Wink, Inc. Releases 2nd Quarter, 2026 Annuity Sales Results
{September 2nd, 2026} by Wink's Press Release
–FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION — NEWS RELEASE ANNUITY SALES SEE UNIVERSAL GROWTH IN SECOND QUARTER Wink, Inc. Releases 2nd Quarter, 2026 Annuity Sales Results Des Moines, Iowa. September 1, 2026- Wink’s Sales & Market Report, the insurance industry’s #1 resource for annuity sales data since 1998, released its 116th edition report for 2nd Quarter, 2026. One hundred and forty-three annuity providers participated in the report. Total second quarter sales for all annuities were $112.7 billion; sales were up 13.3% when compared to the […]
Second Quarter, 2026 Annuity Sales
{September 2nd, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
View Second Quarter 2026 Annuity Sales and Market Trends and visit our Data HQ for additional sales metrics! -sjm
Moore on the Market 9/2/2026
{September 2nd, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
Good morning! Here’s the latest life/annuity product news, delivered FREE to your inbox… ANNUITY 09/01/26: AuguStar Life Insurance Company increased premium bonuses on their Omega Bonus 10, Omega Bonus Plus 10, Observatory Bonus 10 and Observatory Bonus Plus 10 indexed annuities. Bonuses on these indexed annuities now range from 16% – 32%- the (current) highest […]
MYGAs Were the Top-Selling Annuity in 2Q2026
{September 2nd, 2026} by Sheryl Moore
‘This was another record-setting quarter for structured annuity sales, topping the prior 4th quarter 2025 record by 3.51%. There is no question that 2026 will set a record for structured annuity sales,’ writes Wink CEO Sheryl Moore. Read at RIJ
Wink: Annuity sales post strong Q2, led by MYGAs and structured products
{September 2nd, 2026} by Staff Reports
Annuity sales appear to be settling into a level the industry can sustain, with second-quarter sales reaching $112.7 billion, according to Wink’s Sales & Market Report. Sales were down slightly from $115.5 billion in the second quarter of 2025 but increased from $99.4 billion in the first quarter of 2026. Read at INN
Life Insurance Awareness Month Begins With Defiance
{September 2nd, 2026} by Allison Bell
The life insurance community started the 23rd annual Life Insurance Awareness Month today with quiet support for the idea that having life insurance matters. Groups like the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors and insurers like Horace Mann and Illinois Mutual posted simple graphics stating that “September is Life Insurance Awareness Month” on social […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Athene Holding Ltd. and Its Subsidiaries
{September 2nd, 2026} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A+ (Superior) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICR) of “aa-” (Superior) of the members of Athene Group (Athene). Athene is the consolidation of the organization’s U.S. operating companies, along with its affiliated reinsurance companies domiciled in Bermuda. In addition, AM Best has […]
Prudential Individual Life Sales Climb 18%
{September 2nd, 2026} by Allison Bell
Prudential Financial increased sales of individual U.S. life 18% in the first half of the year, to $1.3 billion in total premiums. The dollar value of sales at the top 20 issuers rose 1.8%, to $8.7 billion, according to new issuer survey data from LIMRA. Read at ThinkAdvisor
Indexed Universal Life: Tax-Free Promise or Costly Illusion?
{September 2nd, 2026} by John Hilton
After a year of increasing controversy, indexed universal life insurance sits at a highly debated crossroads in the financial landscape. IUL is marketed heavily as a “hybrid” tool for tax-free retirement growth but is facing intense scrutiny over hidden costs and complexity. Read at INN
Lincoln Financial Research Finds 78% of Families Haven’t Discussed Life Insurance
{September 2nd, 2026} by Lincoln Financial Group
RADNOR, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–For September’s Life Insurance Awareness Month, Lincoln Financial has released new research that outlines key conversations adult children and aging parents may not be having related to coverage and family financial conversations. According to Lincoln Financial’s Consumer Sentiment Tracker, 78% of families surveyed have not had an in-depth conversation about life insurance. Additionally, 60% of […]
Scammed Client Accuses Ameriprise of Negligence
{September 2nd, 2026} by Dinah Wisenberg Brin
An Ameriprise Financial client victimized by scammers has accused the firm of negligence and breach of fiduciary duty for allowing large, suspicious withdrawals at her request while she was being swindled, according to a lawsuit filed last week. Read at Think Advisor
How Much Money Couples With Annuity Income Need for a Comfortable Retirement in Every State
{September 2nd, 2026} by Sabrina Karl
For a typical older couple, an annuity can meaningfully shrink the nest egg needed for a comfortable retirement—but only if the couple spends down their savings to buy the annuity. A typical American couple age 65 or older needs about $1.16 million saved for a comfortable retirement after accounting for roughly $37,700 a year in Social […]
A Flurry of Activity in the Triangle
{September 2nd, 2026} by Editorial Staff
Two regional banks pause sales of Delaware Life annuities; Malibu Life partners with Legacy Marketing to launch its first FIAs; Sun Life and Wilton Re in asset management/reinsurance deal; Cayman Islands seeks NAIC ‘qualified jurisdiction’ status; Pacific Life Re announces flow reinsurance deal in Japan; Hildene’s credit ratings posted ahead of SILAC purchase; Athene’s financial […]
Mark Walter Brings Eyeballs to the Bermuda Triangle (I Hope)
{September 2nd, 2026} by Kerry Pechter
When I heard about the SEC investigation of Mark Walter, Guggenheim Partners, Delaware Life and Clear Spring Life, I thought: Maybe this will bring some overdue attention to the regulatory arbitrage that RIJ calls the Bermuda Triangle strategy. Read at RIJ
How Leveraged Are Bermuda Triangle Life Insurers?
{September 2nd, 2026} by Kerry Pechter
Life insurers used to brag about the size of their surpluses, aka their capital buffers against loss. Today, asset manager-led life insurers in the Bermuda Triangle are more likely to brag about their “capital efficiency” and intention to run “capital-light” companies. Read at RIJ
BofA Vice President Killed in Manhattan Stabbing
{September 2nd, 2026} by Myles Miller
A knife-wielding suspect killed a Bank of America Corp. vice president in Times Square Monday, in an attack that injured another victim and left the suspect dead. Erin Piacenti died at the hospital from the stabbing injuries, according to the New York City Police Department. Piacenti was a vice president of business selection and […]
How advisors can get clients to act sooner on life insurance
{September 2nd, 2026} by Anna Baluch
Despite knowing they need life insurance, many clients put it off. In fact, a study by Ethos found that nearly 3 in 4 (72%) individuals wish they had started protecting their future sooner, while 70% knew life insurance mattered long before they actually purchased it. Read at INN
Malibu Life Ramps Up to Launch Two FIAs Next Month
{September 2nd, 2026} by Cyril Tuohy
Malibu Life USA has targeted September for the launch of two fixed-indexed annuities to be distributed by independent agents as part of the company’s aggressive push into the U.S. retail annuity market. ……………………………………… That market segment grew 34% last year over 2024, according to market tracker Wink.
When New Investment Trends Emerge, Gen Z is Most Likely Generation to be First In
{September 2nd, 2026} by Northwestern Mutual
MILWAUKEE, Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — When a new investment trend emerges, Gen Z is the generation most likely to get in first, even when doing so comes with greater risk. Fifteen percent of Gen Z adults describe themselves as “first movers,” compared with less than 1% of Boomers+. The generational divide extends into careers too: nearly […]
iPipeline Completes Acquisition of Origo, Advancing Its Vision for Connected Financial Services
{September 2nd, 2026} by iPipeline
WAYNE, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–iPipeline®, a leading global provider of digital solutions for the life insurance and financial services industry, today announced it has completed the acquisition of Origo following receipt of all required regulatory approvals, including approval from the UK Competition and Markets Authority. As financial services firms face growing pressure to modernize operations, improve customer […]
Americans Ready to Take Control of Financial Stress, Lincoln Financial Research Finds
{September 2nd, 2026} by Lincoln Financial Group
RADNOR, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–New research from Lincoln Financial (NYSE: LNC) shows that while more than half of Americans surveyed identify finances as a leading or major stressor, 84% are motivated or have begun to take action to improve their wellbeing, suggesting an encouraging reality that individuals are looking to regain control of their financial future. Finances remain […]
A fee-based solution from Legacy?!? I have to see this.
{September 2nd, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
Well what do you know… My dear friends Lynda Pitts and Preston Pitts of Legacy Marketing Group have forged a new alliance. Legacy Marketing Group® and Malibu Life USA Announce Distribution Partnership for New Fixed Indexed Annuity Platform I am so surprised to hear that it is with my friend, Simpa Baiye at Malibu Life! […]
Lakers sale spotlights Delaware Life’s $17B underreported exposure
{September 2nd, 2026} by Andrew Cohen
Guggenheim Partners CEO Mark Walter has sold his majority stake in the Los Angeles Lakers, coming as federal regulators investigate potential financial improprieties at insurance and annuities companies owned by Walter. Read at InvestmentNews
NewEdge advisors reshape client work with AI in weeks after Anthropic rollout
{September 2nd, 2026} by Steve Randall
Advisor-led adoption has been rapid for tasks from translating annuity contracts into plain English to speedy webinar prep. NewEdge Capital Group, LLC has reported rapid, advisor-driven adoption of Claude, Anthropic’s artificial intelligence platform. Read at InvestmentNews
How annuities address the growing income gap
{September 2nd, 2026} by Jay Thudium
Most retirement income strategies solve one problem well. They provide certainty, protect the principal and create predictable cash flow. Where things start to break down is what happens around these income strategies. That’s where the annuity income gap comes into focus. Read at INN
Moore on the Market 8/25/2026
{August 25th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
Greetings! Here’s the latest life/annuity product news, delivered FREE to your inbox… ANNUITY 08/25/26: Midland National Life Insurance Company increased GLWB payouts on the Income Planning Annuity indexed annuity. 08/25/26: North American Company for Life and Health increased Guaranteed Lifetime Withdrawal Benefit (GLWB) payouts for select ages on the Income Pay Pro indexed annuity. 08/23/26: Fidelity & Guaranty Life Insurance […]
Security Benefit’s Blueprint Annuity Named to Barron’s List of the 100 Best Annuities for 2026
{August 25th, 2026} by Security Benefit
Wink’s Moore on the Market: How does an insurance company have a product, which is less than one quarter old, get named to the Barron’s “100 Best Annuities in 2026” list? Ask Security Benefit Life. Congratulations, Doug Wolff! I like seeing those guaranteed rates for the surrender charge term. ……………………………. TOPEKA, Kan., Aug. […]
AM Best Assigns Credit Ratings to Talcott Life & Annuity Re, Ltd.
{August 25th, 2026} by Talcott Financial Group
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has assigned a Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and a Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “a-” (Excellent) to Talcott Life & Annuity Re, Ltd. (TLAR) (Cayman Islands). The outlook assigned to these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. The ratings reflect TLAR’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, […]
AM Best Revises Outlooks to Stable for EquiTrust Life Insurance Company
{August 25th, 2026} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has revised the outlooks to stable from positive and affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of B++ (Good) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “bbb+” (Good) of EquiTrust Life Insurance Company (EquiTrust) (headquartered in Chicago, IL). The ratings reflect EquiTrust’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as adequate, as well as […]
Americans Without Children Are Less Confident About Retirement, Allianz Life Study Finds
{August 25th, 2026} by Lincoln Financial Group
RADNOR, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–New research from Lincoln Financial (NYSE: LNC) shows that while more than half of Americans surveyed identify finances as a leading or major stressor, 84% are motivated or have begun to take action to improve their wellbeing, suggesting an encouraging reality that individuals are looking to regain control of their financial future. Finances remain […]
The retirement issue that keeps the head of annuities at New York Life up at night
{August 25th, 2026} by Alisa Wolfson
Wink’s Moore on the Market: You have my attention, Matthew Wion, of New York Life! “…only 52% of Americans are confident their retirement savings will last the rest of their lives. That number jumps to 87% among those who work with a financial professional, have a financial strategy and own annuities.” It sounds so basic, […]
Legacy Marketing Group® and Malibu Life USA Announce Distribution Partnership for New Fixed Indexed Annuity Platform
{August 25th, 2026} by Legacy Marketing Group
PETALUMA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Legacy Marketing Group (“Legacy”), a leading designer and marketer of fixed indexed annuity solutions, today announced that it has entered a strategic distribution alliance with Malibu Life USA, the U.S. retail insurance brand of Malibu Life Holdings Limited. Through the alliance, Legacy will expand the range of retirement income solutions available to its […]
Guaranty Income Life Named to Ward’s 50 Top-Performing Insurance Companies
{August 25th, 2026} by Kuvare
BATON ROUGE, La.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Guaranty Income Life Insurance Company, a Kuvare company and leading fixed indexed annuity (FIA) carrier, has been named to the prestigious Ward’s 50® list of top-performing life and health insurance companies for the second consecutive year. Ward benchmarks the financial performance of nearly 700 life and health insurers across the country, selecting […]
Why global insurers are rebuilding their life insurance books
{August 25th, 2026} by Daniel Wood
Zurich Insurance Group (Zurich) spent this year adding a life insurer in Australia while one of its closest global peers finished selling one outright. That divergence, not the price tag, is what makes the Swiss group’s completion of its ClearView Wealth acquisition worth the attention of brokers in six markets. Read at Insurance Business Mag
Mutual of Omaha Insurance Co. ‘A+’ Rating Affirmed; Outlook Remains Stable
{August 25th, 2026} by S&P Global Ratings
NEW YORK (S&P Global Ratings) Aug. 20, 2026–S&P Global Ratings today affirmed its ‘A+’ long-term local currency financial strength and issuer credit ratings on Mutual of Omaha Insurance Co. The outlook remains stable. Our view of Mutual of Omaha’s financial risk and capital and earnings strength has improved. The company has maintained an extremely strong capital […]
Industry pushes back on linking ‘financial strength’ to annuity illustrations
{August 25th, 2026} by John Hilton
State insurance regulators are currently debating multiple options to restrict how annuity products are marketed to consumers. However, an intriguing clause within the drafting language drew attention from industry. The Life Insurance and Annuities Illustrations Working Group is tinkering with Model Regulation #245, which governs annuity illustrations, although it has only been adopted by about […]
AM Best Revises Issuer Credit Rating Outlook to Positive for ELCO Mutual Life and Annuity
{August 25th, 2026} by AM Best
OLDWICK – AUGUST 19, 2026 03:26 PM (EDT) AM Best has revised the outlook to positive from stable for the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating (Long-Term ICR) and affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of B++ (Good) and the Long-Term ICR of “bbb” (Good) of ELCO Mutual Life and Annuity (ELCO) (Lake Bluff, IL). The outlook of […]
iPipeline Launches Novera API Hub
{August 25th, 2026} by Anthony R. O'Donnell
iPipeline (Wayne, Pa.) has launched Novera API Hub, a developer experience designed to help organizations build and test API-driven workflows across the life insurance, annuity and wealth management ecosystem. The hub launches with Headless Annuities, a solution that enables financial institutions, carriers, broker-dealers, IMOs and wealth technology providers to embed annuity workflows directly into their […]
Industry pushes back on linking ‘financial strength’ to annuity illustrations
{August 25th, 2026} by John Hilton
State insurance regulators are currently debating multiple options to restrict how annuity products are marketed to consumers. However, an intriguing clause within the drafting language drew attention from industry. The Life Insurance and Annuities Illustrations Working Group is tinkering with Model Regulation #245, which governs annuity illustrations, although it has only been adopted by about […]
InsurTech Express Appoints Nichole Gaines CEO and Ron Hensel President as Company Enters Next Phase of Growth
{August 25th, 2026} by Insuretech
Wink’s Moore on the Market: Congratulations to my friend, Ken Leibow, and the team at InsurTech Express (ITX)! Ken is moving into the Executive Chairman role. Nichole Gaines is the new CEO of this firm. Ron Hensel is now the President. I am always so grateful to have InsurTech Express give Wink, Inc. visibility with […]
What have you done for me lately?
{August 25th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
Anyone else over their support for a certain life insurance trade group? This organization sends me MULTIPLE emails every day. Whether it is from my local chapter to their daily newsletter, I am getting bombarded! (There IS such a thing as too much communication.) This association also keeps raising their fees. What have you done […]
LeBron James Borrowed $300 Million From Insurers Arranged by Guggenheim
{August 25th, 2026} by Bloomberg news
Wink’s Moore on the Market: I will just leave this right here. ……………………………………………….. When LeBron James signed up to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to NBA glory with a $154 million contract in 2018, it wasn’t the biggest deal he did that year. Just months before he joined, a limited liability company he controls […]
“Families Settle Bullying Lawsuits With Southeast Polk Schools.”
{August 25th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
Many of you know about my son, AJ Betts, and the bullying that he faced from kids and teachers alike, while attending Southeast Polk Community School District’s high school. I wanted to fight, but given that I found out I was pregnant two days after burying my son, I was tired. I was depressed. I […]
Would-Be $5B Annuity Issuer Makes Distribution Deal
{August 25th, 2026} by Allison Bell
Some companies are backing away from the more competitive sectors in the U.S. individual annuity market. Malibu Life is making a deal to add to the competition. The George Town, Cayman Islands-based company has arranged to distribute two new fixed indexed annuities through Legacy Marketing Group, a big financial services product distributor based in Petaluma, […]
When technology becomes easy to rent, what still separates life and annuity carriers?
{August 25th, 2026} by Chris Taylor
The moment has arrived – underwriting speed, straight-through processing and basic decision support are no longer scarce capabilities. These capabilities are now out-of-the-box solutions or embeddable application programming interfaces. What once required multiyear internal builds can increasingly be rented. Read at INN
Record IUL sales don’t diminish the need for continued customer engagement
{August 25th, 2026} by Louis Slagle
A strong sales year can make a product look easier to position than it really is. Production climbs, more financial professionals enter the market and the product starts to show up in a wider range of planning conversations. Success can make it tempting to assume the industry has mastered the product. Read at INN
47% say they don’t think they’ll ever be able to fully retire. This tool could be a solution for guaranteed income
{August 25th, 2026} by Liz Knueven
Retirement may be a dream for many Americans, but many aren’t sure they’ll ever fully reach that goal. Forty-seven percent of those who aren’t yet retired said they’re skeptical that they will ever be able to fully retire, according to a survey published in July for the insurance company Thrivent. What’s more, 64% of non-retirees say they’re […]
Annuity Players Should Use AI to Watch the Game, Marketer Says
{August 25th, 2026} by Allison Bell
Everyone who works with annuities should use artificial intelligence systems to keep tabs on how the annuity universe is doing, according to Seth Friedman. Friedman, the founding partner of Infinity Solutions, an annuity marketer, makes that case in a new paper on annuity sector risk management. Read at Think Advisor
Simplicity Acquires Wright Wealth Group, Expanding Estate and Protection Planning Business and Welcomes Eric Wright as its Newest Partner
{August 25th, 2026} by Simplicity Group
SUMMIT, N.J., Aug. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Simplicity Group (“Simplicity”), a holistic financial planning firm combining the best of accumulation and protection strategies and solutions, today announced the acquisition of Wright Wealth Group, Inc. (“Wright Wealth”), a premier retail practice focused on estate and protection planning strategies based in Geneva, Illinois. Following the acquisition, Eric Wright joins […]
Annuity Owner Offers NAIC a Revised Annuity Buyer’s Guide
{August 25th, 2026} by Allison Bell
Peter Gould — a retired annuity owner who has taken an interest in the National Association of Insurance Commissioners — wants to help rewrite the NAIC’s official Annuity Buyer’s Guide. Gould wrote in a letter sent to the Annuity Buyer’s Guide Working Group that the current draft is like “a quick-start guide for a chainsaw […]
Life, Health and Annuity Issuers Are Still Hiring
{August 25th, 2026} by Allison Bell
Life and annuity issuer employees may be flooding web forums with speculation about layoffs, and job hunters may feel as if no American will ever get a full-time job ever again, but the issuers themselves say that they’re still growing, that they’re still hiring, and that hiring the right people is still difficult. Analysts […]
U.S. individual life insurance sales rise in Q2 2026
{August 25th, 2026} by Joel Kranc
Total U.S. individual life insurance new annualized with excess premium rose 3% year over year to $4.7 billion in the second quarter of 2026, according to preliminary results from LIMRA’s U.S. Life Insurance Sales Survey. The number of policies sold increased 8% in the second quarter, outpacing premium growth. Read at BenefitsPro
Moore On the Market, 8/19/2026
{August 18th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
Good morning! Here’s the latest life/annuity product news, delivered FREE to your inbox… ANNUITY 08/17/26: Talcott Resolution Life and Annuity Insurance Company introduced the Balanced Rate Guarantee and Equity Focused preset asset allocation models. Some big changes were announced for their EverGuard Assurance 10’s Guaranteed Lifetime Withdrawal Benefit product: they reduced the […]
Prudential Introduces Protection IUL, Expanding Its Indexed Universal Life Lineup With More Flexible Options for Today’s Customers
{August 18th, 2026} by Prudential
NEWARK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU) today introduced Prudential Protection IUL, the newest indexed universal life insurance policy from its Individual Life Insurance (ILI) business. Protection IUL delivers a lifelong death benefit, with the flexibility to access cash value over time for goals such as covering unexpected expenses or addressing future health-related needs. The […]
Ability Insurance Company Debuts ReliAbility Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuity Suite
{August 18th, 2026} by Ability Insurance Company
LINCOLN, Neb., Aug. 12, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ability Insurance Company (“Ability”), a Nebraska-based (re)insurer of life and health policies and annuity products, today announced the launch of its initial suite of multi-year guaranteed annuity (MYGA) products, led by its flagship ReliAbility™ MYGA, available in 3-year, 5-year, 7-year, and 10-year terms. Ability’s retirement solutions are […]
Sammons Enterprises & Sammons Financial Group Respond to Reports
{August 18th, 2026} by Sammons Enterprises, Inc. (SEI) and Sammons Financial Group (SFG)
DALLAS & WEST DES MOINES, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Sammons Enterprises, Inc. (SEI) and Sammons Financial Group (SFG) (SEI and SFG, collectively “Sammons”) are aware of public reports that attempt to link SEI and SFG to reported investigations regarding Guggenheim and certain of its affiliates. Sammons is a separate and independently managed organization. We are not affiliated with […]
Best’s Market Segment Report: Munich RE, Lloyd’s Land Atop AM Best’s “World’s 50 Largest Reinsurers” Rankings
{August 18th, 2026} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Foreign currency exchange gains against the U.S. dollar have enabled Munich Re and Lloyd’s to reach the top echelon in AM Best’s companion rankings of the world’s largest reinsurers, which differ based on accounting standards. Munich Re has reclaimed the top position among IFRS 17 reporting reinsurers, driven in part by the Euro’s strong performance compared […]
Americans Without Children Are Less Confident About Retirement, Allianz Life Study Finds
{August 18th, 2026} by Allianz
MINNEAPOLIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–As Americans weigh whether to have children and the effect on their financial future, those without kids are significantly less confident about meeting their retirement goals, according to the 2026 Annual Retirement Study* from the Allianz Center for the Future of Retirement, part of Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz Life). Americans […]
Securian Financial Increases Individual Life Retention to $10 Million, Strengthening Support for High-Net-Worth Life Insurance Market
{August 18th, 2026} by Securian Financial
ST. PAUL, Minn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Securian Financial announced today that it has increased its corporate retention on individual life insurance cases from $5 million to $10 million, enhancing the company’s ability to serve affluent clients and compete for larger, more complex life insurance opportunities. The increased retention gives Securian greater flexibility to support large individual life insurance […]
AM Best Affirms National Life Group’s A+ (Superior) Financial Strength Rating and Stable Outlook
{August 18th, 2026} by National Life Group
MONTPELIER, Vt.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–National Life Group announced that AM Best affirmed the company’s A+ (Superior) Financial Strength Rating (FSR) and “aa-” (Superior) Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating for National Life Insurance Company (NLIC) and its wholly owned subsidiary, Life Insurance Company of the Southwest, with a stable outlook. The ratings reflect AM Best’s assessment of National Life Group’s very strong balance sheet, strong operating […]
The Web of Hidden Deals That Snared the Dodgers Owner in a Federal Probe
{August 18th, 2026} by Justin Baer , Margot Patrick , Joe Wallace and Andrew Beaton
Mark Walter stunned the sports world in 2012 with a deal that left his wealthy rivals wondering how the chief executive of Guggenheim Partners, little-known outside Wall Street, had funded the purchase of the Los Angeles Dodgers, one of the premier teams in Major League Baseball. Read at WSJ
The retirement issue that keeps the head of annuities at New York Life up at night
{August 18th, 2026} by Alisa Wolfson
As senior vice president and head of retail annuities at New York Life, Matt Wion leads strategy, product development, marketing, operations and third-party sales for the company. Previously, Wion was the chief financial officer for New York Life’s strategic insurance businesses. Read at MarketWatch
August Issue of Best’s Review Ranks Top U.S. Insurers Across Multiple Lines of Business
{August 18th, 2026} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The August issue of Best’s Review includes the following exclusive rankings: Largest Latin American Insurers – Ranked by 2025 Gross Premiums Written US Pet Insurance Plans – Ranked by 2025 Direct Premiums Written US Property/Casualty – Ranked by 2025 Direct Premiums Written by Line US Total Auto – Ranked by 2025 Direct Premiums Written US Commercial Multiperil – Ranked by 2025 Direct Premiums Written US […]
Security Benefit’s Blueprint Annuity Named to Barron’s List of the 100 Best Annuities for 2026
{August 18th, 2026} by Security Benefit
TOPEKA, Kan., Aug. 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Security Benefit today noted that its recently launched Blueprint Fixed Index Annuity (FIA) was named as one of Barron’s 100 Best Annuities1 for 2026. Blueprint was launched in June and is designed as a flexible solution to address retiree uncertainty related to market volatility, interest rates, and more. […]
Mount Logan Capital Inc. Establishes Direct Insurance Origination
{August 18th, 2026} by Mount Logan
NEW YORK, Aug. 13, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mount Logan Capital Inc. (Nasdaq: MLCI) (“Mount Logan” or the “Company”) announced today that its wholly owned subsidiary, Ability Insurance Company (“Ability”), has launched its initial suite of multi-year guaranteed annuity (“MYGA”) products under the ReliAbility™ brand. The launch marks Mount Logan’s entry into direct insurance origination and […]
Streamlining Annuity Adoption
{August 18th, 2026} by Ann Nanda
Retirement planning has changed dramatically over the last decade. Americans are living longer. Traditional pension plans have largely disappeared, and concerns about the long-term sustainability of Social Security continue to grow. As a result, advisors are wrestling with helping more clients answer a difficult question: How can I create reliable income that will last throughout […]
Milliman AG 55 implementation survey finds life insurers moving quickly to address new reinsurance testing expectations
{August 18th, 2026} by Milliman
SEATTLE–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Milliman, Inc., a premier global consulting and actuarial firm, today announced the results of its Actuarial Guideline LV1 (AG 55) life insurance industry survey, which examined how companies are responding to new asset adequacy testing expectations for certain reinsurance arrangements. The survey included responses from 23 companies, with 22 reporting that they were in scope […]
Integrity Acquires Visionary to Drive Monumental Industry Impact through Integrity’s AI-First Technology Platform
{August 18th, 2026} by Integrity Marketing Group, LLC
DALLAS, Aug. 18, 2026 /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 acquired Visionary, an independent marketing organization based in Atlanta, Georgia, and led by Akki Roopani. Financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed. Visionary was built on […]
Why Model Portfolios Are All the Rage with FIAs
{August 18th, 2026} by Cyril Tuohy
…At least nine insurers now offer fixed-indexed annuities that come with asset allocation models, according to market tracker Wink. They include Athene, the nation’s top annuity seller last year; Nationwide, a legacy carrier; and Talcott Financial Group, a new retail market entrant. Five years ago, the list was limited to three or four carriers developing annuities with the […]
The Manhattan Life Insurance Company Acquires Union Security Life Insurance Company of New York
{August 18th, 2026} by Manhattan Life
HOUSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Manhattan Life Insurance Company announced that it completed the acquisition of Union Security Life Insurance Company of New York from Assurant, Inc. in March 2026. Following completion of the regulatory review process for public communications regarding the transaction, The Manhattan Life Insurance Company is now publicly announcing the acquisition. Founded in 1971, Union […]
Lakers sale spotlights Delaware Life’s $17B underreported exposure
{August 18th, 2026} by Andrew Cohen
Guggenheim Partners CEO Mark Walter has sold his majority stake in the Los Angeles Lakers, coming as federal regulators investigate potential financial improprieties at insurance and annuities companies owned by Walter. Read at InvestmentNews
Cayman Islands premier to meet with U.S. reinsurance regulators
{August 18th, 2026} by Press Release
Premier and Minister for Financial Services and Commerce, the Hon. André M. Ebanks MP is travelling to Columbus, Ohio, this week to support continued Cayman Islands engagement on insurance and reinsurance with key government, policy and financial services stakeholders in the United States, the Cayman Islands government said in a news release. The Premier will […]
Insurers, rating firms push back on NAIC credit rating oversight plan
{August 18th, 2026} by John Hilton
Regulators received about 90 pages of pushback from insurers, credit rating agencies, trade groups and other stakeholders on their plan to step up oversight of credit ratings agencies. The Credit Rating Provider Working Group met Wednesday at the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ summer meeting in Columbus, Ohio. Read at INN
Court losses bring Greg Lindberg fraud victims closer to restitution
{August 18th, 2026} by John Hilton
One-time insurance mogul and convicted fraudster Greg Lindberg saw more avenues to appeal a $1.6 billion restitution order close last week. On Friday, the Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit rejected Lindberg’s motion for a stay of the restitution order. The three-judge panel did not comment on the ruling. Read at INN
The silver economy ushers in a new era of life insurance growth
{August 18th, 2026} by Benjamin Martin
Every seven seconds, an American turns 65. Increasingly, these 65-year-olds are reaching that milestone with more wealth, more years ahead, and fewer guarantees than any generation before them. I’ve spent enough time coaching and in this industry to recognize a game-changing shift when I see one. Read at INN
The insurance distributor that builds its own software will win the next decade
{August 18th, 2026} by David Racich
Wink’s Moore on the Market: David Racich– do you remember when you guys kept “hiding” the Dos Equis cardboard cutout in your office, just to scare me? Well, we’ve come a long way, Hollywood! You have me intrigued with this article though. What does your tech do, specifically? I am interested to hear more about agents’ […]
I am feeling generous today.
{August 18th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
What the heck. I am feeling generous today. Here’s some free stuff. Wink Annuity Quick Reference
Behind a paywall…
{August 18th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
If I am trying to track the performance of your hybrid index, but it is behind a paywall, how do you expect consumers to analyze your index’s returns? Regulators DO NOT like this. I’d get it fixed, insurance company and index provider. -sjm
American National’s Aubrey Rickey Named a 2026 Women Who Mean Business Honoree
{August 18th, 2026} by American National
HOUSTON, Aug. 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — American National is proud to announce that Aubrey Rickey, Senior Vice President and Actuary, has been named a 2026 Women Who Mean Business honoree by the Houston Business Journal, recognizing exceptional female leaders who are making a significant impact across the Greater Houston business community. Rickey was recognized in […]
Moore On the Market, 8/13/2026
{August 12th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
Good morning! Here’s the latest life/annuity product news, delivered FREE to your inbox… -sjm ANNUITY 08/11/26: Allianz Life of North America increased the GLWB benefit base bonus on the Allianz Benefit Control+ indexed annuity. 08/10/26: American General Life Insurance Company increased payouts on the Lifetime Income Plus Flex and Lifetime Income Plus Multiplier […]
NAIC regulators begin consensus phase on annuity illustration overhaul
{August 12th, 2026} by John Hilton
Wink’s Moore on the Market: If there is one thought I took away from this article, it was: “FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS HOLY…AN ADDITIONAL DISCLOSURE WILL NOT SOLVE THIS PROBLEM!” Illustrations on indexed annuities have become uncontrollable. Insurance regulators would do well to consider how effective indexed life’s AG49 has been. Do […]
Jackson Might Buy a Life Insurer
{August 12th, 2026} by Allison Bell
Wink’s Moore on the Market: Is Jackson going to buy a life insurance company? Entering the life insurance market, after taking a decade-plus-long hiatus, is a very big deal. The life insurance landscape is challenging right now; especially if you distribute via independent insurance agents. Publicly-traded insurance companies aren’t typically the best avenue for finding […]
13 States Don’t Tax Retirement Income. Should Clients Move?
{August 12th, 2026} by Rob Burgess
Wink’s Moore on the Market: I was previously ignorant that people often move at the time of retirement, just because of tax benefit purposes. I even have an employee that made a move from California to Tennessee, just because of taxes. Do you have clients that have made such a move? I am curious to […]
F&G Annuities & Life Reports Second Quarter 2026 Results
{August 12th, 2026} by F&G Annuities & Life, Inc.
DES MOINES, Iowa, Aug. 5, 2026 /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 second quarter ended June 30, 2026. Net loss attributable to common shareholders for the second quarter of $81 million, or […]
FNF Reports Second Quarter 2026 Financial Results
{August 12th, 2026} by Fidelity National Financial, Inc.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Aug. 5, 2026 /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 & […]
AM Best Removes From Under Review With Developing Implications and Affirms Credit Ratings of TruSpire Retirement Insurance Company
{August 12th, 2026} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has removed from under review with developing implications and affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of B++ (Good) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “bbb+” (Good) of TruSpire Retirement Insurance Company (TruSpire) (Irving, TX, with administrative offices in Stamford, CT). The outlook assigned to these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. The ratings […]
AM Best Revises Issuer Credit Rating Outlook to Negative for Investors Heritage Life Insurance Company
{August 12th, 2026} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has revised the outlook to negative from stable for the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating (Long-Term ICR) and affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of B++ (Good) and the Long-Term ICR of “bbb+” (Good) of Investors Heritage Life Insurance Company (IHLIC) (Frankfort, KY). The outlook of the FSR is stable. The ratings reflect […]
MassMutual Ascend Surpasses $2 Billion in Lifetime Advisory Annuity Sales, Reflecting Continued Momentum in RIA Channel
{August 12th, 2026} by MassMutual Ascend Life
CINCINNATI–(BUSINESS WIRE)–MassMutual Ascend today announced it has surpassed $2 billion in lifetime advisory annuity sales, a significant milestone that underscores the growing adoption of advisory annuities within the registered investment advisor (RIA) channel. The achievement has been driven by strong partnerships with more than 1,700 investment advisor representatives from nearly 1,000 different RIAs who write annuity business with […]
Brighthouse Financial Announces Second Quarter 2026 Results
{August 12th, 2026} 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 second quarter ended June 30, 2026. Second Quarter 2026 Results The company reported net income available to shareholders of $956 million in the second quarter of 2026, or $16.53 per diluted share, compared with net income […]
Prudential Aims to Reap $3B on Emerging Markets Exit
{August 12th, 2026} by Alexandre Rajbhandari
Prudential Financial Inc. is looking to generate more than $3 billion from exiting its emerging markets businesses as it seeks to focus on core markets and bolster its asset management unit. The company, whose insurance business now operates in 10 countries, is actively pursuing sales that will cut that number by roughly half as it […]
Apollo CEO Calls for Tougher Annuity Issuer Capital Rule
{August 12th, 2026} by Allison Bell
Marc Rowan, the co-founder and CEO of Apollo Global Management, continued to campaign for state regulators to change how annuity issuers count capital. Apollo is the parent of Athene, which ranked first in terms of U.S. individual annuity sales in the first quarter, according to LIMRA. Read at Think Advisor
Are Those Annuity Issuers OK?
{August 12th, 2026} by Allison Bell
The big picture in the U.S. retail annuity market is that overall sales increased between the second quarter of 2025 and the latest quarter, to $124 billion, and sales of all types of fixed-rate deferred annuities fell 2%, year-over-year, to $45 billion. Up close, the market for multi-year guaranteed annuity contracts was like a sardine […]
Regulators Consider Tougher Annuity Reinsurance Rules
{August 12th, 2026} by Allison Bell
State insurance regulators may soon curb annuity issuers’ use of reinsurers based in jurisdictions with capital rules that are much different from U.S. rules. Officials at the Financial Condition Committee, an arm of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, talk about the project in a draft memorandum included in a new meeting packet. Read at Think […]
Life Insurance Needs a Market Conduct Standards Supplement, Consumer Rep Says
{August 12th, 2026} by Allison Bell
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners should start a working group that will develop an addition to the existing life insurance market conduct standards, according to Dick Weber. The new working group should create a new set of standards that would be comparable to the rules that the Insurance Marketplace Standards Association developed when it […]
LPL Asks Court to Dismiss Suit Over an Annuity From a Troubled Issuer
{August 12th, 2026} by Allison Bell
LPL Financial is asking a federal judge in California to dismiss a suit involving an annuity written by an insurance company that is now in rehabilitation in Connecticut. LPL asked the court to throw out the case, Nietz v. LPL Financial, in a motion filed Monday with the U.S. District Court for the Southern District […]
The insurance distributor that builds its own software will win the next decade
{August 12th, 2026} by David Racich
Most insurance marketing organizations sell the same three things: carrier access, good commissions and a support team that picks up the phone. For a long time, that was enough. Those three things were hard to put together, so having them meant something. Read at INN
Cayman Islands premier to meet with U.S. reinsurance regulators
{August 12th, 2026} by Press Release
Premier and Minister for Financial Services and Commerce, the Hon. André M. Ebanks MP is travelling to Columbus, Ohio, this week to support continued Cayman Islands engagement on insurance and reinsurance with key government, policy and financial services stakeholders in the United States, the Cayman Islands government said in a news release. The Premier will […]
Americans aren’t turning retirement plans into action, LIMRA finds
{August 12th, 2026} by John Hilton
New LIMRA research finds that while most Americans approaching retirement have considered how they will generate income after leaving the workforce, many have yet to translate that awareness into a formal retirement plan or seek professional financial guidance. According to the Retirement Income Readiness Report, 88% of preretirees have thought about retirement income, but half […]
‘Uniquely positioned’: Equitable outlines future post-Corebridge merger
{August 12th, 2026} by John Hilton
When Equitable Holdings and Corebridge Financial announced their blockbuster merger in May, it left a lot of questions about how the two giants, each with their own areas of strength, would form a cohesive unit. A few more answers came out on Wednesday as both companies, still operating independently while the merger clears regulatory hurdles, held […]
California teachers settle class-action lawsuit over in-plan annuity fees
{August 12th, 2026} by John Hilton
Three weeks after a federal judge certified a class of California public-school employees in a lawsuit over in-plan annuity fees, the plaintiffs settled with the insurance company. Plaintiff Danielle Krimbow claimed that the Life Insurance Company of the Southwest improperly charged certain annuity rider fees that were not disclosed on the state’s required retirement investment […]
Corebridge annuity sales slip ahead of Equitable marriage
{August 12th, 2026} by John Hilton
Corebridge Financial experienced lower annuity sales in the second quarter, but leadership remains focused on its long-term growth prospects as a part of Equitable Holdings. Total company sales declined from a year earlier, Corebridge President and CEO Marc Costantini said, but increased 13% sequentially from the first quarter. On a rolling 12-month basis, sales increased […]
Prudential to exit emerging markets and shift $3B to core businesses
{August 12th, 2026} by John Hilton
Prudential Financial will narrow its global footprint, exit emerging markets and redirect more than $3 billion in capital toward retirement, asset management and U.S. insurance businesses. The overhaul represents the latest sweeping strategy employed by CEO Andy Sullivan in his second year leading the venerable insurer. It is aimed at accelerating earnings growth and improving […]
‘You’ll never get that information’: Inside the brutal PBM exam process
{August 12th, 2026} by John Hilton
As more states begin conducting market conduct examinations of pharmacy benefit managers, examiners describe a hostile response and a pattern of delays, obfuscations and persistent legal threats. Representatives from four examination companies spoke Wednesday morning to the Pharmacy Benefit Management Working Group. The group met during the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ summer meeting in […]
Talcott launches West Grove Re life and annuity sidecar with $1bn capital raise
{August 12th, 2026} by Steve Evans
Wink’s Moore on the Market: I’ve heard of hybrid cars. Foreign cars… But sidecars? I am definitely not an expert on the topic. Want to talk about it? -sjm ………………………………………. International life and annuity insurance specialist Talcott Financial Group (Talcott) has announced the launch of West Grove Re Ltd., a Bermuda based […]
True down-to-earth leaders are making a big change in their careers soon.
{August 12th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
True down-to-earth leaders are making a big change in their careers soon. My friend Esfand Dinshaw is stepping-down as the CEO and Chairman at Sammons Financial Group Companies at the beginning of the new year. Who’s taking over? My buddy Robert TeKolste, who is currently President of the organization. I can only assume that Sammons […]
Booming Annuity Sales Put Advisors In Regulators’ Crosshairs
{August 12th, 2026} by Tracey Longo
Wink’s Moore on the Market: Securities regulators have annuities in their sights. The moral of this story? CYA. (Cover Your Annuities.) Documentation is key here. Not properly documenting cases could bite you in the end. -sjm ……………………………………………… Annuity sales are booming. So are regulators’ questions about how and why advisors recommend them. With […]
Why do rich private equity guys buy sports teams anyhow?
{August 12th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
Very compelling ask, Peter Dziedzic. Why do rich private equity guys buy sports teams anyhow? 🤷🏼♀️ I don’t get it? -sjm
ALIRT Research Reports Continued Expansion of U.S. Life Insurers’ Reinsurance Activity in Bermuda
{August 12th, 2026} by ALIRT Insurance Research
Bermuda reinsurers continue to expand their share of assumed U.S. life insurance premiums per ALIRT Insurance Research’s updated study of foreign reinsurance utilization by the U.S. life insurance industry. HARTFORD, Conn., Aug. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — According to ALIRT Research’s new report which examines the growing role of foreign reinsurance in the U.S. life insurance industry, Bermuda-based reinsurers continue […]
Integrity and LIT Financial Unite to Empower Next Generation of Insurance Leaders with AI-First Technology
{August 12th, 2026} by Integrity Marketing Group, LLC
DALLAS, Aug. 6, 2026 /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 Leaders in Training (“LIT”) Financial, an independent marketing organization based in Houston, Texas, and led by Marcelo and Gabriela Vargas. Financial details of the partnership […]
LIMRA: The Retirement Planning Gap Is Real — 88% of Pre-Retirees Think About Retirement Income, but 50% Lack an Updated Plan
{August 12th, 2026} by LIMRA
LIMRA’s Retirement Income Readiness Report finds only 1 in 4 American pre-retirees believe protected lifetime income such as Social Security, pensions and annuities will cover their basic expenses in retirement WINDSOR, Conn., Aug. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — How prepared do Americans feel for retirement? New research from LIMRA finds that Americans nearing retirement know what’s coming — they just […]
DTS Financial Partners with Integrity to Scale Agent Success Through AI-Enabled Innovative Technology and Community-Building Approach
{August 12th, 2026} by Integrity Marketing Group, LLC
DALLAS, Aug. 4, 2026 /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 Determined To Serve (“DTS”) Financial, an independent marketing organization based in Austin, Texas, and led by Bruno Castillo and Gardenia Alamillo. Financial details of the partnership […]
NFP Expands Cannabis and Life Sciences Capabilities through Acquisition of Frontier Risk Group’s Cannabis Insurance Business
{August 12th, 2026} by NFP Corp
NEW YORK, Aug. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — NFP, an Aon company and leading property and casualty (P&C) broker and benefits consultant, today announced the acquisition of the retail cannabis business of Frontier Risk Group, Inc. (Frontier Risk), a specialty insurance company that provides solutions to the cannabis industry and regulated-products clients. Frontier Risk combines insurance expertise, risk […]
NexAnnuity Unveils New Brand Identity Reflecting its Mission of Powering Innovative Retirement Solutions
{August 12th, 2026} by NexAnnuity
DALLAS, Aug. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — NexAnnuity today announced the launch of its refreshed brand identity, including a new logo, product positioning and materials, and website at nexannuity.com. The rebrand marks the next chapter for the retirement solutions business, which was founded in 2018 and has expanded its annuity platform, product set, and distribution footprint over the past several years. The new brand […]
Northwestern Mutual Celebrates More Than 40 Advisors Recognized on Forbes Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Lists
{August 12th, 2026} by Northwestern Mutual
MILWAUKEE, Aug. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Today, 42 Northwestern Mutual financial professionals were recognized as industry standouts as Forbes | SHOOK announced their 2026 Best-in-State Next-Gen Wealth Advisors, including one ranking among the nation’s top 100. Over the last five years, Northwestern Mutual has more than doubled its presence on the Best-in-State list, demonstrating the company’s commitment to recruiting and developing emerging […]
Guardian examines how families and small business owners are rethinking strategies for building generational wealth
{August 12th, 2026} by Guardian
NEW YORK, Aug. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian) today released its latest publication, Next-Gen Wealth: New opportunities for families and business owners. In pursuit of generational wealth, the report explores how new tools such as Trump Accounts may fit within long-term wealth-building strategies for families and create new opportunities for business owners […]
Best’s Market Segment Report: Reinsurers’ Returns Exceed Cost of Capital Despite Softening Market
{August 12th, 2026} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–For the third year in a row, global reinsurers generated returns well above the cost of capital due to positive underwriting results driven by repricing and derisking of reinsurance portfolios, according to a new AM Best report. The Best’s Market Segment Report, “Reinsurers’ Returns Exceed Cost of Capital Despite Softening Market,” is part of AM Best’s look […]
New York Life Awards 20 Golden Futures Scholarships, Expanding Student Support Through Financial Education and Career Development
{August 12th, 2026} by New York Life
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–New York Life today recognized 20 recipients of its 2026 Golden Futures Scholarship, awarding $10,000 and $20,000 scholarships to rising college students from across the United States while expanding the program to include professional development, career exploration and networking opportunities with New York Life employees. The Golden Futures Scholarship helps students prepare for […]
Symetra Named to PEOPLE® Companies That Care™ List for Second Consecutive Year
{August 12th, 2026} by Symetra
BELLEVUE, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Symetra Life Insurance Company today announced that it has been named to the 2026 PEOPLE® Companies That Care List™, coming in at No. 80 among the 100 organizations recognized. Compiled by Great Place To Work® and PEOPLE magazine, the annual list honors companies that “achieve business success while also showing remarkable care for their people, their […]
Meeting Women’s Evolving Financial Planning Needs
{August 12th, 2026} by Suzanne Ricklin
Women control more wealth today than ever before, and that share is only growing. Cerulli Associates estimates that widowed spouses will inherit $54 trillion during the Great Wealth Transfer, with 95% of that wealth going to women. Advisors recognize this shift and believe they are prepared to meet women’s evolving financial planning needs. In fact, […]
The Index Standard to Score FIA Renewal Rates with New Benchmark
{August 12th, 2026} by Aaron Smith
Sheryl Moore, president and CEO of Moore Market Intelligence in Des Moines, Iowa, and publisher of Wink, Inc., agreed that renewal rate consistency is important, but she cautioned that building a new industry benchmark from scratch can be a long and arduous process — not least because it must reach critical mass to be useful. She said the […]
Immediate Care Plan: A new solution for funding LTC
{August 12th, 2026} by Susan Rupe
When a consumer buys a traditional long-term care product, they’re buying “a fire extinguisher for a fire that’s going to happen 30 or 40 years from now,” said Tyler Maddox, owner of Vitannis Care Funding in Greenville, S.C. But when someone enters long-term care, “they have a fire that needs to be put out right […]
Moore on the Market 8/5/2026
{August 5th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
Good morning! Here’s the latest life/annuity product news, delivered FREE to your inbox… ANNUITY 07/20/26: AuguStar Life Insurance Company launched their AuguStar LunarLock Prime 5 as a proprietary offering for a specific distributor’s shelf. This product has improved rates over the national version of the annuity. 07/27/26: Nationwide Life Insurance Company […]
Delaware Life Launches New FIA with Premium Bonus and Accessibility Features
{August 5th, 2026} by Cyril Tuohy
The roll out of TrackGuard+ comes at a time when Delaware Life broke into the top-five FIA sellers in the first quarter, its highest ranking in any three-month period since 2004, according to industry tracker Wink. The insurer offers as many as eight different families of FIAs, according to its website. Read at Life Annuity Specialist …………………………………………………………………………………… […]
Pacific Life Introduces New Era for Last Survivor Indexed Universal Life Insurance
{August 5th, 2026} by Pacific Life Insurance Company
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Pacific Life Insurance Company announced today the launch of Pacific Horizon Survivorship IUL 2,1 a next-generation survivorship indexed universal life insurance product built for a rapidly evolving legacy-planning landscape.2 It replaces Pacific Horizon Survivorship IUL and offers even more customized coverage than its top-ranking predecessor. “Survivorship life insurance has always played a pivotal role in financial […]
GOP Lawmakers Introduce ‘SMART Savings Act’ to Modernize IRA Rules
{August 5th, 2026} by Brian Anderson
Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY) and Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-NY) on July 30 introduced the Simplifying Modern Access to Retirement Tools for Savings (SMART) Act of 2026, legislation seeking to modernize outdated federal rules governing individual retirement accounts (IRAs), reduce costs and expand access to retirement investment options. Read at 401kspecalistmag
Indexed annuity updates from Corebridge and Delaware Life
{August 5th, 2026} by Editorial Staff
Corebridge Financial has added a GMAB and ‘preset allocations’ to some of its Power Series of Index Annuities. Delaware Life has launched ‘TrackGuard+’. Read at RIJ
Group 1001’s ‘affiliated transactions’ spark federal investigation
{August 5th, 2026} by Editorial Staff
In other Bermuda Triangle news, Lincoln sets investment deal with Bain Capital, reinsurance deals with Fortitude and Talcott; Venerable to manage Guardian variable annuity assets. Read at RIJ
Mapping Private Markets, the Apex of the Bermuda Triangle
{August 5th, 2026} by Staff
In a recent report, “Understanding the Growth of Private Markets: Structural Shifts in the Investment Industry,” the CFA Institute’s Research and Policy Center has done a useful service to Bermuda Triangle watchers by mapping the world of private market assets and its stakeholders. (See chart above/at right.) Read at RIJ
Jackson Financial CEO caps 40-year career with blockbuster Q2
{August 5th, 2026} by John Hilton
Tuesday saw Jackson Financial CEO Laura Prieskorn deliver her final quarterly earnings report, concluding her 40-year career with robust results. Retail annuity sales of $5.9 billion were up 34% from the second quarter of 2025, including record registered index-linked annuity sales of $2.3 billion, up 69% from the year-ago quarter. Jackson posted adjusted operating earnings […]
How AGI’s new AI-driven platform changes the game for advisors
{August 5th, 2026} by Anna Baluch
Atlanta-based American Growth Insurance recently announced its launch as an AI-enabled insurance brokerage growth platform with almost $70 million in committed equity funding. Backed by Rockbridge Growth Equity, a partnership-oriented middle market private equity firm, and Atomic, a venture capital studio, AGI is a retail brokerage in the specialty market serving commercial and personal lines […]
Judge again tosses Penn Mutual whole life lawsuit alleging tax scam
{August 5th, 2026} by John Hilton
A California federal judge again threw out a lawsuit accusing Penn Mutual Life Insurance Co. and its codefendants of running a whole life insurance tax-avoidance scam. In her ruling last week, however, Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett gave the 29 plaintiffs one final opportunity to revive several fraud-related claims through an amended complaint. Plaintiffs have 21 […]
NAIC regulators begin consensus phase on annuity illustration overhaul
{August 5th, 2026} by John Hilton
A National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ working group is moving into a new phase of its effort to overhaul annuity illustration rules, shifting from collecting ideas to building consensus on potential changes to Model Regulation 245. The Life Insurance and Annuities Illustrations Working Group held the first of four conference calls on Thursday, designed […]
Market-value adjusted annuities: Key considerations for advisors
{August 5th, 2026} by Anna Baluch
Like most financial products, market value-adjusted (MVA) fixed annuities come with trade-offs. In exchange for potentially higher interest rates, any withdrawals above the free withdrawal limit during the surrender period may be adjusted, depending on how interest rates have changed since the annuity was purchased. Read at INN
Private equity’s next play in insurance
{August 5th, 2026} by Chris Taylor
Private equity’s playbook in insurance is well-established: Acquire or back a carrier, gain control of substantial long-duration liabilities and deploy the resulting float into higher-yielding private credit and alternative investments. This model has proven highly effective at optimizing existing blocks of business. Read at INN
Sammons to Get a Homegrown Chairman and CEO
{August 5th, 2026} by Allison Bell
Sammons Financial Group has picked Rob TeKolste, a Sammons executive, to take over from Esfand Dinshaw as the head of the company Jan. 1, 2027. Dinshaw has been the West Des Moines, Iowa-based life and annuity issuer’s chairman and chief executive officer. TeKolste is on track to have both titles, the company said earlier this […]
Keep Annuity Math and Disclosures Separate, Industry Groups Say
{August 5th, 2026} by Allison Bell
Actuarial rule writers should stick with regulating life and annuity math. They should not use their rapid actuarial guideline creation process to regulate product disclosures. Groups for life and annuity issuers, actuaries, and the people who distribute and sell the products have made that case in comments sent to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ […]
Life and Annuity Issuers Prepare to Post Q2 Numbers
{August 5th, 2026} by Allison Bell
Publicly traded life and annuity issuers will start to post their earnings for the second quarter next week. Executives from most of the issuers will also hold conference calls with securities analysts. Read at Think Advisor
Q2 Sales of Traditional Variable Annuities Rose 25%
{August 5th, 2026} by Allison Bell
Traditional variable annuities were the hottest products LIMRA tracked. Sales of registered index-linked annuities rose 22%, year over year, to $23 billion, and sales of all types of individual fixed annuities fell 4%, to $83 billion. Overall individual annuity sales rose 4%, to $124 billion. Read at Think Advisor
New Research Challenges 4% Rule With Hybrid Approach
{August 5th, 2026} by Rob Burgess
For decades, the 4% withdrawal rule has been the gold standard for retirement spending. But new research is challenging that strategy with a hybrid approach. The research from Mark Warshawsky, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, and Gaobo Pang and commissioned by the American Council of Life Insurers, found that while the 4% plan works, […]
Prudential Financial, Inc. Announces Second Quarter 2026 Results
{August 5th, 2026} by Prudential Financial, Inc.
NEWARK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU) today reported second quarter 2026 results. Net income attributable to Prudential Financial, Inc. of $985 million or $2.80 per Common share versus net income of $533 million or $1.48 per share for the year-ago quarter. The current quarter included a net after-tax charge from our annual assumption update […]
Equitable Holdings Reports Second Quarter 2026 Results
{August 5th, 2026} 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 second quarter ended June 30, 2026. “During the second quarter, we made significant progress on the merger with Corebridge while also delivering strong financial results. We reported Non-GAAP operating earnings per share of $1.70, or $1.75 […]
Corebridge Financial Announces Second Quarter 2026 Results
{August 5th, 2026} by Corebridge Financial
HOUSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Corebridge Financial, Inc. (“Corebridge” or the “Company”) (NYSE: CRBG) today reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2026. “We are pleased with our performance in the second quarter, having executed across the organization to deliver strong earnings, resilient sales, and consistent cash generation,” said Marc Costantini, President and Chief Executive Officer. […]
Jackson Announces Record Second Quarter 2026 Results
{August 5th, 2026} by Jackson Financial Inc.
LANSING, Mich.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jackson Financial Inc. (NYSE: JXN) (Jackson®) today announced its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2026. Second Quarter 2026 Key Highlights Retail annuity sales1 of $5.9 billion, up 34% from the second quarter of 2025, including record registered index-linked annuity (RILA) sales of $2.3 billion, which were up 69% from the second […]
Sammons Financial Group Announces Leadership Transition
{August 5th, 2026} by Sammons Financial Group
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Sammons Financial Group today announced a planned leadership transition designed to support the company’s continued long-term growth and strategic direction. Effective Jan. 1, 2027, President Rob TeKolste will assume the dual roles of Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board. Current Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Esfand Dinshaw will retire at the end of […]
AM Best Revises Outlooks to Negative for Subsidiaries of Group 1001 Insurance Holdings, LLC
{August 5th, 2026} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has revised the outlooks to negative from positive and affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICR) of “a-” (Excellent) of the following subsidiaries of Group 1001 Insurance Holdings, LLC: Delaware Life Insurance Company and Clear Spring Life and Annuity Company (both domiciled […]
Talcott Financial Group Announces $6 Billion Reinsurance Transaction with Lincoln Financial
{August 5th, 2026} by Talcott Financial Group
HARTFORD, Conn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Talcott Financial Group (“Talcott”), an international life insurance group providing comprehensive risk solutions for customers across the retirement and insurance industry, today announced a $6.3 billion reinsurance transaction with Lincoln Financial, a trusted provider of retail life and annuity solutions and workplace benefits. Under the terms of the agreement, Talcott will reinsure an […]
Lincoln Financial Reports 2026 Second Quarter Results
{August 5th, 2026} by Lincoln Financial Group
RADNOR, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Lincoln Financial (NYSE: LNC) today reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2026. Strong second quarter performance and improved profitability, reflecting continued progress against our strategic and financial objectives. Second quarter net income available to common stockholders was $1.3 billion, or $6.72 per diluted share. Second quarter adjusted operating income […]
Anxious but Opportunistic, Investors Aren’t Waiting Out Uncertainty
{August 5th, 2026} by Nationwide
COLUMBUS, Ohio, July 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Inflation and market volatility have created one of the most complex financial environments in recent memory, causing more than three in four (77%) non-retired investors to be concerned about a U.S. economic recession over the next 12 months. However, recent data from the Nationwide Retirement Institute reveals that rather than retreating, a […]
Plutus Launches Agentic Platform for Life and Annuity Operations, Bringing Purpose-Built AI to the Workflows That Define Service Quality for Life and Annuity Carriers
{August 5th, 2026} by Plutus Technology Solutions Inc.
CHICAGO, July 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Plutus, the insurance AI company building the industry’s first insurance-native agentic platform, today announced the launch of the Plutus Agentic Platform for Life and Annuity Operations. The platform delivers six purpose-built agentic solutions organized around the way life and annuity operations actually work — transaction workflows, cross-cutting controls, and book-level remediation […]
Financial Pressures Are Pushing Younger Americans to Delay – and Sometimes Abandon – Life’s Biggest Milestones
{August 5th, 2026} by Northwestern Mutual
MILWAUKEE, Aug. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A significant share of young adults in America say financial pressures are reshaping the timelines – and in some cases the very possibility – of the lives they imagined for themselves. From marriage and homeownership to starting a family, many Gen Z and Millennial adults report delaying major milestones, and an […]
