Wink, Inc. Releases First Quarter, 2026 Life Sales Results
{June 10th, 2026} by Wink's Press Release
— FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION — NEWS RELEASE VARIABLE UNIVERSAL Life Sales POISED FOR GROWTH Wink, Inc. Releases First Quarter, 2026 Life Sales Results Des Moines, Iowa. June 8, 2026– Wink, Inc. released the first quarter, 2026 life sales results in its 115th edition of Wink’s Sales & Market Report. Wink’s Sales & Market Report […]
First Quarter, 2026 Life Sales
{June 10th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
View First Quarter 2026 Life Insurance Sales and Market Trends and visit our Data HQ for additional sales metrics!
Premium Bonuses on 10-Year FIAs Triple Over Past Four Years
{June 10th, 2026} by Cyril Tuohy
Premium bonuses on a sample of a 10-year fixed indexed annuity averaged 13.75% last year, up from 4% in 2021, according to market researcher Wink. “Benefits became more attractive across the board, for all annuity insurers and their products,” said Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink, publisher of Wink‘s Sales & Market Report. After years of near-zero interest rates, the […]
F&G, Nationwide Nab Spots for Top-Selling Fixed Annuities
{June 10th, 2026} by Cyril Tuohy
Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink and Moore Market Intelligence, said in an email that IncomeShield 10 was repriced in the last quarter of 2025, making it less attractive. “The amount of ‘income for life’ on the older version was considerably greater than on the new product,” Moore said in an email. Read at Life Annuity Specialist
Prudential Expands IMO Channel With New FIAs
{June 10th, 2026} by Warren S. Hersch
The move gives Prudential greater access to the independent agent market served by IMOs, a distribution channel that accounts for a large share of fixed-indexed annuity sales. According to Wink‘s Sales & Market Report, independent agents generated 59.5% indexed annuity sales in the first quarter of this year. Read at Life Annuity Specialist
5 Insurers That Sold the Most MYGAs in Q1
{June 10th, 2026} by Allison Bell
Wink’s Moore on the Market: My friend Allison Bell at ThinkAdvisor has you covered, when it comes to MYGA sales for the first quarter. -sjm ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Some life insurance company executives complained about the state of competition in the market for multi-year guaranteed annuities in the first quarter. Wink has now released issuer survey data […]
Jackson Introduces Dow Jones Industrial Average Index Option, Flexible Premiums, Six-Year Rate Guarantee in Latest Registered Index-Linked Annuity Launch Share
{June 10th, 2026} by Jackson National Life Insurance Company
Wink’s Moore on the Market: You have to respect companies that are introducing indexed crediting on the good ‘ole Dow Jones Industrial Average. Speaking of innovation, the #1 seller of variable annuities (VAs) is also offering the first structured annuity (a.k.a. RILA) with an option to guarantee the caps for the term of the surrender […]
We’re engaging a talented Full Stack / Front End Developer on a contract basis
{June 10th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
Wink, Inc. is hiring a Full Stack Developer for a contract position. If you are qualified and interested, please email me at sjm@intelrockstar.com. -sjm This engagement is open only to candidates residing in the United States for the full duration of the contract. All work must be performed from within the U.S. We […]
NAIC regulators continue pushing for annuity illustration updates
{June 10th, 2026} by John Hilton
Wink’s Moore on the Market: Truer words have never been spoken- “Joshua B. (Blakey) said illustrations that function as sales tools create incentives for insurers to show increasingly optimistic crediting rates.” “I feel like the more that these are used as sales tools, the more incentive there is to show higher and higher crediting, regardless […]
Greg Lindberg, Global Bankers Founder, Gets 12-Year Prison Sentence
{June 10th, 2026} by Allison Bell
Wink’s Moore on the Market: “Greg Lindberg, Global Bankers Founder, Gets 12-Year Prison Sentence” This article is chock full of extraneous, interesting information. Like- “State guaranty funds have already made large payments to the customers of the Global Bankers affiliate customers in the United States, and large portions of any restitution payments are likely to […]
While much of what was said in this post IS true, there are a couple of misunderstandings.
{June 10th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
My friends know that I have the The White Coat Investor on my list of insurance companies that can’t get insurance quite right. In this installment, Brandon Beaber advises on indexed universal life (IUL). While much of what was said in this post IS true, there are a couple of misunderstandings. THEY SAY: The credited […]
If you haven’t seen it yet…
{June 10th, 2026} by Jamie Johnson
If you haven’t seen the Wink, Inc. press release for first quarter annuity sales, check it out. Shout out to John Hilton for showing some annuity love! -sjm …………………………………………. Wink: Flat first-quarter annuity sales fall just short of $100B Total annuity sales for the first quarter were flat year over year, Wink, Inc. reported […]
ANNUITY SALES FLAT IN THE FIRST QUARTER
{June 10th, 2026} by Insuretech express
Wink’s Moore on the Market: In case you didn’t know- Annuity sales were flat in the first quarter. My thanks to Ken Leibow for helping us to spread the word! -sjm ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Wink, Inc. Releases 1st Quarter, 2026 Annuity Sales Results Des Moines, Iowa. June 1, 2026- Wink’s Sales & Market Report, the insurance industry’s #1 […]
I am very passionate about this because so few Americans know what an annuity is, much less what it is used for.
{June 10th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
It is hard to believe that it has been 11 YEARS since I worked with my former governor, to declare June “National Annuity Awareness Month.” I am very passionate about this because so few Americans know what an annuity is, much less what it is used for. We need to change the narrative around annuities. […]
LPL Sued For Allegedly Failing To Warn Clients About Troubled Annuity Provider
{June 10th, 2026} by Tracey Longo
Wink’s Moore on the Market: Does an insurance agent/registered rep. have an obligation to warn inforce clients about the deteriorating financial condition of an insurance company? Does the marketing organization or broker/dealer have the same obligation? PHL Variable Insurance Co clients are about to find out in this precedent-setting case. – sjm ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. LPL […]
VUL sales skyrocket in Q1, signaling major market shift
{June 10th, 2026} by John Hilton
Wink’s Moore on the Market: While Variable Universal Life (VUL) only accounts for just over 10% of all life insurance sales, it is a market poised for growth. The market has been on a tear, for most of the second quarter. This will translate to increasing sales of this securities-based life insurance product. For all […]
USAA Life Insurance Company Expands Portfolio to Help Families Prepare for End-of-Life Expenses
{June 10th, 2026} by USAA
SAN ANTONIO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–USAA Life Insurance Company is expanding its life insurance portfolio to better serve members at every stage of life with a new life insurance offering designed not only to help cover end-of-life expenses, but to encourage meaningful conversations that ensure families are prepared and protected. With the introduction of USAA SecureTM Final Expense Whole Life […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. and Its Subsidiary
{June 10th, 2026} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings of “a+” (Excellent) of Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. (Lincoln, NE) and Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. of New York (White Plains, NY). These insurance entities comprise the life/health operations of Ameritas Mutual Holding Company (all companies are collectively […]
Senior Market Sales® Fortifies Annuity Reach With Acquisition of Retirement Planning Firm Stratton & Company
{June 10th, 2026} by Senior Market Sales
OMAHA, Neb.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Senior Market Sales® (SMS), a premier national insurance marketing organization (IMO), has acquired Nocatee, Florida-based Stratton & Company, bringing a more thoughtful, innovative approach to the retirement income market to the national stage. “Our proprietary, best-in-class planning process is designed to empower both those transitioning into retirement and those already retired to maximize their […]
Only 28% of Pre-retirees and Retirees are Comfortable Drawing Down Savings in Retirement, But Having a Plan for Decumulation Boosts Confidence
{June 10th, 2026} by Corebridge Financial
HOUSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–New research from Corebridge Financial reveals a retirement paradox: Even though fulfilling retirement dreams will likely require spending, many struggle with the thought of drawing down retirement savings to fund them. However, those with a decumulation plan have a much more positive outlook about retirement spending. Only 28% of respondents are comfortable with the […]
Allianz studies why 42% of Americans retire sooner than expected
{June 10th, 2026} by Brooke Lacey
Wink’s Moore on the Market: According to the 2026 Annual Retirement Study from the Allianz Center for the Future of Retirement, part of Allianz Life Insurance Co. of North America, more than half of Americans (54%) said they would retire immediately if they won the lottery. Well- more than half of Americans must not love […]
If you look too young to be in college, please don’t buy an IUL (not kidding- I did).
{June 10th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
I am certain that I am going to ruffle some feathers with this one. “Who should NOT buy an IUL?” For starters- this girl. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lNoUTxx2m4 If you look too young to be in college, please don’t buy an IUL (not kidding- I did). “There are people in this industry that would sell IUL to ANY […]
Will rising retirement needs spark an annuity boom?
{June 10th, 2026} by Rayne Morgan
As Americans need an ever-increasing amount of savings to comfortably retire, one financial professional believes it could drive growth in the annuities market. “When you annuitize, you’re creating income for life,” said Robert Powell, vice president of wealth management sales, iPipeline. “I think, quite frankly, that’s probably what most retirees really want. They want that […]
Integrity’s AI-First Platform Leads Alfary Group’s Expansion into Life, Health and Wealth Services
{June 10th, 2026} by Integrity Marketing Group, LLC
DALLAS, June 9, 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 Alfary Group, an independent marketing organization based in New Jersey, and led by Robert and Estela Apolinario. Financial terms of the partnership were not disclosed. Distinguished […]
Reframing retirement income for greater certainty
{June 10th, 2026} by Jim LaPinska
For more than a decade, the dominant retirement narrative was straightforward: Accumulate as much as possible, stay invested and let compounding do the work. That mindset served savers well during a sustained bull market. But as we mark Annuity Awareness Month, a meaningful shift is underway among Americans approaching retirement. The question is no longer […]
Continental General Acquires More Lindberg Company Policies
{June 10th, 2026} by Allison Bell
Continental General Insurance Company has acquired 60,000 life insurance policies and annuity contracts issued by Southland National Insurance Corp. Continental General said it is now responsible for all of the policies and has received all of the associated assets and liabilities. Read at Think Advisor
Athene Announces Key Leadership Appointment
{June 10th, 2026} by Athene
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa, June 01, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Athene, the leading retirement solutions company and subsidiary of Apollo Global Management, Inc. (NYSE:APO), announced today that it has appointed Matthew Michelini as President of Athene Holding Ltd. (AHL), effective July 1, 2026. Michelini most recently served as Apollo’s Head of Asia-Pacific and has been […]
Prudential announces more layoffs as insurer continues to restructure
{June 10th, 2026} by John Hilton
Prudential Financial is undergoing another round of layoffs as the company continues to evolve in Year Two under CEO Andrew Sullivan. According to a filing with the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Prudential is laying off 53 employees on July 17. That follows previous layoff notices in March (54 employees), November (63), […]
They love it!
{June 10th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
Here’s your public announcement… If you have indexed annuity prospects, they LOVE my book, “Why I Bought Indexed Annuities.” -sjm https://www.mooremarketintelligence.com/publications/books/
Setting the record straight on premium-financed IUL
{June 10th, 2026} by Michael J Rothman
If you sell life insurance, you already know indexed universal life. You know the flexible premiums, the downside protection, the cash value tied to an index like the S&P 500, and a death benefit that can serve a family for decades. Read at INN
Wink, Inc. Releases 1st Quarter, 2026 Annuity Sales Results
{June 3rd, 2026} by Wink's Press Release
— FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION — NEWS RELEASE ANNUITY SALES FLAT IN THE FIRST QUARTER Wink, Inc. Releases 1st Quarter, 2026 Annuity Sales Results Des Moines, Iowa. June 1, 2026- Wink’s Sales & Market Report, the insurance industry’s #1 resource for annuity sales data since 1998, released its 115th edition report for […]
First Quarter, 2026 Sales
{June 3rd, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
View First Quarter 2026 Annuity Sales and Market Trends and visit our Data HQ for additional sales metrics!
Prudential Retirement Expands Retail Distribution Through Independent Marketing Organizations, Launches New ‘Elevate’ Product Suite
{June 3rd, 2026} by Prudential Financial, Inc.
NEWARK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU) today announced the launch of Elevate, a suite of retirement products designed for the independent marketing organization (IMO) channel, reinforcing the company’s commitment to growing its retail annuity distribution footprint to reach more financial professionals and help more customers protect their life’s work. The IMO channel represents a […]
Midland National Launches First Fee-Based MYGA with ADL Benefit Rider, Expanding Solutions Built for RIAs
{June 3rd, 2026} by Midland National
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Midland Advisory, part of Midland National® Life Insurance Company, today announced the launch of Oak ADVantage® Care, the first fee-based multi-year guarantee annuity (MYGA) in the industry to include an Activities of Daily Living (ADL) benefit rider. The solution is designed specifically for registered investment advisors (RIAs) and investment adviser representatives (IARs) […]
May 27th is the 21st anniversary of my small business
{June 3rd, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
I didn’t start this business because I dreamed of being an entrepreneur. I did it because I lost my job. I remember then- Being so scared about not knowing where my next paycheck was coming from. Having anxiety because my little boy needed his most invasive surgery (yet), like yesterday, and I had no health […]
It is 112 pages of data nerd fodder
{June 3rd, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
I just released the 1Q2026 annuity edition of “Wink’s Sales & Market Report.” It is 112 pages of data nerd fodder; over 65,000 data points as well as endless commentary. Anyhow… I am pretty tired. I think I’ll go home now. Check it out! -sjm
I owe you tremendous thanks
{June 3rd, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
Have I ever told you that I am a horrible fundraiser? I mean, I’ve had this unfunded non-profit- SOCIETY FOR ANNUITY FACTS & EDUCATION SAFE INC, (SAFE, but I like to say “Simplifying Annuities For Everyone”) sitting on a shelf for like 15 years. I cannot get people to donate to it! But do you […]
NAIC regulators continue pushing for annuity illustration updates
{June 3rd, 2026} by John Hilton
State insurance regulators are seeking to reopen a key annuity illustration model regulation as they consider a significant overhaul of how illustrations are used in the sales process. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ Annuity Illustration Working Group held conference calls last week and this week in an attempt to forge a consensus path forward […]
Millennials are ready to bring their advisor to the family table
{June 3rd, 2026} by Ayo Mseka
Younger investors want an advisor to serve as a facilitator for cross-generational retirement and financial planning discussions, while older investors are largely declining to take that step. This is according to an Advisor Authority study, powered by the Nationwide Retirement Institute. Six in 10 millennials who have financial professionals said that they would welcome their advisors to facilitate […]
Wink: Flat first-quarter annuity sales fall just short of $100B
{June 3rd, 2026} by John Hilton
Total annuity sales for the first quarter were flat year over year, Wink, Inc. reported Friday, and fell just short of the $100 billion mark. Sales of $99.4 billion were up 0.8% over Q1 2025, Wink said, and down from $117 billion in the fourth quarter. Traditionally, the first quarter is the annual low-water mark […]
How Raising Children Later in Life Changes Retirement Planning
{June 3rd, 2026} by Rob Burgess
Ryan P. McGonigal said he understands the struggles of clients juggling the prospect of retirement with children still in school. McGonigal, 49, the president, founder and financial planner at RPM Financial Group in Rockville, Maryland, has been an advisor for 27 years. He and his wife began having children when he was 40 and she was 39. […]
5 Insurers That Sold the Most MYGAs in Q1
{June 3rd, 2026} by Allison Bell
Some life insurance company executives complained about the state of competition in the market for multi-year guaranteed annuities in the first quarter. Wink has now released issuer survey data showing the impact of MYGA market turmoil: Some MYGA issuers stepped back from the heat, and others pushed to get closer to the fire. For a look […]
Will Life Insurance Policies Be the New Annuities?
{June 3rd, 2026} by Allison Bell
Todd Buchanan affects the recommendations of about 200,000 people in the United States who help clients with life insurance and annuities, and he wants more of those financial professionals to take offering life insurance seriously. Buchanan is the president of AmeriLife’s AmeriLife Wealth independent advice and financial services distribution business and the president and chief […]
MetLife Expands Guaranteed Retirement Income Offering with Innovative Flexible Annuity Option
{June 3rd, 2026} by Metlife
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–As demand for guaranteed lifetime income grows, MetLife today introduced a new liquidity feature for its immediate income annuity, the MetLife Guaranteed Income Program (MGIP). This innovative design offers defined contribution plan participants a simple way to convert savings into reliable income while maintaining greater flexibility early in retirement. The Annuity Cancellation Option […]
Lincoln Financial Announces Executive Leadership Transitions
{June 3rd, 2026} by Lincoln Financial
RADNOR, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Lincoln Financial (NYSE: LNC) today announced the promotion of three senior leaders to its Senior Management Committee (SMC): Darrel Tedrow as Executive Vice President, President of Life Insurance and Retail Shared Services; Curtis Chesney as Executive Vice President, President of Annuities; and Paul Spurr as Executive Vice President, Chief Risk Officer and Chief Actuary. All three report directly to […]
Continental General Acquires Block of Life Insurance and Annuity Policies from State Guaranty Associations
{June 3rd, 2026} by Continental General Insurance Company
AUSTIN, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Continental General Insurance Company (together with its affiliates, “Continental General” or the “Company”) today announced that it has completed the acquisition of a block of insurance and annuity policies issued by Southland National Insurance Corporation (“SNIC”) from the state life and health insurance guaranty associations in a transaction coordinated by the National Organization […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Symetra Financial Corporation and Its Subsidiaries
{June 3rd, 2026} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICR) of “a+” (Excellent) of Symetra Life Insurance Company and its subsidiary, First Symetra National Life Insurance Company of New York (New York, NY), together referred to as Symetra Life Group. Concurrently, AM Best has affirmed […]
Nationwide Reaches Reinsurance Agreement with MassMutual on Universal Life Policy Block
{June 3rd, 2026} by Nationwide
COLUMBUS, Ohio, May 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Nationwide has reached an agreement with MassMutual to reinsure a block of fixed Universal Life insurance policies, comprising more than 30,000 policyowners. The transaction, which is expected to close in Q2, 2026, has a total face value of nearly $16 billion and will increase Nationwide Financial’s reserves by $6 billion. Nationwide expects to […]
John Hancock Announces Longer. Healthier. Better. Network for Financial Professionals
{June 3rd, 2026} by John Hancock
BOSTON, May 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ – John Hancock today announced the Longer. Healthier. Better. Network (LHB Network), an exclusive community of forward-thinking independent financial professionals committed to helping customers live longer, healthier, better lives. Launching with an initial 200 founding members, the LHB Network further redefines the role life insurance can play in helping to meet the evolving needs of […]
America’s Declaration of “In Dependence”: More Than Half of Millennials and One-Third of Gen X Still Feel Financially Dependent on their Parents, According to Northwestern Mutual 2026 Planning & Progress Study
{June 3rd, 2026} by Northwestern Mutual
MILWAUKEE, June 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — While the nation approaches its 250th anniversary of independence, true financial independence remains out of reach for a significant portion of Americans. Currently, 42% of adults still rely on their parents for financial support – including more than half of Millennials and a third of Gen X. Most concerning of all, […]
Transamerica, T. Rowe Price and TIAA Expand Access to Lifetime Income for Retirement Plan Investors
{June 3rd, 2026} by Transamerica
BALTIMORE, June 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Transamerica today announced a collaboration with T. Rowe Price, a global leader in investment management and retirement solutions, and TIAA, a market-leading retirement company with more than a century of experience delivering guaranteed income, to expand access to guaranteed lifetime income for retirement plan participants through T. Rowe Price IncomeSelect® by Transamerica. By […]
Q1 Annuity Sales Increase Only Slightly From A Year Ago, Report Says
{June 3rd, 2026} by FA Staff
First-quarter annuity sales showed only a slight increase from a year earlyer, sales goind down across the board compared with the last quarter, according to Wink, an insurance industry resource for annuity data. Total first-quarter sales for all annuities were $99.4 billion, a decrease of 14.3% from the previous quarter and an increase of less […]
Insurers urged to temper expectations with AI pilots
{June 3rd, 2026} by Rayne Morgan
While an increasingly popular narrative suggests most artificial intelligence pilots undertaken by companies fail, one insurance industry expert said failure is relative and insurers should temper their expectations accordingly. A 2025 Massachusetts Institute of Technology study found that around 95% of AI pilots fail to demonstrate measurable return on investment. That study exploded in public […]
What You Should Know As Annuity Sales Soar
{June 3rd, 2026} by Bob Carlson
Annuity sales are soaring, because retirees and pre-retirees want more guaranteed income and principal protection. Annuity sales increased to $223 billion in the first half of 2025, 3% higher than in the first half of 2024. Quarterly annuity sales hit their highest level ever in the second quarter of 2025, a total of more than […]
The Standard and Pacific Guardian Life Announce Entry into Agreement to Transition Individual Annuities Business
{May 27th, 2026} by The Standard
Wink’s Moore on the Market: Did you see this? *insert eyes emoji here* “Standard Insurance Company (The Standard) and Pacific Guardian Life announced today a definitive agreement under which The Standard will transition its individual annuities business to Pacific Guardian Life.” Both companies are a part of the Meiji Yasuda family of companies. Know that the […]
Kyle Busch attorney rips ‘false narrative’ around life insurance coverage
{May 27th, 2026} by John Hilton
Many of those posts were made on the page of popular industry influencer Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink Inc. and Moore Market Intelligence. Several of the more incendiary posts were deleted by Tuesday. Moore attempted to referee discussions by focusing on the tragedy and the lack of full information. She repeated those thoughts on Tuesday. […]
It most definitely matters to the annuitant, however.
{May 27th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
No, it does not matter to the field marketing organization or agent if the annuity has a Market Value Adjustment (MVA). It most definitely matters to the annuitant, however. *****************************Let’s talk about MVAs.***************************** This is an annuity feature that is often attached to deferred annuities, which could increase or decrease the Cash Surrender Value of […]
Judge sends Greg Lindberg back to federal prison for fraud, bribery
{May 27th, 2026} by John Hilton
Federal District Court Judge Max O. Cogburn sentenced disgraced financier and insurance company magnate Greg Lindberg to more than 12 years in federal prison on Tuesday. Lindberg, 56, had appealed to the court for a sentence essentially amounting to time served. In a recent sentencing memorandum, Lindberg’s attorneys requested concurrent 48-month prison sentences in both […]
NASCAR Champ Kyle Busch Dies at 41
{May 27th, 2026} by Kyle Busch
Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch died Thursday at age 41 after what his family had described as a severe illness, shocking the racing world. The race car driver’s death came nearly three months after he and his wife, Samantha, made a confidential settlement with Pacific Life Insurance over a lawsuit in which the couple had […]
Kyle Busch’s cause of death revealed: severe pneumonia, sepsis
{May 27th, 2026} by Jay Busbee
Kyle Busch died of pneumonia leading to sepsis, according to a statement provided by the Busch family on Saturday morning. “The medical evaluation provided to the Busch Family concluded that severe pneumonia progressed into sepsis, resulting in rapid and overwhelming associated complications,” the family said in a statement. “The Family asks for continued understanding and […]
Shocking death of Kyle Busch renews debate over IUL plan
{May 27th, 2026} by John Hilton
The sudden death Thursday of 41-year-old racing icon Kyle Busch has reignited an intense debate regarding the role of indexed universal life insurance in financial planning. The Busch Family, Richard Childress Racing and NASCAR issued a joint statement Thursday saying Busch died after being hospitalized. Read at INN
Here’s how Kyle Busch won $8.5 million months before his death
{May 27th, 2026} by Udisha
American race car driver Kyle Busch passed away on May 21, 2026 suddenly. Besides racing and chasing records, he had been struggling financially but the days of worries seemed over after he won $8.5 million. His unfortunate death at 41 just months days later robbed his family off the happiness. yle Busch and his wife, […]
Pacific Guardian Life Acquires the Standard’s Annuities Side
{May 27th, 2026} by Amanda Umpierrez
Standard Insurance Company and Pacific Guardian Life announced a definitive agreement under which The Standard will transition its individual annuities business to Pacific Guardian Life. The Standard and Pacific Guardian Life are both members of the global Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance Company family. The transaction is expected to close in early 2027, subject to regulatory approvals and […]
Pacific Guardian Life to Acquire The Standard’s Individual Annuities Business
{May 27th, 2026} by Allison Bell
Pacific Guardian Life, a subsidiary of Meiji Yasuda Life, is acquiring the individual annuity business of another, bigger Meiji Yasuda subsidiary, Standard Insurance Company. Meiji Yasuda is a big, Tokyo-based insurer. It acquired Pacific Guardian Life in 1985 and The Standard in 2016. The Standard is handing the individual annuity business over to Pacific Guardian […]
John Hancock Announces Longer. Healthier. Better. Network for Financial Professionals
{May 27th, 2026} by John Hancock
BOSTON, May 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ – John Hancock today announced the Longer. Healthier. Better. Network (LHB Network), an exclusive community of forward-thinking independent financial professionals committed to helping customers live longer, healthier, better lives. Launching with an initial 200 founding members, the LHB Network further redefines the role life insurance can play in helping to meet the evolving needs of […]
I am in disbelief that it took some of these companies more than a year to comply with my requests
{May 27th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
Remember my 69-year-old Dad, who is a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Navy? You will recall that he was confined to a nursing home because of his Alzheimer’s a year ago, in April. Well, I have to thank #TheAlmightyNetwork. THANK YOU! Because of all of you, I was able to get guardianship and conservatorship of […]
There ARE legitimate uses for life insurance and annuities.
{May 27th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
Dear financial planners, Life insurance is not an investment. Buy term and invest the difference is a failed strategy. Annuities are not a product that are intended to maximize outperform equities. Stocks and a bond fund cannot provide a guaranteed income floor. There ARE legitimate uses for life insurance and annuities. AND a great number […]
She paid an insurance company $99,000 to generate retirement income for life. Then it collapsed.
{May 27th, 2026} by Gretchen Morgenson
Wink’s Moore on the Market: If you have read “These Are the Plunderers” by Gretchen Morgenson, you’ll find a familiar face behind this piece. In this article, Gretchen (of NBC News) breaks down the insolvency of PHL Variable Insurance Co. It is definitely worth a read. -sjm ……………………………………………………………….. When Annie Benjamin invested $99,000 in an […]
PacLife Launches Another New VUL Product as Sales Surge
{May 27th, 2026} by Aaron Smith
Two carriers added survivorship versions of existing VUL products this year. Lincoln Financial of Radnor, Pennsylvania, added a survivorship version to its existing VUL product AssetEdge in January. The next month, Prudential Financial subsidiary Pruco Life Insurance Co. rolled out PruLife SVUL Protector, a survivorship version of its VUL Protector offering, according to Sheryl Moore, chief executive officer of independent market research […]
Malibu Life taps Prudential veteran as new CEO
{May 27th, 2026} by Kenneth Araullo
Malibu Life Holdings has appointed Todd D. Shriber (pictured above) as chief executive officer, effective July 20, 2026, as the company prepares to expand its reinsurance platform and move into US direct annuity origination. Shriber will succeed Gary Dombowsky, who steps down as CEO on the same date. “Todd is exactly the right leader for […]
The hidden risks of indexed universal life and what advisors should know
{May 27th, 2026} by Anna Baluch
Indexed universal life insurance now represents about 25% of life insurance sales and the product is rapidly increasing in popularity. “As a result of the growth, there are advisors, attorneys, and other institutions that are being critical of a product that’s so ubiquitous or threatening to their particular business model,” said Michael J. Rothman, chief […]
Tax Court Cites Life, Annuity Assets in 40% Penalty Ruling
{May 27th, 2026} by Allison Bell
A U.S. Tax Court judge has ruled that a taxpayer who set up a microcaptive property and casualty insurance arrangement that used an annuity and a life insurance policy as the only investments must add a 40% penalty, not just a 20% penalty, when he pays the Internal Revenue Service back for tax breaks he […]
Life Insurance and Annuities Have Changed. So Should the Advice
{May 27th, 2026} by Mehran Assadi
The life insurance and annuity industry is undergoing a transformation that is reshaping how financial advisors position these products to clients. Once viewed in simple, separate terms — life insurance for protection and annuities for income — today’s offerings are more dynamic, designed to address a wider range of client needs across both working and […]
Reg BI and New Product Best Practices: What BDs Should Know
{May 27th, 2026} by Melanie Waddell
Six years into Regulation Best Interest, “products have changed, firms have evolved,” Ted Luecke, examination director at the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, said at FINRA’s recent annual conference in Washington. “Are your disclosures staying up to date with your new products?” Bringing on new products can mean changing the customer relationship summary known as Form […]
Annuities May Help Clients Live Longer: Study
{May 27th, 2026} by Rob Burgess
Can annuities help lengthen clients’ lives? A new study suggests that this may be the case. The paper, “The Effect of Annuities on Longevity,” was published last month by co-authors Borja Larrain, of Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile; Alessandro Previtero, of the Indiana University Kelley School of Business Department of Finance and the National Bureau of Economic […]
Annuities Tunnel Into the Futur
{May 27th, 2026} by Paul Garolfoli
My favorite author, the irascible Harlan Ellison, rebelled against being pigeon-holed as a science fiction writer. Though his work touched upon traditional “sci-fi” tropes, he felt the term limiting and even demeaning since, through that lens, he was writing about the human condition, frailties and all. Read at Think Advisor
BD Fined $100K Over Deferred VA Exchanges
{May 27th, 2026} by Melanie Waddell
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority has fined a firm $100,000 for failing to supervise recommendations of exchanges of deferred variable annuities, which violated Regulation Best Interest, and for failing to surveil for inappropriate rates of deferred VA exchanges. From at least April 2022 to November 2023, World Investments LLC also failed to establish and maintain […]
Women Feel Respected by Advisors, but Many Could Do Without the “Mansplaining”
{May 27th, 2026} by Nationwide
COLUMBUS, Ohio, May 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — For women investors, the relationship with their financial advisor is largely a positive one. Most say they feel heard, valued and treated the same as their male counterparts. But new data from the Nationwide Retirement Institute shows that feeling respected and truly understood are not always the same thing. Nearly all (95%) women […]
Foresters Financial delivers strong financial performance and growing member impact in 2025 annual report
{May 27th, 2026} by Foresters Financial
TORONTO, May 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ – Foresters Financial™ today released its 2025 Annual Report to Members, highlighting a year of strong financial performance, disciplined growth and deepened community impact across Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. The report reflects Foresters continued focus on delivering financial protection to families while expanding the value of membership through […]
Should All Annuity Illustrations Assume a 5% Interest Rate?
{May 27th, 2026} by Allison Bell
Wink’s Moore on the Market: Should All Indexed Annuity Illustrations Assume a 5% Interest Rate? Well, let’s talk about that.. We need to keep in mind that fixed annuities are being illustrated at the [current] crediting rate and that Variable Annuity illustrations are capped at 8.00%. Indexed Annuities should have an illustrated rate between these […]
Fidelity says retirees have annuities all wrong
{May 27th, 2026} by Damilola Esebame
Wink’s Moore on the Market: I really liked this article by Damilola Esebame, CFEI®. Special shout-out to my friends Roddy M. Caraballo , CRPC®, CAS®, NQPC™, CIS™, Stefne Lynch with Fidelity Investments, and Lee Baker, CFP with Claris Financial Advisors, Inc. who all contributed to this piece. And with that, I present you with an […]
How annuities can help protect retirees from financial scams
{May 26th, 2026} by Jacob Wilson
Leading sales relationships in this business gives me a front-row seat to what financial professionals are hearing from retirees right now. Yes, income concerns remain high on the list. So are growth, tax efficiency and leaving something behind for family. But another concern keeps showing up in those conversations, and it’s growing fast: people are worried […]
In HelloNation, Insurance Expert Kathy Powell of Auburn, AL, Highlights Why People Choose Life Insurance Earlier in Life
{May 26th, 2026} by HelloNation
AUBURN, Ala., May 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Why do more people now choose life insurance earlier in life instead of waiting until later? A HelloNation article offers helpful answers for families planning their financial future. The article features insights from Kathy Powell, Insurance Expert of Auburn, AL. Powell also teaches Risk and Insurance at Auburn University. The article begins by […]
AuguStar Retirement launches StarStream Variable Annuity
{May 26th, 2026} by AuguStar Retirement
Wink’s Moore on the Market: From the folks that brought you the best selling Variable Annuity in the nation… (Wow. I have never seen a such a combination of innovative living/death benefits on one Variable Annuity (VA) like this. Have you, Peter Lamond?) Congratulations to AuguStar Retirement for the launch of their first VA! If […]
Rehabilitator: PHL Variable liquidation payouts could exceed guaranty caps
{May 26th, 2026} by John Hilton
A new status update from the Connecticut insurance commissioner offers hope that PHL Variable Insurance Co. policyholders will receive benefits in excess of standard guaranty association limits. Interim Commissioner Joshua Hershman is serving as the court-appointed rehabilitator for the financially troubled PHL Variable. He is pursuing a liquidation plan and provided the Connecticut Superior Court […]
Zinnia launches digital in-force annuity servicing tool
{May 26th, 2026} by Fintech news
Zinnia, a life and annuity technology company, has unveiled a fully digitised in-force annuity servicing capability designed to eliminate paper-based processes from post-issue transaction management. The new functionality, built within Zinnia’s existing Zinnia Live platform, brings carriers, distributors, advisors, and consumers into a single connected workflow. Rather than relying on paper forms, PDFs, wet signatures, […]
Spin to win: How this life insurance company turns healthy habits into a game
{May 26th, 2026} by Allison Aubrey
Many people wake up intending to eat well and exercise. But then the day gets away from them. Feel familiar? Now, one life insurance company is betting that gift cards, prize wheels and fitness streaks can help close that gap. The Vitality program from life insurance company John Hancock rewards policyholders with points for healthy behaviors such […]
Annuity payouts are the highest they’ve been in years. Thanks, inflation.
{May 26th, 2026} by Brett Arends
Six months ago, a 65-year-old woman who retired with $100,000 in savings could secure herself a guaranteed monthly income of $593 for life, an annual payout rate of 7.1%, according to Cannex, an analytics company that reports data on the market for annuities, lifetime income products offered by life insurers. Read at MSN
Michael Book and Greg McRoberts Inducted into Finseca Hall of Fame
{May 26th, 2026} by Finseca
WASHINGTON, May 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Finseca today announced that Michael Book, Founding Partner at Lenox Advisors, and Greg McRoberts, Managing Partner at WestPoint Financial Group, will be honored with the prestigious Finseca Hall of Fame Award at the 2026 Advanced Markets event in Washington, D.C. Book and McRoberts are being inducted into the 2026 Hall of Fame class in recognition […]
SEC Proposes Sweeping Offering Reform — Significant Implications for Registered Closed-End Funds, BDCs and Other Private Wealth Products
{May 26th, 2026} by Kirkland
On May 19, 2026, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) proposed two companion rulemakings that would, if adopted, meaningfully reduce the cost and complexity of conducting registered offerings for all public companies, including closed-end funds that are registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (1940 Act), or have elected to be […]
AuguStar Retirement expands annuity platform with launch of StarStream Variable Annuity
{May 20th, 2026} by AuguStar Retirement
CINCINNATI, May 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — AuguStar Retirement has expanded its annuity lineup with the launch of StarStream® Variable Annuity, a new solution designed to support retirement income planning for clients with varying goals and timelines. “StarStream reflects our commitment to supporting our clients and financial professionals as a long-term retirement and income planning partner, with a comprehensive […]
Pacific Life Launches New Flagship Variable Universal Life Insurance Product
{May 20th, 2026} by Pacific Life Insurance Company
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Pacific Life Insurance Company announced that it has launched Pacific Admiral VUL 21, a new flagship variable universal life (VUL) insurance product. This VUL is designed for consumers and business owners seeking competitively priced, customizable death benefit protection with cash value growth potential. With an expanded set of variable investment option choices and design […]
MassMutual Expands Wellness Offerings to Help Policyowners Live Longer, Healthier, and Happier Lives
{May 20th, 2026} by MassMutual
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. & BOSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–MassMutual today announced the launch of its Living Well Rider, a value-added benefit automatically included on eligible new whole life insurance policies that gives policyowners access to a suite of wellness tools designed to support long-term physical and mental well-being. The Living Well Rider provides eligible policyowners with access to the following […]
Many Americans Retire Earlier Than Planned—Often Not by Choice—Allianz Life Study Finds
{May 20th, 2026} by Allianz Life
MINNEAPOLIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–While many Americans expect to work longer to strengthen their retirement outlook, the reality is often different. A significant number leave the workforce earlier than planned—often due to circumstances outside their control, according to the 2026 Annual Retirement Study* from the Allianz Center for the Future of Retirement, part of Allianz Life Insurance Company […]
MassMutual turns 175, Marking Generations of Delivering on its Commitments
{May 20th, 2026} by MassMutual
SPRINGFIELD, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–MassMutual today marked its 175th anniversary, honoring a legacy built around one idea that has endured since its founding: when people look out for one another, everyone is stronger. Founded on May 15, 1851 in Springfield, Massachusetts by 31 investors who pooled together $100,000 to create a company to help their friends and neighbors protect […]
Long-Term Care Claimant Was Working Full Time in Demolition, Transamerica Says
{May 20th, 2026} by Allison Bell
Private investigators found that a California resident who filed a claim for long-term care benefits with Transamerica was healthy enough to work a demolition job for at least seven hours and to shop on his own at Costco for 30 minutes, Transamerica told the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The insured, […]
BD Fined $100K Over Deferred VA Exchanges
{May 20th, 2026} by Melanie Waddell
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority has fined a firm $100,000 for failing to supervise recommendations of exchanges of deferred variable annuities, which violated Regulation Best Interest, and for failing to surveil for inappropriate rates of deferred VA exchanges. Read at Think Advisor
AI emerges as the biggest risk for financial leaders in 2026
{May 20th, 2026} by Rayne Morgan
New research from the Society of Actuaries has found insurance and financial services leaders across a range of sectors all named artificial intelligence as the top emerging risk for 2026 and in the years to come. “The study suggests that AI is becoming a core strategic risk. It’s not just this IT sort of question; […]
The fiduciary standard for life insurance is here
{May 20th, 2026} by Frederico Guardia
The Department of Labor officially vacated the Retirement Security Rule on March 10, 2026. This move restores the decades-old “five-part test,” which narrows the circumstances under which financial professionals must act as fiduciaries. While we celebrate this decision as an industry, we would be remiss not to note the mindset change that has occurred: elevated standards […]
Insurers urged to temper expectations with AI pilots
{May 20th, 2026} by Rayne Morgan
While an increasingly popular narrative suggests most artificial intelligence pilots undertaken by companies fail, one insurance industry expert said failure is relative and insurers should temper their expectations accordingly. A 2025 Massachusetts Institute of Technology study found that around 95% of AI pilots fail to demonstrate measurable return on investment. Read at INN
Why seniors fear spending their own retirement wealth
{May 20th, 2026} by Anna Baluch
Advisors are running into a new retirement problem: clients are not spending. In fact, new data from Security Benefit shows that two in five financial professionals say 30% or more of their clients spend less than they prudently can in retirement, highlighting a growing “retirement confidence gap.” Read at INN
$150M+ asset sale payout distributed to Greg Lindberg policyholders
{May 20th, 2026} by John Hilton
More than $150 million from the sale of a key asset tied to Greg Lindberg’s insurance empire has been distributed to policyholders who have uncovered claims, according to a new report filed by the court-appointed special master. About 95% of the nearly $158 million distributed to affected policyholders had been deposited as of the close […]
Greg Lindberg asks NC judge for no jail time in bribery, fraud cases
{May 20th, 2026} by John Hilton
Disgraced financier Greg Lindberg is asking a federal judge to sharply reduce his prison time ahead of a consolidated sentencing hearing later this month, citing what his attorneys describe as extensive restitution efforts and cooperation with court-appointed officials. In a sentencing memorandum filed Thursday in federal court, Lindberg’s attorneys requested concurrent 48-month prison sentences in […]
You’re (Almost) Never “Too Old” to Benefit from an Annuity
{May 20th, 2026} by AnnuityAdvantage
Wink’s Moore on the Market: I don’t know that I can agree with this… In my opinion, there most definitely ARE people that are too old for annuities. How many want to keep deferring in their [‘80’s]? How many are going to live long enough to get their principal back in an income annuity, if […]
I have some thoughts on this that I must keep to myself.
{May 20th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
I have some thoughts on this that I must keep to myself. That said, it is significant that Magellan Financial & Insurance Services, Inc. is adding 175 people to staff. Is Topeka REALLY the insurance capital of the U.S.? From a distribution standpoint, this is obviously the case. Congratulations to Jarrod Florence and the team […]
So, you can imagine my surprise, when I read the following article.
{May 20th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
In case you didn’t notice, I was on vacation all of last week. So, you can imagine my surprise, when I read the following article, “NAIC annuity guidance updates divide insurance and advisory groups.” Insurance and financial planning groups are clashing over whether and how regulators should expand guidance tied to the National Association of […]
One of the biggest objections has been addressed
{May 20th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
One of the biggest objections that I get from insurers about structured annuities/RILAs has been uniquely addressed by my buddies Lance Sparks and Jason Kestler, CLTC. Check it out- https://bdlaunchpath.com/
Equitable-Corebridge merger casts shadow over life insurance earnings
{May 20th, 2026} by John Hilton
As life insurers toast another quarter of strong sales, executives are also eyeing the elephant in the room: a looming Equitable-Corebridge powerhouse. The blockbuster merger, expected to close by the end of 2026, came up during multiple calls this week with Wall Street analysts. Corebridge ($27.4 billion) and Equitable ($23.3 billion) combined for more than $50 […]
/C O R R E C T I O N — Deloitte/
{May 20th, 2026} by Deloitte
In the news release, Deloitte Predicts AI, Stablecoins and Expansion of Private Markets May Reshape Financial Services by 2030, issued 20-May-2026 by Deloitte over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that changes have been made. The complete, corrected release follows, with additional details at the end: Deloitte Predicts AI, Stablecoins and Expansion of […]
Manulife Wealth & Asset Management Continues to Build Its AI Leadership and Impact with AI-Powered Tools Enabling Better Advisor and Customer Experiences
{May 20th, 2026} by Manulife Wealth & Asset Management
TORONTO and BOSTON, May 20, 2026 /CNW/ – Manulife Wealth & Asset Management (Manulife WAM) today announced details of three AI-powered sales and advisor enablement tools that streamline routine work, giving advisors and sales teams faster support and clearer insights, so teams can spend more time focused on clients, relationships, and advice that matters. “AI is becoming […]
Trust in Financial Institutions Boosts Retirement Account Sales
{May 20th, 2026} by Allison Bell
The best prospects for annuities and individual retirement accounts may be people who trust insurers and other financial services companies to make good on their promises. Three economists — Maya Haran Rosen, Annamaria Lusardi and Olivia Mitchell — have published a new working paper analyzing the relationship between trust and consumers’ financial behavior. Read at Think Advisor
Annuity-Integrated TDFs Reach Momentum
{May 20th, 2026} by Amanda
Annuity-embedded target-date strategies are gaining ground, as asset managers, regulatory agencies, and plan sponsors show interest in offering guaranteed income in retirement plans. Broader multi-asset portfolios with in-plan annuities surpassed $115 billion, an increase of 150% compared to two years ago, finds new research from Morningstar. Read at 401k
Retirement without guaranteed income streams may mean near-total asset wipeout
{May 20th, 2026} by Steve Randall
Report finds that pension income acts as a financial lifeline for retirees facing late-life shocks and raises urgent questions about the DC-only future. Read at InvestmentNews
SELLING LIFE INSURANCE ON KIDS IS A SCAM?
{May 14th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
“SELLING LIFE INSURANCE ON KIDS IS A SCAM.” I have heard this probably at least 100 times over the past 27 years. I never have understood it. Even less so now. You see- the first time I did hear this, I had already purchased life insurance on my (first) three young children. As a single […]
Aspida Life and WealthVest Offer a Powerful New Guaranteed Income Product with the WealthLock® Income Builder
{May 14th, 2026} by Aspida
A new fixed index annuity from Aspida Life and WealthVest delivers guaranteed lifetime income, spousal protection, and an enhanced nursing home multiplier to support retirement income needs. BOZEMAN, Mont., May 11, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Aspida Life Insurance Company (“Aspida Life”), a life insurance and annuity company, and WealthVest, a financial services distribution firm, today announced the launch […]
We cannot do this without your help, which is why I am here, making a plea on behalf of Marcia
{May 14th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
You NEED to know my friend, Marcia. You see, I met Marcia because I worked with a great guy named Vince Lozada, while employed by AmerUs Group (for those of you younger than I, they are called Athene today). One time, I went down to talk with Vince, and his wife was there. She was […]
ALIRT Insurance Research: U.S. Life Insurance Industry In Transition
{May 14th, 2026} by ALIRT Insurance Research
ALIRT Insurance Research’s latest industry report, Life Insurance Industry in Transition: 2022–2026, examines the strategic, financial, and regulatory developments reshaping the U.S. life insurance and annuity sector over the past four and a half years. HARTFORD, Conn., May 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ALIRT’s latest white paper details how higher interest rates, record annuity sales, increased reinsurance activity, and the […]
Protective Announces CEO Rich Bielen’s Plans to Retire, Names Paul Wells Next President & CEO
{May 14th, 2026} by Protective Life Corporation
BIRMINGHAM, Ala.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Protective Life Corporation a U.S. subsidiary of Daiichi Life Group, Inc. (Daiichi Life, TSE:8750), today announced that Rich Bielen, Chief Executive Officer, has shared his plans to retire at the end of 2026. Paul Wells, President & Chief Financial Officer, will succeed Bielen as President & Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2027. Protective also announced […]
Best’s Special Report: While U.S. Life/Annuity Product Growth Moderated in 2025, Registered Indexed-Linked Annuity Product Kept Fast Sales Pace
{May 14th, 2026} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Registered indexed-linked annuities (RILAs) continued to be one of the fastest growing product segments within the U.S. life insurance industry in 2025, according to a new AM Best report. The Best’s Special Report, “Annuity Premium Growth Moderated in 2025,” notes that interest in RILAs has fueled growth in variable annuities, while premium generated from deferred and […]
Best’s Special Report: US Property/Casualty and Health Insurers Exceed Cost of Capital; Life Insurers Narrowly Mis
{May 14th, 2026} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The return-on-equity for U.S. property/casualty (P/C) insurers reached a decade high level of 14.97% in 2025, while the cost of equity held relatively steady at 8.18%, according to a new AM Best report. Last year started with an early challenge for P/C insurers as the California wildfires caused extensive damage in January. Fortunately, a relatively […]
AM Best Maintains Under Review With Developing Implications Status for Credit Ratings of TruSpire Retirement Insurance Company
{May 14th, 2026} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has maintained the under review with developing implications status for 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). Malibu Life Holdings Limited announced on Oct. 14, 2025, that it has entered into a definitive agreement to […]
New Empathy and LIMRA Research: The Overlooked Opportunity to Engage the Next Generation After an Insurance Payout
{May 14th, 2026} by Empathy
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Empathy, the technology company transforming how the world plans for and navigates life’s hardest moments, and LIMRA, today announced new research examining how the life insurance claims experience shapes long-term customer relationships. The findings reveal a critical disconnect: while insurers have invested meaningfully in operational improvements, they are missing the opportunity to turn one […]
Corebridge Financial and Equitable Holdings Announce Leadership Team for Combined Company
{May 14th, 2026} by Equitable Holdings, Inc
HOUSTON & NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Corebridge Financial (NYSE: CRBG) (“Corebridge”) and Equitable Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: EQH) (“Equitable Holdings”) today announced the leadership team for the future combined company, effective upon completion of the previously announced merger. “Together, the complementary offerings and capabilities of Corebridge and Equitable will enhance customer outcomes and drive long-term shareholder value. This […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Prudential Financial, Inc. and Its Life/Health Subsidiaries
{May 14th, 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 […]
3 ways AI can help close the gap for women’s insurance coverage
{May 14th, 2026} by Rayne Morgan
esides helping speed up the claims process and generally bringing the insurance practice into the 21st Century, artificial intelligence may also help address a longstanding industry issue: the gender gap in coverage. According to LIMRA, women consistently have had less insurance coverage than men for the last 15 years. Multiple studies conducted over the years have pointed […]
Beyond the S&P 500: The case for RILA diversification
{May 14th, 2026} by Brooke Lacey
For many financial professionals, the S&P 500 has become the default choice when investing client funds in registered index-linked annuities (RILAs). New data from Equitable reveals that diversifying into less understood or potentially more volatile asset classes, like small-caps or emerging markets, can pay off as well. Read at INN
Will the Department of Labor take another shot at a fiduciary rule?
{May 14th, 2026} by John Hilton
The Department of Labor’s recent decision to abandon attempts to extend fiduciary duty and recommit to the longstanding “five-part test” for retirement advice is welcome news for the insurance industry. But is the flirtation with fiduciary dead for good this time? Read at INN
NAIC annuity guidance updates divide insurance and advisory groups
{May 14th, 2026} by John Hilton
Insurance and financial planning groups are clashing over whether and how regulators should expand guidance tied to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ best-interest annuity sales rule. In a pair of comment letters, industry trade groups defended the current framework while the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards argues the model regulation falls short of […]
Ameritas settles with Navy vet in lawsuit over disputed annuity sale
{May 14th, 2026} by John Hilton
Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. and its affiliated broker reached a settlement with a retired Navy veteran over a disputed indexed annuity sale. The agreement resolves a lawsuit brought by Andrew and Jennifer Johnson, who alleged wrongdoing regarding the marketing and sale of the financial product. Terms of the settlement were not disclosed. Read at INN
Strong underwriting: what it means for insurers and advisors
{May 14th, 2026} by Anna Baluch
Underwriting has always been complex, but the nature of that complexity continues to evolve. “Today, we’re evaluating more dynamic health profiles, increasingly complex financial situations, and a growing volume of data — particularly as structured sources like electronic health records become more widely used,” said Susan Ghalili, senior vice president and chief underwriter at Pacific […]
Guaranty Income’s New FIA Family Comes in Three Flavors
{May 14th, 2026} by Cyril Tuohy
The three fixed-indexed annuities are among the 47 new indexed annuities rolled out since the start of this year. On Monday, Knighthead Life entered the U.S. FIA market with the launch of two fixed-indexed contracts. Americo Financial Life, Allianz Life, Athene, Revol One and Sammons Financial have all announced new FIAs this year as well. Forty-seven different indexed annuities have been launched since Jan. 1, […]
Transamerica Rolls Out Income Version of its RILA
{May 14th, 2026} by Cyril Tuohy
Income versions of RILAs are becoming more common as the product line has grown to eclipse traditional variable annuities. Lincoln National rolled out its first RILA with a guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefit rider in September, after Principal launched a RILA with a GLWB the previous year and credited it with driving explosive sales growth. Before Transamerica’s move, […]
Finseca CEO: Financial planning creates freedom
{May 14th, 2026} by Finseca
Marc Cadin joined FOX 5 DC to share financial tips, but the conversation ultimately came back to something bigger: planning. Watch the segment.
Nearly Half of Americans Regret Financial Decisions Due to a Lack of Understanding, Experian Research Finds
{May 14th, 2026} by Experian
COSTA MESA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–As Financial Literacy Month comes to a close, new research from Experian highlights a gap in consumers’ understanding of the financial system. According to the research, nearly half (47%) of U.S. adults say they’ve made a financial decision they later regretted because they didn’t fully understand the terms. The research findings underscore the importance […]
Equitable Faces Suit Over Life Policy Beneficiary Change Request
{May 14th, 2026} by Allison Bell
A widow is suing a subsidiary of Equitable Holdings over how it handled a request for a life insurance policy beneficiary change. Koralys Del Mar Ruiz-Calixto said the company, Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company, was slow to help her even though it knew that her husband — Victor Valentin-De Jesús — had a brain tumor. […]
Transamerica Loses Appeal in Annuity Income Payment Case
{May 14th, 2026} by Allison Bell
A three-judge panel at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit has ruled for an annuity owner who wishes a servicer had not started sending her annuity income on the default annuitization date. The panel found that the language in the contract did not let the servicer, Transamerica Premier Life Insurance Co., begin […]
Are Some Annuity Issuers’ Prices Crazy?
{May 14th, 2026} by Allison Bell
Marc Rowan, the co-founder and CEO of Apollo Global Management, shook up big, publicly traded annuity issuers’ earnings calls this week by questioning the wisdom of certain companies that are offering really great deals on individual annuities. Apollo is the parent of Athene, a big annuity issuer and reinsurer. Read at Think Advisor
Goodbye to Corebridge
{May 14th, 2026} by Allison Bell
Marc Costantini, the chief executive officer of Corebridge Financial, and Mark Pearson, the CEO of Equitable Holdings, have been talking to securities analysts this week about how their companies’ pending combination would really work. Corebridge — a Houston-based life and annuity giant that was once owned by American International Group and came to life in 2022 — intends to […]
I am relieved you are not my advisor
{May 14th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
I am a market researcher and don’t mean this in an offensive manner at all, but I am relieved you are not my advisor, Frank Iozzo, CPWA®. I am worried about running out of money in retirement. I want at least 100% “probability” that I will get a paycheck of $X every month, once I […]
Widow Wins $1.2M From UBS Over Annuity, Margin Loan
{May 14th, 2026} by Melanie Waddell
UBS Financial Services has been ordered to pay more than $1.2 million for allegations that a Florida broker recommended purchase of a variable annuity with the client’s retirement funds and used margin in the account. The UBS client, Kelly Goldsmith, alleged breach of fiduciary duty; breach of contract; negligence; negligent misrepresentation; omission; common law fraud; […]
Celebrating Flag Day: WoodmenLife Honors America 250 By Presenting U.S. Flags to Communities Across the Country
{May 14th, 2026} by WoodmenLife
OMAHA, Neb., May 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — For 80 years, Omaha-based WoodmenLife has presented U.S. flags to schools, community groups, first responders, and communities across the country. Since 1947, WoodmenLife has presented more than 4 million flags, making it one of the largest providers of U.S. flags behind the United States government. In honor of America’s 250th […]
Is $100 billion the new normal for quarterly annuity sales?
{May 14th, 2026} by Leo Almazora
Ten consecutive quarters of $100 billion-plus sales. Read the full story on InvestmentNews. The latest preliminary data release from LIMRA show advisors leaning into RILAs, income annuities and protection strategies as clients put certainty over yield.
College for Financial Planning Offers Two New Certificates
{May 14th, 2026} by Melanie Waddell
The College for Financial Planning is offering two new online certificate programs for career-entry professionals seeking financial services expertise. The programs are built to develop career-ready skills and culminate in a certificate from the college, which is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Read at Think Advisor
Living benefits: A better way to position life insurance
{May 14th, 2026} by David Paul
For years, life insurance conversations in our industry followed a familiar pattern. They centered on protection, legacy and eventually the death benefit. That approach made sense at the time, but it also created distance. The value was clear, yet it often felt abstract, like something to handle later instead of something tied to decisions being […]
Annuity boom, private capital surge define new life insurance era
{May 14th, 2026} by Kenneth Araullo
The post-2022 rebound in interest rates has reshaped the US life insurance industry in ways that show little sign of reversing, according to a new white paper from ALIRT Insurance Research, which points to record annuity sales, heavier reinsurance use and the deepening footprint of private investment firms and global carriers. Read at Insurance Business […]
In case you didn’t know…
{May 7th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
Brookfield Wealth Solutions (BWS) completed its acquisition of American Equity Investment Life Holding Company (AEL). They subsequently merged AEL with American National, the parent company of the existing American National insurance operations. This new, combined entity was renamed “American National Group, Inc.” -sjm
Athene Expands Registered Index-Linked Annuity (RILA) Lineup with Launch of Athene Amplify® 3.0
{May 7th, 2026} by Athene
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa, May 04, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Athene, the leading retirement solutions company and subsidiary of Apollo Global Management (NYSE: APO), today announced the launch of Athene Amplify 3.0, a registered index-linked annuity (RILA) designed to expand access to the category. By offering new protection levels and a simplified single-contract structure, Amplify 3.0 […]
Transamerica Introduces New Registered Index-Linked Annuity with Optional Income Features
{May 7th, 2026} by Transamerica
BALTIMORE, May 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Transamerica today introduced TSIA Income, a new registered index-linked annuity (RILA) designed to help individuals create protected lifetime income while remaining connected to market opportunity and maintaining flexibility as retirement needs evolve. As responsibility for retirement income continues to shift to individuals, many Americans are looking for ways to turn savings […]
Knighthead Life Smiles at Sharks, Enters U.S. Fixed Indexed Annuity Market
{May 7th, 2026} by Allison Bell
Some life and annuity issuers are starting to talk about concerns such as fierce competition, squishy investment returns and a need for “discipline.” And some companies, including the ones talking about discipline, are still trying to find a way through all of those hungry, ferocious rival sharks to reach consumers who need protection against the […]
Aspida Life and Market Synergy Group Launch Bitcoin-Linked Index Across Synergy Choice™ Fixed Index Annuity Suite
{May 7th, 2026} by Aspida Life Insurance Company
DURHAM, NC, April 27, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Aspida Life Insurance Company (“Aspida Life”), a life insurance and annuity company, in partnership with Market Synergy Group (MSG), has announced the addition of the BlackRock® U.S. Equity Bitcoin Balanced Risk 10% Index to its Synergy Choice™ Fixed Index Annuity (FIA) product suite. Through an iShares® ETFs component, this new offering […]
