Prudential Tips ‘First Domino’ By Suspending GUL Product: Analyst
{July 8th, 2020} by John Hilton
Prudential Financial is pulling its UL Protector product from the market, effective July 13, and one industry analyst expects many more products to join it on the sidelines. The problem is that ultra-low interest rates make it difficult to support guaranteed universal life designs, explained Sheryl J. Moore, president and CEO of Moore Market Intelligence […]
TruChoice Financial Group, LLC Announces Strategic Alignment With Transamerica
{July 8th, 2020} by TruChoice Financial Group
Expanded Outsourced Insurance Product Shelf Provides Access to Low-Cost Solutions to Help Mitigate Client Portfolio Risk MINNEAPOLIS, MN / ACCESSWIRE / July 7, 2020 / TruChoice Financial Group, LLC (TruChoice), one of the largest distributors of financial services products in the insurance industry, today announced a strategic collaboration with Transamerica, a leading provider of life insurance, […]
Simplicity Advances Expansion with the Addition of The Annuity Source, Inc. and Welcomes Margo Thompson and Shannon Compton as Principals
{July 8th, 2020} by Simplicity Group Holdings
SUMMIT, N.J., July 1, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Simplicity Group Holdings (“Simplicity “) is pleased to announce that it has added The Annuity Source, Inc. (“TAS”), an independent financial marketing organization, to the Simplicity Group of companies. As part of this expansion, Simplicity welcomes the original owners of TAS, Margo Thompson and Shannon Compton, and 20-year TAS veterans, Heather Hutchinson and Courtney Juhl as its newest Principals […]
DOL’s new investment advice proposal intends to replace vacated fiduciary rule
{July 8th, 2020} by Insurance Forums Staff
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recently issued a new proposal aimed at improving investment advice provided to workers and retirees. The measure includes a best interest standard intended to align with a broader investment advice regulation (Reg BI) issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that took effect June 30, as well as a complementary […]
Nassau Financial Group Launches “Simple Annuity,” a First-of-Its-Kind iOS App for Fixed Annuities
{July 7th, 2020} by Nassau Financial Group
HARTFORD, Conn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Nassau Financial Group (“Nassau”) launched Simple Annuity, its inaugural iOS mobile application, to support the sales of its fixed rate annuities. The Simple Annuity app marks a key step in Nassau’s efforts to redesign the sales and consumer experience for annuities, empowering agents with digital tools to support sales and help consumers take charge […]
FBL Financial Group Schedules Second Quarter 2020 Earnings Release Date, Conference Call and Webcast
{July 7th, 2020} by FBL Financial Group, Inc.
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–FBL Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: FFG) will announce its second quarter 2020 earnings approximately 15 minutes after the close of the market on Thursday, August 6, 2020. The second quarter earnings release and financial supplement will be posted on the FBL Financial Group website (www.fblfinancial.com) at that time. FBL Financial Group will […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Horace Mann Educators Corporation and Its Subsidiaries
{July 7th, 2020} by A.M. Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating (Long-Term ICR) of “a” of Horace Mann Life Insurance Company (Horace Mann Life). AM Best also has affirmed the FSR of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term ICRs of “a-” of National Teachers Associates Life Insurance Company […]
New Primerica Study Finds 86% of Middle-Income Households Have Been Financially Impacted by the Coronavirus Pandemic
{July 7th, 2020} by Primerica
DULUTH, Ga.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–A new survey finds that 51% of the middle-income families who have been financially impacted by the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic are concerned about running out of money to pay for basic necessities by year-end. The national survey released today by Primerica, Inc. (NYSE:PRI), a leading provider of financial services to […]
Principal to Announce Second Quarter 2020 Financial Results
{July 7th, 2020} by Principal
DES MOINES, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Principal Financial Group® (Nasdaq: PFG) announced today that it will release second quarter 2020 financial results 15 minutes after U.S. markets close on Monday, July 27, 2020. On Tuesday, July 28, 2020 at 10 a.m. ET, Dan Houston, chairman, president, and chief executive officer, and Deanna Strable, executive vice president and chief financial […]
Symetra Partners with Nassau Re/Imagine Insurtech Incubator
{July 7th, 2020} by Symetra Life Insurance Company
BELLEVUE, Wash. & HARTFORD, Conn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Symetra Life Insurance Company today announced a partnership with the Nassau Re/Imagine insurtech incubator based in Hartford, Connecticut, that will tap the creative and developmental opportunities in the region’s deep insurance industry talent pipeline. The program currently supports 19 startups focused on solving critical problems for the life, annuity, reinsurance, […]
Nassau Completes Acquisition of Foresters’ U.S. Variable Annuity and Variable Life Operations
{July 7th, 2020} by Allison Bell
The company that acquired The Phoenix Companies Inc. has now completed efforts to acquire the U.S. variable annuity and variable life operations of The Independent Order of Foresters. For the buyer, Nassau Financial Group LP, the announcement means that Nassau now has a bigger presence in the U.S. life and annuity markets. For Foresters, completing […]
IASA Announces Laurie Macklosky as IASA President 2020-2021
{July 7th, 2020} by IASA
DURHAM, N.C., July 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — “Laurie Macklosky is a dynamic leader within the Insurance Industry and has made countless contributions to IASA, and she will be a tremendous asset to IASA during transitional times in her role as President,” said Kerry Crockett, IASA Chief Executive Officer. “She is taking the helm during unprecedented times, and her vision coupled […]
Foresters Financial Launches Children’s Whole Life Insurance
{July 7th, 2020} by The Independent Order of Foresters
Opportunity for generations to bond around the importance of giving back to their communities TORONTO, July 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ – Foresters Financial™ (Foresters) today announces it is now one of very few industry players to offer standalone Children’s Whole Life Insurance, with the launch of BrightFuture, its first product designed specifically for those currently under the age of […]
Two North America insurtechs named to Zurich Innovation Championship global finals
{July 7th, 2020} by Zurich North America
SCHAUMBURG, Ill., July 7, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Zurich North America Insurance has selected insurtech companies, Jupiter Intelligence and ClaimFlo powered by Safekeep, Inc. to represent North America in the Zurich Innovation Championship. The global competition – now in its second year – is designed to create collaborations between Zurich and insurtechs and bring new ideas and energy to the forefront. The competition offers the […]
John Hancock Launches Friends Who Talk About Money™ Podcast
{July 7th, 2020} by John Hancock
Claire Wasserman of Ladies Get Paid Hosts New Original Podcast Featuring Honest Conversations About Personal Finance TSX/NYSE/PSE: MFC SEHK: 945 BOSTON, July 7, 2020 /PRNewswire/ – John Hancock today announced the launch of a new podcast, Friends Who Talk About Money™, to normalize and celebrate meaningful dialogue about money with family and friends. The podcast is the latest initiative as part of John […]
Foresters Financial Focuses on Growth of U.S. Fixed Life Insurance Business
{July 7th, 2020} by The Independent Order of Foresters
Exit from variable life and annuity business marks final chapter in divestment strategy TORONTO, July 1, 2020 /PRNewswire/ – Foresters Financial™ (Foresters) today finalized its previously announced sale of Foresters Financial Holding Company, Inc. and Foresters Life Insurance and Annuity Company (FLIAC), its New York-based variable life and annuity business, to Nassau Financial Group, L.P. FLIAC was acquired by […]
Advisor M&A Drop 20% In Second Quarter, Average Deal Size Hits All-Time High FacebookTwitterLinkedInEmail
{July 7th, 2020} by Christopher Friedmann
Before the onset of the coronavirus crisis and the ensuing economic downturn, the M&A space was reaching all-time highs on a seemingly daily basis. The pandemic, however, promptly put an end to deal-making. The prompt turn in the Advisor M&A market left various firms with questions about what to do next. Now we finally know […]
Simplicity Acquires The Annuity Source
{July 7th, 2020} by Allison Bell
Simplicity Group Holdings has announced its third insurance distributor deal of the year. The Summit, New Jersey-backed company has acquired The Annuity Source Inc. The Annuity & Life Source is Bellevue, Washington-based financial marketing organization that was founded in 1991. It distributes annuities and some life insurance. Click HERE to read the full story via […]
Financial Firms Speeding Tech Adoption Due to Pandemic: Survey
{July 7th, 2020} by Jeff Berman
COVID-19 is accelerating the digital transformations of broker-dealers and other financial services firms, who expect to continue accelerating their technology investments as a result of the pandemic, according to the findings of a new Broadridge Financial Solutions study released Tuesday. Almost all of the C-suite executives from 500 firms surveyed for The Broadridge Next-Gen Technology […]
Best & Worst BDs for Advisors: J.D. Power — 2020
{July 7th, 2020} by Janet Levaux
Wealth management firms have been adding technology — before and during the pandemic — so their advisors can work better with market data, client information, account servicing tools and AI-powered analytics. But is this making a difference? “While firms are investing heavily, many have been missing the mark on delivering technologies that truly meet advisor needs,” according to Mike […]
Communication Gap: Investor, Advisor Expectations Way Out of Sync
{July 7th, 2020} by Alex Padalka
Financial professionals’ expectations about what their clients need are significantly different from those of investors. And if they want to attract new clients and keep those they have, pros will have to communicate better, according to a recent report. For starters, individual investors expect 11.7% long-term returns above inflation, Natixis found. Financial pros, meanwhile, expect just 5.3%, […]
The Amount of Life Insurance You Own Is a Symbol of Your Status
{July 7th, 2020} by Jerry Cohen
No, I did not mean to write the title differently. The amount of life insurance people own can be viewed as a status symbol for those that like to throw big numbers around. I always thought life insurance was a way someone demonstrated their view of the value they place on themselves to others. Many […]
3 Things to Know About the NAIC’s New 0% Annuity Floor Project
{July 7th, 2020} by Allison Bell
State insurance regulators are thinking about starting an annuity regulatory project that could remind everyone how hard it is for life insurers to offer great guarantees at a time when safe “single A” corporate bonds are offering an effective yield of less than 1.8%, and slightly edgy BBB bonds are paying 1.97%. The National Association of Insurance […]
$500M Team of Women Bolts Morgan Stanley for Sanctuary
{July 7th, 2020} by Alex Padalka
Sanctuary Wealth has landed a team of Morgan Stanley financial advisors within its network of independent practices. Led by Emily Bowersock Hill and Kaylin Dillon, the six-woman team is based in Lawrence, Kan. and will operate as Bowersock Capital Partners, according to a press release from Sanctuary. The team previously operated as The Hill Group […]
Covid Forced More Women to Take Charge of Finances: Report
{July 7th, 2020} by Alex Padalka
The Covid-19 crisis has disproportionately increased women’s responsibilities at home — and it’s also made them determined to take more financial decision-making into their own hands, according to a recent report. Women surveyed by UBS earlier this year say that they have been handling more childcare, cooking and cleaning than men during the crisis, and have the […]
Exclusive: JPMorgan drops terms ‘master,’ ‘slave’ from internal tech code and materials
{July 7th, 2020} by Elizabeth Dilts Marshall
NEW YORK (Reuters) – JPMorgan Chase & Co (JPM.N) is eliminating terms like “blacklist,” “master” and “slave” from its internal technology materials and code as it seeks to address racism within the company, said two sources with knowledge of the move. The terms had appeared in some of the bank’s technology policies, standards and control […]
ANNUITIES INSURANCE MARKET 2020 COVID-19 IMPACT ON TOP COMPANIES – THRIVENT FINANCIAL, NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL, AIG, LINCOLN FINANCIAL GROUP, HARTFORD, ETC. AND FORECAST OUTLOOK 2027
{July 7th, 2020} by Anita@Orbisresearch.Com
Global Annuities Insurance market research report is a solitary tool that gives an in-depth research of different market insights, opportunities, collateral approaches and diplomatic ways of making strong determinations. The global Annuities Insurance market CAGR rate might increase by significant percent over next five years. The Annuities Insurance report also focuses on divergent market orientations and […]
Why 2020 is a bad year to turn 60
{July 7th, 2020} by Mary Beth Franklin
COVID-related job losses this year could reduce Social Security benefits for millions of people born in 1960 This year — 2020 — will always be remembered as the year of historic unemployment caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Click HERE to read the full story via InvestmentNews
Rethinking Retirement: Why the ‘annuity’ frightens some people
{July 7th, 2020} by Staff Writer
ST. LOUIS – Discussing annuities tends to bring out some strong opinions in people, particularly financial planners. Marvin Mitchell, president and senior financial advisor for Compass Retirement Solutions, visits Fox 2 News via Skype to talk about why annuities are so polarizing. Click HERE to view via Fox2 NOW
Here’s an easy, low-cost way to build a retirement plan like the pros
{July 7th, 2020} by Greg Iacurci
Saving for retirement can be hard. Planning how to spend that nest egg — while ensuring the money doesn’t run out — is harder. But there’s good news: Americans can build a simple, low-cost retirement plan using just Social Security and savings, according to experts. From an academic standpoint, the “optimal” retirement strategy combines two concepts, said Wade […]
JPMorgan’s Kelly: Welcome to the ‘Back Roads of the Economy’
{July 7th, 2020} by Jeff Berman
There is still a long way to go before the United States has a full economic recovery and it is therefore wise for investors to be cautious, not make any bold predictions about what will happen with the economy for now, and maintain balanced portfolios, according to JPMorgan strategists. “Technically, the recession is actually over” […]
Opinion: Why annuities can be a good addition to retirement investments
{July 7th, 2020} by Patrick Rowan
The COVID-19 pandemic is making many Americans — whether they’re approaching retirement age or just starting out in their career — anxious about their finances, and retirement savings and plans. As a result, people are increasingly looking for lifetime income products that are less susceptible to factors like market volatility, retirement longevity, and challenges created […]
The Real Key To Making Money In Retirement
{July 7th, 2020} by David Abreu
The talking heads on cable TV shows would have you believe that if you gather the right information quickly enough or time the market just right, you’ll somehow turn your retirement dollars into a never-ending income stream. While chasing the next big thing in a 24-hour news cycle may seem exciting to some, it seldom […]
How Fixed Index Universal Life Insurance Policies Can Help Provide A Level Of Stability In Volatile Markets
{July 7th, 2020} by Jason Wellmann
As clients deal with the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, many may be looking for ways to diversify their portfolios in order to be better prepared for market volatility going forward. In fact, a recent Allianz Life study* found that over seven in 10 (72 percent) say the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic are […]
New World Of Life Insurance
{July 7th, 2020} by Dave Wickersham
A relatively few years ago, the industry was simple—life or term life or maybe group term. Almost all Americans knew they needed coverage and a large percentage were purchasers of one of these products including many policies purchased for small children for later in life. Face amounts were relatively small, but financial obligations and incomes […]
The Times They Are A-Changin’…Will Your Plans Keep Up?
{July 7th, 2020} by Luke Cosme
One thing 2020 has been good for, in addition to some great #Thanks2020 memes, is a change in perspective. Take the concept of work from home for example. For many, work from home began as pilot with only a select few employees allowed to participate. There were corporate policies that governed when and how long […]
Broker Words—July 2020
{July 7th, 2020} by Stephen Howard
My wife Hope is still pretty freaked out about COVID-19. She’s an ardent masker and views those who go without as beings essenced somewhere between the Walking Dead and animal abusers. She was ecstatic when I surprised her with fake Louis Vuitton and Chanel masks found on Etsy. With apologies to Iggy Azalea, She’s so fancy…You […]
DOL proposes new standard to replace vacated fiduciary rule
{July 6th, 2020} by Mark Schoeff Jr
The Department of Labor announced Monday it is proposing a new regulation to govern investment advice in retirement accounts to replace a rule that was vacated more than two years ago by a federal appeals court. Click HERE to read the full story via InvestmentNews
COVID19 IMPACT- GLOBAL VARIABLE UNIVERSAL LIFE INSURANCE MARKET RECENT INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS AND GROWTH STRATEGIES ADOPTED BY TOP KEY PLAYERS: ALLIANZ, AXA, GENERALI, PING AN INSURANCE
{July 6th, 2020} by Accounts@Reportsandmarkets.Com
Global Variable Universal Life Insurance Market: Trends Estimates High Demand by 2027 Variable Universal Life Insurance Market report 2020, discusses various factors driving or restraining the market, which will help the future market to grow with promising CAGR. The Variable Universal Life Insurance Market research Reports offers an extensive collection of reports on different markets covering […]
Nominations open for Women to Watch 2020
{July 6th, 2020} by Business Insurance
Business Insurance is accepting nominations for the 2020 Women to Watch Awards. The program, which is in its 15th year, recognizes female executives working in risk management, insurance and related fields. Honorees are recognized for their accomplishments, expertise, leadership and future prospects. Conditions allowing, winners will be recognized at two awards events, which will include professional […]
Nationwide starts July as fully independent insurance agency carrier
{July 6th, 2020} by G. Turner
Nationwide has announced that as of July 1, it has become an independent insurance agency carrier. For 18 months, the insurer has been working on the transition process to become an independent insurance agency carrier. Throughout that time, it has managed to keep over 99 percent of its agents, who were formerly employed by the […]
Fresh from Midland National and DPL, AllianzIM
{July 6th, 2020} by Editorial Staff
A versatile fee-based FIA from Midland National, on the DPL platform DPL Financial Partners and Midland National Life Insurance Company are introducing a new commission-free fixed index annuity (FIA) with a “health-activated income multiplier” feature. Click HERE to read the full story via RIJ
Let’s Talk Deferred Variable Annuities
{July 6th, 2020} by Wade Pfau
Deferred variable annuities with income guarantee riders have gained popularity as a retirement income tool providing behavioral solutions for the annuity puzzle. Retirees are not always comfortable seeing the premiums disappear from their portfolio balances when buying income annuities that convert a lump-sum premium into a protected lifetime income. Many features of a variable annuity […]
SE2 named a Leader in Life, Annuities, and Pensions BPS by NelsonHall
{July 6th, 2020} by SE2
TOPEKA, Kan., June 30, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SE2, an Eldridge business, and a best-in-class insurance technology company, has been named a Leader in the 2020 NelsonHall Evaluation and Assessment Tool report for Life, Annuities, and Pensions BPS. SE2 scored highly as a Leader in its evaluation grid for the “ability to deliver immediate benefit” […]
Retirement Basics: What Is An Annuity?
{July 6th, 2020} by David Rodeck
An annuity is an insurance contract that exchanges present contributions for future income payments. Sold by financial services companies, annuities can help reinforce your plan for retirement. Full article at Forbes. Wink’s Note: Gains are locked-in; you can never lose money when the market index declines on an indexed annuity. There are no […]
Opinion: Get serious about reducing risks in your investments
{July 6th, 2020} by Keith Singer and Roy Rosner
Even though the economy is a shell of what it was prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the S&P 500 is down only 6% for the year, and the NASDAQ 100 has recently set record after record, and is up more than 10% for the year to date based upon data available at Yahoo.Com. The stock […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company and Its Subsidiaries
{July 1st, 2020} 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 American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company (AEILIC) and its subsidiaries, American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company of New York (Lake Success, NY) and Eagle Life Insurance Company, collectively referred to as AEL. Concurrently AM Best has affirmed […]
Best’s Special Report: U.S. Insurers’ Private Equity Holdings Continue to Climb
{July 1st, 2020} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–U.S. insurance companies for a fourth-straight year increased their private equity holdings—by nearly 10% in 2019 to $81.3 billion—as this asset class remains attractive to insurers looking to diversify their investment portfolios or increase returns in the low interest rate environment, according to a new AM Best special report. The Best’s Special Report, titled, “Private Equity Holdings […]
Investors Heritage Again Ranks Among Top 10 Fastest Growing U.S. Life Insurers
{July 1st, 2020} by Investors Heritage Life Insurance Company
FRANKFORT, Ky.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Investors Heritage Life Insurance Company (“Investors Heritage”) today announced that, for the second year in a row, it ranked among the top 10 fastest growing U.S. life insurers in 2019, based on total-filed life, annuity, and accident and health direct premiums, according to a new report from S&P Global.1 Investors Heritage ranked as […]
DPL, Midland National Team up for First Commission-Free Fixed Index Annuity With Health-Activated Income Multiplier
{July 1st, 2020} by DPL Financial Partners
OUISVILLE, Ky.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–DPL Financial Partners and Midland National® Life Insurance Company (Midland National), are introducing a new, commission-free fixed index annuity (FIA), the Midland National Capital IncomeSM. Through its unique health-activated income multiplier feature1, Capital Income can double income payments for up to five years to help prepare for increased personal care costs. It offers […]
MassMutual $3 Billion Free Life Insurance Program Now Available Nationwide for Frontline Healthcare Workers Battling COVID-19
{July 1st, 2020} by MassMutual
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. & BOSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) today announced the nationwide expansion of MassMutual HealthBridge, which provides free term life insurance to frontline healthcare workers who directly interact with patients fighting the virus. Previously, HealthBridge was available in MassMutual’s home states as well as those hardest hit by the pandemic. Now it will […]
7 Things to Know About the New DOL Annuity Sales Standard Proposal
{July 1st, 2020} by Allison Bell
The Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) has unveiled a new sales standard proposal that could affect investment advice fiduciaries that help retirement savers roll cash from retirement plans into individual retirement accounts (IRAs). EBSA is an arm of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), and the new draft is likely to set off a new […]
The Gender Gap in Life Insurance
{July 1st, 2020} by Joshua Cox-Steib
Life insurance can be an uncomfortable topic, but it is a vitally important one. We live in a world where many of our financial obligations can and do outlive us. Life insurance provides a safety net for our loved ones when we are no longer with them. Insurance expert Laura Adams says, “Having life insurance […]
DoL proposes a fiduciary rule replacement that would buttress SEC’s Reg BI
{July 1st, 2020} by Andrew Welsch
The Department of Labor, now led by the attorney who spearheaded the charge to vacate the fiduciary rule two years ago, is rolling out a replacement for the defunct regulation. The proposed rule governing advice in retirement accounts is a nod to the SEC’s Regulation Best Interest, with which the Labor Department says it will […]
Legacy’s Virtual IMO University: Insights and Strategies for Sucess in an Uncertain World
{July 1st, 2020} by Legacy Marketing Group
SHERYL MOORE, president and CEO of Moore Market Intelligence, founder of Wink’s Sales & Market Report, and renowned Annuity Rockstar, will reveal what’s happening in the FIA market, including carrier and product trends and how carriers are reacting to our current environment. Click HERE to view invite.
Deloitte survey reveals “resilient generation”: Millennials and Gen Zs hard hit by COVID-19 pandemic, yet view this period as an opportunity to reset, take action
{July 1st, 2020} by Deloitte
EW YORK, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — In the face of unprecedented health and economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, millennials and Gen Zs express resolve and a vision to build a better future, a new Deloitte survey finds. The 2020 Deloitte Global Millennial Survey, now in its ninth year, reveals that both generations remain resilient in […]
BB&T Insurance Holdings Rebrands as Truist Insurance Holdings
{July 1st, 2020} by Truist Insurance Holdings
CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 29, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — BB&T Insurance Holdings, Inc., a subsidiary of Truist Bank, today announced that it is now doing business as Truist Insurance Holdings, Inc. With $30 billion in premium in 2019, Truist Insurance Holdings is the fifth-largest insurance broker in the U.S. and sixth-largest in the world. The company, headquartered at the Truist Center in Charlotte, […]
The Alliance and Integrity Marketing Group Combine to Accelerate Growth and Provide More Insurance Coverage for American Families
{July 1st, 2020} by Integrity Marketing Group, LLC
DALLAS, June 30, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Integrity Marketing Group, LLC (“Integrity”), the nation’s largest independent distributor of life and health insurance products, announced today its acquisition of National Agents Alliance (“The Alliance“), one of the country’s most prominent insurance marketing organizations (IMOs). The Alliance has helped more than 1.5 million Americans with their life insurance needs and has […]
Foresters Financial’s Tradition of Community Support Continues
{July 1st, 2020} by Foresters Financial
TORONTO, June 24, 2020 /PRNewswire/ – Foresters Financial™ (Foresters) announced today that in 2019 it contributed more than USD$11 million ($11.3 million) to support communities across Canada, the UK, and the US. The 148-year old fraternal life insurer is focused on enriching the well-being of families and communities. Through 2019, nearly 94,000 Foresters policyholders (members) and their guests participated in activities […]
AM Best Maintains Under Review With Negative Implications Status for Universal Life Insurance Company Following Arbitration Award
{July 1st, 2020} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has maintained the under review with negative implications status for the Financial Strength Rating of B+ (Good) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “bbb-” of Universal Life Insurance Company (San Juan, PR) (Universal Life) following a reinsurance arbitration award. This Credit Rating (rating) action reflects a continuation of the under review […]
Northwestern Mutual Study Finds that Among Americans who Hold Student Debt the Average Amount is $24,155
{July 1st, 2020} by Northwestern Mutual
MILWAUKEE, June 24, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — The latest set of findings from Northwestern Mutual’s 2020 Planning & Progress Study highlights the impact that student debt can have on a financial plan. Among U.S. adults aged 18+ who hold student debt, the average amount is $24,155. The study also finds that 42% of Americans with student debt say that if they had […]
AM Best Places Credit Ratings of Standard Life and Casualty Insurance Company Under Review With Positive Implications
{July 1st, 2020} by A.M. Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has placed under review with positive implications the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of B (Fair) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating (Long-Term ICR) of “bb” of Standard Life and Casualty Insurance Company (Standard Life and Casualty) (Salt Lake City, UT). The rating actions follow the recent announcement by ManhattanLife of its agreement […]
Financial impact of COVID-19 has many Americans reevaluating their retirement plans
{July 1st, 2020} by Nationwide
COLUMBUS, Ohio, June 24, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Given this year’s tax deadline is extended to July 15, now is an ideal time for consumers to reevaluate their retirement plans, assess how COVID-19 has impacted their financial goals and develop a strategy to optimize taxes in retirement. According to the 2019 Tax-Efficient Retirement Income survey conducted online by The […]
Financial Services Industry Ranked 11th Out of 15 Industries Studied in MBLM’s Brand Intimacy 2020 Study
{July 1st, 2020} by MBLM
NEW YORK, June 24, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — The financial services industry maintained its 2019 spot, ranking 11th out of 15 industries studied in MBLM’s Brand Intimacy 2020 Study, which is the largest study of brands based on emotions. MBLM (pronounced Emblem), the agency using emotional science to build more intimate brands during these unprecedented times, is also analyzing COVID-19’s impact on the […]
Only 22% of Generation Z Say They Are Prepared to Be Life Insurance Beneficiaries or Know About Life Insurance Claims
{July 1st, 2020} by NAIC
WASHINGTON (June 11, 2020) – America’s Generation Z— which has grown up as digital natives and is more likely to be engaged in social activism—is less engaged when it comes to life insurance. According to a recent survey from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), only 22% of Generation Z say they are prepared to […]
Impact of Emotional Intelligence: New Harris Poll Study
{July 1st, 2020} by NAILBA
One of the questions people are asking themselves these days is, “Who do I believe?” With everyone learning at essentially the same time, a lot of advice is conflicting. Who you believe eventually comes down to who you trust. It’s the same way with financial relationships. The Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) recently announced the […]
Too Far from the Core
{July 1st, 2020} by Chuck Hirsch
If you’re like me, this strange new world we’re living in has given rise to some serious contemplation. There’s been a lot of new-found time to think and unprecedented things to think about. One of the things I’ve been thinking about is how far some of us have moved from the core of this business, […]
IT Outsourcing in Life & Annuities Insurance Industry is Readying for Cost Transformation by Systems Simplification and Rationalization—Everest Group
{July 1st, 2020} by Everest Group
DALLAS (PRWEB) JUNE 30, 2020 The Life & Annuities (L&A) insurance segment experienced a growth in premiums of 2.0% to 2.5% in 2019, but this is expected to drop to -3.5% to -1.5% through 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 crisis, according to Everest Group. However, long-term industry growth fundamentals remain robust amidst the COVID-19 […]
DOL Floats Revised Fiduciary Rule to Align With Reg BI
{July 1st, 2020} by Melanie Waddell
The Department of Labor said late Monday afternoon that it is proposing a new exemption for investment advice fiduciaries, allowing them to receive “a wide variety of payments that would otherwise violate the prohibited transaction rules.” Those payments include “commissions, 12b-1 fees, trailing commissions, sales loads, mark-ups and mark-downs, and revenue sharing payments from investment […]
Hopkins, Kitces: As SEC’s Reg BI Goes Live, Worries Remain
{July 1st, 2020} by Janet Levaux
As the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Regulation Best Interest goes into effect today, some industry leaders are speaking about their continued concerns — both with the SEC’s rules and with a proposal announced late Monday by the Labor Department. The SEC finalized Reg BI a year ago to ensure that brokers adhere to the same fiduciary standard as RIAs when […]
How racial trauma, wealth and mental health collide in women’s financial lives
{July 1st, 2020} by Tobias Salinger
A book idea can come from anywhere. For financial wellness specialist Eugenie George, reading tables of contents in the personal finance section of a Barnes & Noble store provided inspiration. “I kept saying, ‘Well, what’s missing from this?’” George says. “There was no discussion about race or class. And then the folks that did write […]
Genworth Says Would-Be Buyer Is Having Trouble Closing on Financing
{July 1st, 2020} by Allison Bell
Genworth Financial Inc. says China Oceanwide Holdings Group Co. Ltd. of Beijing is having trouble nailing down the financing it needs to pay to acquire Genworth. China Oceanwide — a financial services and real estate development company based in Beijing — has been trying to acquire Genworth for about four years. The company is in the process of […]
Yes, It’s Possible to Underwrite Life Insurance Policies Remotely
{July 1st, 2020} by Shelby Hollister-Share
The coronavirus pandemic and social distancing measures have changed how we do business across industries — and insurance underwriting is no exception. Typically, life insurance underwriting requires a thorough medical examination (as anyone who has ever applied for a policy will know well). This involves an in-person visit, allowing the medical examiner to conduct a […]
Transamerica’s Parent Hires a Change Manager: Personnel Moves
{July 1st, 2020} by Allison Bell
Aegon N.V. — the parent of Transamerica — has hired Duncan Russell to be its chief transformation officer. The role is new. Aegon is based in The Hague, in the Netherlands, and manages the equivalent of about $1 trillion in assets. Russell will report to Lard Friese, Aegon’s chief executive officer, and will be a member of […]
6 Rolls of Toilet Paper v. Life Insurance
{July 1st, 2020} by Chris Cook
The ease of applying for and obtaining life insurance products during the pandemic has improved in recent weeks — and the process may be easier now than ever. We know the insurance-buying community has a heightened interest in our products based on what we are seeing in the financial publications, LIMRA reports, as well as […]
Reg BI Ruling Could Help Annuity Issuers, Commission-Based Agents
{July 1st, 2020} by Allison Bell
The American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) says a new federal appeals court ruling should help an annuity sales standard it likes spread. A three-judge panel at the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Friday that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission did have the authority to adopt Regulation Best Interest, and that Reg […]
How Advisors Can Connect With Female Boomers, Gen Xers and Millennials
{July 1st, 2020} by Ginger Szala
When targeting female investors, advisors should understand how each age group — baby boomers, Gen Xers and millennials — differ from each other in interests and needs and tailor their marketing accordingly, said Lori Hubbard, regional director of MFS, who spoke at the Commonwealth Summit for Women Advisors on Tuesday discussing why 50% of the […]
3 in 4 Investors Would Recommend Their Advisor: Study
{July 1st, 2020} by Ginger Szala
New research from Cerulli Associates and the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association found that 78% of U.S. households with $100,000 to $1 million in assets use a professional advisor in some way. Most of them — 74% — said they would recommend their advisor, and 77% said their advisor was worth the cost. In […]
How to Decide if an Annuity Is Right for Your Client: Morningstar’s Benz
{July 1st, 2020} by Ginger Szala
Annuities have grown in popularity, largely due to their promise of a guaranteed income stream until a client’s death. They can help investors strengthen retirement plans, defer taxes and some can protect against stock market losses, but there are caveats, says Christine Benz, Morningstar’s director of personal finance. The questions advisors must answer: Is an […]
Can Americans’ Increasing Interest in Wellness Help Life Insurers Engage More People?
{July 1st, 2020} by LIMRA
New LIMRA-BCG study explores consumers’ willingness to share their data and how life insurers can leverage consumers’ enthusiasm in wellness WINDSOR, Conn., and BOSTON, June 25, 2020—A new study, conducted by LIMRA and Boston Consulting Group (BCG), finds 97% of Americans say they want to improve one aspect of their overall wellness. Three quarters of consumers claim they want […]
Pandemic Life Insurance Selling: ‘Become Better Listeners’
{July 1st, 2020} by John Hilton
Selling life insurance products in a pandemic is difficult, but one industry veteran reminds agents not to abandon the important techniques that connect them with clients. The most important thing is to make the connection, said Marv Feldman, recipient of the 2011 John Newton Russell award. That means a phone call, progressing to a possible […]
Nationwide successfully completes IA transition
{July 1st, 2020} by Nationwide
More than 99% of Nationwide exclusive agents affirm plans to continue relationship with Nationwide’s independent agency channel Nationwide accelerates transformational efforts to enable Independent Agency (IA) success New capabilities facilitate speed, ease, price stability and competitiveness Nearly 100 years ago, Nationwide began offering auto insurance to Ohio farmers through exclusive and independent agents, an approach […]
Fidelity National Financial, Inc. Announces Virtual Participation at KBW Title Insurance Day
{July 1st, 2020} by Fidelity National Financial, Inc.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., June 18, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Fidelity National Financial, Inc. (NYSE:FNF) (the “Company”) today announced that the Company’s President, Mike Nolan, Chief Financial Officer, Tony Park, and FGL Holdings’ CEO, Chris Blunt will participate in a fireside chat at the KBW Title Insurance Day at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, June 25, 2020. A live webcast and replay of the presentation […]
COVID-19 Spotlights Retirement Readiness, Sparking Conversations About Annuities
{July 1st, 2020} by Jackson National Life Insurance Company
NASHVILLE, Tenn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jackson National Life Insurance Company® (Jackson®) and the Insured Retirement Institute (IRI) today announced results from a new research study that was fielded in the midst of the COVID-19 global pandemic. Conducted between April 8-17, 2020, the online survey found more than half (55%) of financial professionals believe 25% or more of their client base is […]
US Appeals Court Upholds Reg BI
{July 1st, 2020} by Wire Reports
The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Securities and Exchange Commission acted properly in developing Regulation Best Interest and that the rule was not arbitrary and capricious. The court’s decision on Friday means that Reg BI, which establishes a new advice standard for brokers, can take effect as planned on Tuesday. Seven […]
John Hancock’s New Electronic App Platform Streamlines Life Insurance Sales
{July 1st, 2020} by Anthony R. O'Donnell
John Hancock (Boston) has launched a proprietary electronic application platform, JH eApp, designed to significantly streamline and accelerate the life insurance purchasing experience, which has traditionally been time-consuming and cumbersome. The insurer says JH eApp can reduce processing times from weeks to, in some cases, just minutes. The new digital platform is available for applications ages […]
DOL Issues Fiduciary Rule To Harmonize With SEC
{July 1st, 2020} by Steve Morelli
The Department of Labor issued its new fiduciary rule one workday after a federal court upheld the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Regulation Best Interest standard, with which the DOL rule was designed to harmonize. “The standards in the Department’s proposed exemption announced today align with standards of other regulators, including the SEC,” according to a […]
On The Front Lines For Life Insurance
{July 1st, 2020} by Staff Reports
This year has been the worst of all possible worlds for life insurance, an industry that depends on predictability. Historically low interest rates are making it painful even to attempt projecting returns that will support products and sustain remotely attractive crediting rates. Meanwhile, the COVID-19 pandemic is hitting the primary age demographic that the industry […]
What Is An Annuity?
{July 1st, 2020} by Elizabeth Rivelli
Life insurance can provide much needed financial support after retirement and as you get older. It also ensures you can provide for your beneficiaries, such as a spouse or next of kin, after your death. However, life insurance isn’t your only option – some people choose to purchase an annuity instead. An annuity may share a […]
Better than Throwing Darts
{June 30th, 2020} by Kerry Pechter
When Kent Jacquay, a 47-year-old former insurance producer with a knack for computer programming, speaks to groups of insurance agents about selling fixed indexed annuities (FIAs) his favorite prop is a dartboard—a metaphor for how they tend to pick contracts for clients. Click HERE to read the full article via Retirement Income Journal. ……………………………………………………………………………….. […]
Northwestern Mutual’s brokerage fined $350,000 after broker is charged with pocketing customer cash
{June 30th, 2020} by Cary Spivak
Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Co.’s brokerage arm has been hit with a $350,000 regulatory fine for failing to prevent a former broker from pocketing hundreds of thousands dollars from client accounts, records show. The broker, Sampson Pearson, is awaiting trial in federal court in North Carolina on charges that he stole $570,000 from his former […]
Former North Carolina Branch Manager Faces December Sentencing
{June 30th, 2020} by Peter Strozniak
A former branch manager at the $89.9 million Welcome Federal Credit Union will be sentenced in December for embezzling at least $645,000 from the Morrisville, N.C.-based credit union. Johnnie Earl Harrell, 47, pleaded guilty Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Wilmington to theft and embezzlement, according to court records. While working at the branch in […]
American Equity Launches Destinations Fixed Index Annuity with New Index
{June 24th, 2020} by American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company®, a leading underwriter of fixed index annuities, announced the launch of a new growth-focused fixed index annuity. The Destinations annuity is a first of its kind for the company, offering multiple allocation options including a new volatility-controlled index developed with Bank of America®, the BofA […]
Janus Henderson Announces the Innovative Janus SG Global Trends Index To Be Used by Global Atlantic in Its New Fixed Index Annuity
{June 24th, 2020} by Janus Henderson Investors
June 23, 2020 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time DENVER–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Janus Henderson Investors (NYSE/ASX: JHG) today announced the innovative Janus SG Global Trends Index has been licensed to Global Atlantic Financial Group, a leading U.S. retirement and life insurance company. The Index was developed in partnership with Société Générale who acts as the index sponsor […]
REPRINT: 100 facts your clients need to know about annuities: #AnnuityAwarenessMonth
{June 24th, 2020} by Sheryl J. Moore
Did you know that that the top fear of Americans is outliving their retirement income? Death comes in as the second top fear. It’s easy to see that annuities are still the black box of the insurance industry … what a shame. Did you know that the top fear of Americans is outliving their retirement income? (Death […]
Consumer Group Confronts Insurers, Regulators On Systemic Racism
{June 24th, 2020} by John Hilton
The Center for Economic Justice today challenged insurers and insurance regulators to match their public statements condemning systemic bias and inherent racism with concrete actions to address inherent racism in insurance. “We were heartened to see insurance company CEO’s calling for changing business practices to stop the effects of systemic bias and inherent racism in […]
Athene Announces Fixed Annuity Reinsurance Transaction With Jackson National Life Insurance Company
{June 24th, 2020} by Athene Holding, Ltd.
PEMBROKE, Bermuda–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Athene Holding Ltd. (“Athene”) (NYSE: ATH), a leading provider of retirement savings products, has announced a fixed annuity block reinsurance transaction with Jackson National Life Insurance Company (“Jackson”), a leading provider of retirement products and subsidiary of Prudential plc (LSE: PRU), with the support of Athene Co-Invest Reinsurance Affiliate (“ACRA”). Under the terms […]
Nationwide Introduces New Nationwide Lifetime Income Rider+SM (L.inc+) Suite to Provide Protected Retirement Income with Greater Choice and Flexibility
{June 24th, 2020} by Nationwide
COLUMBUS, Ohio, June 15, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Investors say that being unable to retire as planned is among their top three financial concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic. More than half agree that the pandemic has made them recognize the need for annuities to protect their retirement income (51%) and to protect their investments against market risk […]
Jackson Announces Strategic Transaction With Athene
{June 24th, 2020} by Jackson National Life Insurance Company
LANSING, Mich.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jackson National Life Insurance Company® (Jackson®) today announced it has entered into an agreement with Athene Holding Ltd. (Athene) (NYSE: ATH), a leading provider of retirement savings products, to fully reinsure $27.6 billion¹ of Jackson’s in-force book of fixed and fixed index annuity liabilities in exchange for approximately $1.25 billion in ceding commission. Athene […]
AM Best Comments on Credit Ratings of Jackson National Life Insurance Company and Its Affiliates Following Transactions with Athene Holding Ltd
{June 24th, 2020} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has commented that the Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICR) of “a+” of Jackson National Life Insurance Company (JNL), its wholly owned subsidiary, Jackson National Life Insurance Company of New York, and its direct parent, Brooke Life Insurance Company remain unchanged following the recently […]
AM Best Comments on Credit Ratings of Athene Group Following Fixed Annuity Reinsurance Agreement
{June 24th, 2020} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has commented that the Credit Ratings (ratings) and outlooks of the members of Athene Group (Athene) remain unchanged following the recent announcement of its fixed annuity reinsurance agreement, which is effective June 1, 2020. Athene, which is focused on the fixed indexed and fixed annuity market segments, is the consolidation of the […]
REPRINT: DON’T ASSUME PROSPECTS KNOW ANNUITIES, #AnnuityAwarenessMonth
{June 24th, 2020} by Sheryl J. Moore
DON’T ASSUME PROSPECTS KNOW ANNUITIES April 21, 2013 by Sheryl J. Moore By Sheryl J. Moore, President and CEO of Moore Market Intelligence, an indexed product resource in Des Moines, IA. I was speaking to a health insurance agent today who was looking for information on life insurance and annuities. He was genuinely interested […]
Ties grow between Athene and Jackson National
{June 24th, 2020} by Editorial Staff
Athene’s $500 million investment and $1.25 billion reinsurance deal with Jackson National is expected to boost Jackson’s Risk-Based Capital (RBC) ratio by about 80 percentage points. Athene Holding Ltd. has agreed to reinsure Jackson National Life’s $27.6 billion in-force fixed and fixed index annuity liabilities, effective from June 1, 2020. Athene will pay Jackson a […]
Many Young Consumers Want Long-Term Care Insurance: MassMutual
{June 24th, 2020} by Allison Bell
The bond market may be too chaotic for life insurers to have an easy time supporting stand-alone long-term care insurance (LTCI), but many consumers still love the idea of having LTCI coverage. They also like the idea of buying chronic care benefits packaged together with life insurance. About 32% of consumers surveyed said they are […]
Broker-Dealers, Under Siege, Look Toward Second-Half Comeback
{June 24th, 2020} by Rich Blake
The broker-dealer (BD) industry can still salvage 2020, shaking off downturns and downgrades to return to some semblance of profitability in the second half of the year, industry members said. Crass, a cliché, but still true: Out of crisis comes opportunity. “There may be relatively more money in motion, probably to advisors who are more […]
Robinhood Vows to Make Changes in Response to Customer’s Suicide
{June 24th, 2020} by Alex Padalka
Zero-commission brokerage Robinhood says it will revamp how it handles options trading in light of the suicide of one of its customers involved in a complex trading strategy. Alexander Kearns, 20, took his own life on June 12, apparently after seeing his account, which had around $16,000, showing a negative $730,000 cash balance, according to his suicide note. The […]
‘Buckets of Money’ Advisor Settles With SEC After Long Legal Battle
{June 24th, 2020} by Melanie Waddell and Allison Bell
After a 10-year battle including a Supreme Court case in which he prevailed over the Securities and Exchange Commission, former RIA Raymond Lucia Sr. and his former advisory firm, Raymond J. Lucia Cos., agreed Tuesday to settle charges related to the marketing of their “Buckets of Money” retirement investing strategy. Lucia will pay a $25,000 […]
Some States Highlight Bans on Insurer Discrimination Against LGBT People
{June 24th, 2020} by Allison Bell
Officials in California, New York and Illinois have rushed to tell health insurers in their states that their states continue to have regulations protecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people against discrimination in health care and health insurance. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is in the process of removing […]
Center Asks NAIC to Look for Racial Bias in Life Insurers’ Methods
{June 24th, 2020} by Allison Bell
The Center for Economic Justice says that, if state insurance regulators are serious about fighting systemic racial bias, they should take a close look at new life insurance underwriting strategies. The center is calling for regulators to verify that the new data sources, data analysis rule sets, and “artificial intelligence” programming techniques are fair to […]
Integrity Marketing Acquires McNerney Management Group
{June 24th, 2020} by Allison Bell
Integrity Marketing Group LLC has acquired McNerney Management Group. Integrity Marketing is a Dallas-based insurance distributor that has relationships with about 270,000 independent agents. McNerney Management Group began operation in 1979. It’s the Columbia, Missouri-based parent of Senior Marketing Specialists, an independent agent brokerage operation, and of the Senior Benefit Services career agent group. Click […]
Fed Worries About Life Insurers’ Leverage
{June 24th, 2020} by Allison Bell
The Federal Reserve Board is worried enough about the health of life insurers to include them in the financial stability section of its new monetary policy report. Federal Reserve Board Jerome Powell is briefing congressional committees on the report this week. The Fed started off the report by emphasizing the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak. […]
Empower Retirement Launches National Ad Campaign to Elevate Importance of Retirement Savings
{June 24th, 2020} by Empower Retirement
GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Empower Retirement, the nation’s second largest retirement plan provider,1 announced today the launch of its first national advertising campaign, designed to boost the company’s visibility before a broad audience and promote American workers’ retirement savings. Empower is set to launch its national television and radio ad campaign today (June 15), with a colorful […]
New TIAA and Savi Solution Provides Significant Student Debt Relief
{June 24th, 2020} by TIAA
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–TIAA, a leading financial services provider, today announced that it is working with social impact technology startup Savi to make it easier for nonprofit institutions to offer a meaningful student debt relief solution to their employees. The companies together launched a student debt solution designed to help employees of nonprofit organizations reduce their […]
SIMON Announces Integration With EbixExchange’s AnnuityNet; Expands InsurTech Platform With New e-App Capabilities
{June 24th, 2020} by SIMON Markets LLC
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–SIMON Markets LLC and SIMON Annuities and Insurance Services LLC (“SIMON”) today announced integration with AnnuityNet, EbixExchange’s industry leading order-entry solution for annuity transactions. Designed to optimize advisor experience through increased efficiency and reduction of compliance risk, AnnuityNet fully automates the annuity transaction, including automated calculation of suitability scores and transaction routing through […]
Christopher Blunt and Gretchen Nickel Make Transformational Donation to The American College of Financial Services to Create Professorship
{June 24th, 2020} by The American College of Financial Services
King of Prussia, June 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — KING OF PRUSSIA, PA – June 17, 2020 – Three-time alumnus Christopher Blunt, CLU®, ChFC®, CAP®, and his wife Gretchen Nickel have donated $1 million to establish the Blunt-Nickel Professorship in Philanthropy at The American College of Financial Services. The generous gift will support an expansion of The […]
Annuity Types in A Retirement Income Plan
{June 24th, 2020} by Wade Pfau
It is worth mentioning a few other annuities that could play a role in a retirement income plan, before digging into the discussion of deferred variable and fixed index annuities. Deferred Fixed Annuities Deferred fixed annuities (DFAs), or multiyear guaranteed annuities (MYGAs) may be used as an accumulation tool in the years leading up to […]
What You Need To Know – An Overview Of Annuities Continued
{June 24th, 2020} by Wade Pfau
This chapter is about how the lifetime income protections available through deferred variable annuities can support a retirement income goal through risk pooling and mortality credits. The next chapter adds fixed index annuities. We have already considered immediate and deferred income annuities. It is worthwhile to start by stepping back to describe the universe of available […]
Transamerica Expands Financial Education Program for Retirement Plan Participants with Online Financial Wellness Center
{June 24th, 2020} by Transamerica
BALTIMORE, June 18, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Transamerica today announces its new online Financial Wellness Center offering enhanced education resources for retirement plan participants and sponsors. This interactive education platform features insight on a wide range of topics, from budgeting to preparing for retirement. This self-paced, digital learning experience is now available to all Transamerica retirement plan sponsors […]
LostPolicy.com Offers Free Search Services to the Families of COVID-19 Victims
{June 24th, 2020} by LostPolicy.com
ATLANTA, June 23, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — LostPolicy.com, in Support of the Families of COVID19 Victims’, is Offering Free Lost, Misplaced, or Unknown Life Insurance Policy Search Services. (A $3.95 service charge applies). LostPolicy.com, an Atlanta based internet search service, contacts the top 100 life insurance companies, which account for more than 97% of issued life insurance, advises them of a death and orders searches […]
John Hancock Launches Electronic Application Platform to Streamline Life Insurance Sales Process
{June 24th, 2020} by John Hancock
New Resource to Increase Sales Efficiency and Offer Access to Instant Underwriting Decisions TSX/NYSE/PSE: MFC SEHK: 945 BOSTON, June 23, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — John Hancock today announced the launch of a proprietary electronic application platform, JH eApp, the company’s latest advancement in modernizing the life insurance purchase experience for insurance agents and their customers. The platform is designed to […]
ECA Marketing Deploys FireLight® Providing Advisors Electronic Annuity Sales Capabilities Within a Matter of Weeks
{June 24th, 2020} by Insurance Technologies, LLC
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Insurance Technologies, LLC, a provider of sales and regulatory automation solutions for the insurance and financial services industries, announces ECA Marketing, a national annuity and life marketing organization, has launched FireLight® e-Application enabling their advisors to quickly and efficiently process annuity sales electronically. By using FireLight Access, ECA Marketing was able to […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company
{June 24th, 2020} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating (Long-Term ICR) of “a+” of Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company (FBL). Concurrently, AM Best has affirmed the Long-Term ICR of “bbb+” of FBL Financial Group Inc. [NYSE: FFG], the holding company of FBL. The outlook of these […]
Most people think having kids is the only reason to get life insurance, but I can say from experience they’re wrong
{June 23rd, 2020} by Kali Roberge
A good, general rule of thumb to follow if you want to figure out whether or not you need life insurance is this: have kids, get life insurance. That’s because the purpose of life insurance is to protect your beneficiaries against financial hardships they may face if something happened to you. If you’re single and childless, there’s probably no […]
Annuity Awareness Month Edition
{June 22nd, 2020} by Wink's RockStars
June is Annuity Awareness Month! We will be reprinting our Chief Storyteller, Sheryl Moore’s most requested annuity-focused articles all month long; they will be indicated with “reprint” in the title. You’ll find these timeless articles are still relevant today. Annuity Awareness Month aligns perfectly with Wink’s top priority of ensuring that the public has the needed information […]
Florida Bill To Ban Insurers’ Use Of Genetic Info Goes To DeSantis
{June 20th, 2020} by John Hilton
The Florida Legislature sent a bill to the governor’s desk Wednesday that would prohibit insurers from using customers’ genetic information in changing, denying or canceling policies. It is not known if Gov. Ron DeSantis, R, will sign the bill, which is generally opposed by the insurance industry. The Florida House of Representatives passed a bill […]
2020 Insurance Barometer Study: Is Life Insurance Tomorrow’s Problem?
{June 20th, 2020} by Insurance Forums Staff
For the last decade, Life Happens and LIMRA have come together to understand the “financial pulse” of consumers as part of the annual Insurance Barometer Study. This year’s study reviews 10 years of consumer data on life insurance and related financial issues, providing a point of view from January 2020, before COVID-19 significantly impacted the […]
A New Kind of Income Annuity
{June 20th, 2020} by Kerry Pechter
Achaean Financial and Ash Brokerage, a large Fort Wayne, Ind., BGA, are partnering on a potential retirement game-changer: Achaean’s immediate indexed income annuity, couched in Ash’s JourneyGuide planning software. The underwriter has yet to be named. The first baby boomers reached age 66 eight years ago, but still no one has brought to market a […]
SEC tees up virtual meet-ups for fintechs
{June 20th, 2020} by Nicole Casperson
The Securities and Exchange Commission announced Thursday a series of thematically-based virtual meetings to remain engaged with the fintech community. Click HERE to read the full story via InvestmentNews
McNerney Management Group and Integrity Marketing Group Partner Together in Monumental Deal
{June 19th, 2020} by Integrity Marketing Group, LLC
DALLAS, June 18, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Integrity Marketing Group, LLC (“Integrity”), the nation’s largest independent distributor of life and health insurance products, today announced it has completed the acquisition of McNerney Management Group (MMG). As part of the acquisition, MMG’s four equity owners, Dan McNerney, David McNerney, Bobby Richardson and JoAnn Wray will become owners and partners at Integrity. Financial terms of the deal […]
BlackRock Makes a Bundle (with Annuities)
{June 19th, 2020} by Kerry Pechter
BlackRock, the giant asset manager, is adding a lifetime income dimension to its LifePath target date funds by partnering with Brighthouse, Equitable and Voya on a service that will help 401(k) participants buy individual immediate annuities at retirement. BlackRock, the $7.43 trillion asset manager, is bundling an optional income annuity with its LifePath target date […]
Annuity sales back on track by 2022: Report
{June 19th, 2020} by Emile Hallez
This year isn’t shaping up well for sales of most annuities, but volume will likely tick up over the next two years to return to the record levels seen in 2019, according to projections this week from Limra’s Secure Retirement Institute. Click HERE to read the full story via InvestmentNews
In private, life insurers express ‘concern’
{June 18th, 2020} by Editorial Staff
‘About one-third of companies expect a negative 10-year treasury rate at the end of 2020 in their worst case scenario,’ according to a high level life insurance industry report. The COVID-19 pandemic infection has greatly affected the economy, resulting in volatile market conditions and impacting life insurers’ balance sheets, according to a new report from […]
‘He was larger than life’: Des Moines philanthropist and businessman Barry Griswell dies
{June 18th, 2020} by Andrea May Sahouri
Prominent Des Moines philanthropist and businessman Barry Griswell died Friday morning, his family announced. He was 71. Griswell was the chairman and CEO of Principal Financial Group from 2000 to 2008, then led the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines in 2008 until he retired in 2013. While president of the Community Foundation, Griswell focused on improving […]
Lemonade’s Impending IPO and Its Long-Term Prospects
{June 18th, 2020} by N/A
On Monday, June 8, startup insurer Lemonade (New York) filed with the SEC to raise up to $100 million in an initial public offering. Few InsurTechs have been so visible in the press and the subject of so many of the discussions among industry observers. As the next great step in the story of Lemonade, the IPO can be […]
SRI Forecasts A Slump In Annuity Sales
{June 18th, 2020} by Jacqueline Sergeant
Annuity sales are in for a rough few months, triggered by low interest rates, market volatility and record high employment, according to forecast by the Secure Retirement Institute. Overall total annuity sales are expected to drop between eight percent and 15% in 2020, SRI said. But the outlook for 2021 and 2022 is brighter, as […]
Juneteenth
{June 17th, 2020} by Sheryl J. Moore
The offices of Wink, Inc will be closed on June 19th each year in observance of Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, and Cel-Liberation Day.
AM Best Assigns Credit Ratings to Upstream Life Insurance Company
{June 17th, 2020} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has assigned a Financial Strength Rating of B++ (Good) and a Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “bbb+” to Upstream Life Insurance Company (Upstream) (Dallas, TX). The outlook assigned to these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. The ratings reflect Upstream’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best categorizes as very strong, as well as […]
Nationwide Introduces New Nationwide Lifetime Income Rider+SM (L.inc+) Suite to Provide Protected Retirement Income with Greater Choice and Flexibility
{June 17th, 2020} by Nationwide
COLUMBUS, Ohio, June 15, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Investors say that being unable to retire as planned is among their top three financial concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic. More than half agree that the pandemic has made them recognize the need for annuities to protect their retirement income (51%) and to protect their investments against market risk […]
AIG Life & Retirement Launches Innovative Multi-Style Index with AQR to Help Consumers Earn Consistent Returns in Changing Markets
{June 17th, 2020} by AIG Life & Retirement
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AIG Life & Retirement, a division of American International Group, Inc. (NYSE: AIG) and a leading provider of annuities, today announced the launch of the new AQR DynamiQ Allocation Index, available exclusively through the Power Protector Series of Index Annuities. This multi-style index has been designed by AQR Indices, LLC, a subsidiary of […]
Nationwide making an additional $1 million investment to fight racism, promote economic equality
{June 17th, 2020} by Nationwide
COLUMBUS, Ohio, June 12, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Reasserting its commitment to justice and equality, Nationwide is making additional investments to combat racism and promote economic empowerment. On top of its existing efforts, the company is announcing a $1 million, multi-year commitment to support local and national programs dedicated to fostering social justice. The multi-year commitment on criminal justice efforts […]
Fidelity National Financial Closes Issuance Of $650 Million Of 3.400% Notes Due June 15, 2030
{June 17th, 2020} by Fidelity National Financial, Inc.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., June 12, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Fidelity National Financial, Inc. (NYSE: FNF) (“FNF”) today announced that it has closed its issuance of $650 million of its 3.400% senior notes due June 15, 2030, through BofA Securities, Inc. and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, representatives of the several underwriters. The notes were priced at 99.756% of their principal amount to yield 3.429% […]
National Guardian Life Insurance Company Announces Agreement to Sell Certain Closed-block Businesses
{June 17th, 2020} by National Guardian Life
MADISON, Wis.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–National Guardian Life Insurance Company (“NGL”) today announced an agreement to sell certain closed-block businesses to Prosperity Life Assurance Limited (“Prosperity Life”). The subject businesses have combined net statutory reserves of approximately $400 million and consist of life, annuity and A&H lines. “This transaction is a significant milestone for NGL in executing our […]
Symetra Awards Two $20,000 Education Grants to Help Empower Students, Support Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
{June 17th, 2020} by Symetra Life Insurance Company
ELLEVUE, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Symetra Life Insurance Company today announced that two schools were the recipients of the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® education program’s “MVP Award.” Parkwood Elementary School in Shoreline, Washington, and Thornton Fractional North High School in Calumet City, Illinois, will each receive a $20,000 grant for new student programming that supports diversity, equity and inclusion. […]
Trust In Insurance Agents At 12-Year High
{June 17th, 2020} by Staff Reports
Despite the unsettled economy over the past half year, public confidence in insurance agents is at an all-time high, up dramatically from a low recorded in the wake of the 2008 crash, according to LIMRA data. In October 2008, only 9% of consumers had “extreme/quite a bit” of confidence in insurance agents and brokers in […]
NAIC Converts Summer Meeting To Virtual Only Format
{June 17th, 2020} by Staff Reports
Given the ongoing health challenges associated with holding large in-person meetings in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners is converting its Summer Meeting to a virtual format. A revised Summer National Meeting schedule with specific dates and times will be available on naic.org no later than July 6, the […]
LIMRA: Fraud Is On The Rise In Financial Services
{June 17th, 2020} by Press Release
A recent LIMRA survey of financial services companies identified increased fraudulent activity, as well as efforts to combat it through education and other preventive measures. Fraud attacks are on the rise; within the last 60 days, 42% of responding companies have experienced an increase in overall fraudulent activity. In addition, 47% have seen an increase […]
Technology Touching ‘Every Aspect’ Of Insurance In Pandemic
{June 17th, 2020} by John Hilton
Insurers and everyone along the distribution chain have long anticipated the impending technology infusion that would transform the delivery of life insurance and related products to consumers. That technology transformation crept closer at a glacial pace until the COVID-19 pandemic pushed an industry that relies on face-to-face contact to accelerate its plans. And something happened […]
How To Transition Your Client’s Portfolio From Growth To Income
{June 17th, 2020} by Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine
One of the biggest challenges investors face as they near retirement is transitioning their portfolio from a focus on accumulation and asset allocation to a new, but just as critical, emphasis on distribution and income allocation. The aim is the same — to create a retirement paycheck that will provide the lifestyle they want and […]
Advisers misjudge client interest in annuities: Survey
{June 17th, 2020} by Emile Hallez
Clients are more interested in annuities than advisers might realize, according to a survey published Tuesday. Click HERE to read the full story via InvestmentNews
Morgan Stanley sued for racial bias by former diversity head
{June 17th, 2020} by Bloomberg News
Morgan Stanley was sued by its former head of diversity for allegedly discriminating against black women who work at the bank. Click HERE to read the full story via InvestmentNews
