Guide women along the walk through widowhood
{July 15th, 2026} by Susan Rupe
Although more than $54 trillion in wealth is expected to transfer to widows by 2048, many women still face financial insecurity after their spouse dies. A LIMRA report, “A Widow’s Walk to Financial Confidence“, found older widowed women have a higher-than-average poverty rate, while widows overall report low financial preparedness. Read at INN
Guardian report finds small business owners’ confidence may be masking financial vulnerabilities
{July 15th, 2026} by Guardian
NEW YORK, July 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Small business owners are setting ambitious goals and looking to the future with confidence, but a new report from The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian) suggests many may be pursuing those ambitions without necessary financial safeguards. Read the full ‘Big Goals, Fragile Foundations’ report here. Confidence outpaces preparedness According to […]
Proof that we’re not just data aggregators?
{July 15th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
Wink, Inc. has got the intel you need! 😉 Proof that we’re not just data aggregators? *****Data Nerds***** Our team has nearly two centuries of combined experience in the annuity and life insurance markets. We’re product experts who understand the nuances and complexities of the products we track. *****Insurer Besties***** We maintain relationships with the […]
PHL Variable liquidation pushed out to 2027, Connecticut regulators say
{July 14th, 2026} by Jul 1, 2026
The liquidation of PHL Variable Insurance Co. will not happen until next year at the earliest, Connecticut Insurance Commissioner Josh Hershman said in a status update filed Tuesday. State insurance guaranty associations are preparing to seek bids from insurers willing to assume portions of the troubled company’s business, Hershman explained, a process that will take […]
Annuities Reduce Retirees’ Financial Stress, Academic Paper Finds
{July 14th, 2026} by Edward Rueda
Annuities provide guaranteed payments that could, in turn, reduce retirees’ financial stress and potentially lengthen life spans, according to a recent study published by the National Bureau of Economic Research. Looking at administrative payout data from approximately 600,000 Chilean retirees from 2004 through 2022, the study found that surveyed retirees with annuities had a 2.55% reduction […]
Brett Blake of Annuity.com Discusses the Future of Retirement on “Moving America Forward” with Tom Hegna
{July 14th, 2026} by PRLog
Retirement planning is entering a new era, and Brett Blake, CEO of Annuity.com, believes technology and guaranteed income solutions will play a major role in helping Americans retire with greater confidence and security. Blake recently joined nationally recognized retirement expert Tom Hegna on the television program Moving America Forward for a conversation exploring the future of retirement […]
IRS Issues Final Regulations on Life Insurance Contract Transfers
{July 14th, 2026} by Bloomberg Tax Automation
The IRS issued final regulations providing guidance on the application of the transfer-for-value rules and information reporting requirements for reportable policy sales involving life insurance contracts in I.R.C. §1035 exchanges and certain corporate reorganizations. Read at Bloomberg Tax
Mariner adds caregiving support as advisors flag rising client need
{July 14th, 2026} by Leo Almazora
Mariner, the Overland Park, Kansas-based national wealth management firm, said Monday it has partnered with Cariloop to give its advisors and clients direct access to professional care coaches who help families manage the logistics of caring for aging parents, spouses or other relatives with complex health needs. Read at InvestmentNews
Insurance industry employment shows disturbing declines
{July 14th, 2026} by John Hilton
While overall U.S. employment remains resilient, insurance industry hiring is moving in the opposite direction. It is a trend that is raising concerns in an industry anxious over both the growing use of artificial intelligence, and its own aging agent force. Read at INN
Change the lens you use to evaluate premium-financed IUL
{July 14th, 2026} by Michael Rothman and Kristin Williams
There is a way of looking at premium-financed indexed universal life that makes it look like a bad deal. And there is a way of looking at it that makes its value almost impossible to ignore. The difference between those two views is not just the data. It is the lens. Read at INN
Globe Life Inc. (NYSE: GL) Highlighted for Surprising Price Action
{July 14th, 2026} by NetworkNewsWire
Globe Life Inc. (NYSE: GL) has caught the attention of the investment community today with its bullish price action. The company’s shares have moved 1.24% on the day to $179.27. Globe Life Inc. delivers diverse life insurance and supplementary health coverage, alongside annuity products, targeting households in the lower-middle to middle-income brackets throughout the United States. The company’s operations are […]
Pacific Life Launches as Presenting Partner of the US Sailing Team
{July 14th, 2026} by Pacific Life
BRISTOL, R.I.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Today, Pacific Life and US Sailing announced a landmark partnership with Pacific Life being named the Presenting Partner of the US Sailing Team through 2028. The partnership marks one of the most significant sponsorship positions in the future of American sailing and will provide vital support for US Sailing Team athletes as they […]
DOL Rule List Focuses on Alts, End of ESG
{July 13th, 2026} by James Van Bramer
The Department of Labor will focus heavily on fiduciary rules and SECURE 2.0 guidance, according to the newly published 2026 Unified Agenda. The rule lists, posted by the DOL and the Department of the Treasury, revealed that the Employee Benefits Security Administration is again reworking “Prudence and Loyalty in Selecting Plan Investments,” often called the ESG rule, and […]
It could be a game-changer.
{July 10th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
Most of you know that I lost my oldest child, and (then) only son, to suicide nearly 13 years ago. Last week, I revealed that about a month or so ago, my home was transformed to accommodate my dying mother-in-law’s needs, while she was in hospice; sadly, she passed away on July 9th. It is […]
Moore on the Market 7/8/2026
{July 8th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
Good morning! Here’s the latest annuity/life product news, delivered FREE to your inbox… Please excuse a lighter edition this week. I am periodically away from the office this week while caring for a loved one in hospice. -sjm ANNUITY 07/07/26: Ceres Life reduced GLWB payouts on their Graybar IncomePlus fixed indexed annuity. LIFE 06/29/26 […]
Malibu Life Holdings Completes Acquisition of TruSpire, Establishing Malibu USA and Accelerating Entry into the U.S. Retail Annuity Market
{July 8th, 2026} by Malibu Life Holdings Limited
Thu, Jul 02, 2026 08:00 CET Transaction creates Malibu Life’s direct U.S. annuity origination platform, with inaugural product launch targeted for early-to-mid September. George Town, Cayman Islands – July 2, 2026 – Malibu Life Holdings Limited (“Malibu Life” or the “Company”), a London Stock Exchange-listed insurance holding company focused on the U.S. retirement and annuity […]
Ibexis Announces Expanded Bank Relationships and New Index Options for FIA Plus® and WealthDefender® Series
{July 8th, 2026} by Ibexis
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Ibexis Life & Annuity Insurance Company® is pleased to announce expanded bank relationships and the addition of two innovative index options to its FIA Plus® and WealthDefender® product series, further enhancing the growth opportunities and diversification available to financial professionals and their clients through fixed indexed annuities. The new index options […]
MassMutual Ranks No. 100 on the 2026 Fortune 500® List
{July 8th, 2026} by MassMutual
SPRINGFIELD, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–MassMutual today announced that it rose to No. 100 on the 2026 Fortune 500®1 list, placing the company among the top 100 largest U.S. companies by revenue, continuing its streak of more than 30 consecutive years on the list, and reflecting its strong 2025 performance as the company marks its 175th year in business. MassMutual achieved excellent […]
An aging population needs advisors to cut through the confusion
{July 8th, 2026} by Susan Rupe
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. – Three and a half years remain until 2030, a year in which a significant demographic shift is expected to rock the U.S. By 2030, the last baby boomer will turn 65, ending the timespan in which 10,000 boomers a day reached age 65. But as the last of the boomers hit […]
Built-in guaranteed annuities: What advisors should know
{July 7th, 2026} by Anna Baluch
Fidelity Investments recently announced its plans to launch Fidelity Freedom Lifetime, in partnership with top insurance companies like New York Life and Nationwide. Fidelity Freedom Lifetime, a suite of target date collective investment trusts (CITs) with a built-in guaranteed income option, will be available to employer plan sponsors through Fidelity’s platform in early 2027. Read […]
Aquarian Seeks More Backers for $4.1 Billion Brighthouse Deal
{July 7th, 2026} by Alexandre Rajbhandari, Alison McNeely, Dinesh Nair
Aquarian Holdings has approached prospective investors to take a piece of the roughly $3 billion committed by Mubadala Capital to support its acquisition of insurer Brighthouse Financial Inc. Read at Bloomberg Law
Insurer AI Exclusions Spark Policyholder Alarm on Coverage Gaps
{July 7th, 2026} by Randi Love
Companies that develop or use AI-generated content will likely either find themselves on the hook for any related litigation or regulatory probes or paying through the nose for insurance coverage as carriers race to limit their own liability. Read at Bloomberg Law
Apollo ‘Death Bets’ Case Advances After Initial Court Ruling
{July 7th, 2026} by Mike Leonard
Civil litigation moved forward against Apollo Global Management Inc. on Monday over its alleged scheme to bet on the longevity of senior citizens by acquiring their life insurance policies and funneling the payouts through shell entities. Read at Bloomberg Law
7 Consumer Fears About Annuities
{July 7th, 2026} by Allison Bell
Wink’s Moore on the Market: I don’t know about the statistics in this study. Annuities in the United Kingdom have to be different from annuities in the USA? I didn’t even know if annuities were tax deferred in the UK until I asked AI. I just feel like the stats are way off. Only 12% […]
How do you show your support for a spouse that is losing a parent?
{July 7th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
How do you show your support for a spouse that is losing a parent? You may have wondered what’s been up with my infrequent posts. I have news piled-up for days…well- For the past 28 days, my mother-in-law (MIL) has been in a fight for her life. She started at the hospital. Was discharged. Returned […]
Zinnia and Carriers Partner to Drive Annuity Innovation as Annuity Market Hits New Highs
{July 7th, 2026} by Zinnia
GREENWICH, Conn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Zinnia, a leading life and annuity technology company, is helping carriers capitalize on growing annuity demand by launching the next generation of annuity products faster, building innovative digital capabilities. The partnership with carriers reflects Zinnia’s focus on powering product innovation, smarter automation, and modern infrastructure as carriers look to compete in a rapidly […]
Ty J. Young Wealth Management Launches WeBuyAnnuityBooks.com to Help Advisors Successfully Exit Their Business
{July 7th, 2026} by Ty J. Young Wealth Management
ATLANTA, July 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Ty J. Young Wealth Management has launched WeBuyAnnuityBooks.com, a new educational platform dedicated to helping independent fixed indexed annuity (FIA) professionals navigate one of the industry’s most overlooked challenges: succession planning. Designed specifically for retirement-income advisors, insurance agents, marketers, and IMOs, the new website provides educational resources for advisors exploring succession for retirement-income and […]
Annuity issuers borrowed $153B from FHLBs in 2025: AM Best
{July 7th, 2026} by Editorial Staff
Sixteen large life/annuity companies, led by Athene Annuity and Life’s $23B, received advances totaling almost $90 billion from the Federal Home Loan Bank in 2025 (see chart at right). In other news, Cayman regulator aims for ‘jurisdictional maturation’; Apollo caps withdrawals from private credit fund; AM Best discusses reinsurance ‘sidecars’; Sixth Street invests in Monument […]
Annuities in 401(k) plans: A mixed bag for retirees, experts say
{July 7th, 2026} by Lucy Peterson
While annuities can provide retirees with guaranteed lifetime income, a recent article from the Center for Retirement Research, argues that the recent push from the Trump Administration to add more annuities to 401(k) plans has both advantages and disadvantages. Read at Benefits Pro
New Bill Creates Accredited Investor Category For Advisor Clients
{July 7th, 2026} by Tracey Longo
New legislation proposed by a Republican lawmaker in Congress could offer a gateway for Main Street investors seeking to invest in private markets—by creating a new accredited investor status category for them when they use a registered investment advisor. The legislation could put advisors in a powerful gateway role. Read at FA
Before you debate premium financing, understand the bigger picture
{July 7th, 2026} by Michael J. Rothman
Advisors with good intentions often make this mistake when discussing premium-financed indexed universal life, similar to the mistake critics make when they oppose it. They both start in the middle of the story. Read at INN
Empathy Brings Family Support Services to New Transamerica Policies
{July 7th, 2026} by Empathy
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Empathy, the technology leader transforming how the world plans for and deals with life’s hardest moments, announced that its collaboration with Transamerica is officially underway. Starting today, Empathy Loss Support™, a comprehensive post-loss care platform, and Empathy LifeVault™, a digital legacy planning and organization tool, are now live and available to new policyholders […]
Limra Changes How It Calculates Annuity Sales for Carrier Rankings
{July 6th, 2026} by Cyril Tuohy
Wink’s Moore on the Market: I read that LIMRA is going to start counting internal exchanges in their data set. I also heard that Wink, Inc. has reported sales in this manner since 1997. *wink, wink* Welcome to my house, LIMRA. Well played…very well played. -sjm …………………………………………… ….Nationwide sold nearly $2 billion in fixed-rate […]
Are knowledge gaps limiting annuity recommendations?
{July 6th, 2026} by Kush Kotecha
The annuity industry is in the midst of a historic run. According to LIMRA, U.S. retail annuity sales surpassed $460 billion in 2025, marking the fourth consecutive year of record-breaking growth. One reason for this momentum is that we are moving through the heart of the “Peak 65” wave, the largest surge of Americans turning […]
Moore on the Market 7/1/2026
{July 1st, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
Good morning! Here’s the latest life/annuity product news, delivered FREE to your inbox… ANNUITY 06/22/26: American General Life increases the attractiveness of their Lifetime Income Plus Flex Guaranteed Lifetime Withdrawal Benefit (GLWB), their Lifetime Income Plus Multiplier Flex GLWB, and their Lifetime Income Choice GLWB available on the select indexed annuities. 06/29/26: […]
Security Benefit Introduces Blueprint Annuity with 3- and 5-year Horizons Providing Broad Planning Flexibility
{July 1st, 2026} by Security Benefit
TOPEKA, Kan.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Security Benefit today introduced its Blueprint Fixed Index Annuity (FIA) designed as a flexible solution to address retiree uncertainty related to market volatility, interest rates, and more. Blueprint offers advisors and their clients a dependable way to protect assets while still pursuing growth potential. With 3-year and 5-year surrender charge period options, multiple […]
Corebridge Financial Brings New Index Strategies and Enhanced Growth Potential to Max Accumulator+ III
{July 1st, 2026} by Corebridge
June 29th, 2026, HOUSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Corebridge Financial today announced enhancements to its Max Accumulator+ III index universal life insurance product, including new index strategies, as well as changes designed to improve cash value outcomes. These updates are intended to give customers more diversification in how they allocate and build policy value over time and strengthen long-term […]
Wink, Inc. literally reports on over a million data points today!!
{July 1st, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
I am inspired by a competitors’ recent press release “…the industry’s LEADING SOURCE of annuity rate and product data?” ************************Wink, Inc.‘s AnnuitySpecs tool************************ __________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ “…over 250,000 advisors use [competitor’s] annuity data to research and compare annuity products today…” Wink, Inc. serves over 600,000 insurance companies, field marketing organizations, brokerage general agencies, national B/Ds, independent […]
Jackson Named InvestmentNews 2026 Annuities Provider of the Year
{July 1st, 2026} by Jackson National Life Insurance Company
LANSING, Mich.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jackson National Life Insurance Company (Jackson®), the main operating subsidiary of Jackson Financial Inc.1 (NYSE: JXN), has been named the 2026 Annuities Provider of the Year by InvestmentNews. The award recognizes the annuity provider or insurance carrier that has displayed leadership in delivering value to financial professionals and their clients in product innovation, education, service excellence […]
What’s fueling record annuity growth?
{July 1st, 2026} by Ayo Mseka
According to a recent Nationwide survey, financial professionals who sell annuities are already using a variety of software and financial technology platforms in their practices, including financial planning software, customer relationship management platforms and performance reporting software. “As the industry moves toward faster, more standardized processes, advisors who embrace these tools will strengthen client engagement and […]
There are so many unknowns at this point.
{July 1st, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
Heads up! Monumental news ahead- The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) is exploring whether field marketing organizations (FMOs) and brokerage general agencies (BGAs) should have to disclose their compensation. See here: https://content.naic.org/committees/a/life-insurance-annuities-cmte Does that mean merely overrides? How about hurdles/incentive compensation? And index fees- will they be spared? How about national overrides- will they […]
Lincoln Financial to Report 2026 Second Quarter Results on July 30
{July 1st, 2026} by Lincoln Financial
RADNOR, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Lincoln Financial (NYSE:LNC) announced today that it will report its results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2026, at 6:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, July 30, 2026. A conference call is scheduled for 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time on the same day. Earnings materials, including the 2026 second quarter Earnings Release, Earnings […]
SEC Could Give More Life and Annuity Products Their Own Registration Forms
{July 1st, 2026} by Allison Bell
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission could create registration forms that would make contingent deferred annuities and registered indexed-linked universal life insurance policies easier to create and easier to understand. Read at Think Advisor
OneAmerica Names Top Life Product Designer
{July 1st, 2026} by Allison Bell
OneAmerica Financial has come up with a way to help client conversations shape its life insurance products: It’s putting the same person in charge of product creation and product sales. The Indianapolis-based company has named Bud Graessle senior vice president, distribution & product development. Read at Think Advisor
Life Happens’ Real Life Story Video Wins Prestigious Silver Telly Award
{July 1st, 2026} by Kevin Mayeux
Congratulations to Life Happens for receiving a prestigious Silver Telly Award for Best Not-for-Profit Video in the 47th Annual Telly Awards. This national recognition honors the outstanding work Life Happens is doing to educate consumers, elevate the importance of financial protection, and share powerful stories that move people to take action. The award-winning Real Life Story video, “Protected by Planning,” […]
Does NAPFA’s new fiduciary definition clarify or muddy the water for clients?
{July 1st, 2026} by Dan Shaw
The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors wants to clarify that when the word “fiduciary” is applied to one of its members, it explicitly means they don’t accept commissions or other sales charges for their services. Read at Financial Planning
Retirement control is top success measure for middle class, ACLI says
{July 1st, 2026} by Brooke Lacey
One in four middle-class households identified having enough savings to retire at their desired age and lifestyle as the goal that would most make them feel financially successful, according to the American Council of Life Insurers’ latest Financial Resilience Index. The survey measures middle-class households’ ability to manage financial challenges and plan for a stable […]
Why timing the market is still a retirement mistake and what to do instead
{July 1st, 2026} by Anna Baluch
The economy has shown signs of uncertainty and as a result, many clients have been trying to time the market. However, experts agree that attempting to do so is one of the greatest mistakes anyone can ever make. Even Jack Bogle, the founder of Vanguard is on the same page. Read at INN
How to Explore Annuities’ Private Credit Holdings
{July 1st, 2026} by Allison Bell
The assets in life and annuity contracts “can materially influence both performance and risk,” wealth advisor Ryan Patton says. Read at Think Advisor
Life Insurers Aren’t Just Investors in Private Credit. They’re Major Lenders, Too.
{July 1st, 2026} by Matt Wirz and Shane Shifflett
Insurance companies are exposed to the embattled private-credit industry in more ways than one, according to a new report by Clearwater Analytics, a portfolio management software provider. About one-quarter of the life insurers tracked by Clearwater that hold stakes in private-credit funds also lend money to them. The insurers typically lend $2 to the funds for each […]
What happens to annuities when the world falls apart
{July 1st, 2026} by Allison Bell
SUBRAN: The most likely outcome may remain one of managed fragmentation rather than outright decoupling, but tail risks are now significant … Read at Think Advisor
Empower to Acquire Milliman’s Retirement Administration Business
{July 1st, 2026} by Empower
GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Empower and Milliman, Inc. today announced they have entered into a definitive agreement for Empower to acquire Milliman’s retirement administration business. The acquisition will add significant expertise, broader capabilities and an expanded workplace solutions portfolio to Empower’s existing business. Milliman is retaining its retirement and healthcare actuarial consulting business and expects to […]
‘Annuity Providers Are Still Strong’: Exec
{July 1st, 2026} by Allison Bell
Thinking about interest rates has been swirling in circles. The stock market has been flaky. Read at Think Advisor
In HelloNation, Wealth Management Professionals Joe Thieman and Seth Mayberry Compare Fixed & Indexed Annuities
{July 1st, 2026} by HelloNation
SAN ANGELO, Texas, June 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The article compares income potential, fees, and risk factors to help retirees choose the right annuity strategy. Should you choose a fixed annuity or an indexed annuity for your retirement income plan? HelloNation has published the answer in an article, featuring insights from Joe Thieman and Seth Mayberry of Thieman […]
A ‘Three-Wave Correction’ in S&P 500 Is Coming: BofA
{July 1st, 2026} by Geoffrey Morgan
The S&P 500 Index has been on tear, rising nearly 17% since March, but the rally has been showing signs of exhaustion. Read at Think Advisor
Hub’s IPO Might Open Curtains on Its Life, Annuity and Advice Teams
{June 30th, 2026} by N/A
The property and casualty broker has $207 billion in retirement plan and private wealth assets under advisement. Read at ThinkAdvisor
Gen Z Viewpoint Survey – Unlocking the Insurance Market
{June 30th, 2026} by Ruth Potter
One of the recent surveys released by the Life & Health U.S. Research Center was a collaborative effort with the University of Southern Maine’s Dana Kerr, Associate Professor and MEMIC John T. Leonard Chair in Risk Management & Insurance. Surveying more than 300 people aged 18 to 24‑years-old, they provided their perceptions of the insurance industry by sector and as a […]
NCOIL HOLDS TENTH DC FLY-IN TO EDUCATE CONGRESS ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF STATE-BASED INSURANCE REGULATION
{June 30th, 2026} by NCOIL
Belmar, NJ- A bipartisan group of NCOIL legislators from State Legislatures around the country met in Washington, D.C. to educate Members of Congress and their staffs about the vital importance of the state-based regulation of insurance and its success for over 80 years. Participating legislators included: MN Sen. Paul Utke, NCOIL President; MI Rep. […]
7 Consumer Fears About Annuities
{June 30th, 2026} by Allison Bell
Wink’s Moore on the Market: I don’t know about the statistics in this study. Annuities in the United Kingdom have to be different from annuities in the USA? I didn’t even know if annuities were tax deferred in the UK until I asked AI. I just feel like the stats are way off. Only 12% […]
State Farm’s agency overhaul: What distribution can learn
{June 30th, 2026} by Chris Taylor
State Farm’s “Next Gen Good Neighbor” initiative delivers an unambiguous message to life and annuity distribution leaders: the future of distribution will be owned by human/artificial intelligence hybrids. Those that delay will watch a measurable efficiency gap become a permanent competitive disadvantage. Read at INN
Western & Southern launches new Gerber Life digital platform
{June 30th, 2026} by News
Western & Southern Financial Group launched a redesigned direct-to-consumer digital storefront for Gerber Life, combining products and services from Gerber Life Insurance Company and Fabric by Gerber Life into a single online platform focused on family financial wellness and life insurance. The new GerberLife.com experience is designed to make it easier for families to access life […]
MassMutual Ranked Among Top 10 on the 2026 Evident AI Index for Insurance
{June 30th, 2026} by MassMutual
SPRINGFIELD, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–MassMutual announced that it ranked 10th overall on the 2026 Evident AI Index for Insurance, the most comprehensive independent benchmark of AI maturity in the insurance sector. The company was also recognized as the top-ranked mutual life insurer in the Index and was ranked within the top 10 for the second consecutive year. […]
Moore on the Market 6/24/2026
{June 24th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
ANNUITY Good morning! Here’s the latest life/annuity product news, delivered FREE to your inbox… 06/22/26: American General Life increased the competitiveness of their Lifetime Income Plus Flex GLWB and their Lifetime Income Plus Multiplier Flex GLWB, which are available on the Power Select Advisory and Power Select Plus Income fixed indexed annuities. They also made […]
MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company Launches New Optional Death Benefit Rider on Fixed-Indexed Annuities
{June 24th, 2026} by MassMutual Ascend Life
CINCINNATI–(BUSINESS WIRE)–In a recent survey, 73% of Americans say estate planning is personally important.1 As people begin to prepare for the future, they may be asking, “What can I do to leave a lasting legacy for my loved ones?” MassMutual Ascend is excited to launch its new optional death benefit rider, the Legacy Ascender, on fixed-indexed […]
Royal Neighbors of America Achieves Record Growth, Drives $52.8 Million in Social Good Impact
{June 24th, 2026} by Royal Neighbors of America
ROCK ISLAND, Ill., June 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Royal Neighbors of America, one of the nation’s fastest-growing fraternal life insurance organizations1, today announced its 2025 social good impact results, reflecting a year of significant business growth and record-breaking community impact. Over the past two years, the organization increased annual premium by nearly 30% and expanded its membership […]
The New Transamerica to Make New York Its Home
{June 24th, 2026} by Allison Bell
Wink’s Moore on the Market: Well, so much for Transamerica making Iowa their headquarters! They will be calling the Big Apple “home.” -sjm ………………………………………… Aegon will move its headquarters to New York City in mid-2027, after it changes its corporate name to Transamerica, and it will make Will Fuller the president and chief operating […]
Why annuities are gaining traction with younger investors
{June 24th, 2026} by David Hanzlik
For decades, annuities were positioned as a solution for the final chapter of an investor’s financial life. Today, that view no longer holds, especially among younger investors who are rethinking how annuities can support long-term growth and resilience much earlier in the planning process. Read at INN
Advocates: Life insurers potentially missing millions of deaths annually
{June 24th, 2026} by John Hilton
Consumer advocates are urging life insurance regulators to strengthen death-claim searches, warning that relying on the federal Death Master File may be missing millions of deaths each year. Richard M. Weber, a 59-year veteran of the life insurance industry, told regulators Monday that only about 16% of U.S. deaths are now captured in the Social […]
John Hancock Expands Customer Reach with Enhanced Life Insurance Solution
{June 24th, 2026} by John Hancock
BOSTON, June 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ – John Hancock today announced an enhanced Protection Variable Universal Life (Protection VUL) solution — permanent life insurance designed to offer both protection and flexibility as customers’ needs change over time. This announcement aligns with the Company’s broader strategy to drive sustained, scalable growth in the U.S. life insurance market and empower […]
Americans Fear Navigating Long-Term Care Alone More Than Affording It
{June 24th, 2026} by Nationwide
COLUMBUS, Ohio, June 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — For decades, conversations about long-term care (LTC) have centered on the question about how people will pay for it. But new research from Nationwide shows many fear something far more personal: who will be there to help them navigate care when they need it most? According to Nationwide Retirement Institute’s 2026 Long-Term […]
Securian Financial Study Finds Many Americans Living on the Financial Edge as Economic Pressures Push Borrowers Into “Financial Defense” Mode
{June 24th, 2026} by Securian Financial
ST. PAUL, Minn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Rising costs, persistent economic uncertainty and growing concerns about financial resilience are causing Americans to shift from pursuing financial goals to protecting what they have, according to findings from Securian Financial’s third annual lending environment study. The study, which surveyed more than 1,000 current and prospective borrowers nationwide, found that many Americans are […]
Only 1 in 4 Americans Think Now Is A Good Time To Invest, Allianz Life Study Finds
{June 24th, 2026} by Allianz
MINNEAPOLIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Americans are growing more cautious about investing as concerns about a potential recession and ongoing market volatility rise, according to the Q2 2026 Quarterly Market Perceptions Study* from the Allianz Center for the Future of Retirement, part of Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz Life). About three in five (62%) worry that […]
Best’s Special Report: Funding Agreements Drove Life/Annuity Insurers’ FHLB Borrowings in 2025
{June 24th, 2026} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–U.S. life/annuity insurers’ borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Banks (FHLBs) slowed in 2025, but still grew by 10% year over year, driven predominantly by funding agreements, according to a new AM Best report. The FHLBs are a system of 11 regionally based government-sponsored banks providing liquidity to financial institutions to promote housing and community initiatives. […]
Industry experts warn NAIC: Fix flawed IUL illustrations now
{June 24th, 2026} by John Hilton
Wink’s Moore on the Market: Richard Weber has some legit points for National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), in regards to indexed life illustrations. I highly encourage you to read them yourself. That said, you know what I LOVED about this article? “He [Weber] also suggested replacing traditional paper-based illustrations with interactive digital tools that […]
Storytelling at it’s finest!
{June 24th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
By FAR my most favoritest Gary Mettler storytelling ever, below! SO pleased that Curtis V. Cloke, LUTCF, CLTC, RICP can join the convo! 👏🏻👏🏻
The Butler House on Grand
{June 24th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
My bed-and-breakfast is for sale! (On to the next real estate investment…) See “The Butler House on Grand” -sjm
I (Used to) Hate Annuities: Then I Looked at the Math
{June 24th, 2026} by Mike Decker
Wink’s Moore on the Market: As many of you know, I am channel agnostic. I don’t care if a financial professional is an RIA, career agent or insurance-licensed-only agent. It does not matter if they are fee-based, fee-only or commissioned. Anyone who can ethically, responsibly, and reliably educate consumers on life insurance and annuity products […]
These life-insurance policies are booming. Here’s who should – and shouldn’t – buy one.
{June 24th, 2026} by Robert Powerll
Wink’s Moore on the Market: Whoa! You know that I’ve got nothing but love for you, my friend Andy Panko, CFP®, RICP®, TPCP®, EA. That said, what gives with: “I flat-out feel anyone who’s low income should not be buying permanent life insurance, especially IUL?” What is your definition of “low income?” I am LUCKY […]
John Hancock Expands Customer Reach With Enhanced Life Insurance Solution
{June 23rd, 2026} by John Hancock
BOSTON, June 17, 2026 /CNW/ – John Hancock today announced an enhanced Protection Variable Universal Life (Protection VUL) solution — permanent life insurance designed to offer both protection and flexibility as customers’ needs change over time. This announcement aligns with the Company’s broader strategy to drive sustained, scalable growth in the U.S. life insurance market and empower […]
From saving to spending: Using annuity solutions to address retirement income complexity for clients
{June 23rd, 2026} by Erin Culek, Head of Financial Protection and Retirement Solutions, Guardian
Retirement today is no longer a single event, but a multi-decade transition driven by longer lifespans, evolving work patterns, and the decline of traditional pensions. Read at InvestmentNews
From Entrant to Established
{June 23rd, 2026} by Talcott Financial Group
Talcott Financial Group entered the retail annuity market with a clear purpose and a proven record of providing income. “We’re not a new carrier. We’re a new entrant,” says Ryan Lex, Head of Retail Distribution and Marketing at Talcott Financial Group. Read at INN
Pacific Life Bolsters Its Registered Index-Linked Annuity
{June 23rd, 2026} by WSR Newsroom
Pacific Life announced that it enhanced its registered index-linked annuity (RILA), Pacific Protective Growth, with the ability to track market indexes and provide levels of protection during market downturns. Enhancements to the RILA include the Annual Lock with Cap Rate crediting strategy that provides an index measurement for each year of a 6-year term, maintaining the […]
Regulators Probe The AI Debt Sitting Inside Your Annuity
{June 23rd, 2026} by Dara-Abasi Ita,
The money behind a pension annuity has to sit somewhere, and increasingly it sits in private debt that the public never sees. Bonds carrying private placement numbers made up 23.4% of U.S. insurers’ total admitted bonds in 2025, up from 18.3% in 2021, on S&P Global Market Intelligence data reported by Insurance Business. Much of that […]
Annuity demand surges, yet consumers stay wary
{June 23rd, 2026} by Jonalyn Cueto
US annuity sales totalled $107.4 billion in the first quarter of 2026, up 1% from a year earlier and the latest in a sustained run of quarterly sales above $100 billion, according to LIMRA’s US Individual Annuity Sales Survey. The figures build on a record 2025, when full-year annuity sales rose 7% to $464.1 billion […]
Choosing Annuities Is Hard, Even for Well-Informed People, Researcher Says
{June 23rd, 2026} by Allison Bell
Retirement savers who understand what annuities are and how annuities work may not be much more likely to buy annuities than anyone else. Read at Think Advisor
Man Who Bought Hundreds of Snowmobiles Admits to $14M Ponzi Scheme
{June 23rd, 2026} by Dinah Wisenberg Brin
Wink’s Moore on the Market: So, I had to read this article based on the headline alone (kudos to you, Dinah Wisenberg Brin). While what this man did was deplorable, why would ANYONE trust someone that promised an investment that received an annual 20% return?!? Am I being naive? And why would any one person […]
I have outsourced the matter of horn-tooting.
{June 23rd, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
You guys/gals know how bad I am about tooting my own horn when it comes to Wink, Inc.. This time, I have outsourced the matter of horn-tooting. hashtag#NotKidding Check-out Justin Woodbury‘s giveaway, below. It only costs FREE NINETY-NINE! -sjm
MassMutual on Strategies for Maximizing Retirement Income
{June 22nd, 2026} by Zandile Chiwanza of VettaFi
In an effort to streamline retirement income planning, MassMutual Strategic Distributors has launched a behavioral framework designed to help financial advisors map client psychology directly to variable annuity income riders. Moderated by Kirsten Chang, senior industry analyst at Vettafi, the webcast titled Variable annuities, income riders, and retirement income innovations featured insights from industry experts including Chris […]
Prosperity Life Group℠ Launches Prosperity PathWay℠ Series, Bringing Greater Choice and Flexibility to Retirement Income Planning
{June 17th, 2026} by Prosperity Life Group
AUSTIN, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Prosperity Life Group today announced the launch of Prosperity PathWay℠ Series Fixed Indexed Annuities (FIAs), issued by S.USA Life Insurance Company, Inc. (S.USA), a Prosperity Life Group company. Prosperity PathWay Series includes two FIAs that combine growth opportunity, protected lifetime income, and allocation flexibility while helping protect from market downturns: Prosperity PathWay℠ | FIA […]
Pacific Life Enhances Its Registered Index-Linked Annuity
{June 17th, 2026} by Pacific Life Insurance Company
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Pacific Life announced recently that it has enhanced its registered index-linked annuity (RILA), Pacific Protective Growth, which offers opportunities to track market indexes while providing levels of protection during market downturns. “After our successful launch of Pacific Protective Growth in late 2024, we challenged ourselves to enhance the product further,” said Nick Weber, […]
AuguStar Life enhances its suite of living benefits
{June 17th, 2026} by AuguStar Life
CINCINNATI, June 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — AuguStar® Life, a Constellation business, has enhanced its LiveNow Access accelerated benefit rider with a new critical illness feature, giving clients more ways to use their life insurance when it matters most. The addition complements the rider’s suite of living benefits, which also includes chronic and terminal illness coverage. Together, these features […]
John Hancock Expands Customer Reach with Enhanced Life Insurance Solution
{June 17th, 2026} by John Hancock
BOSTON, June 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ – John Hancock today announced an enhanced Protection Variable Universal Life (Protection VUL) solution — permanent life insurance designed to offer both protection and flexibility as customers’ needs change over time. This announcement aligns with the Company’s broader strategy to drive sustained, scalable growth in the U.S. life insurance market and empower […]
Fidelity Investments® to Expand Target Date Lineup With Launch of Guaranteed Income Solution
{June 17th, 2026} by Fidelity Investments
BOSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Target-date pioneer and industry leaderi Fidelity Investments® today announced plans to launch Fidelity Freedom® Lifetime, a suite of target date collective investment trusts (CITs) with a built-in guaranteed income option*. This retirement solution will be available to employers and plan sponsors on Fidelity’s recordkeeping platform in early 2027. Freedom Lifetime will leverage Fidelity’s time-tested target date strategy […]
Best’s Special Report: U.S. Life/Annuity Industry Sees Bottom-Line Growth Despite 18% Decline in Total Income in First-Quarter 2026
{June 17th, 2026} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The U.S. life/annuity industry saw its total income decrease 18% in the first three months of 2026 from the prior-year period as premiums and annuity considerations fell by $36 billion, according to preliminary financial results. This financial review is detailed in a new AM Best report, “First Look: Three-Month 2026 US Life/Annuity Financial Results,” and […]
F&G Annuities & Life Announces Executive Leadership Transitions
{June 17th, 2026} by F&G Annuities & Life, Inc.
DES MOINES, Iowa, June 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — F&G Annuities & Life, Inc. (NYSE: FG) (F&G or the Company), a leading provider of insurance solutions serving retail annuity and life customers and institutional clients, today announced that Chris Blunt will retire from his current role as Chief Executive Officer of F&G to focus on his roles as a […]
Iowa insurance regulator gives too much voice to Wall Street | Opinion
{June 17th, 2026} by Frederick Haskins
Wink’s Moore on the Market: Fred Haskins and The Des Moines Register have something to say about private credit and life insurers. This former Iowa Insurance Commissioner alleges that “the Iowa Insurance Division and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) are working closely with large insurers, helping shape the very system they’re supposed to […]
5 Things to Know About Life Insurers’ Own Private Assets
{June 17th, 2026} by Paul Fitzpatrick
Life insurance and annuity issuers have become major allocators to private credit over the past decade, which means the assets backing your clients’ annuities and long-duration products look meaningfully different than they did before. Most advisors aren’t tracking this closely enough, and most clients lack full visibility into it at all. While that’s not necessarily […]
Greg Lindberg moves to halt $1.65B restitution order, claims he ‘overpaid’
{June 17th, 2026} by John Hilton
Greg Lindberg is asking a federal court to halt ongoing asset sales tied to a $1.655 billion restitution order, arguing that a proper accounting under federal restitution law shows he owes nothing. In fact, Lindberg claims he overpaid by about $1.27 billion. Read at INN
Greg Lindberg slams ‘vindictiveness’ in fight for prison computer access
{June 17th, 2026} by John Hilton
The cooperation enjoyed in recent years by Greg Lindberg and the investigators unwinding his complex, fraud-enabled empire is very quickly evaporating. Lindberg, sentenced to 12 years in prison last month and ordered to pay restitution of $1.655 billion, said investigators are suddenly playing hardball with elements of his plea agreement. Read at INN
Advisors celebrating ‘Annuities Awareness Month’ with another sales record in the making
{June 17th, 2026} by Gregg Greenberg
June may be ‘Annuities Awareness Month’ on the calendar but advisors have already been selling record amounts of the guaranteed income products. Read at InvestmentNews
Senior Market Sales® Fortifies Annuity Reach With Acquisition of Retirement Planning Firm Stratton & Company
{June 17th, 2026} by Senior Market Sales
Wink’s Moore on the Market: WHAT DOES IT MEAN?!? This is the second marketing organization that I have received information on, in the past 24 hours, which is buying their producers’ businesses. -sjm ………………………………………………….. OMAHA, Neb.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Senior Market Sales® (SMS), a premier national insurance marketing organization (IMO), has acquired Nocatee, Florida-based Stratton & Company, […]
Integrity Launches Industry-First Health Insurance Plan for Agents and Advisors
{June 17th, 2026} by Insurance Forums Staff
Wink’s Moore on the Market: Hey, Bryan W. Adams! You stole my idea, for my marketing organization that I never started! =D SMART move! What a terrific way to recruit new agents and ensure retention at Integrity. Keep surprising me. -sjm …………………………………………………….. Dallas-based Integrity LLC, a life and health insurance distributor and provider […]
Was it worth it? I don’t know yet.
{June 17th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
There is not enough information in this article to make a judgement or suggest a “better” strategy. However, I found it interesting. You will recall that historically this media source was known as “National Underwriter.” It was a news magazine that catered to the life insurance and annuity markets. I found it to be immensely […]
KKR and Apollo-Owned Life Insurers Are Gorging on Private Credit
{June 17th, 2026} by Matt Wirtz
Wink’s Moore on the Market: Matt Wirz with The Wall Street Journal wrote about some of the biggest names in the annuity business this week. -sjm ………………………………………………………………….. Life insurance companies accelerated purchases of private credit in 2025 with insurers owned by private fund managers leading the charge, according to analysis by Moody’s Ratings. […]
It is a light read, and dare I say- at times “funny?”
{June 17th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
Here’s your regular monthly reminder that if you have prospects that are considering indexed annuities- my personal experience may help out. “Why I Bought Indexed Annuities” is my own account of my first indexed annuity purchase. It is a light read, and dare I say- at times “funny?” Join the crowd, and buy the book […]
Is that even his voice?
{June 17th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
What?!? Is that even Tracy Morgan’s voice? I must be ignorant. I thought that the infinite banking concept was reserved for cash value life insurance. Any thoughts? -sjm
Ummm, what is a “fee credit?!”
{June 17th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
Annuity.org: Account Value is the gross cash value of an annuity contract, which would be payable to heirs with most deferred annuities. On the other hand, the Cash Surrender Value is the amount the annuitant would receive in the event of a cash surrender of the contract. It also bears noting that the Benefit Base […]
Regulators Start Talks About Life and Annuity Wholesaler-Pay Disclosure Rules
{June 17th, 2026} by Allison Bell
Wink’s Moore on the Market: TO ALL OF MY FRIENDS WHO OWN MARKETING ORGANIZATIONS: The Life Insurance and Annuities Committee — an arm of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) — recently put out a request for comments about ways to use technology to help regulators monitor the compensation incentives that “independent marketing organizations” […]
Conor Murphy to Become CEO of Annuity Issuer with Ties to Blackstone
{June 17th, 2026} by Allison Bell
Wink’s Moore on the Market: I am so pleased to hear that Conor Murphy has been named the incoming CEO at F&G. That said, I am looking forward to new opportunities to work together, Chris Blunt! Taking the head at Peak Altitude, F&G’s insurance distribution arm sounds FUN! Congratulations, gentlemen! -sjm …………………………………………………………………. F&G Annuities […]
Appeals court rejects investor payouts in latest decision against STOLI
{June 17th, 2026} by John Hilton
A federal appeals court upheld a lower court ruling last week that voided two life insurance policies with a combined face value of $8 million, finding they were illegal stranger-originated life insurance, or STOLI, policies under New Jersey law. The Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit affirmed summary judgment in favor of Lincoln National […]
Can Gen Z Men’s View of Mental Health Improve Workforce Retention and Productivity?
{June 17th, 2026} by The Standard
PORTLAND, Ore.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Standard’s latest research, Mental Health in the Workplace: Will Gen Z Men Shrink the Stigma?, explores whether the attitude of Generation Z men could lead to greater acceptance of mental health leave for men of all ages. Gen Z Men Prioritize Mental Health Young men are bucking the mental health stigma. Research from The […]
Wealth managers explain why there is more to legacy planning than moving money
{June 17th, 2026} by Gregg Greenberg
Approximately $124 trillion in wealth will transfer from Baby Boomers and older Americans to heirs, widows, and charities by 2048, according to Cerulli Associates’ most recent report. Read at InvestmentNews
Indexed-annuity crusader
{June 17th, 2026} by Sheryl J. Moore
Wink’s Moore on the Market: Found this little gem from InvestmentNews in 2009, Indexed Annuity crusader while researching some stats this morning- “Sheryl J. Moore is mad as hell at the media, and she’s not going to take it anymore.” Correcting annuity media for 25 years…and still going! -sjm
An update on US consumer sentiment: Gloomier outlook ahead of sunnier days
{June 17th, 2026} by Christina Adams , Kari Alldredge , and Thomas Kilroy
In the second quarter of 2026, US consumers faced uneven hiring, rising inflation, and ongoing geopolitical tensions. Against that backdrop, a smaller share of consumers reported feeling optimistic about the economy, while a greater share said they felt pessimistic. Consumers also reported intentions to pull back spending across most discretionary categories. The pullback was most […]
Global millionaire population jumps by nearly 2 million in 2025, driven by strong stock market performance worldwide
{June 17th, 2026} by Capgemini
Paris, June 4, 2026 – The 30th edition of the Capgemini Research Institute’s World Wealth Report 2026, published today, found an 8.7% increase in global high-net-worth individual[1] (HNWI) wealth in 2025, reaching a record USD 98.3 trillion — the largest single-year increase since 2018. A robust equity market performance and easing inflation drove HNWI wealth […]
Pacific Life Enhances RILA Strategy
{June 17th, 2026} by Amanda Umpierrez
Pacific Life announced recently that it has improved its registered index-linked annuity (RILA), Pacific Protective Growth, which offers opportunities to track market indexes while providing levels of protection during market downturns. “After our successful launch of Pacific Protective Growth in late 2024, we challenged ourselves to enhance the product further,” said Nick Weber, vice president, annuity product development, […]
Simplicity Acquires August H. Velten & Associates, Welcoming August Velten as a Simplicity Partner
{June 17th, 2026} by Simplicity Group Holdings
SUMMIT, N.J., June 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Simplicity Group (“Simplicity”) today announced the acquisition of August H. Velten & Associates, Inc., an independent retail wealth management and annuity producer based in Melbourne, Florida. With this acquisition, founder August Velten becomes a Simplicity Partner, and the RIA will soon rebrand as Simplicity Wealth Advisors: Melbourne. “Augie Velten and […]
Best’s Special Report: Funding Agreements Drove Life/Annuity Insurers’ FHLB Borrowings in 2025
{June 17th, 2026} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–U.S. life/annuity insurers’ borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Banks (FHLBs) slowed in 2025, but still grew by 10% year over year, driven predominantly by funding agreements, according to a new AM Best report. The FHLBs are a system of 11 regionally based government-sponsored banks providing liquidity to financial institutions to promote housing and community initiatives. […]
US annuity boom fuels private credit surge that worries regulators
{June 17th, 2026} by Mark Rosanes
US retail annuity sales reached a record $461 billion in 2025. The business models supporting that growth have become materially more complex, according to Morningstar DBRS. The report focuses on multiyear guaranteed annuities (MYGAs) and fixed indexed annuities (FIAs). Both products carry low risk profiles, Morningstar DBRS said. The investment and capital strategies built around […]
Fidelity To Add Annuities To Target-Date Lineup
{June 17th, 2026} by FA Staff
Fidelity Investments said it will expand its target date offerings to include annuities. Fidelity Freedom Lifetime, a suite of target date collective investment trusts (CITs) with a built-in guaranteed income option, will include a strategic allocation to an insurance pool through insurers Nationwide and New York Life, the firm said in a news release. Read […]
AM Best Issues Correction to Issue Credit Rating on Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America’s Surplus Notes
{June 17th, 2026} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has issued a correction to the previously published assignment of a Long-Term Issue Credit Rating (Long-Term IR) of “aa” (Superior) of the forthcoming $2 billion, 30-year surplus notes, issued by Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America (TIAA) (New York, NY) with a stable outlook. The Long-Term IR of “aa” has been […]
Where life, annuity & protection converge.
{June 17th, 2026} by Susan Crawford
The largest event convening the life & annuity industry — the producers, carriers, wholesalers, capital, and platforms shaping the future of income and financial security. Three days. One ecosystem. See more on Protectors, powered by NAIFA
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), […]
