed product guarantees or other features or updates before the recent tariff turmoil began, and that could create opportunities for clients who want annuities with value guarantees or buffers. AuguStar Retirement, a company created after Constellation acquired Ohio National, has introduced a new bonus structure. Read via Think Advisor
Annuity.com, Inc. Names Mark Ballstaedt as Chief Technology Officer Amidst Record Annuity Market Growth
{April 23rd, 2025} by Annuity.com
PHOENIX, AZ, UNITED STATES, April 17, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ — Annuity.com, Inc., the fast-growing financial technology company revolutionizing annuity and life insurance distribution, announced today that Mark Ballstaedt has joined the executive leadership team as Chief Technology Officer (CTO). The appointment comes as the U.S. annuity market experiences unprecedented activity, reaching a record $432.4 billion in sales […]
AmeriLife’s Vertical Vision Increases Annuity Distribution Power With The Ohlson Group Partnership
{April 23rd, 2025} by Vertical Vision Financial Marketing, LLC,
WOODSTOCK, Ga, and CLEARWATER, Fla., April 9, 2025 (Newswire.com) – Vertical Vision Financial Marketing, LLC, (“V2”) a leading insurance marketing organization specializing in annuity products, and an affiliate of AmeriLife Group, LLC (“AmeriLife”), announced today that it has acquired The Ohlson Group, a family-oriented, annuity-focused insurance field marketing organization (FMO) based in Carmel, Indiana. Per the agreement, terms of […]
Innovative Benefit Concepts Joins Forces with Integrity to Offer World-class Solutions to Agents and Clients
{April 23rd, 2025} by Integrity Marketing Group, LLC
Innovative Benefit Concepts Joins Forces with Integrity to Offer World-class Solutions to Agents and Clients Service-driven agency expands capabilities and reach with Integrity’s best-in-class technology solutions and access to influential partner platform of industry leaders DALLAS – APRIL 17, 2025 – Integrity, LLC (“Integrity”), a leading distributor of life and health […]
Integrity Named a Winner of the 2025 Artificial Intelligence Excellence Awards for its Ask Integrity™ Technology
{April 23rd, 2025} by Integrity Marketing Group, LLC
Integrity Named a Winner of the 2025 Artificial Intelligence Excellence Awards for its Ask Integrity™ Technology Ask Integrity™, an AI-powered solution designed to help insurance agents provide better coverage recommendations to clients, is recognized for its impact on the industry DALLAS – APRIL 22, 2025 – Integrity, LLC (“Integrity”), a […]
DPL to provide insurance solutions for Indivisible Partners
{April 23rd, 2025} by DPL Financial Partners
LOUISVILLE, KY, April 23, 2025 — DPL Financial Partners, the leading platform for commission-free annuities, today announced that it was selected by Indivisible Partners to provide insurance solutions for advisor teams and their clients on the privately-owned independent advisory firm’s wealth platform. “We want to equip advisors to do more for their clients than […]
May your Easter Sunday be filled with faith, family, and new beginnings!
{April 16th, 2025} by Wink's Intel Pros
Wishing you many blessings this spring. We are grateful to all of you for your continuous business and support. Happy Easter! — Sheryl J. Moore, Victoria Grossman, and the Wink, Inc. family. […]
AuguStar Retirement unveils enhanced OrionShield annuities with new premium bonus options
{April 16th, 2025} by AuguStar Retirement
CINCINNATI, April 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — AuguStar® Retirement, a Constellation company, announces today exciting new features of the popular OrionShieldSM annuities, propelling the company’s expansion within the Independent Marketing Organization (IMO) distribution channel. These innovative features are designed to help financial professionals provide security, stability and growth potential for clients, giving them a powerful head start on their financial […]
This is an interesting development.
{April 16th, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
Nationwide and Annexus Group have collaborated on the first actively managed mutual fund, within a structured annuity (a.k.a. “RILA”). FYI- Nationwide has about a 2% market share of the $62.9 billion structured annuity market, as of the close of last year. Another FYI- Annexus Group, owned by Integrity, is what I call a “super FMO.” […]
Scuttlebutt: I wonder if others will follow?
{April 16th, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
A little scuttlebutt for you this afternoon- I read in a publication this afternoon that Mutual of Omaha is planning to change from a mutual company, to a stock company. I wonder if others will follow? Join in the LinkedIn conversation here! -sjm
Silac Taps New Volatility Control Index Tied to Gold as Markets Swoon
{April 16th, 2025} by Cyril Tuohy
Still, volatility control indexes are proliferating and more than 200 are available with fixed-indexed annuities, which had a record year last year, according to market researcher Wink research. Sales of fixed-indexed annuities in 2024 surged nearly 34% over the year before to $130 billion, Wink‘s Sales & Market Report revealed earlier. These annuities are structured not to lose […]
Regulators Revisit IUL Illustration Guidance as Legal Pressure Mounts
{April 16th, 2025} by Warren S. Hersch
Sheryl Moore CEO of Wink, which publishes Wink‘s Sales & Market Report, thinks the proposal will spur insurers to rethink index design or crediting methodologies to stay competitive. “Insurance companies are likely to seek out competitive indices that have existed for 25 years or more,” she said in an email. “I suspect that there will be continued efforts […]
6 Reasons ‘Annuity’ Is No Longer a Dirty Word
{April 16th, 2025} by John Manganaro
Financial advisors who have experience working with retirement savers have likely come across the so-called “annuity paradox.” When presented with the basic concept behind annuities — income insurance solutions that provide a guaranteed amount of lifetime income in exchange for an upfront premium — many retirement savers like the idea. So do academics and financial advisors […]
LPL Calls Ameriprise Data-Breach Notices ‘Defamatory’
{April 16th, 2025} by Melanie Waddell
LPL Financial is accusing Ameriprise Financial in a new lawsuit of sending thousands of LPL customers “false and defamatory” notices that their data has been stolen. The suit, filed Monday in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California, asserts that a Notice of a Data Breach sent by Ameriprise is a “dangerous […]
7 Things Retirement Savers Are Asking Google About Annuities Now
{April 16th, 2025} by Allison Bell
Google offers a simple way to look into people’s brains: Google Trends. You can get basic information about what web users are thinking about annuities by entering “annuities” and seeing how the popularity of that word has varied over time. You can get even more information by looking lower on the page at the list of […]
NASAA Votes to Restrict BDs’ Use of ‘Adviser,’ ‘Advisor’
{April 16th, 2025} by Melanie Waddell
State securities regulators adopted rule amendments barring potentially misleading uses of the titles “adviser” or “advisor” by broker-dealer agents, unless the broker is also registered as an advisor. The amendments to the North American Securities Administrators Association’s Dishonest or Unethical Business Practices of Broker-Dealers and Agents model rule were released for public comment on Nov. 4, 2024. They update NASAA’s […]
Conn. regulators ask judge to reject ‘setoff rights’ for PHL Variable premium
{April 16th, 2025} by John Hilton
Connecticut Insurance Department regulators are due back in court this week in their ongoing effort to rehabilitate the financially troubled PHL Variable Insurance Co. In May 2024, Insurance Commissioner Andrew Mais introduced the moratorium on benefits payments until a Connecticut court approves a rehabilitation plan for the financially troubled PHL Variable. Since then, policyholders filed several […]
LIMRA: Record workplace life insurance sales up for 4th consecutive year
{April 16th, 2025} by John Hilton
Workplace life insurance, disability insurance and supplemental health products sales all rose in 2024, according to LIMRA’s 2024 workplace benefits sales surveys. It marked the fourth consecutive year of sales growth. Employers are clearly using their workplace benefits programs to compete for talent in a tight job market, said Patrick Leary, corporate vice president and […]
Legislation would change tax treatment of life insurers’ debt investments
{April 16th, 2025} by John Hilton
Legislation to modernize the taxation of debt investments held by life insurers has been reintroduced in both the House and Senate. The Secure Family Futures Act is strongly supported the life insurance industry and would repeal the current capital tax treatment of debt investments, such as bonds. Instead, those investments would be subject to regular […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Sagicor Financial Company Ltd. and Its Subsidiaries
{April 16th, 2025} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICR) of “a-” (Excellent) of Sagicor Life Inc. and Sagicor General Insurance Inc. (both domiciled in St. Michael, Barbados), Sagicor Life Insurance Company (Austin, TX) and ivari (Toronto, Canada). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) […]
Emerging digital annuity sales process cutting cycle times by 94%, IRI says
{April 16th, 2025} by John Hilton
Annuity sellers, and everyone along the distribution chain, have long dreamed of technology that could reduce transaction times from weeks to hours. That time has come. Carriers are eagerly signing on to a new paperless transaction process for annuity transfers that is cutting cycle times by 94%. Read via INN
In times of market volatility, FIAs make the difference
{April 16th, 2025} by David Wod
Volatility and uncertainty over the markets are dominating the news right now, and clients may be flooding your inbox with questions and concerns. While the recent turbulence is being driven by extraordinary circumstances, it’s important to remember that market volatility itself is normal and should be expected. Clients should stay grounded in long-term perspective, not short-term noise, as […]
5 trends shaping and challenging the insurance industry
{April 16th, 2025} by Khalid Lahraoui, Kenneth Saldanha and Naoyuki Shibat
The insurance industry’s strong performance in 2024, as reflected in its results and fueled by rate hikes and favorable interest rates, paves the way for a transformative 2025. We see the industry increasingly leaning on technologies such as generative AI to boost operational efficiency, streamline corporate functions and accelerate accurate underwriting and claims processing, all […]
Finseca sees chance to ‘go on offense’ amid changes in DC
{April 16th, 2025} by Susan Rupe
Finseca believes the financial services profession and industry has an opportunity “to go on offense” now that a new administration and a new Congress has taken over the reins in Washington. That was the word from Marc Cadin, Finseca CEO, who spoke with InsuranceNewsNet about his association’s legislative and regulatory priorities in the coming year. […]
Lincoln and Guardian Get Closer to Asset Managers
{April 16th, 2025} by Allison Bell
Lincoln Financial and Guardian Life Insurance Co. of America want to get closer to their assets. The life and annuity issuers have both agreed to form major relationships with fixed income portfolio managers. Lincoln is selling a stake to Bain Capital, and Guardian is connecting with Janus Henderson. Read via Think Advisor Wink’s Moore […]
What is your favorite corporate gift?
{April 16th, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
I have a friend in the business, who always comes through for me. He recently helped me with some intel, and I would like to show my appreciation. In the past, I have sent Fairytale Brownies, Harry & David and Edible Arrangements. Trying to send something different this time. What is your favorite corporate gift? […]
Today is the day that I finally get Dad admitted to the nursing home.
{April 16th, 2025} by Sheryl J. Moore
The latest update on my Dad- Dad has been living at the Veteran’s Hospital in Des Moines, since November, due to his Alzheimer’s diagnosis. We’ve been waiting for a room to open-up at the Iowa Veterans’ Home. Today is the day that I finally get Dad admitted to the nursing home. He has a nice, […]
Notice: Farmers Life Insurance Company financial strength rating affirmed
{April 16th, 2025} by Farmers Life Insurance Company
Farmers Life Insurance Company is proud to announce that AM Best has affirmed our financial strength rating of B++ with a Stable Outlook.* At Farmers Life Insurance Company, we believe that things should be built to last. By combining our company’s strong financial foundation with a mission rooted in service, we’re looking to create lasting […]
Best’s Special Report: Challenges From Tariff Uncertainty Likely Credit Negative for Insurers
{April 16th, 2025} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The recent stock and bond market volatility stemming from U.S. tariff changes that wreaked financial havoc globally could pressure insurers’ balance sheets going forward, causing unrealized losses in equity portfolios and diminished capital bases, according to a new AM Best report. The Best’s Commentary, “Challenges From Tariff Uncertainty Likely Credit Negative for Insurers,” notes that despite […]
Guardian and Janus Henderson Announce Multifaceted, Strategic Partnership
{April 16th, 2025} by The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America
NEW YORK & LONDON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (“Guardian”), one of America’s largest life insurers and a leading provider of employee benefits, and Janus Henderson Group plc (NYSE: JHG; “Janus Henderson”), a leading global asset manager, today announced an innovative strategic partnership, whereby Janus Henderson will become Guardian’s investment grade public fixed […]
Lincoln Financial and Bain Capital Announce Long-Term Strategic Partnership
{April 16th, 2025} by Lincoln Financial
RADNOR, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Lincoln Financial (NYSE: LNC) today announced an $825 million strategic growth investment from Bain Capital, a leading global investment firm. Bain Capital will acquire a 9.9% stake in Lincoln Financial, creating significant alignment and long-term value creation opportunities across an array of strategic initiatives over time, with a focus on advancing Lincoln’s goal […]
Symetra Partners with Nayya to Introduce Digital Leaving Planning Solution
{April 16th, 2025} by Symetra
BELLEVUE, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Responding to the ever-changing landscape employers and their employees face during employee leave, Symetra Life Insurance Company is enhancing its absence management capabilities with the introduction of Nayya Leave, a data-driven platform that empowers employees with personalized tools, education, and guidance to help them confidently navigate the complexities of leave—as well as with […]
National Survey: Middle-Income Americans Grapple With Growing Financial Uncertainty; Inflation Once Again Is Top Concern
{April 16th, 2025} by Primerica
DULUTH, Ga.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Inflation continues to be the top concern of middle-income Americans, according to Primerica’s latest Financial Security Monitor™ (FSM™), with 62% reporting stress over finances, up from 57% during the fourth quarter of 2024. Forty-six percent (46%) expect to be worse off financially in the next year, up from 27% in December 2024. “Middle-income […]
Jackson Announces New President and Chief Risk Officer
{April 16th, 2025} by Jackson National Life Insurance Company
LANSING, Mich.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jackson Financial Inc.1 (NYSE: JXN) (Jackson®) announced today that Chris Raub has been appointed President of its main operating subsidiary, Jackson National Life Insurance Company®. In this new role, he has responsibility for all go-to-market activities, driving sustainable growth and ensuring Jackson remains at the forefront of industry advancements. Raub will have oversight of […]
Lincoln Financial to Report 2025 First Quarter Results on May 8
{April 16th, 2025} by Lincoln Financial
RADNOR, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Lincoln Financial (NYSE:LNC) announced today that it will report its results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025 at 6:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, May 8, 2025. A conference call is scheduled for 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time on the same day. Earnings materials, including the 2025 first quarter Earnings Release, Earnings […]
CORRECTING and REPLACING Brighthouse Financial Announces Conference Call to Discuss First Quarter 2025 Results
{April 16th, 2025} by Brighthouse Financial, Inc
CHARLOTTE, N.C.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–First paragraph of release dated April 7, 2025, should read: 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 first quarter ended March 31, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Friday, May 9, 2025. The […]
Single in Retirement: Looking for Love and Financial Security
{April 16th, 2025} by Nationwide
COLUMBUS, Ohio, April 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — For many Americans, being single in retirement was not part of their life’s plan. Yet millions will face their second act without a partner, adding financial strain to this significant life transition, according to a new Advisor Authority study, powered by the Nationwide Retirement Institute. A quarter (25%) of single investors say they […]
Finseca: From Refund to Results: Smart Strategies for 2025 and Beyond
{April 16th, 2025} by Finseca
WASHINGTON, April 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Tax season is here, and for millions of Americans, that means a refund is coming. With ongoing discussions in Washington, D.C., about potential tax changes, now is a smart time to think strategically about how you use your refund and plan ahead for next year. A few thoughtful financial decisions today can […]
