Wink, Inc. Releases Third Quarter, 2019 Life Sales Results
{November 27th, 2019} by Press Release
— FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION — NEWS RELEASE LOW RATES AND REGULATION HURT LIFE INSURANCE SALES Wink, Inc. Releases Third Quarter, 2019 Life Sales Results Des Moines, Iowa. November 27, 2019– Wink, Inc. released third quarter, 2019 life sales results in its 89th edition of Wink’s Sales & Market Report. Wink’s Sales & Market Report, […]
THIRD QUARTER 2019 LIFE INSURANCE SALES
{November 27th, 2019} by Sheryl J. Moore
Non-Variable UL Total 3Q2019 non-variable universal life sales were $816,122,151. Third quarter non-variable life sales were down more than 5% when compared to the previous quarter and down nearly 7% as compared to the same period last year. Indexed Life Sales for the third quarter of 2019 were $529 million, compared with sales […]
AmeriLife Partners with Wamberg Genomic Advisors to Provide Access to Cancer Guardian, Innovative Cancer Support Services
{November 27th, 2019} by AmeriLIfe
LA JOLLA, Calif., Nov. 26, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — AmeriLife, a national leader in developing, marketing and distributing annuity, life and health insurance solutions to enhance the lives of others, has partnered to offer Wamberg Genomic Advisors’ Cancer Guardian™ to clients through its insurance agents and brokers. Cancer Guardian is the first program that gives its members access to personalized […]
Integrity Marketing Group Expands in the Midwest with Acquisition of Senior Solutions
{November 27th, 2019} by Integrity Marketing Group
DALLAS, Nov. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Integrity Marketing Group, LLC (“Integrity”), the nation’s largest independent distributor of life and health insurance products, today announced the acquisition of Senior Solutions, an insurance marketing organization based in Omaha, Nebraska with operations throughout the greater Midwest. As part of the deal, founder Ryan Schaake will become an owner in Integrity. Financial terms of the private transaction […]
Northwestern Mutual Announces New Accelerated Underwriting Capabilities to Reimagine the Client Experience
{November 27th, 2019} by Northwestern Mutual
MILWAUKEE, Nov. 19, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — To create a more integrated and seamless experience for its clients, Northwestern Mutual is leveraging technology and innovation to help more Americans achieve financial security. Through advanced analytics and predictive modeling, Northwestern Mutual announced that it has recently rolled out an accelerated underwriting process for disability insurance product applications, a technology the […]
What Advisors Really Think About the Fisher Controversy
{November 27th, 2019} by Janet Levaux
The disclosure of Ken Fisher’s remarks during a closed-door session at a recent industry event and the resulting fallout have been carefully watched by financial advisors and the media. Given the significance of these developments, Investment Advisor/ThinkAdvisor polled advisors and other financial professionals to ask them what they specifically think about Fisher’s remarks and the […]
New York Life Announces Company Record $1.9 Billion Total Dividend Payout to Policy Owners
{November 27th, 2019} by New York Life
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–New York Life, America’s largest mutual life insurer, today announced that the company expects to pay eligible participating policy owners a dividend payout of $1.9 billion in 2020, the largest in the company’s history. This record milestone will mark the 166th consecutive year that New York Life has paid a dividend to policy owners, […]
Best’s Special Report: Life/Annuity Insurers Keep Appetite for Long-Term Debt in Check
{November 27th, 2019} by A.M. Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Long-term debt obligations among publicly traded U.S. life/annuity (L/A) insurance companies has declined by 14% over an eight-year span, to $89.3 billion in 2018 from $103.8 billion in 2010, according to a new AM Best report. A new Best’s Special Report, titled, “Life/Annuity Companies’ Appetite for Long-Term Debt Kept in Check,” states that many of the 19 […]
Securities America Allies with Veteran Executive David Pintaric to Launch New Super-OSJ
{November 27th, 2019} by Securities America
LA VISTA, Neb.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Securities America, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc. (NYSE American: LTS, LTS PrA, LTSL, LTSF, LTSK, LTSH), today announced a strategic alliance with 33-year wealth management industry veteran David Pintaric that will combine Mr. Pintaric’s deep experience and industry background with Securities America’s technology, expertise and resources in […]
Best’s Special Report: U.S. Life/Annuity Insurers’ Net Income Fell by 18% in Nine-Month 2019 Period, Preliminary Results Show
{November 27th, 2019} by A.M. Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Net income in the U.S. life/annuity industry dropped by approximately 18% to $27.6 billion in the first nine months of 2019, compared with the same prior-year period, as net realized capital losses declined $4.9 billion. This financial review is detailed in a new Best’s Special Report, titled, “First Look – 9-Month 2019 Life/Annuity Financial […]
A Broker Impersonated His Client … Twice. It Didn’t Go Well.
{November 27th, 2019} by Jeff Berman
An ex-Royal Alliance Associates broker allegedly impersonated one of his clients during not one, but two telephone calls with the customer services hotline of an annuity company, and things went badly from there for him, according to a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority letter of acceptance, waiver and consent he signed Nov. 5. Harold A. Schwartz […]
The Money Mood Is Down
{November 27th, 2019} by MDRT
PARK RIDGE, Ill. (Nov. 20, 2019) — With news of the yield curve inversion and the presence of additional economic indicators, many experts are warning consumers of a pending recession expected to hit before the 2020 elections. A recent study conducted by MDRT shows the majority of Americans (82%) are at least somewhat nervous they […]
7 Reasons Low, Low Interest Rates Could Make Us Sick
{November 27th, 2019} by Allison Bell
World governments have used too much low-interest-rate medicine to get us over the effects of the 2007-2009 Great Recession, according a team of analysts at a research arm of Swiss Re. Now, governments may have lowered rates about as far as rates can go, the current low rates don’t seem to be helping the economy much, and […]
How a Top Principal Executive Sees Insurtech: Idea File
{November 27th, 2019} by Allison Bell
Principal Financial Group Inc. is the kind of technology prospect that could make an insurtech startup founder’s heart sing. It’s big, it has operations all over the world, and it’s based in Des Moines, Iowa. It’s one of the companies that supports Des Moines’ Global Insurance Accelerator program. Sri Reddy, a senior vice president at […]
FBL Financial Group’s Board of Directors Announces New Chief Executive Officer
{November 27th, 2019} by FBL Financial Group, Inc.
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Board of Directors of FBL Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: FFG) today announced the appointment of Daniel D. (Dan) Pitcher as Chief Executive Officer and Class A director, effective January 1, 2020. He will succeed current Chief Executive Officer Jim Brannen, who previously announced plans to retire in early 2020. Commenting on this […]
Women’s Retirement Savings Are Way Behind Men’s. Here’s Why That Gender Gap Persists
{November 27th, 2019} by Reshma Kapadia
When it comes to basic views on the costs and timing of retirement, men and women share similar outlooks. When it comes to confidence about retirement security and actual savings, however, the stark differences between men’s and women’s views underscore a persistent gender gap. According to a new study from the Transamerica Center for Retirement […]
Ohio National Beats B-D Reps in Trail Commission Lawsuits
{November 27th, 2019} by Mrinalini Krishna
A federal judge in Alabama has dismissed a lawsuit brought against Ohio National by five individual broker-dealer reps. The lawsuit pertains to Ohio National entities’ decision to stop payment of trail commissions on certain variable annuity products last year. ProEquities rep Ansley “Trip” Whatley, LPL Financial rep (formerly of Raymond James) Susan Moore, Securities America advisor Tracy Lentz, NEXT Financial’s Keith Bowers and LPL FA Chris Noone all sued Ohio […]
He exposed Fisher’s comments. Here’s what Alex Chalekian wants the industry to do next
{November 27th, 2019} by Ann Marsh
PASADENA, California — Ever since Alex Chalekian tweeted his disgust last month at sexually charged comments Ken Fisher made at the exclusive Tiburon CEO Summit, he can no longer walk through conferences he attends without being stopped. Men and women approach to say thank you, he says. Others pull him aside to recount sexual assaults […]
Why female CFOs outperform their male peers
{November 27th, 2019} by onali Basak & Jeff Green
Companies looking for better financial returns should consider a female CFO. Within the first 24 months of appointing female CFOs, companies saw, on average, a 6 percent increase in profits and an 8 percent better stock return compared with performance under their male predecessors. These women brought in $1.8 trillion of additional cumulative profits, according to a study […]
Longevity Insurance with an Inter-Generational Twist
{November 27th, 2019} by Kerry Pechter
Is there a market for a deferred income annuity (DIA) contract that middle-aged people can buy digitally, with monthly contributions of under $250, that will pay them an income if and when one of their parents reaches a ripe old “trigger age”? Click HERE to read the full story via RIJ.
Securian to Acquire Benefits Firm
{November 27th, 2019} by Allison Bell
Securian Financial Group Inc. has become the latest life insurer to expand its benefits capabilities. The St. Paul, Minnesota-based company has agreed to acquire Empyrean Benefit Solutions Inc. for a price that was not disclosed. Empyrean is a Houston-based benefits enrollment and human resources administration company that was founded in 2006. About 400 employers use […]
7 Things to Know About Someone Who Helps Make Prudential Happen
{November 27th, 2019} by Allison Bell
Patty Capawana, vice president, events, at Prudential Financial Inc. is one of the 340,800 or so home office employees who keep U.S. life insurance home office operations humming — and one of about 50,000 people who work for Prudential, or with Prudential, around the world. She manages part of Prudential’s use of the most powerful communications […]
WoodmenLife Updates Illustration System
{November 27th, 2019} by Allison Bell
WoodmenLife has started using the Illustration Integrator system from Internet Pipeline Inc., along with iPipeline’s iGO app. WoodmenLife reps can now re-use external calculations to generate an illustration PDF, then send the PDF directly at an agent’s app, according to iPipeline. Click HERE to read the full story via ThinkAdvisor.
New York Life Predicts 5.6% Increase in 2020 Dividend Payments
{November 26th, 2019} by Allison Bell
New York Life Insurance Company is expecting to pay about $1.9 billion in dividends to eligible policyholders in 2020. The projected payout is 5.6% bigger than the $1.8 billion dividend payment total the New York-based insurer announced for 2019. Between 2018 and 2019, the projected dividend total increased 1.1%. New York Life is a mutual […]
Are Fixed Indexed Annuities Trending Again for 2020?
{November 26th, 2019} by Robert Bloink and William H. Byrnes
All signs point to the possibility that fixed indexed annuities may once again be poised to become the hottest product in guaranteed lifetime income planning. In general, fixed indexed annuities provide protection against loss of principal while pegging growth to a major index, such as the S&P 500. Clients tend to like the idea of […]
DOL Continues Aggressive Enforcement Pace in 2019
{November 26th, 2019} by Melanie Waddell
The Labor Department’s Employee Benefits Security Administration recovered more than $2.5 billion in payments to plans, participants and beneficiaries and recovered more than $2 billion from its investigations in fiscal 2019. EBSA also reported late Thursday that its criminal investigations led to the indictment of 76 individuals — including plan officials, corporate officers and service […]
AIG to Sell Vast Majority of Fortitude Stake to Carlyle, T&D
{November 26th, 2019} by Kimberly Chin and Leslie Scism
American International Group Inc. AIG -0.26% said it would sell the vast majority of its stake in Fortitude Group Holdings LLC to the Carlyle Group CG 2.25% LP and Japanese insurance firm T&D Holdings Inc. 8795 -1.42% for roughly $1.8 billion, as the insurer works on paring down its exposure to lines of business it no longer sells. A new Carlyle-managed fund and T&D will acquire a combined […]
How financial advisors can strive for a higher standard when recommending life insurance
{November 26th, 2019} by Darla Mercado
The process of recommending life insurance doesn’t have to be rife with conflicts of interest. Insurance has its place in a client’s comprehensive financial plan. For instance, term coverage can protect a young family in the event of a breadwinner’s early demise. Permanent life insurance — which can be complicated because of its underlying cash value — […]
The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company Maintains Dividend Scale and Awards $100 Million Payout in 2020
{November 26th, 2019} by The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company
HORSHAM, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company (Penn Mutual) is pleased to announce that the company has maintained its dividend scale for 2020, and has been approved for a $100 million payout to eligible policyholders in 2020. Dividends are a key measure of a mutual company’s performance and Penn Mutual has paid dividends to […]
Best’s Special Report: U.S. Life/Annuity Holdings of Structured Notes on the Rise
{November 26th, 2019} by A.M. Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The U.S. life/annuity industry increased its holdings in structured notes by one-third over a three-year period, with book adjusted/carrying value reaching $16 billion in 2018, up from $12 billion in 2015, according to an AM Best report. Larger insurers are the primary purchasers of structured notes, as they typically have more sophisticated investment capabilities. Transamerica […]
Nearly Half of Americans Struggle to Discuss Finances With Loved Ones, Reveals Lincoln Financial Group Research
{November 26th, 2019} by Lincoln Financial Group
RADNOR, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Pass the turkey…and do you have enough life insurance? New research released from Lincoln Financial Group (NYSE:LNC) shows that while 93% of Americans believe it is important to set a plan for their family and their own financial future, 47% of them – nearly half of the entire country – struggle to discuss […]
Five brokers lose Ohio National lawsuit over annuity commissions
{November 26th, 2019} by Greg Iacurci
A group of five brokers lost a lawsuit against Ohio National Life Insurance Co. over the insurer’s termination of commission payments for certain variable annuity policies. Click HERE to read the full story via InvestmentNews.
Life Insurance After Your Kids Are Grown
{November 26th, 2019} by Michael F. Kay
Get ready for this—the life insurance industry is planning to target all of us. I’ve just been looking at a new study from the insurance research firm Conning, which says pressures are weighing on the life insurance industry to innovate and use technology for such purposes as mining customer data. Soon you might be […]
Can AIG Arrest The Steady Decline In Its Top Line?
{November 26th, 2019} by Trefis Team, Great Speculations
American International Group, Inc. (NYSE: AIG) is a leading provider of Property & Casualty Insurance, Life Insurance, Group & Individual Retirement products, bank-owned life products and Mutual Fund services to retail customers, small to medium businesses, corporations and other institutions. The company reported a 10% decline in revenues over the last two years, from $52.4 […]
New big kid on the block
{November 26th, 2019} by Ryan W. Neal
Financial advisers’ newest competition isn’t a technology startup or consumer giant like Amazon or Google, as many have been fearing. Their latest challenge comes from one of the oldest names on Wall Street. Click HERE to read the full story via InvestmentNews.
Life Lessons
{November 26th, 2019} by Sheryl Moore
While I have never sold or endorsed any company or product, I have heard many a tale from the front lines. I wanted to take the time to share with you some lessons learned in life insurance, by friends and colleagues. Competitive ENLGs result in MIA TPAs A long-time career agency owner that I know, […]
Wink, Inc. Releases 3rd Quarter, 2019 Deferred Annuity Sales Results
{November 26th, 2019} by Press Release
– FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION — NEWS RELEASE Securities Registered Annuities Shine While Fixed Annuity Products’ Sales Struggle Wink, Inc. Releases 3rd Quarter, 2019 Deferred Annuity Sales Results Des Moines, Iowa. November 26, 2019– Wink’s Sales & Market Report is the insurance industry’s #1 resource for annuity sales data since 1997. Sixty-two indexed annuity […]
THIRD QUARTER 2019 ANNUITY SALES
{November 26th, 2019} by Sheryl J. Moore
Deferred Annuity Sales Total 3Q2019 deferred annuity sales were $55,206,815,849. Third quarter deferred annuity sales were down more than 5% when compared to the previous quarter. Non-Variable Deferred Annuity Sales Total 3Q2019 non-variable deferred annuity sales were $29,210,974,291. Third quarter non-variable deferred annuity sales were down nearly 12% when compared to the previous quarter, […]
13 Best & Worst Broker-Dealers: Q3 Earnings, 2019
{November 26th, 2019} by Janet Levaux
Earnings of S&P 500 companies fell -2.2%, the third straight quarter for a year-over-year decline, according to FactSet. Still, 75% of S&P firms posted earnings surprises, and 60% reported revenue surprises. A big majority of those in financial services, 80%, had sales that topped estimates; the upside was about 3% over anticipated results. Click HERE […]
FBL Financial Group Declares Quarterly Dividend
{November 26th, 2019} by FBL Financial Group, Inc.
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–FBL Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: FFG) today announced that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.48 per share to owners of Class A and Class B common stock. The dividend will be payable on December 31, 2019 to shareholders of record as of December 16, 2019. FBL Financial […]
MetLife to Acquire Digital Estate Planning Capabilities
{November 26th, 2019} by MetLife, Inc.
NEW YORK & MIAMI–(BUSINESS WIRE)–MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET) (“MetLife”) and Bequest, INC (d/b/a Willing), a leading digital estate planning service, today announced they have entered into a definitive agreement under which MetLife will acquire Willing. This transaction brings new digital capabilities to MetLife and reinforces the company’s commitment to providing simple and easy-to-use benefits that […]
Announces New Accelerated Underwriting Capabilities to Reimagine the Client Experience
{November 20th, 2019} by Northwestern Mutual
MILWAUKEE, Nov. 19, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — To create a more integrated and seamless experience for its clients, Northwestern Mutual is leveraging technology and innovation to help more Americans achieve financial security. Through advanced analytics and predictive modeling, Northwestern Mutual announced that it has recently rolled out an accelerated underwriting process for disability insurance product applications, a technology the […]
Nineteen Facts That Illuminate Women’s Retirement Risks
{November 20th, 2019} by Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 14, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Only 12 percent of women workers are “very” confident that they will be able to fully retire with a comfortable lifestyle, according to 19 Facts About Women’s Retirement Outlook, a new study released today by nonprofit Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies® (TCRS). “Today’s women are better educated and enjoy career opportunities that were unimaginable […]
NAIC Panel Splits On Requiring New Illustration Rules For Old Policies
{November 20th, 2019} by John Hilton
A significant split opened up this week on applying tightened indexed universal life insurance illustration rules to in-force policies. A National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ subgroup is still working through the details, but has a mandate to clamp down on multipliers and bonuses that critics say enable insurers to get around Actuarial Guideline 49, approved […]
Penn Mutual’s Possibilities Podcast: An Industry Expert’s Take on Today’s Changing Product Landscape
{November 20th, 2019} by Penn Mutual
Industry expert Sheryl J. Moore discusses how regulatory changes and trends such as leveraged indexed products are changing the life insurance and annuity marketplace — and why more than ever — advisers should steer clear of illustration-based selling and invest more time in educating clients and strengthening relationships. Click HERE to listen. Sheryl J. Moore […]
North American Company for Life and Health Insurance Announces Protection Builder Indexed Universal Life Product
{November 20th, 2019} by North American Company for Life and Health Insurance
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa, Nov. 18, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — North American Company for Life and Health Insurance® (North American), a member of Sammons® Financial Group, Inc. (SFG) and one of America’s leading insurance companies, today announced the launch of its Protection Builder Indexed Universal Life (IUL) insurance product. The product combines guaranteed death benefit protection1; cash value growth potential; […]
Midland National Life Insurance Company Announces Strategic Protector Indexed Universal Life Product
{November 20th, 2019} by Midland National Life Insurance Company
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa, Nov. 18, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Midland National® Life Insurance Company (Midland National), a member of Sammons® Financial Group, Inc. (SFG) and one of America’s leading insurance companies, today announced the launch of its Strategic Protector Indexed Universal Life (IUL) insurance product. The product combines guaranteed death benefit protection1; cash value growth potential; an accelerated death benefit […]
Eagle Life Announces New Income Product
{November 20th, 2019} by Eagle Life Insurance Company
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Eagle Life Insurance Company®, a leading annuity provider that specializes in safe, innovative retirement options, announces the addition of a new income-focused fixed index annuity product. The Eagle Select™ Income Focus is designed for clients who desire safety of principal, growth potential and an income stream that cannot be outlived. The […]
HONORING OUTSTANDING WOMEN IN THE FINANCIAL ADVICE INDUSTRY
{November 20th, 2019} by InvestmentNews
InvestmentNews is recognizing female financial advisers and industry leaders who are advancing the advice business through their passion, creativity, intellect and willingness to help other women along the way. Click HERE to view the winners.
Gender investing gap costs women in the long run, Krawcheck says
{November 20th, 2019} by Bruce Kelly
The most common — and potentially costly — mistake women make with money is that they fail to invest enough of it, according to Wall Street veteran Sallie Krawcheck. Click HERE to read the full story via InvestmentNews.
Brian Williams Honored as 2019 Bo Johnson Spirit Award for Lifetime Achievement Winner
{November 20th, 2019} by NAFA
WASHINGTON (Nov. 18, 2019) — NAFA, the National Association for Fixed Annuities, announced Brian Williams, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Financial Independence Group, as the winner of its 2019 Bo Johnson Spirit Award for Lifetime Achievement. The award recognizes courage, spirit and determination that challenges the status quo, inspires others to achieve, contributes unselfishly to others, […]
AIG names head of multinational for General Insurance
{November 20th, 2019} by Ryan Smith
American International Group (AIG) has announced the appointment of Allison Barrett as global head of multinational, General Insurance. Barrett will join the company Dec. 09 and will report to Michael Price, head of global service businesses and global chief operating officer for General Insurance. In her new role, Barrett will drive the execution of General […]
Majority of Americans Plan to Continue Working in Retirement
{November 20th, 2019} by TD Ameritrade
OMAHA, Neb.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Employees age 65 and older currently make up the fastest-growing segment of the American workforce1. In fact, according to a new survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of TD Ameritrade, the majority of Americans age 40 and older plan to continue working in a paid position after retiring. Often with a longer lifespan […]
The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America Names Andrew McMahon President
{November 20th, 2019} by The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America
NEW YORK, Nov. 14, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America announced today that Andrew McMahon, an industry veteran and head of the company’s largest business, has been elected President by its Board of Directors. Mr. McMahon’s appointment is part of Guardian’s regular succession planning process and is effective January 1, 2020. He will continue to […]
National Western Life Selects Equisoft to Accelerate its Growth Strategy
{November 20th, 2019} by Equisoft
PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ – Equisoft, a leading global provider of digital business solutions for the insurance and wealth industries, announced today that it has been selected by National Western Life Insurance Company to replace its core legacy policy administration system to support its digital growth initiatives. As part of this modernization project, Equisoft will implement […]
Complaint claims Ohio National poses ‘danger’ due to its ‘illegal’ activity
{November 20th, 2019} by Greg Iacurci
An insurance agent filed a complaint Friday with the Ohio Department of Insurance against Ohio National Life Insurance Co., alleging that the insurer’s treatment of a customer’s insurance premiums broke the law and that three senior executives tried to “cover up” the activity after it was reported internally. Click HERE to read the full story […]
Investors Reap Windfall From Former Hartford Financial Unit
{November 20th, 2019} by Juliet Chung and Leslie Scism
Several wealthy families and investment firms have received an early $700 million payout from a once-troubled unit of Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. HIG 0.19% that has enjoyed a remarkable turnaround since the financial crisis. The investors, which include the family offices of former hedge-fund manager Timothy Barakett and of Hyatt Hotels Corp. H 1.06% […]
Ohio National, Foes Seek Stay of Texas Trail Commission Case Until Parallel Ohio Lawsuit Resolved
{November 20th, 2019} by Greg Land
In the midst of multiple lawsuits accusing Ohio National Life Insurance of improperly cutting off trail commissions to brokers and agents selling its variable annuities, a Texas brokerage and the insurer have asked a federal judge to stay litigation there until a parallel lawsuit in Ohio can proceed. The filing comes after U.S. District Judge Susan Dlott of the […]
Can We Tolerate Millions of Elderly People Living in Cars?
{November 20th, 2019} by Allison Bell
Dr. Joanne Lynn last week warned members of Congress that enormous misery is coming, in about 10 years, if the country fails to improve support programs for the elderly. Lynn, a geriatrician, is the head of the long-term services and supports (LTSS) team at Altarum, an Ann Arbor, Michigan-based health policy research center. She’s the […]
Fidelity to Add USAA Income Annuity
{November 20th, 2019} by Allison Bell
Fidelity Investments has added a single-premium immediate annuity (SPIA) from USAA Life Insurance Company to the income annuity menu at its Fidelity Insurance Network program. A SPIA contract gives the purchaser a way to convert one big payment into a stream of income payments that starts right away. The typical purchaser is a newly retired […]
World Regulator Group May Let U.S. Have Its Own Capital Standards
{November 20th, 2019} by Allison Bell
An international insurance regulator group today adopted a capital standards approach that horrifies U.S. life insurers — but it said it might let the United States and other countries use an alternative promoted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS) approved the Insurance Capital Standard Version 2.0 standard at the […]
New Annuity Starts Lifetime Income Stream at Age 91 or Later
{November 20th, 2019} by Allison Bell
Haven Life Insurance Agency is offering a new defense against longevity risk: a deferred income annuity contract with benefits that start when the annuitant is at least 91 years old. Haven Life — a web-based agency arm of Massachusetts Life Insurance Company — is aiming the AgeUp annuity contract at working-age adults who want to protect their […]
North Dakota Commissioner Might Be the World’s Tallest Politician
{November 20th, 2019} by Allison Bell
Jon Godfread, the North Dakota insurance commissioner, might the “world’s tallest male politician.” Godfread announced Tuesday that Guinness World Records has certified him as having that status, based on measurements recorded in Bismarck, North Dakota, Oct. 4. Guinness World Records states on its website that Godfread is 6 feet 10 inches tall, or 210.767 centimers […]
States and Feds Split on Major World Insurance Standards Deal
{November 20th, 2019} by Allison Bell
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) says it likes the deal “Team USA” negotiators have hammered out with the International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS) over how the world’s financial services regulators will supervise insurer financial strength. The U.S. Treasury Department’s Federal Insurance Office (FIO) says it’s already filed an official objection to the newly approved […]
Tech Firm Aims to Help U.S. Life Insurers Do More With Their Data
{November 20th, 2019} by Allison Bell
A data analysis firm is making a major push to win clients in the U.S. life insurance sector. The company, SparkBeyond Ltd., has put out a white paper describing, in general terms, what its artificial intelligence-based research engine system has done for insurance industry clients, including life insurance company clients. SparkBeyond says for example, that […]
Kentucky Department of Insurance Moving to New Offices
{November 20th, 2019} by Allison Bell
The Kentucky Department of Insurance is moving to new offices in a new building starting next week. The department is heading to the Mayo-Underwood Building, a new state office building at 500 Mero St. in Frankfort, Ky. The department has been located at 215 W. Main St. in Frankfort. The department will be devoting Nov. 26 […]
Insurers Are Very Careful Nonbank Lenders: Economists
{November 20th, 2019} by Allison Bell
Insurers may be a bad alternative for corporate borrowers who think bankers are bunch of boring old fuddy-duddies. Insurers are very careful lenders themselves, and the maturities of their loans tend to be much longer, according to three economists who have studied nonbank lending. The economists — Sergey Chernenko of Purdue University, Isil Erel of Ohio State University, […]
Many Caregivers Try to Keep It Secret: Northwestern Mutual
{November 20th, 2019} by Allison Bell
The workplace may have another taboo topic: Being a decent, responsible person who takes care of aging parents or other adults with disabilities. Analysts at Northwestern Mutual have raised that possibility in a new slice of data from a poll the company organized earlier this year. The sample included 1,400 Americans ages 18 or older […]
American Equity Unit Adds Indexed Annuity
{November 20th, 2019} by Allison Bell
An arm of American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company has added an indexed annuity aimed at clients who want to protect their income against longevity risk. Eagle Life Insurance Company has filed the new Eagle Select Income Focus contract as a non-variable product. The product is part of an existing family of Eagle Select indexed annuities. Eagle Life […]
New annuity aimed at adult children of aging parents
{November 20th, 2019} by Insurance Forums Staff
One-third of 65-year-olds will likely live past 90, but many are underfunded for that long a life span and their families are often not prepared to cover the gap. That’s why Haven Life Insurance Agency, MassMutual’s in-house startup, just introduced AgeUp, a new product designed to provide financial protection for the adult children of the boomer […]
Ameriprise Adds 2 Advisors From LPL
{November 20th, 2019} by Jeff Berman
Ameriprise Financial’s franchise channel picked up First American Financial, a team of advisors based in Marlton, New Jersey, from LPL Financial. Advisors Bill Eldridge and Don Delmonte lead the team at First American and manage about $158 million in assets, Ameriprise said Thursday. The First American team also includes client service associates Denise Cherry, Lyn McCracken and […]
Millennials Understand Fixed Income Better Than Do Older Investors: Survey
{November 20th, 2019} by Michael S. Fischer
Millennials have a slightly better grasp than older investors of the role fixed income plays in retirement planning and how the asset class responds to market cycles, according to a study released Monday by BNY Mellon Investment Management. Asked by pollsters when average investors should consider adding fixed income to their investment portfolios, 36% of millennials said […]
SEC Chairman Wants to Know: ‘Have We Preserved Choice’ in Reg BI?
{November 20th, 2019} by Melanie Waddell
The Securities and Exchange Commission “really encourages engagement” as the agency implements Regulation Best Interest, the agency’s Chairman, Jay Clayton, said Tuesday. “I want to know: Have we preserved choice?” Clayton said during a question-and-answer session at the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association’s annual conference in Washington. “Choice in a way that provides investors […]
Hearsay Systems Launches New Compliance Consulting Arm
{November 20th, 2019} by Melanie Waddell
Hearsay Systems said Friday that it has launched a new consulting practice, Hearsay Compliance Advisory Services, to help financial services firms comply with industry regulations like the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Regulation Best Interest and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority’s recently enacted Advertising Rule 2210. “As new technologies permeate the financial services industry, compliance issues […]
Secure Act ‘Unlikely to Move Forward’ This Year: Sen. Cardin
{November 20th, 2019} by Melanie Waddell
While senators remain hopeful that the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (Secure) Act will get passed this year, “we don’t know whether it will finally make it to the finish line,” Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., said Wednesday. Speaking at the AICPA National Tax Conference in Washington, Cardin said that the Secure Act “includes some […]
Prudential Shares Indexed Annuity Risk With Reinsurer
{November 20th, 2019} by Allison Bell
A unit of Prudential Financial Inc. is turning to a reinsurer in Bermuda to help it power its indexed annuity business. Prudential Annuities Life Assurance Corp. has agreed to share some of the risks, and rewards, associated with newly sold indexed annuity contracts with Somerset Reinsurance Ltd. Prudential Annuities and Somerset Re have entered into a […]
Insurer lures young annuity buyers by invoking parents’ financial woes
{November 20th, 2019} by Greg Iacurci
Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. is banking on attracting a swath of younger annuity customers by citing the threat of their parents’ financial insecurity in old age. Click HERE to read the full story via InvestmentNews.
Buffer annuities push variable annuity sales to three-year high in Q3
{November 20th, 2019} by Greg Iacurci
Variable annuity sales hit a three-year high in the third quarter, a notable turnaround from their slump in recent years that largely reflects the growing sales of buffer [structured] annuities. Click HERE to read the full story via InvestmentNews. Wink’s Note: Wink’s Sales & Market Report, 3rd Quarter, 2019 will be published prior […]
RetireOne Acquires Edelman Financial’s Broker-Dealer Unit
{November 20th, 2019} by Allison Bell
RetireOne — a distributor of fee-based annuities and life insurance policies — has acquired a broker-dealer business from an arm of Ric Edelman’s company, Edelman Financial Engines L.P. Edelman Financial is selling only the EF Legacy Securities broker-dealer unit. Edelman Financial itself is still operating as a financial planning and investment advisory firm in Sunnyvale, California. RetireOne bought the broker-dealer […]
Ohio National to pay $213,000 to insurance agent for breaching contract
{November 20th, 2019} by Greg Iacurci
A jury awarded $213,000 in damages to an insurance agent formerly employed by Ohio National Life Insurance Co. after finding that the insurer breached the recruiting agreements it had in place with the agent. Click HERE to read the full story via InvestmentNews.
The NAIC May Talk to FINRA About You
{November 20th, 2019} by Allison Bell
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) is working out an arrangement to share financial professional licensing information with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). A third group, the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA), says it would like to weigh in if the NAIC-FINRA information-sharing relationship expands. The NAIC is a Kansas […]
Sales of Variable Indexed Annuities Shine
{November 20th, 2019} by Allison Bell
Sales of indexed annuities that are registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as securities soared in the third quarter, and that helped push sales of U.S. individual annuities over zero. Analysts at the LIMRA Secure Retirement Institute have published the new quarterly sales figures for the variable indexed [structured] annuities, which they call […]
Nearly $320,000, Maserati and Silverado seized from Black Harbor firm’s founder and wife
{November 19th, 2019} by Kirk Brown and Carol Motsinger
Federal authorities have seized nearly $320,000 and two vehicles from Black Harbor Wealth Management founder Chris Dixon and his wife in connection with a criminal case highlighted in Indebted, the yearlong investigation by The Greenville News into the buying and selling of military benefits. Black Harbor has offices in Greenville and Seneca, South Carolina, and Asheville, North […]
Allianz partners with Microsoft to digitally transform the insurance industry
{November 19th, 2019} by The Allianz Group
MUNICH and REDMOND, Wash., Nov. 14, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — On Thursday, Allianz SE and Microsoft Corp. announced a strategic partnership focused on digitally transforming the insurance industry, making the insurance process easier while creating a better experience for insurance companies and their customers. Through the strategic partnership, Allianz will move core pieces of its global insurance platform, Allianz Business […]
Life Insurance Needs in Less than a Minute
{November 19th, 2019} by Chris Kite
If you could present an accurate needs analysis in less than a minute, would you sell more life insurance? I once presented at a Life Office Management Association (LOMA) conference to illustrate how quickly you can get a dynamic look at a client’s life insurance needs using a simple multiple of income method. It can […]
Edward Jones loses court fight to restrain former broker
{November 19th, 2019} by Bruce Kelly
A federal judge in Indianapolis has denied Edward Jones’ motion for a temporary restraining order against a former broker who joined a competing firm, and in a stinging rebuke, said the broker-dealer seemed more interested in teaching him a lesson than in preventing the loss of clients. Click HERE to read the full story via InvestmentNews.
LPL backs off lucrative recruiting deal
{November 19th, 2019} by Bruce Kelly
LPL Financial is dialing back on a lucrative recruiting offer, reducing the transition assistance package by at least 20% to potential recruits, according to a memo sent this week to recruiters. Click HERE to read the full story via InvestmentNews.
FINRA Floats Limit on Brokers as Beneficiaries
{November 13th, 2019} by Melanie Waddell
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority is seeking feedback on a new rule proposal that would limit any associated person of a broker-dealer from being named a beneficiary, executor or trustee, or to have a power of attorney or similar position of trust on behalf of a customer. “Most of the firms we talk to — […]
Life, annuity providers becoming more customer-centric, less producer-focused, J.D. Power finds
{November 13th, 2019} by Insurance Forums Staff
Individual life insurance and annuity providers have begun the process of shifting their approach from producer-focused to end-customer-focused by introducing more online access capabilities and more frequent customer touch points, according to the recently released J.D. Power 2019 U.S. Life Insurance Study. But they still have a long way to go to catch up to […]
NAIFA Announces Partnership with InsurTech Express
{November 13th, 2019} by NAIFA
The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) named InsurTech Express to its list of supporters of its Limited & Extended Care Planning Center (LECP). The LECP is NAIFA’s initiative to bring together a variety of entities that offer products and services that showcase the continuum of options for limited, extended and long-term care needs. The announcement […]
Five Questions to Ask about an Annuity Issuer
{November 13th, 2019} by Editorial Staff
We asked Louis Harvey, president and CEO of DALBAR, the financial services research firm, what advisers should think about when choosing an annuity issuer. Here’s what he said: “There are five areas we think of as the important for providers of retail annuity products. The first area concerns the product itself; its construction and restrictions and […]
Half Of Consumers Think Life Insurance Not Relevant: AALU Survey
{November 13th, 2019} by Susan Rupe
Life insurance isn’t selling like it used to, and one industry organization wants to find out why. The Association for Advanced Life Underwriting is undertaking a year-long initiative aimed at the root cause of why the consumer “protection gap” continues to grow. That root cause? Consumer relevance. The protection gap is a persistent problem, the […]
How to Choose an Annuity Issuer
{November 13th, 2019} by Kerry Pechter
When you shop for a new car, what are your criteria? The manufacturer’s reputation? The model or style of the vehicle? Its main function or purpose in your life? The proximity of the dealer? Or maybe you already have a specific automobile in mind. Your inquiries wouldn’t stop there. You’ll want to know, for instance, […]
Here Are 4 Planning Situations When Annuities Make Sense
{November 13th, 2019} by John L. Olsen and Michael E. Kitces
As advisors who often talk about annuities to financial advisors, we are often asked whether we “like” annuities. To that question, our standard answer is that we neither like nor dislike them—because they’re just tools, which work well in certain circumstances and do not work well in others. Occasionally, that response will elicit what may […]
Lincoln Financial Group Named to Forbes JUST 100 as the #1 Insurance Company for Customers
{November 13th, 2019} by Lincoln Financial Group
RADNOR, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Lincoln Financial Group (NYSE:LNC) has been named to the Forbes JUST 100 list – an annual ranking conducted by nonprofit organization JUST Capital in partnership with Forbes Magazine. The JUST 100 names the top 100 publicly-traded companies in America that are delivering on the issues that matter most to consumers – such as worker and customer […]
AM Best Downgrades Credit Ratings of PHL Variable Insurance Company, Revises Outlooks to Negative for Nassau Financial Group, L.P.’s Insurance Subsidiaries
{November 13th, 2019} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has downgraded the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) to B (Fair) from B+ (Good) and the Long Term Issuer Credit Rating (Long-Term ICR) to “bb” from “bbb-” of PHL Variable Insurance Company (PHL). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) has been revised to negative from stable. Concurrently AM Best also has revised […]
Horace Mann Reports Third-Quarter 2019 Net Income of $0.60 Per Share and Core Earnings* of $0.64 Per Share
{November 13th, 2019} by Horace Mann Educators Corporation
SPRINGFIELD, Ill.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Horace Mann Educators Corporation (NYSE:HMN) today reported financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2019: “This is the first quarter that National Teachers Associates (NTA) is included in our results as the Supplemental segment, contributing $0.16 per share to earnings. Concurrently, we have significantly reduced our interest-spread risk in our Retirement segment […]
American Equity Reports Third Quarter 2019 Results
{November 13th, 2019} by American Equity Investment Life Holding Company
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–American Equity Investment Life Holding Company (NYSE: AEL), a leading issuer of fixed index annuities (FIAs), today reported third quarter 2019 net income of $37.4 million, or $0.41 per diluted common share, compared to net income of $169.3 million, or $1.85 per diluted common share, for third quarter 2018. Non-GAAP operating […]
Kansas City Life Announces Third Quarter 2019 Results
{November 13th, 2019} by Kansas City Life Insurance Company
KANSAS CITY, Mo., Nov. 12, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Kansas City Life Insurance Company recorded net income of $4.5 million or $0.47 per share in the third quarter of 2019, a decrease of $1.8 million or $0.17 per share compared to the third quarter of 2018. Net income totaled $13.8 million or $1.43 per share in the first nine months of 2019, up from $11.8 million or $1.22 per share in the first nine months of 2018. […]
LifeMark Partners and BRAMCO Financial Resources Unite to Form LIBRA Insurance Partners
{November 13th, 2019} by LIBRA Insurance Partners
BALTIMORE, Nov. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — LifeMark Partners and BRAMCO Financial Resources have joined forces to create LIBRA Insurance Partners (LIBRA), a life insurance marketing organization with more than 60 affiliated partner agencies. The new firm is dedicated to serving independent insurance producers, brokers and financial institutions with life, annuity and linked benefit insurance distribution, with projected […]
Transamerica and MIT AgeLab Spotlight the Prevalence of Caregiving, Need for New Conversations
{November 13th, 2019} by Transamerica
BALTIMORE, Nov. 12, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Transamerica and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) AgeLab sheds light today on the challenges and costs of caregiving in the United States during a day-long symposium in Cambridge, Mass. The meeting, titled New Conversations for a New Challenge: Caregiving in the 21st Century, brings together some of the brightest minds in academia, medicine and financial planning to […]
Nationwide Express Gives Agents Power to Quote Multiple Products in as little as 2 Minutes
{November 13th, 2019} by Nationwide
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Nov. 12, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — In an increasingly competitive environment, high-performing insurance agents know tools that allow them to work faster and more efficiently will enhance the experience for their clients and free up time to focus on growing their business. To meet agents’ need for speed, Nationwide is introducing Nationwide Express, an innovative new technology platform […]
Prudential Financial, Inc. and Somerset Re Form Reinsurance Relationship
{November 13th, 2019} by Somerset Reinsurance Ltd.
PEMBROKE, Bermuda, Nov. 12, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Somerset Reinsurance Ltd. (“Somerset”), a leading provider of reinsurance solutions to the U.S. life insurance and annuity market, has executed a new business flow reinsurance treaty with Prudential Annuities Life Assurance Corporation (“PALAC”), a subsidiary of Prudential Financial (“PFI”)(NYSE: PRU). Under the terms of the treaty, Somerset will reinsure a quota share […]
Why annuities could be an especially good deal for women
{November 13th, 2019} by Paola Peralta
Welcome to Retirement Scan, our daily roundup of retirement news your clients may be talking about. Why annuities could be an especially good deal for women Women save less but live longer than men, making fixed annuities a good strategy to secure their retirement, writes an expert in Kiplinger. The products, he writes, provides guaranteed […]
IALC Launches Last Video in “Game Ready” Three-Part Series
{November 13th, 2019} by Indexed Annuity Leadership Council
WASHINGTON, Nov. 12, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — To help jump-start retirement planning, the Indexed Annuity Leadership Council (IALC) has released the last video in a three-part series designed to educate Americans about being ready for life after work. Titled “Family Ready,” the final video highlights the importance of spending time with the people you love in retirement. This video is part of […]
National Western Life Group, Inc. Announces 2019 Third Quarter Earnings
{November 13th, 2019} by National Western Life Group, Inc.
AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Ross R. Moody, Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer of National Western Life Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: NWLI), announced today third quarter 2019 consolidated net earnings of $20.0 million, or $5.65 per diluted Class A common share, compared with consolidated net earnings of $35.6 million, or $10.08 per diluted Class A common share, for the third […]
Honoring Advisors Who Serve(d): Veterans Day, 2019
{November 13th, 2019} by Ronald Pechtimaldjian
This is ThinkAdvisor’s annual version of the Advisors Who Serve(d) compilation, and this year we highlight the stories, told in their own words, of 14 veterans in the advisory world. You may recognize some of the advisors as they were also on Memorial Day’s version; for this version we added three new advisors. Advisors Who […]
Who Will Win The Battle For the Dashboard?
{November 13th, 2019} by Steve Morelli
Ask Doug Massey why it has been so difficult to create seamless and effective insurance technology and he will take you on an Uber ride from hell — metaphorically speaking, of course Massey knows all about the ride because his career has followed the route of insurance tech itself in the early 1990s, when he […]
In Search Of A Unicorn: Tech Investors Turn To Life Insurance
{November 13th, 2019} by Nelson Lee
Every few years, tech investors and startups will label a new industry “hot,” and insurtech is steaming. The insurtech industry is continuing to deliver record-setting funding rounds, as well as historic highs in overall venture investments into the sector. This is a big contrast from as recent as five years ago, when boring old insurance […]
State insurance commissioners closing in on stronger standard for annuity sales
{November 13th, 2019} by Mark Schoeff Jr.
State insurance regulators are closing in on a final rule to strengthen the investment-advice standard related to annuity sales, but a critic says the standard falls short of the best-interest protection provided in New York. Click HERE to read the full story via InvestmentNews.
NAILBA Attendance Up – And So Are The Challenges
{November 13th, 2019} by Steve Morelli
DALLAS – The association representing life brokerage agencies opens its annual conference’s first full day with some wind in its sails as it pushes into a challenging future. The National Association of Independent Life Brokerage Agencies had 825 registrants as of Monday, with another 50 to 75 expected to walk in, said Dan LaBert, NAILBA’s CEO. […]
Advisor Group’s new IBD giant is leveraged on network appeal
{November 13th, 2019} by Tobias Salinger
Two major IBD networks are joining forces against the largest firms in the space. Nearly a year after cashing out its former principal shareholder, Ladenburg Thalmann found a buyer building a new giant of the independent broker-dealer sector. The buyer, Advisor Group, is also assembling more debt under its latest massive private equity deal. Reverence […]
SEC’s Variable Annuity Prospectus Rule Likely by April
{November 13th, 2019} by Melanie Waddell
The Securities and Exchange Commission’s Division of Investment Management hopes to release its rule for a variable annuity summary prospectus by April 2020, according to IM Director Dalia Blass. The SEC in mid-February extended by one month, to March 15, the comment period for its proposed rulemaking on a long-awaited VA summary prospectus. The plan, […]
AIG Life & Retirement to Put Its Annuities on FIDx Exchange
{November 13th, 2019} by Allison Bell
The U.S. life arm of American International Group Inc. has agreed to offer annuities through the Fiduciary Exchange LLC (FIDx) Insurance Exchange system. AIG Life & Retirement will put fixed, indexed and variable annuities on the Insurance Exchange, according to FIDx. Todd Solash, the chief executive officer of AIG Life & Retirement’s individual retirement unit, […]
Older Consumers Keep Submitting More Life Applications: MIB
{November 13th, 2019} by Allison Bell
Consumers ages 60 and older continued to keep the U.S. life insurance market growing in October. Individual life application activity was 1.4% higher last month than in October 2018, according to MIB Group Inc. The year-over-year growth was down from 1.9% in September. The Index MIB is a Braintree, Massachusetts-based consortium that helps U.S. and […]
Life Distributor Event to Feature an RIA Panel
{November 13th, 2019} by Allison Bell
Independent life insurance distributors want to know more about what’s in the minds of registered investment advisors. The National Association of Independent Life Brokerage Agencies (NAILBA) has responded by adding a session on working with RIAs to the agenda for its 38th annual meeting NAILBA started the three-day meeting today in Grapevine, Texas. Grapevine is […]
Two Big Life and Annuity Distributors Combine
{November 13th, 2019} by Allison Bell
LifeMark Partners is combining its operations with those of another large insurance marketing organization, Bramco Financial Resources, the companies announced today. William Shelow has been the president of LifeMark Partners, which has been based in Linthicum Heights, Md. Michael Hefferon has been the chief executive officer of Bramco, which was based in Richmond, Texas. The new IMO […]
9 Things to Know About a New Regulator Group That Might Like You
{November 13th, 2019} by Allison Bell
A new state insurance regulator panel, the Retirement Security Working Group, is set to have its first public conference call meeting at 1 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time Wednesday. The working group is part of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ Life Insurance and Annuities Committee. The working group is supposed to “explore ways to promote […]
Annuity Group’s Third Video Focuses on ‘Family Readiness’
{November 13th, 2019} by Allison Bell
The Indexed Annuity Leadership Committee (IALC) is promoting the third video in its indexed annuity video series. The new video, “Family Ready,” focuses on the idea that people who use indexed annuities to prepare for retirement income needs may have more time to spend with loved ones. “Don’t just be ready for retirement,” a narrator […]
9 Things to Know About a New Regulator Group That Might Like You
{November 13th, 2019} by Allison Bell
A new state insurance regulator panel, the Retirement Security Working Group, is set to have its first public conference call meeting at 1 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time Wednesday. The working group is part of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ Life Insurance and Annuities Committee. The working group is supposed to “explore ways to promote […]
IRS Posts Annuity Fee Letter Rulings
{November 13th, 2019} by Allison Bell
The IRS rulings will let nine life insurers — and only those nine life insurers — offer customers a cheaper, easier process for paying fees to annuity advisors, when the customers hold the annuities outside of retirement arrangements that qualify for special IRS tax treatment. The insurers can now pay advisory fees directly to the […]
Positive Signals in AIG’s Noisy Quarter
{November 13th, 2019} by Telis Demos
Some key indicators at American International Group Inc. are pointing in the right direction. To be clear, the insurance giant missed Wall Street’s expectations for the third quarter—by a lot—with an adjusted earnings per share profit of 56 cents versus the $1 expected. The miss was driven largely by a mix of items such as an […]
Apollo to Buy More of Athene as Insurer Eliminates Supervoting Structure
{November 13th, 2019} by Miriam Gottfried and Dave Sebastian
Apollo Global Management Inc. APO 1.11% is buying an additional 18% stake in insurance company Athene Holding Ltd. ATH 1.26% as part of a complex deal that will eliminate the private-equity firm’s supervoting power with the insurer. Athene will take a 7% stake in Apollo and will convert to a single-class share structure, with one share equaling one vote, from the existing multiclass share […]
Europe Wants Your Annuity
{November 13th, 2019} by The Editorial Board
America’s state-based insurance regime has protected policy holders while fostering competition and product diversity. Europe’s insurance system—like much else on the Continent—is sclerotic due to excessive regulation. Now the pooh-bahs in Brussels are trying to undermine America’s federalist system. The International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS) on Wednesday plans to vote on a new global […]
After rivals change hands, Ladenburg reportedly weighing sale By Tobias Salinger
{November 13th, 2019} by Tobias Salinger
The Ladenburg Thalmann network of five independent broker-dealers with 4,400 financial advisors is reportedly weighing whether to be the next major wealth management firm to go up for sale. Ladenburg has tapped an advisory team to seek bids for the Miami-based firm, but company executives haven’t made a final decision, people familiar with the matter […]
WealthVest Announces Leslie Grant Assumes Marketing Consultant Position
{November 13th, 2019} by WealthVest
WealthVest continues to grow its team of wholesalers by hiring Leslie Grant, who will cover the Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin territories, helping advisors with retirement planning utilizing fixed and fixed index annuities. WealthVest demonstrates traditional face-to-face wholesaling as the #1 independently owned distributor of fixed and fixed index annuities in financial institutions. Leslie Grant […]
Mississippi Commissioner Returns for Fourth Term
{November 13th, 2019} by Allison Bell
Mike Chaney — a Republican who has been serving as the insurance commissioner in Mississippi — easily won re-election Tuesday. Chaney defeated the Democratic candidate, Robert Amos, with 61.5% of the votes cast, according to data compiled by the Clarion Ledger. Tate Reeves, the Republican candidate for governor, won with just 52.2% of the votes cast […]
Many Wealthy Investors Are Missing An Advisor
{November 12th, 2019} by Karen DeMasters
About one fourth of people with more than $1 million in investable assets do not work with a financial advisor, but market volatility could push them to do so, according to a study by Nationwide Advisory Solutions. Twenty-seven percent of high-net-worth investors with $1 million to $5 million in investable assets and 22% of ultra-high-net-worth […]
Why Millennials Lie to Their FAs
{November 12th, 2019} by Alex Padalka
Financial advisors working with millennials may need to probe a little deeper to make sure they get the full picture from their clients because close to a third of millennials lie about their finances, according to a recent report. Thirty percent of affluent millennials say they have lied about their spending or investing either to […]
Lincoln Financial Group Rings Closing Bell to Mark 50th Anniversary of Trading on the New York Stock Exchange
{November 12th, 2019} by Lincoln Financial Group
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Today, Lincoln Financial Group (NYSE: LNC) executives led by president and CEO Dennis Glass rang the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Lincoln’s listing on the exchange. Since being listed in 1969, the company has grown into one of the largest publicly-traded life insurance companies in […]
Securian Financial Again Named “Top Company for Women Technologists”
{November 12th, 2019} by Securian Financial
ST. PAUL, Minn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–For the second consecutive year, Securian Financial is a “Top Company for Women Technologists” according to AnitaB.org, a nonprofit social enterprise committed to increasing the representation of women technologists in the global workforce. AnitaB.org recently recognized Securian Financial and 75 other companies representing more than 143,000 women technologists as part of the […]
FGL Holdings Reports Third Quarter 2019 Results and Declares Common Stock Dividend
{November 12th, 2019} by FGL Holdings
GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands, Nov. 6, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — FGL Holdings (NYSE: FG), a leading provider of annuities and life insurance, today announced financial results for the third quarter of 2019. Net income available to common shareholders for the third quarter of 2019 was $58 million, or $0.26 per diluted common share, compared to net income for the third quarter of 2018 […]
10 Reasons An Annuity Might Make Sense For You
{November 12th, 2019} by Robert Chapman, AIF
The world of investing has gotten more complex as the years have gone on. The flood of new products and investing strategies continues to evolve with time. Whether age-based target funds, long/short mutual funds, market-weighted ETFs, structured products, or equity indexed annuities, there’s been no shortage of creativity around the financial industry. One of the […]
Northwestern Mutual To Pay Policyowners Largest Ever, Industry-Leading $6 Billion Dividend Payout
{November 6th, 2019} by Northwestern Mutual
MILWAUKEE, Oct. 31, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Northwestern Mutual announced today that its policyowners will receive an estimated $6 billion through the company’s 2020 dividend payout. This is expected to both lead the insurance industry and be the highest in the company’s history. The company credits this record payout as a result of its careful business management – keeping expenses low, ensuring […]
CNO Financial Group Reports Third Quarter 2019 Results
{November 6th, 2019} by CNO Financial Group, Inc.
CARMEL, Ind., Nov. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — CNO Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: CNO) today announced that for the quarter ending September 30, 2019, net income was $0.27 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $3.22 per diluted share in 3Q18. CNO also reported that 3Q19 net operating income (1) was $0.45 per diluted share, compared to $0.52 in 3Q18 (as adjusted to remove the earnings from […]
Lincoln Financial Group Reports Third Quarter 2019 Results and Announces Increase to Dividend
{November 6th, 2019} by Lincoln Financial Group
RADNOR, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Lincoln Financial Group (NYSE: LNC) today reported a net loss for the third quarter of 2019 of $161 million, or $(0.83) per diluted share available to common stockholders, compared to net income in the third quarter of 2018 of $490 million, or $2.24 per diluted share available to common stockholders. Third quarter adjusted […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Jackson National Life Insurance Company and Its Affiliates
{November 6th, 2019} by A.M. Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A+ (Superior) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICR) of “aa-” of Jackson National Life Insurance Company (JNL), its wholly owned subsidiary, Jackson National Life Insurance Company of New York, and its direct parent, Brooke Life Insurance Company. These companies collectively are referred to […]
Pacific Life Foundation Grants Life Lessons Scholarships During Life Insurance Awareness Month
{November 6th, 2019} by The Pacific Life Foundation
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Pacific Life Foundation (the Foundation) has sponsored five $15,000 scholarships through Life Happens (www.LifeHappens.org) and its annual Life Lessons Scholarship Program, to aid the financial burden for students who have lost a parent without life insurance. In honor of Life Insurance Awareness Month in September, the scholarships were awarded to students […]
FBL Financial Group Reports Third Quarter 2019 Results
{November 6th, 2019} by FBL Financial Group, Inc.
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–FBL Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: FFG): Financial Highlights (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Three months ended September 30, 2019 2018 Net income attributable to FBL Financial Group $ 25,129 $ 31,010 Adjusted operating income(1) 25,215 31,872 Earnings per common share (assuming dilution): […]
Brighthouse Financial Announces Third Quarter 2019 Results
{November 6th, 2019} by Brighthouse Financial
CHARLOTTE, N.C.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Brighthouse Financial, Inc. (“Brighthouse Financial” or the “company”) (Nasdaq: BHF) announced today its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2019. Third Quarter 2019 Results The company reported net income available to shareholders of $676 million in the third quarter of 2019, or $6.06 per diluted share, compared with a net […]
Prudential Financial, Inc. Announces Third Quarter 2019 Results
{November 6th, 2019} by Prudential Financial, Inc.
NEWARK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE:PRU) today reported third quarter results. Net income attributable to Prudential Financial, Inc. was $1.418 billion ($3.44 per Common share) for the third quarter of 2019, compared to $1.672 billion ($3.90 per Common share) for the third quarter of 2018. After-tax adjusted operating income was $1.329 billion ($3.22 per Common […]
Athene Holding Ltd. Reports Third Quarter 2019 Results
{November 6th, 2019} by Athene Holding, Ltd.
PEMBROKE, Bermuda–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Athene Holding Ltd. (“Athene”) (NYSE: ATH), a leading provider of retirement savings products, announced financial results for the third quarter 2019. Net income available to AHL common shareholders for the third quarter 2019 was $276 million, or $1.50 per diluted Class A common share (“diluted share”), compared to net income available to AHL common […]
Life Insurance and Annuity Providers Are More Customer-Centric but Gaps Remain, J.D. Power Finds
{November 6th, 2019} by J.D. Power
COSTA MESA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Individual life insurance and annuity providers have begun the process of shifting their approach from producer focused to end-customer focused by introducing more online access capabilities and more frequent customer touch points, but they still have a long way to go to catch up to providers in other financial services and insurance […]
Insurance Regulators May Approve ‘Best-Interest’ Annuity Rule By Yearend
{November 6th, 2019} by Tracey Longo
After years of debate, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners appears poised to approve a “best interest” annuities sales standard by the end of the year. Up until now, insurance regulators have used a “suitability” standard–similar to Finra’s– to regulate annuities sales. The new “best interest model,” which is being finalized by NAIC committees in […]
SEC Issues Plan to Modernize RIA Ad Rules
{November 6th, 2019} by Melanie Waddell
The Securities and Exchange Commission has proposed updates to its Advertising Rule that would let advisors use testimonials, endorsements and third-party ratings to solicit clients, subject to certain conditions. The reforms also include tailored requirements for the presentation of performance results, based on an ad’s intended audience. “The advertising and solicitation rules provide important protections […]
SEC proposes allowing advisers to use testimonials, endorsements in ads
{November 6th, 2019} by Mark Schoeff Jr.
The Securities and Exchange Commission has proposed revising its advertising rules for investment advisers for the first time in nearly 60 years, allowing them to post testimonials, endorsements and third-party ratings on social media. Click HERE to read the full story via InvestmentNews.
The Future Of Wholesaling Is At A Crisis Point
{November 6th, 2019} by John Hilton
As the insurance industry goes through a revolution of sorts, the future of wholesaling is somewhat in doubt. Can those middlemen and women adapt to the new insurance order, complete with regulatory and technological pressures? The industry pressures start with technology integration and regulatory changes, but how those things shake up the distribution channels is […]
5 Ways Life Insurance Eases Post-Divorce Estate Planning
{November 6th, 2019} by Trey Reynolds
With nearly half of all marriages ending in divorce, it’s not uncommon to have clients who are either going through divorce proceedings, living as a single parent after a divorce, or have been married more than once – with or without stepchildren. Divorce is emotionally draining, and on top of that, the challenges divorce brings […]
Handling Sensitive Consumer Data Is A Tricky Issue
{November 6th, 2019} by John Hilton
BOSTON — How insurers treat sensitive consumer data is a tricky issue for regulators and lawmakers. Iowa Insurance Commissioner Doug Ommen conceded “there is a lot of concern among some regulators that the data that is finding its way” into the wrong hands. Ommen was part of a discussion on the future of financial services […]
NAIC Commissioners Racing The Clock To Finish Annuity Sales Model
{November 6th, 2019} by John Hilton
A National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ working group has one final meeting to finish its annuity sales rule, which would create a best-interest framework for states to consider adopting. The Annuity Suitability Working Group will hold a two-hour conference call Tuesday that could run longer if that’s what it takes to finish, an NAIC official […]
