Stop developing complicated product features, just for the sake of “innovating!”
{February 11th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
Come ON, insurance companies! Help me out. Let’s stop developing complicated product features, just for the sake of “innovating!” I am a true believer in “blue ocean strategies,” but this is getting ridiculous… ARGH! (P.S. This message was brought to you by an established seller of indexed annuities.) -sjm Join in the LinkedIn discussion […]
Posted a meme and the comments started flying
{February 11th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
This is a first for me. I will be joining a podcast with someone that has a negative perspective of annuities. I am not sure I will change any minds, but I am hopeful to provide an accurate perspective of what annuities can offer. I’ve asked that my good friend Tom Hegna join me, just […]
Corebridge Financial Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Results
{February 11th, 2026} by Corebridge Financial
HOUSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Corebridge Financial, Inc. (“Corebridge” or the “Company”) (NYSE: CRBG) today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2025. “Corebridge delivered strong results in 2025, starting with a record $42 billion in sales of products that help our customers protect, grow and secure their wealth,” said Marc Costantini, President […]
CNO Financial Group Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Results
{February 11th, 2026} by CNO Financial Group, Inc.
CARMEL, Ind., Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CNO Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: CNO) today reported its fourth quarter and full year 2025 financial results: Achieved, and in most cases exceeded, all 2025 guidance metrics. Fourth quarter 2025 net income was $93 million, or $0.95 per diluted share, and net operating income(1) was $143 million, or $1.47 per diluted share. Full […]
F&G Annuities & Life Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Earnings Release and Conference Call
{February 11th, 2026} by F&G Annuities & Life, Inc.
DES MOINES, Iowa, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — F&G Annuities & Life, Inc. (NYSE: FG) (F&G), a leading provider of insurance solutions serving retail annuity and life customers and institutional clients, will release fourth quarter and full year 2025 earnings after the close of regular market trading on Thursday, February 19, 2026. A webcast and conference call to discuss […]
Fidelity National Financial Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Earnings Release and Conference Call
{February 11th, 2026} by Fidelity National Financial, Inc.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Fidelity National Financial, Inc. (NYSE: FNF) (FNF), 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 & Life, Inc. (NYSE: FG) […]
YouTube Star MrBeast Buys Financial Services Firm
{February 11th, 2026} by Cecilia D'Anastasio
YouTube star Jimmy “MrBeast” Donaldson acquired Step, a financial services company catering to young people, through his Beast Industries. Terms of the deal weren’t disclosed. Step provides savings and investment services, along with helping people under age 18 establish credit, according to its website. Read at Think Advisor Wink’s Moore on the Market: You may […]
Strategist Warns Against a Hidden Threat in Private Equity
{February 11th, 2026} by Allison Bell
A marketing consultant is warning colleagues about a danger that many might have missed: The possibility that big, rapidly growing private equity “rollups” could create invisible conflicts of interest. Peter Dziedzic talked about his concerns in a commentary posted earlier this week on LinkedIn. Read at Think Advisor Wink’s Moore on the Market: I am […]
Allianz Life Launches Fixed Index Annuity Content on Interactive Tool
{February 11th, 2026} by Allianz Life
MINNEAPOLIS – Feb. 5, 2026 – Financial professionals who sell select fixed index annuities (FIAs) for Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz Life) can now use a new digital tool to create customized, interactive presentations to help educate their clients about FIAs. The tool, powered by the EnsightTM technology platform, helps financial professionals show the […]
Corebridge Financial powers through executive shakeup with big sales
{February 11th, 2026} by John Hilton
Corebridge Financial is counting on steady and strong sales to muscle the company through a period of intense transition. CEO Marc Costantini ran his first quarterly call with Wall Street analysts Tuesday, in what was Chief Financial Officer Elias Habayeb’s final call. Read at INN
Simplicity Continues its Momentum with the Acquisition of Wholehan Marketing, Adding Chris Wholehan and Jessica Hernandez as the Group’s Newest Partners
{February 11th, 2026} by Simplicity Group
SUMMIT, N.J., Feb. 10, 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 Wholehan Marketing (“Wholehan”), a brokerage general agency offering a diverse suite of financial products across life, annuity, DI, LTC and advanced market support with offices in Tampa, FL and Toledo, […]
American Life Expands Product Offerings into Alabama
{February 11th, 2026} by American Life
LINCOLN, Neb., Feb. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — American Life & Security Corp., a growing carrier in the annuity and retirement space, announced today it has expanded to Alabama, offering its flexible retirement products to residents of the state. Following American Life’s recent expansion into New Hampshire, Washington and Alaska, this new approval brings the company’s total footprint to 29 […]
Symetra Launches New Chapter of ‘Plan Well, Play Well’ Campaign With Sue Bird
{February 11th, 2026} by Symetra
BELLEVUE, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Symetra Life Insurance Company has launched new consumer marketing with fresh episodes of its “Plan Well, Play Well” social content series featuring sports icon and longtime Symetra brand ambassador Sue Bird. As Sue continues to explore how to live her best life in retirement with help from Symetra and maybe pick up a […]
Principal Financial Group Announces Full Year and Fourth Quarter 2025 Results as Well as 2026 Outlook
{February 11th, 2026} by Principal Financial Group
DES MOINES, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Principal Financial Group® (Nasdaq: PFG) announced results for full year and fourth quarter 2025. Diluted earnings per common share 2025 4Q25 Net income attributable to PFG (in millions) 2025 4Q25 Net income attributable to PFG $5.25 $2.32 Net income attributable to PFG $1,185 $517 Non-GAAP net income attributable to PFG, excluding […]
Best’s Review Highlights What’s Needed for Tomorrow’s Insurance Professionals
{February 11th, 2026} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The February issue of Best’s Review examines the state of insurance education: “Learning Curve: Our Readers Identify Gaps in Insurance Education” features insight from industry professionals on how academic institutions can better prepare tomorrow’s insurance workforce. “Survey Said…” shares perspectives from Best’s Review readers on how to move the industry forward. “Academics Say Future of Insurance Education […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Prudential Financial, Inc. and Its Life/Health Subsidiaries
{February 11th, 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 life/health insurance subsidiaries of Prudential Financial, Inc. (PFI) (Newark, NJ) [NYSE: PRU], collectively referred to as Prudential. Concurrently, AM Best has affirmed the Long-Term ICR of “a-” (Excellent) of […]
Half of Retirees Fear Running Out of Money as Pressures on U.S. Retirement Security Intensify, MetLife Research Finds
{February 11th, 2026} by MetLife
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Persistent, rising healthcare costs coupled with longer lifespans are driving a sharp rise in retirement anxiety, according to MetLife’s new 2026 Paycheck or Pot of Gold Study. Among pre-retirees aged 50–75 who are within five years of retirement and are currently enrolled in an employer’s defined contribution (DC) plan, 58% worry about running out […]
Prosperity Life Group Appoints Nick Volpe as Chief Technology Officer
{February 11th, 2026} by Prosperity Life Group
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Prosperity Life Group today announced the appointment of Nick Volpe as Chief Technology Officer. Volpe brings a distinguished background in technology leadership and has extensive experience modernizing platforms in the fixed-indexed annuities sector and driving enhanced customer experience, data, and digital solutions. Volpe will report directly to Michael Ferik, Chief Executive Officer. Volpe […]
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Acquires 3D Advisors Inc
{February 11th, 2026} by Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.
ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill., Feb. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. today announced the acquisition of Shelby Township, Michigan-based 3D Advisors Inc. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. 3D Advisors is a brokerage general agency providing life insurance, annuity and long-term care solutions for financial advisors. Jim DiDonato, Matt Dib, Chuck Dib and their […]
He Bought an Annuity at 25. Here’s What It Looks Like 15 Years Later
{February 11th, 2026} by AJ Fabino
When one Reddit user reviewed a financial decision he made at 25, he didn’t like what he found. In 2009, he invested $35,000 into a variable annuity after being told it offered a “guaranteed” 6% income base and long-term security. Read at Yahoo!Finance Wink’s Moore at the Market: I am not even going to […]
Finseca & IAQFP Announce Unification to Strengthen Financial Planning
{February 11th, 2026} by Finseca
WASHINGTON, Feb. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Finseca and the International Association of Qualified Financial Planners (IAQFP) announced their merger. “I’m so grateful for Paul and the IAQFP’s leadership for their efforts to unify the Financial Planning designations. We know that when consumers have a holistic financial plan, they get better outcomes. But we also know […]
Corebridge reports 2025 loss but lifts dividend
{February 11th, 2026} by Mav Rodriguez
Corebridge Financial, Inc. has reported its full-year 2025 results, highlighting higher shareholder returns and increased sales even as the company posted a full-year net loss. The company said its board approved a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share, up by one cent, payable on March 31, 2026, to shareholders on record as of March 17. […]
Where Annuities Fit When You’re Selling Up and Selling Down
{February 11th, 2026} by Bryce Sanders
When insurance agents need new clients, there are many ways to prospect. One of the most attractive options is getting referrals from current clients. Current clients can do all the heavy lifting, delivering an interested prospect to your door. Another good strategy is introductions. They put you in front of a potential prospect. You connect […]
Prudential Sells More Fixed Annuities, Fewer RILAs
{February 11th, 2026} by Allison Bell
Prudential Financial has been selling more fixed annuities and fewer registered index-linked annuities. Sales of the company’s FlexGuard family RILAs fell to $1.7 billion in the fourth quarter of 2025, from $2.5 billion in the fourth quarter of 2024. Read at Think Advisor
Apollo CEO Questions Many Annuity Issuers’ Investments
{February 11th, 2026} by Allison Bell
Some regulators, rating analysts and advisors have wondered if the “alternative asset managers” moving into the life insurance and annuity sector know what they’re doing. Marc Rowan, the co-founder and CEO of Apollo Global Management, questions whether all of the executives at competing life and annuity issuers are investing in assets that can support the […]
House Passes Bill That Could Help Annuity Issuers Fend Off Fed
{February 11th, 2026} by Allison Bell
The U.S. House passed a bill Monday that could help especially big or important life insurance and annuity issuers fend off Federal Reserve Board supervision. Lawmakers agreed by a voice vote to send H.R. 3682, the Financial Stability Oversight Council Improvement Act of 2025, to the Senate. Read at Think Advisor
Planning for a retirement that could last to age 100
{February 11th, 2026} by Ayo Mseka
Half of the respondents to a survey from Corebridge Financial think it is possible they could live to be 100. To help prepare for such an occurrence, the latest Corebridge study, “Living and Funding Longer Lives,” offers some action steps that individuals can take as they plan not just for longevity but also for a […]
Annuity check fraud: What advisors should tell clients
{February 11th, 2026} by Anna Baluch
Annuity checks can help support a client’s retirement but only when they’re able to access the funds. “It may seem old-fashioned in the age of AI, but check fraud is once again in vogue—and annuity checks are no exception,” said Diana Rothfuss, director of Global Strategy and Innovation, Risk, Fraud & Compliance Solutions at SAS. […]
Insurance Professionals Comment on Kyle Busch Case
{February 11th, 2026} by Editorial Staff
Several insurance professionals shared their views on the indexed universal life (IUL) policies that are at the center of the complaint filed by Kyle and Samantha Busch against Pacific Life Insurance Company and insurance agent Rodney A. Smith in U.S. District Court in North Carolina. Read at RIJ Sheryl Moore, Winkintel.com While all of […]
Integrity Announces Wealth Industry Expert Chris Cassidy as Senior Vice President, Integrity Wealth
{February 11th, 2026} by Integrity Marketing Group, LLC
DALLAS – FEBRUARY 4, 2026 – Integrity, LLC (“Integrity”), a leading distributor of life and health insurance, and provider of wealth management and retirement planning solutions, today announced that Christopher Cassidy has joined its Wealth division as Senior Vice President of Integrity Wealth. A seasoned wealth management leader with deep and valuable understanding of the […]
‘Solo Agers’ Need More Support
{February 11th, 2026} by Lilah Raynor
A growing share of Americans are entering later life without a spouse or partner, including people who are single by choice, divorced, widowed or geographically separated from family. Increasingly, solo aging reflects intention as much as circumstance. Rather than signaling isolation or decline, it can represent a preference for autonomy, flexibility and self-directed decision-making across […]
KBRA Releases Research – Private Credit: From Acquisitions to Partnerships—Asset Managers’ Growing Role With Life/Annuity Insurers
{February 11th, 2026} by KBRA
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–KBRA releases new research examining the intersection of life/annuity insurers with asset managers. In early 2022, KBRA highlighted the challenges faced by insurers and the different solutions offered by private equity and alternative asset managers (PE/AAM), as well as the resulting growth in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and reinsurance activity. Activity during that […]
Terry Savage: Making sense of annuity pitches
{February 10th, 2026} by Terry Savage, Tribune Content Agency
A decade ago, the insurance industry made a huge annuity sales pitch to pre-retirees, offering them “variable” or “indexed” annuities with potential stock market growth — and typically with an attached rider promising future income. Now, in most cases, despite the huge gains in the stock market, the income portion is worth far more than […]
“Bad” annuities
{February 3rd, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
Interested to know… How many people think that “bad annuities” will not be approved by an insurance commissioner? Join in the discussion on LinkedIn, click here.
Corebridge Is 2nd Carrier in 2 Weeks to Add Bitcoin Index to FIAs
{February 3rd, 2026} by Cyril Tuohy
Indexed annuities don’t permit the contract holder to directly invest in the index but instead earn interest based on the performance of the index up to a limit, said industry analyst Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink, publisher of Wink’s Sales & Market Report, which tracks annuities. So, adding these index options doesn’t amount to direct investment in […]
Kyle Busch’s Crash Course in IUL
{February 3rd, 2026} by Kerry Pechter
Did anyone wave a yellow caution flag at NASCAR legend Kyle Busch in 2017 before he and his wife, Samantha, bought a pair of multi-million-dollar Pacific Life indexed universal life insurance (IUL) policies that promised them almost $800,000 a year in tax-free retirement income? Read at RIJ
Prosperity Life Group Appoints Industry Veteran Rona Guymon as President, Retail Life and Annuity
{February 3rd, 2026} by Prosperity Life Group
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Prosperity Life Group today announced the appointment of Rona Guymon as President, Retail Life and Annuity. In this newly created role, Guymon will lead the company in pursuit of its primary strategic goal – to grow its retail life and annuity business. She will head all retail distribution, including national accounts and marketing […]
Western & Southern Ranks Second in J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Individual Annuity Stud
{February 3rd, 2026} by Western & Southern Financial Group
CINCINNATI, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Western & Southern Life ranked second in the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Individual Annuity Study, a national benchmark of customer satisfaction in the individual annuity market. The annual J.D. Power study measures customer experiences across eight core dimensions: trust, value for price, ability to get service, ease of doing business, people, product offerings, […]
The shift toward holistic retirement planning
{February 3rd, 2026} by John Forcucci
When it comes to planning for retirement, clients aren’t buying products anymore. They’re buying outcomes. That may sound like a subtle shift, but it’s seismic. For decades, retirement conversations were built around a familiar menu of options: a life insurance policy, an annuity, maybe some managed money in the mix. Each item did its job, […]
Is There A Relevance Crisis With Life Insurance?
{February 3rd, 2026} by Luca Russignan
Despite USD $83.5 trillion about to change hands in the largest wealth transfer in human history, life insurance is losing ground with the generation poised to inherit it. According to Capgemini’s World Life Insurance Report 2026, millennials and Gen Z are expected to inherit an average of $106,000 each. And when we asked them where they’d invest […]
Hybrids will lead the way in product trends for 2026
{February 3rd, 2026} by Rayne Morgan
Industry experts believe both a shift in the average American consumer’s behavior and technological advancements will drive innovation in life insurance and annuity products in 2026. While LIMRA maintains that more mainstream products such as registered index-linked annuities and indexed universal life will continue to see growth and innovation in the months ahead, industry leaders […]
Nationwide celebrates 100 years of protecting what matters most
{February 3rd, 2026} by Nationwide
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Nationwide, one of the largest and most diversified insurance and financial services companies in the United States, is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026. To mark the milestone, Nationwide CEO Kirt Walker has shared a letter reflecting on the company’s historic “firsts,” its impact on customers and communities, and his gratitude to the […]
When Private Equity Owns Both Sides of Your Transaction
{February 3rd, 2026} by Peter Dziedzic
‘We’re not just watching private equity invest in carriers. We’re watching capital buy carriers, distribution, advisor platforms, and the technology layer, all at the same time,’ warns the president and general counsel of the Life Insurance Strategies Group. Read at RIJ
Pacific Life’s Motion to Dismiss the Busch’s Suit: Excerpts
{February 3rd, 2026} by Editorial Staff
On January 22, 2026, Pacific Life’s attorneys, Carlton Fields in Washington, D.C. and Parker Poe Bernstein Adams & Bernstein in Raleigh, NC, filed a motion to dismiss Kyle and Samantha Busch’s complaint against Pacific Life in U.S. District Court, Western District of North Carolina, Statesville Division. Read at RIJ
How the ‘Harkin Amendment’ Enabled the ‘Bermuda Triangle’
{February 3rd, 2026} by Kerry Pechter
My bias regarding the Bermuda Triangle’ was confirmed when I read “The Law of Capitalism” (Yale, 2025) and “The Code of Capital” (Princeton, 2019) by Columbia law professor Katharina Pistor. Assets are legal constructs, her books explain. Read at RIJ
Americans Grow More Risk Averse and Financially Stressed, New F&G Survey Finds, as Affordability Pressures Threaten Retirement Preparedness
{February 3rd, 2026} by F&G Annuities & Life, Inc.
DES MOINES, Iowa, Jan. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — American investors1 are becoming increasingly risk averse as affordability pressures erode financial confidence and reshape retirement planning, according to a new survey from F&G Annuities & Life, Inc. (NYSE: FG) (F&G), a leading provider of insurance solutions serving retail annuity and life customers and institutional clients. F&G’s sixth annual […]
Guardian Recognized by DALBAR for Annuity Customer Service Excellence for 9th Consecutive Year
{February 3rd, 2026} by Guardian
MARLBOROUGH, Mass., Jan. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — For the ninth consecutive year, The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian) has been recognized with the DALBAR Annuity Service Award. This award, presented by DALBAR, the leading auditor of the customer service experience within the financial services industry, recognizes those who have demonstrated dedication to providing outstanding customer service support to […]
More than Half of Recent Retirees Have Regrets About How They Saved for Retirement
{February 3rd, 2026} by Nationwide
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Feb. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — For millions of Americans who retired in the last five years, the transition from earning a paycheck to living off savings brings an uncomfortable reality check: many wish they did things differently, according to a new Advisor Authority study, powered by the Nationwide Retirement Institute. More than half (55%) of recent retirees (those […]
Pacific Life and Selerix Launch Digital ‘Evidence of Insurability’ Integration
{February 3rd, 2026} by Pacific Life
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Pacific Life’s Workforce Benefits business today announced a new Evidence of Insurability (“EOI”) API integration with Selerix, a leading provider of cloud-based benefits administration solutions. This enhanced connection enables employees to complete EOI applications directly within the enrollment process and receive near real-time decisions, with automatic updates via the Selerix portal – […]
Ameriprise Financial Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Results
{February 3rd, 2026} by Ameriprise Financial, Inc.
MINNEAPOLIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (NYSE: AMP): Earnings Per Diluted Share Return on Equity, ex AOCI (1) Q4 2025 FY 2025 Q4 2025 GAAP $10.47 $36.28 GAAP 49.1% Adjusted Operating $10.83 $39.29 Adjusted Operating 53.2% Fourth quarter adjusted operating earnings per […]
Strategist Warns Against a Hidden Threat in Private Equity
{February 3rd, 2026} by Allison Bell
A marketing consultant is warning colleagues about a danger that many might have missed: The possibility that big, rapidly growing private equity “rollups” could create invisible conflicts of interest. Peter Dziedzic talked about his concerns in a commentary posted earlier this week on LinkedIn. Read at Think Advisor
Ameriprise Sees a ‘Competitive’ Advisor Recruitment Market
{February 3rd, 2026} by Allison Bell
Executives at Ameriprise Financial think that great advisors are still difficult to attract and keep. James Cracchiolo, the company’s chief executive officer, talked to securities analysts about the advisor supply last week, during a conference call the company held to go over earnings for the fourth quarter of 2025 with securities analysts. Read at Think […]
Annuities: A key tool in battling inflation
{February 3rd, 2026} by Brian Kunkel
For decades, inflation was a theoretical “x-factor” in financial models—a modest 2% drag that most portfolios could outpace with a standard 60/40 allocation. But the economic volatility of the mid-2020s has transformed inflation from a background noise into a permanent fixture of the retirement conversation. Read at INN
$80k surrender charge at stake as Navy vet, Ameritas do battle in court
{February 3rd, 2026} by John Hilton
A retired Navy veteran and his wife are awaiting a court ruling on the fate of $80,000 in surrender charges tied to an equity-linked annuity bought from Ameritas. Andrew and Jennifer Johnson sued Ameritas Mutual Holding Co., Ameritas Life Insurance Co., and broker Allison Terlip. The case is being heard in the District Court for […]
Life insurance application activity hits record growth in 2025, MIB reports
{February 3rd, 2026} by Staff Reports
Life insurance application activity closed the year up 22% in December, the MIB Life Index reported, helping 2025 set a record for growth. Application activity grew 6.8% in one year, 6.7% compared to 2023, and 9.8% compared to 2022, the MIB 2025 Annual Report found. It represented the highest total volume of annual application activity […]
John Hancock looks to new AI underwriting tool to slash processing time
{February 3rd, 2026} by Rayne Morgan
One of the newest Gen-AI powered underwriting tools to enter the market promises to cut down preliminary processing times from about one day to just 15 minutes, saving agents time and improving customer experience. Quick Quote is the most recent AI tech tool to spring from John Hancock/Manulife’s innovation team, a global leader in the field. “There’s […]
Court fines Cutter Financial $100,000, requires client notice of guilty verdict
{February 3rd, 2026} by John Hilton
A Massachusetts judge fined Jeffrey Cutter $50,000 and Cutter Financial Group $100,000 today for an Advisors Act violation involving the sale of fixed indexed annuities. On April 23, a Massachusetts jury determined that Cutter and CFG violated Section 206(2) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Section 206(2) bars advisors from engaging “in any transaction, […]
Another large policyholder asks court to intervene on PHL liquidation
{February 3rd, 2026} by John Hilton
Update: Tuesday afternoon, Judge Daniel J. Klau scheduled a status conference for Feb. 10 at 2:30. The rehabilitator “shall be prepared to update the court regarding the status of plans for an orderly liquidation of the Companies,” Klau’s order states. “Although this status conference is not a hearing on recently filed motions seeking emergency relief, the […]
Judge orders Greg Lindberg to pay $526 million to policyholders
{February 3rd, 2026} by John Hilton
A North Carolina judge ordered Greg Lindberg to pay $526 million to long-suffering policyholders. The order followed a civil trial held on Friday. Wake County Superior Court Judge Graham Shirley oversaw the trial to determine the amount of financial damages Lindberg and his companies owed to insurers they were found to have defrauded. Read at […]
Life Insurance Company of the Southwest hit with renewed lawsuit over ‘fraudulent sham’ index
{February 3rd, 2026} by Kenneth Araullo
Life Insurance Company of the Southwest, an affiliate of National Life Insurance Co., is facing a renewed lawsuit over allegations of misleading sales practices tied to indexed universal life products. The complaint, filed in the United States District Court for Vermont, claims the insurer provided materials that failed to accurately represent the index used in […]
Retirement Income Journal’s Bulletin Board
{February 3rd, 2026} by Editorial Staff
Sale of PHL Variable blocks ‘no longer feasible’; Delaware Life FIA now offers a Bitcoin crediting method; Corebridge FIA also includes ‘modest’ exposure to Bitcoin; Ratings of insurers involved in 777 controversy are downgraded. Read at RIJ
Knighthead’s big move — With Ed Massaro
{February 3rd, 2026} by Paul Feldman
Knighthead Life enters the U.S. annuity market with a rare advantage: deep experience but no legacy baggage. After years of building a strong international annuity business and a disciplined reinsurance operation, the company acquired a clean, fully licensed platform and built modern systems from the ground up. The result is a lean, technology-forward carrier, built […]
Integrity Partners with The Disruption Group to Drive Growth and Elevate Best-in-Class Client Services
{February 3rd, 2026} by Integrity Marketing Group, LLC
DALLAS, Jan. 29, 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 The Disruption Group, an independent marketing organization based in Denver, Colorado, and led by Easton Padden. Financial details of the partnership were not disclosed. The Disruption Group […]
Simplicity Group Acquires Source Brokerage, Expanding Collective Disability Insurance Resources and Specialized Institutional Expertise
{February 3rd, 2026} by Simplicity Financial Marketing Group Holdings, Inc.
SUMMIT, N.J., Feb. 2, 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 Indianapolis-based Source Brokerage, LLC (“Source Brokerage”), a DI-specialist BGA. With this transaction, Simplicity welcomes Steve Crowe as its newest partner, further strengthening Simplicity’s national disability insurance (DI) […]
Bond ETFs Show Up (Occasionally) on Annuity Issuer Asset Lists
{February 3rd, 2026} by Allison Bell
Clients and their advisors have learned that annuities are like blue cheese: Too stinky for some retirement savers who have spent too much time with the priests of the Temple of the Diversified Portfolio, but irresistible for retirement savers with the right palate. Marketers have discovered that exchange-traded funds are like financial peanut butter: Irresistible […]
Key person life insurance keeps small businesses afloat
{February 3rd, 2026} by Keith Wallace
Small-business owners are no strangers to risk. From the economy’s ups and downs to unforeseen operational challenges, the path to success in the world of small business can seem uncertain or even dangerous. However, one often-overlooked risk is the potential loss of key employees or owners whose expertise, leadership or client relationships are difficult or […]
Correction: TIAA Rolls Out New Fixed-Rate Annuity With Flexible Premiums
{January 28th, 2026} by Cyril Tuohy
Wink’s correction: “My commentary was based on the TIAA press release. Specific product features about offering different crediting terms within the same product were previously undisclosed/miscommunicated in the press release. Please take my comments in context, given this information.” -Sheryl J. Moore ————————————————————– Following several years of explosive growth when interest rates began to climb […]
‘Baseless claims’: PacLife hits back at Kyle Busch in motion to dismiss suit
{January 27th, 2026} by John Hilton
Pacific Life Insurance Co. responded Thursday to racing superstar Kyle Busch’s indexed universal life lawsuit, filing more than 1,000 pages worth of exhibits in a motion to dismiss. PacLife cited failure to state a claim, a common defense from insurers who maintain no wrongdoing. Busch, who initially filed the lawsuit in North Carolina state court […]
Sammons Institutional Group® Launches Summit LadderedSM
{January 27th, 2026} by Sammons Financial Group
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Midland Retirement Distributors® and Sammons Retirement Solutions®, divisions of Sammons Institutional Group®, Inc., and member company of Sammons Financial Group, have launched the new Summit LadderedSM Fixed Index Annuity (Summit Laddered). With financial uncertainty on many minds, clients want protection from market downturns and opportunities for upside potential. Summit Laddered was built for that, and […]
5 New Annuity Updates With Something Special
{January 27th, 2026} by Allison Bell
Many advisors who help retirement savers with annuities dislike “bells and whistles.” They see annuities as a fixed income option with a guarantee twist, and they would prefer to see clients invest in contracts with returns tied to the performance of the S&P 500 index and recorded on clay tablets. Read at Think Advisor
Corebridge Financial Brings Cryptocurrency to Index Annuities
{January 27th, 2026} by Corebridge Financial
HOUSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Corebridge Financial today announced the introduction of the Invesco New Economy Index, providing exposure to some of the most innovative areas of the market, including cryptocurrency, through the Corebridge Power Select Index Annuities. The Invesco New Economy Index, created by Invesco, one of the world’s leading asset management firms, aims to deliver strong risk-adjusted […]
Pacific Life Asks Court to Toss NASCAR Champ’s IUL Lawsuit
{January 27th, 2026} by Dinah Wisenberg Brin
Pacific Life Insurance asked a court Thursday to dismiss NASCAR champion Kyle Busch’s lawsuit alleging nearly $8.6 million net in losses tied to indexed universal life insurance policies. Busch and his wife, Samantha, accuse Pacific Life and an agent of promoting complex IUL policies as “tax-free retirement plans” that were misrepresented as safe, self-funding investment vehicles. The […]
Ameritas: FINRA settlement precludes new lawsuit over annuity sales
{January 27th, 2026} by John Hilton
A retired Navy veteran and his wife are suing Ameritas over the alleged fraudulent sale of unsuitable equity-indexed annuities. Andrew and Jennifer Johnson initially sued Ameritas Mutual Holding Co., Ameritas Life Insurance Co., and broker Allison Terlip in North Carolina state court. In December, Terlip petitioned to move the case to the District Court for […]
What Taylor Swift Had That MC Hammer Didn’t: Good Financial Advice
{January 27th, 2026} by Jane Wollman Rusoff
Financial advisor Drew Boyer has a term for what sets entertainers and athletes who blow through their money on a fast track to bankruptcy court. As a counter to “lifestyle inflation,” Boyer’s new Sound Returns platform is offering money lessons — from both failures and successes — through music. Read at Think Advisor
Annuities: A key tool in battling inflation
{January 27th, 2026} by Brian Kunkel
For decades, inflation was a theoretical “x-factor” in financial models—a modest 2% drag that most portfolios could outpace with a standard 60/40 allocation. But the economic volatility of the mid-2020s has transformed inflation from a background noise into a permanent fixture of the retirement conversation. Inflation is one of the most persistent and least appreciated […]
A decade in decline: PHL Variable serving as a cautionary tale
{January 27th, 2026} by John Hilton
[Editor’s Note: The Connecticut Insurance Department answers questions from InsuranceNewsNet about PHL Variable oversight and issues.] The decade-long downward spiral of PHL Variable Insurance Co. has Connecticut regulators on the verge of liquidation proceedings, seen by some as a black mark on the life insurance industry. How the insurer moved from seemingly strong health to its present situation might […]
Does size matter? Comparing 3 top insurance AI solutions
{January 27th, 2026} by Rayne Morgan
Insurance companies and professionals who choose to make the AI leap have many diverse tools, solutions and providers to choose from — whether big names, smaller yet established companies, or boutique operations with great potential. InsuranceNewsNet sat down with three of the top providers of insurance AI solutions to gain their perspective on what technology […]
Indiana woman refiles National Life lawsuit over IUL that returned 0%
{January 27th, 2026} by John Hilton
An Indiana woman, unhappy with an indexed universal life policy that returned 0%, refiled a lawsuit against National Life companies. Earlier this month, Chief District Judge Christina Reiss awarded summary judgment for National Life on breach of contract, deception, and racketeering claims made by Sanya Virani. However, the judge gave Virani 20 days to refile an amended […]
Life Insurance As A Lifeline
{January 27th, 2026} by Abbie Rodriguez
Life insurance was once a pillar of financial planning for American households. But the industry is undergoing a quiet transformation, despite 90% of the middle-market (adults ages 22-75 with a household income of $55-160k) feeling like insurance is accessible to them, according to recent survey data from TruStage1. Amidst an increasingly turbulent economic landscape, marked […]
U.S. Life And Non-Life Insurance Market Worth $3.35 Trillion In 2026; Forecast To See $3.98 Trillion By 2031
{January 27th, 2026} by Globe Newswire
Dublin, Jan. 23, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The “United States Life and Non-Life Insurance – Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts (2026-2031)” has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com’s offering. The report segments the market by Insurance Type (Life, Non-Life), Customer Segment (Retail, Corporate), Distribution Channel (Brokers, Agents, Banks, Direct Sales, Others), and Geography (Northeast, Midwest, South, West). […]
Integrity Partnership Propels TDG Financial into a New Era of Technology-Driven Expansion and Growth
{January 27th, 2026} by Integrity Marketing Group, LLC
DALLAS, Jan. 23, 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 TDG Financial, an independent marketing organization based in North Carolina and led by Stephen Davies. Financial details of the partnership were not disclosed. TDG Financial was […]
Northwestern Mutual tops industry in Financial Soundness, Quality of Products and Services, Long-Term Investment Value and more on FORTUNE’s latest list of the “World’s Most Admired” Companies
{January 27th, 2026} by Northwestern Mutual
MILWAUKEE, Jan. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Northwestern Mutual today announced its continued distinction as one of FORTUNE‘s “World’s Most Admired Companies.” This annual ranking recognizes the leading organizations across a variety of sectors, and key factors that distinguish them in the marketplace. This year, Northwestern Mutual led its peers in the following categories: Use of Corporate Assets, Social […]
Integrity Joins Forces with ST6 Insurance Group to Empower Agents with Extensive Resources and Cutting-Edge Technology
{January 27th, 2026} by Integrity Marketing Group, LLC
DALLAS, Jan. 21, 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 ST6 Insurance Group, an independent marketing organization based in North Carolina and led by Garrett Sherrill. Financial details about the partnership were not disclosed. A former […]
Nationwide and Dale Earnhardt Jr., Team Up to Tackle Teen Distracted Driving
{January 27th, 2026} by Nationwide
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Jan. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — January is Teen Driving Awareness month and Nationwide is partnering with one of motorsports’ most recognizable names, Dale Earnhardt Jr., on a new multimedia campaign designed to deliver a simple message to teen drivers: put the phone down when you’re driving. For parents, the day their teen starts driving is equally exciting and nerve-wracking. […]
Brighthouse Financial Plans to Issue Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Financial Results During the Week of February 23, 2026
{January 27th, 2026} by Brighthouse Financial, Inc
CHARLOTTE, N.C.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Brighthouse Financial, Inc. (Brighthouse Financial) (Nasdaq: BHF) announced today that it plans to issue its fourth quarter and full year 2025 earnings release and financial supplement during the week of February 23, 2026. The company will not hold a conference call to discuss its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year […]
Protective Expands Life & Annuity Distribution with Alfa Insurance
{January 27th, 2026} by Protective
BIRMINGHAM, Ala.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Protective Life Corporation, a U.S. subsidiary of Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc. (TSE:8750), today announced a new distribution relationship between its principal subsidiary Protective Life Insurance Company (Protective) and Alfa Insurance (Alfa), bringing together two Alabama‑founded companies with longstanding commitments to serving families and communities. Launched on January 6, Alfa agents will now offer select life […]
AM Best Downgrades Credit Ratings of A-CAP Group Members; Maintains Under Review with Negative Implications Status
{January 27th, 2026} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has downgraded the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) to B (Fair) from B++ (Good) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating (Long-Term ICR) to “bb+” (Fair) from “bbb” (Good) of Atlantic Coast Life Insurance Company (Charleston, SC) and Sentinel Security Life Insurance Company (Salt Lake City, UT). Both companies are collectively referred to as […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Corebridge Financial Members
{January 27th, 2026} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICR) of “a” (Excellent) for the members of Corebridge Financial (Corebridge). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. (Please see below for a detailed listing of the companies and ratings.) The ratings reflect […]
Jackson to Report Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2025 Financial Results and Provide 2026 Outlook on February 18
{January 27th, 2026} by Jackson Financial Inc.
LANSING, Mich.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jackson Financial Inc.1 (NYSE: JXN) (Jackson®) today announced that it will release fourth quarter and full year 2025 financial results after market close on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Jackson’s press release and supplemental financial materials will be available at investors.jackson.com. Jackson will host a conference call and webcast at 10 a.m. ET on Thursday, February […]
Assured Guaranty Enters Annuity Reinsurance Market
{January 27th, 2026} by Assured Guaranty
HAMILTON, Bermuda–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Assured Guaranty Ltd. (AGL and, together with its subsidiaries, Assured Guaranty), the leading financial guarantor, today announced its entry into the annuity reinsurance market through the acquisition of Warwick Re Limited (Warwick Re), a Bermuda-based life and annuity reinsurer. Assured Guaranty has renamed the acquired entity Assured Life Reinsurance Ltd. (Assured Life Re). […]
Suze Orman’s stern warning about the retirement move draining you
{January 27th, 2026} by Tobi Opeyemi Amure
If you are nearing retirement, there is a good chance someone has tried to sell you a variable annuity inside your IRA or 401(k), usually wrapped in language about “guaranteed” 5% or 6% income for life. Suze Orman has a simple response to that pitch. Read at The Street Wink’s Moore on the Market: I […]
Indexed Annuities Could Move Into Retirement Plans Soon
{January 27th, 2026} by Allison Bell
Annuity issuers could get a big new opportunity this year: Federal regulators could bless use of indexed annuities and variable annuities as “qualified longevity annuity contracts” and “qualified default investment alternatives” for retirement plans. Insurance regulation specialists at a Deloitte strategy center talk about the possibility in an insurance sector outlook report. Read at Think Advisor […]
Twenty-nine years ago
{January 27th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
Twenty-nine years ago, on January 24th, I became a Mom. It has been nearly 13 years since he left me. Happy Heavenly birthday, my son. 💙 -sjm
Just wondering how they feel about the inaccuracies in this piece.
{January 20th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
Last I checked, AARP was a paid promoter annuities from New York Life Insurance Company. Is that no longer the case? ChatGPT says they are still aligned, but this article, The Most Popular Annuities, Explained, makes it appear they are not. This article’s comparisons of indexed annuities to the stock market is completely inappropriate. Annuities […]
We aren’t innovating annuities in a vacuum folks.
{January 20th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
If your grandmother was going to be contract holder #1 with your new indexed annuity product, would you feel comfortable with her buying it? Examples: 1. I mean if there is a ten-year surrender charge schedule, but the vesting schedule on the bonus runs for a much longer period… 2. I am talking about if […]
Guaranty Income Life Marks 100th Anniversary
{January 20th, 2026} by Guaranty Income Life Insurance Company
BATON ROUGE, La.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Guaranty Income Life Insurance Company, a leading provider of fixed indexed annuities, celebrates its 100th year of supporting the financial needs of hard-working Americans. Since its founding in 1926, Guaranty Income Life has earned a reputation for financial strength, trust, and delivering dependable retirement solutions. “It takes perseverance, dedication, and integrity to […]
Kyle Busch hits PacLife role in amended IUL fraud claims suit
{January 20th, 2026} by John Hilton
Racing superstar Kyle Busch and his legal team filed an amended complaint Tuesday with more specific claims of alleged indexed universal life sales fraud by both the agent and Pacific Life Insurance Co. Originally filed Oct. 14 in North Carolina state court, the lawsuit was moved to federal court in November. Read at INN […]
Delaware Life Insurance Company Launches Industry’s First Fixed Indexed Annuity with Bitcoin Exposure
{January 20th, 2026} by Delaware Life Insurance Company
ZIONSVILLE, Ind.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Delaware Life Insurance Company, a Group 1001 company, today announced the addition of the BlackRock U.S. Equity Bitcoin Balanced Risk 12% Index to its fixed index annuity (FIA) portfolio, making Delaware Life the first insurance carrier to offer an index that contains cryptocurrency. This strategic addition enables investors to diversify their portfolios and gain exposure […]
New Major Study Finds Portfolios with TIAA Traditional Annuity Outperformed in Over 90% of Retirement Scenarios
{January 20th, 2026} by TIAA Institute
In Most Cases, Would Have Delivered Higher Account Balances at Retirement, More Guaranteed Retirement Income per Dollar, and Averaged Nearly $89,000 Larger Estate Balances NEW YORK, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A retirement fund with part of its asset allocation to bonds replaced with an allocation to the TIAA Traditional annuity may have the potential to create […]
TIAA Launches Industry-first, Flexible, Premium Multi-year Guaranteed Annuity: TIAA MyChoice MYGA
{January 20th, 2026} by TIAA
New multi-year guaranteed annuity offers competitive guaranteed rates and TIAA’s Loyalty Bonus®i with greater consumer flexibility NEW YORK, Jan. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — TIAA today announced the launch of TIAA MyChoice MYGA, a multi-year guaranteed annuity (MYGA), offering greater choice as well as secure, competitive, guaranteed returns with flexible term options. Unlike traditional MYGAs that require opening a new […]
Guardian unveils “The Year Ahead,” revealing how 2026’s major financial themes will shape Americans’ financial future
{January 20th, 2026} by Guardian
NEW YORK, Jan. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As headlines and data often paint a conflicting economic picture, The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian) has issued Guardian Wealth Insights: The Year Ahead, an outlook designed to help Americans make sense of the financial opportunities and challenges in 2026. Read Guardian Wealth Insights: The Year Ahead here From navigating […]
5 Ways Life Insurance and Annuities Fit Into Charitable Giving
{January 20th, 2026} by Bryce Sanders
One rule for life is, “We can do this the easy way or the hard way,” and that’s especially true of charitable planning. Many clients want to be charitable, supporting worthy local causes. Many local charities seek to move donors out of their comfort zone of writing small checks to making larger gifts, often over […]
3 Annuity Contract Footnotes Advisors Should Explain
{January 20th, 2026} by Paresh Shah
Reviewing annuity contracts with clients can feel overwhelming, in part because of the technical language. The fine print at the bottom of those contracts is typically ignored, and clients don’t generally go back to review it later on. But some of the most important information is buried there Read at Think Advisor
Suitability standards for life and annuities: Not as uniform as they appear
{January 20th, 2026} by Brian Peterson
Suitability standards for life insurance and annuities haven’t stood still. Over the last decade, they’ve been revised, challenged in court and reinterpreted as regulators try to balance consumer protection with access to financial guidance. For organizations supporting insurance distribution across states and product types, that evolution has at times created more complexity than clarity. Read […]
Royal Neighbors of America® Modernizes Annuities Processing with Zinnia
{January 20th, 2026} by Zinnia
GREENWICH, Conn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Zinnia, a leading life and annuity (L&A) technology company, announced the successful launch of The Policy Processor (TPP) with Royal Neighbors of America, a membership organization offering L&A products. Royal Neighbors is the first carrier to process annuities on TPP, marking an important step forward in its digital transformation and mission to serve […]
Life and annuity sales to continue ‘pretty remarkable growth’ in 2026
{January 20th, 2026} by John Hilton
Continued economic turmoil is a market concern, but life insurance and annuity sales are expected to remain solid throughout 2026, LIMRA projects. Bryan Hodgens, senior vice president and head of LIMRA research, and Sean Grindall, chief member relations and solutions officer, hosted a LinkedIn Live event last week to discuss sales projections. Read at INN
‘My life has been destroyed’: Dean Vagnozzi plots life insurance comeback
{January 20th, 2026} by John Hilton
Dean Vagnozzi waited a long time for the opportunity to restore his reputation and get back into the life insurance business. Once a multimillion-dollar life insurance producer and local Philadelphia celebrity of sorts who tooled around the city in a lime green Porsche and lived in a large, Main Line home, Vagnozzi became entangled in a sweeping […]
Most Americans surveyed cut or stopped retirement savings due to the current economy
{January 20th, 2026} by Brooke Lacey
Recent data from Allianz Life’s Q4 2025 Quarterly Market Perception study found that more than half of Americans (51%) have either stopped or reduced their retirement savings in the past six months due to the current economic environment. Two in three (66%) say they have not been able to contribute to their savings as much […]
Vermont judge sides with National Life on IUL illustrations lawsuit
{January 20th, 2026} by John Hilton
A Vermont judge sided with National Life companies in a lawsuit over an indexed universal life policy that returned 0%. Chief District Judge Christina Reiss awarded summary judgment for National Life on breach of contract, deception, and racketeering claims made by Sanya Virani, of Indiana. However, the judge gave Virani 20 days from Monday to […]
AmeriLife Taps Todd Buchanan to Lead Wealth Distribution
{January 20th, 2026} by Allison Bell
AmeriLife — a big, private equity-backed financial services distributor — has hired Todd Buchanan to be the president of its AmeriLife Wealth business. Buchanan will oversee relationships with 44,000 agents and advisors at 25 affiliated firms. Read at Think Advisor Wink’s Moore on the Market: No longer the President at World Financial Group (WFG), Todd […]
The BEST way to reach me
{January 20th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
I try to be as responsive as I can on LinkedIn. That said, I do run three businesses, a non-profit and a bed-and-breakfast. AND- I have nearly 30,000 followers that I regularly engage with here. I email every connection that I have on this platform. When my son took his life, I promised my family […]
Has this issue ever occurred here, in the States?
{January 20th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
I have a friend who could use our help. He came across this article, “Hundreds of thousands risk being denied life insurance payouts,” with some questions. Note that this article is from the EU, however, he is wondering if the same issue with these life insurance policies has ever occurred here, in the States. Essentially, […]
BlackRock CEO Touts In-Plan Annuity Product
{January 20th, 2026} by Allison Bell
BlackRock has not said much about a relatively new program that adds annuitization options to 401(k) plans, but the company still seems to like the program. Larry Fink, the asset manager’s chairman and chief executive officer, mentioned the program Thursday when he talked to securities analyzes about the company’s earnings for the fourth quarter of […]
From ‘Frankenstein’ plans to annuities: Regulators warn of rising insurance abuse
{January 20th, 2026} by Anna Baluch
Insurance fraud remains a significant issue, stealing over $308 billion annually from consumers, according to the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud. The New Hampshire Insurance Department (NHID) Fraud Unit recently held a webinar to help insurance professionals and consumers identify financial abuse in insurance markets. The session dove deep into financial abuse, enforcement procedures, problematic insurance […]
Can A Newly Revamped Software Platform Clarify Annuities?
{January 20th, 2026} by Ben Mattlin
It’s rare that an executive of a major annuities producer acknowledges that the products are hard to understand and exasperating for clients and advisors alike. But that’s what happened earlier this week, at a webinar announcing the newest upgrade of the annuity-modeling software IncomeConductor. “The more complex annuities get, the more likely it is that […]
What will 2026 bring to the life/annuity markets?
{January 20th, 2026} by Chris Taylor
Last year proved to be a strong year in both the individual life and annuity markets – through Q3 2025, individual life premium was up 13% year over year, while policy counts were up 10%. In an industry accustomed to 1%-3% annual growth, the significant growth in premium and policies seen in 2025 reflect an […]
Please, let’s get a conversation going about the best books for those in the life insurance and/or annuity market
{January 13th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
Had a call with Jack Mohr, MBA and Corey Thomas with Magellan Financial & Insurance Services, Inc. today. (SN: David Byers would be impressed with them!) They had questions about what the best books are to read in the life insurance/annuity industry. I suggested “Paychecks and Playchecks” from my dear friend Tom Hegna. I also […]
Prosperity Life Group® Names Industry Veteran Mark Williams VP, National Accounts
{January 13th, 2026} by Prosperity Life Group
AUSTIN, TEXAS | (January 6, 2026) Prosperity Life Group, an insurance, reinsurance, and asset management organization, today announced the appointment of Mark Williams as VP, National Accounts. Williams joins Prosperity Life Group from Brokers International, most recently serving as CEO & President for 11 years. Williams draws on more than 30 years of experience delivering […]
Life insurance application activity ends 2025 with record growth, MIB reports
{January 13th, 2026} by Press Release
U.S. life insurance application activity finished 2025 with record-breaking growth of 6.8% compared with 2024, representing the highest annual growth rate on record, the MIB Index reported. The data represents a 6.7% increase over 2023 and 9.8% over 2022, while also achieving the highest total volume of annual application activity seen in the last 10 […]
Lincoln Financial to Report 2025 Fourth Quarter and Full Year Results on February 12
{January 13th, 2026} by Lincoln Financial
RADNOR, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Lincoln Financial (NYSE:LNC) announced today that it will report its results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2025, at 6:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, February 12, 2026. A conference call is scheduled for 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time on the same day. Earnings materials, including the 2025 fourth quarter […]
Penn River Selected by a Prominent Life & Annuities Carrier to Implement Indexed Universal Life (IUL) Product
{January 13th, 2026} by Penn River
NEWTOWN SQUARE, PA, UNITED STATES, January 12, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Penn River Selected by a Prominent Life & Annuities Carrier to Implement Indexed Universal Life (IUL) Product Cloud-native platform to serve as the cornerstone for the carrier’s digital transformation and product innovation strategy for IUL Penn River, Inc., a pioneer in cloud-native […]
The “Bermuda Triangle” and the Growing Risk in the Insurance MarketsThe “Bermuda Triangle” and the Growing Risk in the Insurance Markets
{January 13th, 2026} by Paul Brown, Gary Chodes, Timothy Keane, The National Law Review
The influx of private equity into the U.S. life insurance and annuity market has altered what has traditionally been viewed as the safe and secure sector of the financial marketplace. In this new era, U.S. life insurers—mainly acquired by or partnered with private equity firms—have progressively shifted risk offshore, primarily to Bermuda in the initial […]
Moving From Term Life Insurance to Whole Life
{January 13th, 2026} by Abbie Rodriguez
In the first quarter of 2025, whole life insurance held 37% of the total new annualized premiums sold, while term life slipped 1% to 19% of the market, according to data from LIMRA. However, some people may first approach the life insurance industry with the purchase of a term life policy, often when making a specific […]
Heartland National FIA Offers Nasdaq-100® Strategies: 50% PR on NDX® and 150% PR on Volatility Control
{January 13th, 2026} by Heartland National
KANSAS CITY, MO, UNITED STATES, December 2, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ — Heartland National Life Insurance Company (HNL) today detailed the strategic flexibility of its Secure Retirement Fixed Indexed Annuity (FIA), highlighting the two distinct approaches clients can take for growth tied to the Nasdaq-100 Index®. The FIA is designed to empower agents by offering clients a competitive choice between a […]
Americans Cutting Back on Retirement Savings, Allianz Life Study Finds
{January 13th, 2026} by Allianz Life
MINNEAPOLIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Americans are cutting back on retirement savings in the current economic environment and fewer are optimistic about their financial future improving than last year, according to the Q4 2025 Quarterly Market Perceptions Study* from the Allianz Center for the Future of Retirement, part of Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz Life). Two […]
Security Benefit Finds RIA Confidence Slipping as Market Uncertainty Builds
{January 13th, 2026} by Security Benefit
TOPEKA, Kan.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Registered investment advisors (RIAs) are growing more cautious as their economic outlook for 2026 shifts, according to the latest RIA Economic Outlook Index released today by Security Benefit in partnership with Greenwald Research. The index, which measures advisor sentiment on a scale from 0 (extremely pessimistic) to 100 (extremely optimistic), fell to 53 […]
AM Best Assigns Credit Ratings to Aspida Re Cayman Ltd.
{January 13th, 2026} by AM Best
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 Aspida Re Cayman Ltd. (AReC) (Cayman Islands). The outlook assigned to these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. The ratings reflect AReC’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as adequate, as well as […]
Sammons Institutional Group Deepens Commitment to Financial Institution Channel
{January 13th, 2026} by Sammons Institutional Group
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Sammons Institutional Group®, Inc., member company of Sammons Financial Group, announced today an enhanced strategy to further strengthen its support of financial institutions, reinforcing the firm’s long-standing commitment to serving distribution partners across the retirement marketplace. The initiative reflects continued investment in coverage, sales support, and specialized resources dedicated to helping financial institutions […]
AM Best Downgrades Credit Ratings of Mountain Life Insurance Company; Places Credit Ratings Under Review With Developing Implications
{January 13th, 2026} by Mountain Life
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has downgraded the Financial Strength Rating to B- (Fair) from B (Fair) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating to “bb-” (Fair) from “bb” (Fair) of Mountain Life Insurance Company (Mountain Life) (headquartered in Lexington, KY). Concurrently, AM Best has placed these Credit Ratings (ratings) under review with developing implications. The ratings reflect […]
NerdWallet Announces its 2026 Best-Of Awards Winners
{January 13th, 2026} by NerdWallet
SAN FRANCISCO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–NerdWallet, Inc. (Nasdaq: NRDS), which provides trustworthy financial guidance to consumers and small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs), today announced the winners of its 2026 Best-Of Awards. Since 2017, NerdWallet’s Best-of Awards has recognized the best financial products on the market. Our team of expert Nerds, or experienced journalists and specialists, evaluated more than 900 products to […]
Majority of Gen X Feels Confident in Their Investment Decisions, Yet 40% Lack a Formal Financial Plan
{January 13th, 2026} by Equitable
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Equitable, a leading financial services organization and principal franchise of Equitable Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: EQH), today released a new study, “Approaching Retirement: Getting Gen X from Good to Great.” The white paper explores Gen X’s attitudes and behaviors around investing and retirement planning, offering insights to help financial professionals serve the holistic planning needs of this self-reliant […]
U.S. Couples Leave $14,000 on the Table: TIAA Institute Honors Research That Exposes Hidden Cost of Retirement Planning Mistakes
{January 13th, 2026} by TIAA
NEW YORK, Jan. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The TIAA Institute today announced that Taha Choukhmane of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Lucas Goodman of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and Cormac O’Dea of Yale University have been awarded the 30th annual Paul A. Samuelson Award for their study, “Efficiency in Household Decision-Making: Evidence from the Retirement […]
Salt Financial Announces Collaboration with FTSE Russell on Risk-Managed Index Solutions
{January 13th, 2026} by Salt Financial
GREENWICH, Conn. and LONDON, Jan. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Salt Financial, a leader in custom index design and risk analytics, today announced a collaboration with FTSE Russell, a global index provider, to create new custom indices for annuities, structured notes, and other risk-focused investment and retirement products. The collaboration combines Salt’s expertise in volatility-controlled and derivative-based index solutions […]
New Year, New Savings: Young Savers are Avoiding the Mistakes Older Savers Regret – You Can Too
{January 13th, 2026} by Nationwide
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Jan. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As 2026 begins, a recent survey from the Nationwide Retirement Institute (NRI) reveals a surprising generational divide in retirement planning. Younger workers – Gen Z and Millennials – are starting to save earlier, engaging more actively with their workplace retirement plans, and planning for market volatility, while many Gen X and Boomers […]
Northwestern Mutual Breaks Company Record on Forbes’ Latest List of Nation’s Top Wealth Management Teams
{January 13th, 2026} by Northwestern Mutual
MILWAUKEE, Jan. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Northwestern Mutual announced that 230 of its financial planning practices have been recognized on Forbes’ prestigious 2026 Top Wealth Management Teams Best-in-State list, marking a 32% increase from the previous year. Developed in partnership with SHOOK Research, this list evaluates teams based on a range of key performance indicators, such as total revenue, team size, […]
WoodmenLife Receives Forbes 2026 America’s Best Insurance Companies Ranking As Voted By Real Policyholders
{January 13th, 2026} by WoodmenLife
OMAHA, Neb., Jan. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — WoodmenLife, a leading provider of life insurance and retirement-planning products, has received the Forbes 2026 America’s Best Insurance Companies ranking, earning national recognition for its customer satisfaction, loyalty, and service excellence in the life insurance industry. Furthermore, WoodmenLife was ranked number one nationwide in the permanent life insurance category, by consumers across the U.S. as they recognize […]
Older Consumers’ Life Application Activity Spikes
{January 13th, 2026} by Allison Bell
U.S. life insurers received a flood of applications for individual life insurance from consumers ages 71 and older in December. Older consumers’ life policy application count increased 67.5% between December 2024 and December 2025, according to new data from MIB Group. For people in that age group, application activity increases widened throughout 2025. Read at Think Advisor
How AI Is Reshaping Life Insurance Underwriting
{January 13th, 2026} by Amanda Turcotte
Life insurance underwriting used to be a waiting game. Everyone accepted that getting a fully underwritten decision meant weeks of back-and-forth on medical records, prescription histories, and lab results. That timeline is collapsing. AI-assisted underwriting is turning three-week processes into decisions that happen in days, sometimes hours. Read at Think Advisor
Brighthouse Had 6 Would-Be Buyers, Filing Shows
{January 13th, 2026} by Allison Bell
Managers of Brighthouse Financial received six formal offers from suitors interested in buying 100% of the company, as well as four offers to buy big parts of the company. The six suitors that wanted all of Brighthouse made offers ranging from $2.7 billion to $4.6 billion. Read at Think Advisor
6 Retirement Income Options That Aren’t Annuities
{January 13th, 2026} by John Manganaro
Income planning demanded significant attention in wealth management in 2025, bringing along an impressive amount of research and product development reshaping how Americans think about funding their retirement lifestyles. All expectations are that 2026 will deliver much of the same, and financial advisors who want to stand out will need to build on their knowledge of the “decumulation challenge.” […]
Jackson Partners With Asset Manager TPG for Annuity Fuel
{January 13th, 2026} by Allison Bell
Jackson Financial announced a deal today that could help it write more annuities this year. Corebridge Financial closed on an annuity fuel deal of its own, and Talcott Financial and MassMutual unveiled new products. What it means: Life insurers appear to believe that the annuity market is still a good place to place their […]
Integrity and AIMCOR Revolutionize Life Distribution and Planning with Transformational Partnership
{January 13th, 2026} by Integrity Marketing Group, LLC
DALLAS, Jan. 8, 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 AIMCOR Group (“AIMCOR”), a leading national insurance distribution organization. As part of the acquisition, AIMCOR will continue to be led by John Ziambras, President and CEO, and Marc […]
I learn from you every day.
{January 13th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
I want to thank my LinkedIn’s #TheAlmightyNetwork. I learn from you every day. I get the opportunity to see this business, through your eyes. I am blessed to be able to introduce you all to one another, when it makes sense. I post content, and you ENGAGE. I am a better human for it. You […]
Integrity adds further scale with blockbuster acquisition of AIMCOR
{January 13th, 2026} by John Hilton
Integrity Marketing Group upscaled in a big way on Thursday with its acquisition of AIMCOR Group, a leading national insurance distributor. Always on the hunt for acquisitions, Integrity added a network of more than 40 broker general agencies. Headquartered in Malvern, Pa., AIMCOR “is a national leader in traditional life insurance distribution, with an established institutional service […]
Transamerica to Put Mike Brodeur in Charge of 92,000-Agent Network
{January 13th, 2026} by Allison Bell
Transamerica has put Mike Brodeur in charge of trying to make financial services professionals as excited about protecting ordinary Americans against the risk of premature death and post-retirement poverty as they are about helping millionaires with their yacht money. Read at INN Wink’s Moore on the Market: Now, I don’t want to get […]
Vermont judge sides with National Life on IUL illustrations lawsuit
{January 13th, 2026} by John Hilton
A Vermont judge sided with National Life companies in a lawsuit over an indexed universal life policy that returned 0%. Chief District Judge Christina Reiss awarded summary judgment for National Life on breach of contract, deception, and racketeering claims made by Sanya Virani, of Indiana. However, the judge gave Virani 20 days from Monday to […]
HELP Subcommittee Explores Annuity Usage in DC plans
{January 13th, 2026} by Amanda Umpierrez
The Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Subcommittee on Wednesday held a hearing to debate lifetime income options in retirement plans and whether policymakers should consider potential legislation that would promote the tools. HELP Subcommittee Chairman Rick Allen (R-GA) began the hearing by acknowledging the impact of defined contribution (DC) plans to private sector […]
I have my feelings on this, but I am eager to hear your response to that opinion!
{January 6th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
Technically, Alexander Clark with MSN is not correct. Read at MSN: Is an annuity worth it? Here’s what Dave Ramsey says “Some annuities are built mainly for accumulation, others for guaranteed payouts, and some try to do both.” Actually, ALL annuities offer “guaranteed payouts.” Every single one of them. In this piece, Alexander discusses Dave […]
THINGS WILL NEVER BE THE SAME WITHOUT MY SON.
{January 6th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
>>>>>>>>>>>I lost a lot when I lost my son to suicide.<<<<<<<<<<<< ************************** *I lost my concept of time.*************************** I don’t even know what things happened before, or after, AJ Betts took his own life. ********************************I lost my friends.******************************** I am not certain if that has to do with your friends not wanting to think that […]
EPISODE 11: State of Annuities With the “Annuity Rockstar” Sheryl Moore.
{January 6th, 2026} by Legacy Marketing Group
Listen to the next installment of the Legacy Marketing Group® podcast series “Tune In to Sales” for a candid discussion with Sheryl J. Moore, President and CEO of Moore Market Intelligence, on the state of annuities and common sense tips on positioning FIAs in your practice.
