Happy 4th of July!
{June 29th, 2022} by Wink's Intel Pros
The Wink offices will be closed July 1st-4th for an extended holiday.
Put your thinking cap on: Innovation in annuity products
{June 29th, 2022} by Sheryl Moore
Unlike life insurance product development, the annuity market always seems to have something going on. New features and different riders come and go. The array of available options seems to be endless. Here, we lay out some of the industry trends in annuity product development. Read Annuity Trends page 30 in NAILBA’s ID Trends, CLICK […]
Annuity Awareness Month Edition
{June 29th, 2022} by Wink's Intel Pros
June is Annuity Awareness Month! We reprinted our Chief Storyteller, Sheryl Moore’s most requested annuity-focused articles all month long; they are indicated with “reprint” in the title. You’ll find these timeless articles are still relevant today. Annuity Awareness Month aligns perfectly with Wink’s top priority of ensuring that the public has the needed information and […]
Jackson’s Cure for Retirement Planning Paralysis: Go-Karts
{June 29th, 2022} by Allison Bell
Jackson has a solution for retirement planning clients’ inability to focus: Get them to ride go-karts. Or, run through sprinklers. The company now offers clients a play wellness program to make retirement planning seem less overwhelming. The Lansing, Michigan-based annuity issuer sees inflation, rising interest rates, technology and Congress as some of the major forces shaping […]
How many indexed crediting methods are enough?
{June 29th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
Click to join the conversation!
Report Shows How Aggressively Some Carriers Are Using Reinsurance
{June 29th, 2022} by Cyril Tuohy
Many large annuity issuers are now linked to private equity firms, and they’re reinsuring a lot of their liabilities to affiliated companies in the small island nation of Bermuda. That’s what Retirement Income Journal discovered when it analyzed data last year for the top 10 fixed-indexed annuity sellers, based on Wink data. Click HERE to read via […]
Life Insurance, Annuities and R&D Tax Credits
{June 29th, 2022} by Brent Johnson
The life insurance and annuities industries are changing with the times and becoming more tech-savvy. Insurance technology advances make life easier for both customers and agents, from customers reporting a claim to agents interfacing with clients. Insurtech also helps insurance companies stay visible in a crowded market. As a result, digital experiences, technology solutions, operational […]
Offshore Reinsurers Back Many of Your Clients’ Life and Annuity Arrangements
{June 29th, 2022} by Allison Bell
Northwestern Mutual thinks it’s strange to see U.S. life and annuity issuers making waves of offshore reinsurance deals that “free up capital.” Andrew Vedder, vice president for enterprise risk management at Northwestern Mutual, told state insurance regulators about the company’s concerns earlier this month, in a comment letter. Click HERE to read the full story via ThinkAdvisor
Dividing the Annuity Value Pie
{June 29th, 2022} by Harry N. Stout
Annuity critics frequently state that annuity products are just not worth it. They say that the only ones making money from annuities are the salesperson and the issuing life insurance company. Certain critics further state that annuity buyers are the last ones to obtain value from the product they purchase. The critics go on to […]
Regulators Need a Fictional Variable Annuity Issuer
{June 29th, 2022} by Allison Bell
Imagine a model office providing many different types of products, with many different types of assets. That office would produce a wide range of reserve and capital results. State insurance regulators plan to hire consultants to create such a simulation of a variable annuity issuer. The results could help the National Association of Insurance Commissioners […]
Phyllis Borzi: DOL’s New Rollover Rules a ‘Reasonable Step Forward’
{June 29th, 2022} by Melanie Waddell
Phyllis Borzi, the former head of the Labor Department’s Employee Benefits Security Administration under President Barack Obama, sees Labor’s new fiduciary prohibited transaction exemption (PTE) 2020-02, Improving Investment Advice for Workers & Retirees, as “a reasonable step forward” for those firms and their representatives who want to continue to receive conflicted compensation. But the “basic […]
No one ‘listens’ themselves out of an annuity sale
{June 29th, 2022} by Jeff Barnes
Annuities sometimes get a bad rap. Clients may hear the word “annuity” and conclude all annuities are the same. Many don’t realize that there are different categories of annuities and there are many different types and designs within each of these categories. Click HERE to read the full story via INN
Filling the Gap Left Behind by GoFundMe
{June 29th, 2022} by Samuel Howe
You’ve seen these campaigns in growing numbers over the past decade or so – you’ve likely donated to them yourself. Sometimes it’s someone you know personally who has been in a car wreck or suffered an unexpected diagnosis; other times, an acquaintance is passing the virtual hat for a close friend of theirs who needs […]
How Annuity Risks Get Passed to the Bermuda Triangle
{June 29th, 2022} by Kerry Pechter
Leading private equity-linked fixed indexed annuity (FIA) issuers ceded the risk (the liability) of 95% of their 2021 sales to the balance sheets of affiliated or co-owned reinsurers located mainly in Bermuda. To assess the role of reinsurance in the today’s annuity industry, RIJ recently obtained and analyzed key pages from the most recent state statutory filings […]
Principal Survey Shows Retirement Goal “Reset” for Many U.S. Workers Amid Recent Market Volatility and Inflation
{June 29th, 2022} by Principal
DES MOINES, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–American workers cite saving enough for retirement as their top financial priority in a new survey by Principal Financial Group®, replacing dreams of a lavish retirement with simpler goals of maintaining the current standard of living amid ongoing market volatility and inflationary pressures. The Principal® Retirement Security Survey included nearly 1,000 consumers and 215 plan sponsors […]
Best’s Special Report: U.S. Life Insurer Earnings Decline in 2021 Despite Highest New Premium Growth in Over Three Decades
{June 29th, 2022} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–U.S. life insurance companies in 2021 reported first-year individual life direct premium growth of 25% — the highest growth rate in the segment in more than 30 years. However, according to a new AM Best report, more than half of the insurers reported an operating loss despite the spike in new business. In its Best’s Special […]
After Two Years of the Pandemic, Americans Place High Value on Tailored Financial Strategies
{June 29th, 2022} by Allianz
MINNEAPOLIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–As Americans continue to manage their finances during the uncertainty brought on by the pandemic, financial planning with the assistance of a professional is helping them feel more confident about the future. More than nine in 10 respondents (93%) said setting financial goals and developing a plan to achieve them is important to helping […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Pacific LifeCorp and Its Subsidiaries
{June 29th, 2022} by AM 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” (Superior) of Pacific Life Insurance Company and Pacific Life & Annuity Company (collectively referred to as Pacific Life Group). Both companies are headquartered in Newport Beach, CA. Additionally, AM Best has affirmed the […]
Global Atlantic Introduces Your Thriving Practice, a New Podcast for Financial Professionals
{June 29th, 2022} by Global Atlantic Financial Group
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Global Atlantic Financial Group (“Global Atlantic”), a leading financial services company, today announced the launch of the Your Thriving Practice, a podcast developed to help financial professionals build, manage, and grow their businesses. Your Thriving Practice explores some of the most pressing topics facing financial professionals today, with discussions covering the latest news, industry trends, and […]
The Road Ahead: Addressing Pandemic-Related Setbacks and Strengthening the U.S. Retirement System
{June 29th, 2022} by Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies
New research examines the retirement outlook of the workforce and the urgent need for action LOS ANGELES, June 28, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Fewer than three in 10 workers (29 percent) “strongly agree” they are building a large enough retirement nest egg, according to Emerging From the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Retirement Outlook of the Workforce, a survey report released today by nonprofit Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies® (TCRS) in collaboration with Transamerica Institute®. “Without doubt, the COVID-19 pandemic has […]
Velocity Life Insurance Agency Accelerates Growth through Integrity Partnership
{June 29th, 2022} by Integrity Marketing Group
Integrity’s robust, end-to-end systems will empower Virginia-based Velocity to provide a wider range of technology, products and resources to its fast-growing network of agents DALLAS, June 28, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Integrity Marketing Group, LLC (“Integrity”), a leading distributor of life and health insurance, and provider of wealth management and retirement planning solutions, today announced it has acquired Velocity Life Insurance […]
Kevin Mechtley Named to Sammons Independent Annuity Group Leadership Team
{June 29th, 2022} by Sammons Financial Group, Inc.
Product development, market intelligence, and distribution teams positioned for success WEST DES MOINES, Iowa, June 28, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Sammons® Financial Group, Inc. has named Kevin Mechtley to a new role as Vice President, Business Development and Chief Innovation Officer. In this position, Mechtley will have a dual focus on new product innovation and strategic relationship building. Mechtley – who moves […]
ApexAdvantageSM Fixed Index Annuity Launches, Focused on Competitive Early Income
{June 29th, 2022} by Legacy Marketing Group
LINCOLN, Neb.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. (Ameritas) today announced the launch of ApexAdvantage, a new limited distribution annuity product available exclusively through a select group of Independent Marketing Organizations (IMOs): Advisors Excel, Creative One, and Gradient Financial Group. “We’re thrilled to join forces with these prestigious IMOs,” said Robert Jurgensmeier, Executive Vice President – Independent […]
Demographics and interest rate policy favor annuities: LIMRA
{June 29th, 2022} by Editorial Staff
The US population aged 65 or over is expected to grow by more than 8.5 million by 2026, LIMRA said. Individual annuity sales cluster around age 65. Click HERE to read the full story via RIJ
The Evolution of the Index with Sheryl Moore
{June 29th, 2022} by John Hilton
[Upcoming Webinar — July 13, 2022] An explosion in the growth of proprietary indices and indexed products continues. But regulators are circling. What will the next generation of indexed products look like? Indexed products are popular, offering apparent upside and little downside. But regulators are wary. The growth of proprietary indices has critics claiming consumers are […]
NAILBA Charitable Foundation
{June 22nd, 2022} by NAILBA
The NAILBA Charitable Foundation is dedicated to building communities, helping build local charities striving to aid those in need – that’s our goal each year! The Foundation is now accepting grant applications through September 2, 2022! Please review the eligibility criteria and apply online today: https://bit.ly/3tBaBpC
Annuity Quick Reference Guide
{June 22nd, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
Many have never heard of annuities. Perhaps the easiest way to grasp the concept of annuities is to first discuss life insurance products. Life insurance is a contract that pays a benefit in the event you die unexpectedly. In turn, annuities are a contract that pay a benefit in the event you live too long. […]
Why ‘Offshoring’ Annuity Risk Is Wrong
{June 22nd, 2022} by Tom Gober
Any investor or adviser who relies on the products or services of the life insurance/annuity industry today should be aware that assessing the financial integrity of a company in that industry is more difficult now than in the past. Click HERE to read the full story via RIJ Wink’s Note: Tom Gober spanks Athene in the […]
Caught some good content in NAILBA’s Perspectives magazine.
{June 22nd, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
I am catching-up on my hard copy reading today. I really appreciated Maureen James‘ rundown on compliance. This is a MUST read. (I didn’t know that RIAs could use customer testimonials when advertising now!) Plus, it was interesting reading Charles Arnold‘s take on why VUL should be put back on the table. Great commentary from Stevan Mark Cohen, […]
Indexed product sellers see ‘attractive’ markets after Fed rate hikes
{June 22nd, 2022} by John Hilton
When the Federal Reserve announced a historic 0.75-percentage-point rate hike last week, it sent many financial markets into a chaotic state. One market that should benefit from the rate hike, however, is the annuity marketplace, experts say. Specifically, indexed products, which thrive on offering stability when the financial landscape is most unstable. Click HERE to […]
What Juneteenth means to me as a Black financial services professional
{June 22nd, 2022} by Jay Wilkerson
Now that Juneteenth, also called Freedom Day or Black Independence Day, is a federal holiday, we must celebrate it for what it recognize: the end of slavery in the United States, and not let it be seen as just another day off work. Although slavery did officially end in the U.S. in 1865, the historical […]
Ed Slott: Secure Act 2.0 Must Fix the 10-Year Rule
{June 22nd, 2022} by Melanie Waddell
If Congress really wants to help retirees and those saving for retirement, they need to fix the 10-year rule in the IRS’ proposed regulations on how to handle required minimum distributions under the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (Secure) Act of 2019, according to IRA specialist Ed Slott of Ed Slott & Co. None […]
More Than Half of Teens Think Investing Is Too Confusing; Fidelity Shares Resources to Help Parents Have “The Talk”
{June 22nd, 2022} by Fidelity Investments
BOSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–As part of its ongoing efforts to engage the next generation, Fidelity Investments® today released results of the 2022 Teens and Money Study, revealing that while seven-in-ten teens look up to family members as financial role models, only a third (34%) say that their family regularly talks about investing. What’s more, nearly half say investing “feels out […]
Sunrise For Savers
{June 22nd, 2022} by Staff
In the first half of 2022, the bull market in bond prices that had been running hard since 1982 fell to its knees. Since January, the Bloomberg Barclay’s US Aggregate Bond Index dropped 8.8%, its biggest decline in 4 decades. The major driver: investor anxiety that the Federal Reserve’s plan to fight inflation by raising […]
25% Of Advisors Near Retirement Lack A Succession Plan, Cerulli Says
{June 22nd, 2022} by Jennifer Lea Reed
Over the next decade, more than a third of financial advisors are expected to retire and these advisors control more than $10 trillion in assets, or 40% of the entire industry. Yet one in four of these advisors has no idea what their succession plan will be, a new study found. Click HERE to read […]
Protective Life Corporation Releases 2021 Sustainability Report
{June 22nd, 2022} by Protective Life Corporation
BIRMINGHAM, Ala.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Protective Life Corporation (Protective), a wholly owned U.S. subsidiary of Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc. (TSE:8750), today announced the publication of the company’s 2021 Sustainability Report, highlighting key achievements of integrating sustainable practices throughout the organization and living out the company’s purpose as protectors. Click HERE to read the full story via BusinessWire
Pacific Life Named by Points of Light as One of America’s 50 Most Community-Minded Companies
{June 22nd, 2022} by Pacific Life Insurance Company
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Pacific Life has been named a national 2022 Civic 50 honoree by Points of Light, acknowledging it as one of the 50 most community-minded companies in the United States. The Civic 50 sets the standard for corporate civic engagement and creates a roadmap for companies seeking to best use their time, talent […]
AIG Named to The Civic 50 List by Points of Light
{June 22nd, 2022} by American International Group, Inc
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–For the first time, American International Group, Inc. (NYSE: AIG) has been recognized as one of the 50 most community-minded companies in the United States by Points of Light, a nonpartisan, global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world. Points of […]
MassMutual Recognized as one of the 50 Most Community-Minded Companies in the United States
{June 22nd, 2022} by Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company
SPRINGFIELD, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Today, Points of Light, the world’s largest nonprofit dedicated to accelerating people-powered change, announced The Civic 50 honorees of 2022 and a report featuring key trends, benchmarking data, and insights from the honorees. In its first year applying, Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) has been named a 2022 honoree of The Civic 50. For the […]
Simplicity Group Acquires Element Insurance Partners – The 38th Organization to Join the Fast-Growing Partnership
{June 22nd, 2022} by Simplicity Group
SUMMIT, N.J., June 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — The Simplicity Group (“Simplicity”) today announced the acquisition of Element Insurance Partners (“Element”), an independent insurance brokerage agency based in Omaha, Nebraska. With this deal, Simplicity’s 38th acquisition, Simplicity welcomes Troy Woods as a partner. Mr. Woods will continue to manage the day-to-day business operations of Element, while transitioning to the Simplicity brand. “Troy […]
EquiTrust Life Partners with Sapiens on their Next Generation Digital Agent Experience
{June 22nd, 2022} by Sapiens International Corporation
RALEIGH, N.C., June 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Sapiens International Corporation, (NASDAQ: SPNS) (TASE: SPNS), a leading global provider of software solutions for the insurance industry, announced today that EquiTrust Life, a leading North American life and health insurance company, has selected Sapiens’ award-winning suite of e-application, illustration and digital solutions to provide their agents next generation customer acquisition and service capabilities. […]
Truist Wealth enters Chicago with experienced team of wealth management professionals
{June 22nd, 2022} by Truist Financial Corporation
CHARLOTTE, N.C. and CHICAGO, June 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Truist Wealth today announced its entry into Chicago with a 10-person team of wealth management professionals. The third-largest U.S. market, Chicago presents a significant opportunity for Truist Wealth as it continues its expansion into major metropolitan markets across the U.S. Truist Wealth, the wealth management division of Truist Financial Corporation (NYSE: TFC), delivers financial planning, investment management, […]
Midland Retirement Distributors Launches Summit Focus[SM] 3
{June 22nd, 2022} by Sammons Financial Group
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa, June 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Midland Retirement Distributors, a division of Sammons Institutional Group®, Inc. – a member company of Sammons Financial Group – announces the launch of Summit FocusSM 3, a new three-year fixed index annuity. Midland Retirement Distributors specializes in fixed and fixed index annuities that provide customers and clients with choice, focus, and flexibility […]
SkyPoint Financial and Insurance Services Targets Next Level of Growth by Joining Integrity
{June 22nd, 2022} by Integrity Marketing Group
High-performing IMO with impressive track record and trajectory will tap into Integrity’s end-to-end platform to enhance agent support and protect more American families DALLAS, June 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Integrity Marketing Group, LLC (“Integrity”), a leading distributor of life and health insurance, and provider of wealth management and retirement planning solutions, today announced it has acquired SkyPoint Financial and Insurance […]
Integrity Expands Annuity and Life Insurance Distribution by Partnering with Annuity Agents Alliance
{June 22nd, 2022} by Integrity Marketing Group, LLC
Denver-based IMO will benefit from the security, scalability and resources that Integrity partnership provides as it works to serve the complex financial needs of more Americans DALLAS, June 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Integrity Marketing Group, LLC (“Integrity”), a leading distributor of life and health insurance, and provider of wealth management and retirement planning solutions, today announced it […]
Foresters Financial announces 4.75 percent UL crediting rate, one of the highest rates industry wide
{June 22nd, 2022} by The Independent Order of Foresters
TORONTO, June 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ – Foresters Financial™ (Foresters), the fraternal life insurer that’s boldly redefining the life insurance industry through innovation, purpose and wellness, today announced that the non-guaranteed crediting rate on its SMART Universal Life Insurance (“SMART UL”) [1] will increase from 4.50 percent to 4.75 percent across new and many in-force certificates. This increase positions SMART […]
Permanent Life Insurance Market to Witness Huge Growth by 2028 : AIG, Aviva, AIA: Permanent Life Insurance Market 2022
{June 22nd, 2022} by Global Permanent Life Insurance Market Status,
New Jersey, NJ — (SBWIRE) — 06/21/2022 — Global Permanent Life Insurance Market Status, Trends and COVID-19 Impact Report 2021 is latest research study released by HTF MI evaluating the market risk side analysis, highlighting opportunities and leveraged with strategic and tactical decision-making support. The report provides information on market trends and development, growth drivers, technologies, […]
Changing the Game: SEC Brings Enforcement Action for Exchanging Annuities
{June 22nd, 2022} by National Law Review, Volume XII, Number 171
On Monday, May 25, 2022, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission issued an Order Instituting Administrative and Cease-And-Desist Proceedings (“Order”) against RiverSource Distributors, Inc. (“RDI”) with respect to exchanges it made with existing customers between January 2017 and May 2018 of variable annuities Click HERE to read the full story via The National Law Review
Washington Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler rejects calls to resign
{June 22nd, 2022} by Staff Reports
A defiant Washington State Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler said Friday that he will not resign despite losing Gov. Jay Inslee’s support after multiple scandals. Kreidler fired a top aide who had complained that the longtime commissioner bullied him, used crass language and was “antagonizing staff.” Inslee, in a prepared statement Friday, said that recent events […]
US life premiums grow 6.6% in Q1 as pandemic demand spike retains vigor
{June 22nd, 2022} by Tyler HammelKris Elaine Figuracion
With the demand for insurance growing in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. life insurers saw year-over-year growth of 6.6% in direct premiums during the first quarter of 2022 compared to the same period last year. Individual and group direct premiums combined amounted to $52.26 billion in the first quarter of 2022, an increase […]
WealthVest to Partner with Aspida to Distribute their WealthLock Product Suite of Annuities
{June 22nd, 2022} by Aspida Life Insurance Company
Aspida Life Insurance Company (“Aspida”), a life insurance and annuity company, and WealthVest, a financial services marketing and wholesaling firm, announced plans today to partner on the distribution of Aspida’s principal-protected retirement solutions, now available in more than 35 states. Aspida’s new WealthLockSM Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuity and WealthLockSM Accumulator Fixed Index Annuity – developed jointly […]
Clients Rush to Buy Variable Universal Life Insurance
{June 22nd, 2022} by Allison Bell
Clients who bought U.S. individual life insurance in the first quarter were hungry for policies that were designed to do well when the stock market does well, according to new market data from LIMRA. Variable universal life policies, or policies that combine a minimum level of policy cash value growth with the potential to do […]
Fed Rate Hike Could Boost Floating-Rate Annuities
{June 22nd, 2022} by Allison Bell
U.S. life and annuity insurers are trying to be polite about the Federal Reserve Board doing what it can to push interest rates up 0.75 percentage points. On Wednesday, the Fed moved to increase the target range for the “federal funds rate” — the rate banks use to lend reserve balances to other banks overnight […]
US life/annuity net income increases by more than 50%: AM Best
{June 22nd, 2022} by Jack Willard
According to a new AM Best report, US life/annuity industry net income increased more than 50%, compared to the same period from last year. The report also showed that the US life/annuity industry’s total income rose 3.9%, from the prior year period, with a 2.7% increase in premiums and annuity considerations, and an 8.6% increase […]
SEC Sanctions Registered Broker-Dealer in First-Ever Section 11 Enforcement Proceeding
{June 22nd, 2022} by Thomas Cain, Katherine McCurry
In a recent administrative order (the “Order”), the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) charged a registered broker-dealer (the “Broker-Dealer”) with improper switching or replacing of variable annuities in violation of Section 11 of the Investment Company Act of 1940.[i] The Order stands as the SEC’s first-ever enforcement proceeding under Section 11 of the Investment Company Act of […]
Thinking Twice about Variable Annuities
{June 22nd, 2022} by Retirement & Financial Planning Report
Variable annuities have received negative publicity in recent years, which may keep individuals from buying them. Although variable annuities have their drawbacks, as do all types of investments, they also offer advantages. Variable annuities have been called mediocre investments, with high price tags. They may be compared, unfavorably, with mutual funds. Click HERE to read […]
Nationwide increases roll-up rate, payout percentage on L.inc+ suite
{June 22nd, 2022} by Press Release
Columbus, OH—June 14, 2022— As inflation continues to rise and the economic environment continues to tighten, Nationwide has announced enhanced rates for the Nationwide Lifetime Income Rider+® (L.inc+) Suite, a set of three riders that offer guaranteed lifetime income with features designed to offer flexibility and stability during market volatility. The suite, which is designed […]
What Working with the Homeless Taught Me about Financial Planning
{June 22nd, 2022} by Stacia Williams, Investment Adviser Representative
I learned the importance of having a plan at an early age thanks to my father, a homeless camp and sack lunches. My father was a pastor, and he viewed helping the homeless as a calling. So, on Saturday afternoons, my family would prepare 125 sack lunches, with the contents of those lunches imprinted on […]
Almost mainstream, LGBTQ couples still need specialized planning
{June 22nd, 2022} by Joanne Cleaver
When same-sex marriage was legalized nationally in June 2015, one thorny element of financial planning for gay and lesbian couples was resolved. Click HERE to read the full story via InvestmentNews
401(k) plans are failing middle-class Americans
{June 22nd, 2022} by Mary Beth Franklin
A new report finds that the tax breaks designed to encourage Americans’ retirement savings disproportionately benefit high-income households and do little to assist middle-class families. Click HERE to read the full story via InvestmentNews
Midland Rolls Out Three-Year Indexed Annuity With ‘Buy-Up Cap’
{June 22nd, 2022} by Cyril Tuohy
It is Midland’s first three-year indexed annuity. Great American Life, Oceanview Life & Annuity and Oxford Life also offer three-year indexed annuities, according to Wink, which tracks the market. There are a total of eight different three-year indexed annuities available for sale today, Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink, said in an email. Click HERE to read the full story via Life Annuity Specialist
Private Equity Faces ‘Crisis of Value’ Over Inflated Prices
{June 22nd, 2022} by Will Louch and Dani Burger
Private owners of face a “crisis of value”, after years of prices being driven higher by rock-bottom interest rates, according to two senior private equity figures. “Right now in the private markets it has been a crisis of value,” Gabriel Caillaux, head of General Atlantic’s business in EMEA, said in a Bloomberg TV interview at the […]
Genstar Buys Stake in AmeriLife From Thomas H. Lee Partners
{June 22nd, 2022} by Kamaron Leach, Bloomerg News
(Bloomberg) — Buyout firm Genstar Capital agreed to acquire a stake in AmeriLife Group, a life and health-insurance provider, from Thomas H. Lee Partners, according to a statement reviewed by Bloomberg News. The deal values the company at more than $3 billion, including debt, according to a person familiar with the matter who asked to […]
Millennials Hankering for Annuities: Survey
{June 22nd, 2022} by Alex Padalka
Millennials are more apt to buy insurance products such as annuities in the next five years in greater numbers than any period before, according to a report from a firm that sells such products. Around 80% of millennials are “pursuing” products “that offer growth and protection,” according to results of a survey conducted earlier this […]
Working With Your Clients To Solve The Annuity Puzzle
{June 22nd, 2022} by Eric Henderson
There’s no doubt about it—annuities are hot right now: in March 2022, LIMRA reported record-high annuity sales, with total sales in the U.S. increasing 4% to $63.6 billion between Q1 2021 and Q1 2022, and fixed indexed annuity (FIA) sales up 14% over Q1 2022. Options like FIAs are an increasingly attractive retirement planning solution, offering principal […]
Can This Annuity Rider Help Your Client Through Rough Markets?
{June 22nd, 2022} by Robert Bloink by William H. Byrnes
Volatile market conditions have a way of reminding clients about the power of annuity products and the value of lifetime income guarantees in the face of uncertainty. With interest rates rising, now may be the perfect time for many pre-retirees and recent retirees to consider whether an annuity is right for them. If interest rates […]
Michael Finke Teams With Life Insurer on Income Planning Program
{June 22nd, 2022} by Allison Bell
Alife insurer is working with Michael Finke — a financial services researcher and ThinkAdvisor contributor — to create a goals-based income planning program. The insurer, Protective, said the program will provide strategies financial professionals can use to analyze clients’ income needs and risks and to come up with strategies to meet clients’ retirement and estate planning goals. […]
Life and Annuity Stocks Outperforming the S&P 500: Morgan Stanley Analysts
{June 22nd, 2022} by Jamie Johnson
Typical life and annuity issuer stocks have been doing better than other stocks this year, and some are up for the year. Nigel Dally, a securities analyst at Morgan Stanley, explores the data in a commentary on how the stocks of the life and annuity companies he tracks have been doing since the start of the year and […]
Indexes must evolve with inflation, rising rates, says NAFA panel
{June 22nd, 2022} by John Hilton
Industry veteran Sheryl Moore noted the growth of indexes during a recent Wink, Inc. webinar. When Moore started Wink, an industry intelligence firm, 17 years ago there were a dozen indexes. Today, there are at least 150 different indexes, many of them proprietary indexes developed by major carriers. Click HERE to read the full story via […]
Your Clients Need 3 Types of Income: Aaron Seurkamp
{June 22nd, 2022} by Allison Bell
Aaron Seurkamp wants you to help your clients with not just one type of income planning, but with three types of income planning. Seurkamp is a senior vice president at Protective Life and president of the company’s retirement division. Click HERE to read the full story via ThinkAdvisor Wink’s Note: There are a […]
Insurance industry awaits impact as regulators grapple with data privacy
{June 22nd, 2022} by John Hilton
Editor’s Note: This is the first in an ongoing, occasional series on the impact of big data on the insurance industry. Major insurance carriers sit on a treasure trove of big data, with endless possibilities to sharpen actuarial risk projections and target financial products more narrowly to millions of consumers. But there are big risks, […]
5 Ways the New Stock Market Rollercoaster Could Affect Life Insurers
{June 22nd, 2022} by Allison Bell
Clients with life insurance and annuities may be watching the bear market rummaging around on the mutual funds’ picnic table, and wondering what it means for them. The answer is: It depends. Click HERE to read the full story via ThinkAdvisor
Achaean Teams With Insurer to Create an Inflation-Friendly Income Annuity
{June 22nd, 2022} by Allison Bell
Achaean Financial wants to offer your clients another way to create a lifetime stream of retirement income. The Lake Forest, Illinois-based financial products developer is joining with National Western Life Insurance Co, to create a single-premium immediate annuity, or SPIA, that will include a patented type of income increase feature that may help a retiree […]
Don’t Worry; Retire Happy – With Moshe Milevsky
{June 22nd, 2022} by Paul Feldman
Record inflation. Skyrocketing long-term care costs. The widening retirement income gap. All these things can lead would-be retirees to believe that the post-employment years are a time to fear. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Click HERE to read the full story via INN Wink’s Note: Now, I am reading Paul […]
Powering Through Disruption
{June 22nd, 2022} by John Hilton
As 2022 rolls into summer, the annuity market is enduring every kind of gut punch disruption imaginable — from the pandemic to technology, from regulation to inflation. And now you can add massive interest rate uncertainty to the mix. But after a pandemic sales dip, Americans resumed loving on annuities, more so than ever. Click […]
The Fed rate hike makes annuities seem attractive — but know how to pursue them
{June 22nd, 2022} by Alessandra Malito
With the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate hike, annuities may seem like an attractive retirement-income strategy. After all, higher interest rates should mean fatter guaranteed incomes. But there are a few considerations savers must make first. Click HERE to read the full story via MarketWatch Wink’s Note: So, you need to understand that MarketWatch is going to […]
REPRINT: FMO Q&A #AnnuityAwarenessMonth
{June 21st, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
Originally published October 2019 Over the past couple of decades, I have had the pleasure of working with hundreds of FMOs. These distributors drive innovation in product development, have the ability to command sales, and help the independent agent in their quest to best serve their clients. I am not just the lady that […]
ANNUITY AWARENESS MONTH EDITION
{June 13th, 2022} by Wink's RockStars
June is Annuity Awareness Month! We will be reprinting our Chief Storyteller, Sheryl Moore’s most requested annuity-focused articles all month long; they will be indicated with “reprint” in the title. You’ll find these timeless articles are still relevant today. Annuity Awareness Month aligns perfectly with Wink’s top priority of ensuring that the public has the needed […]
New death benefit features added to Nationwide Defined Protection RILA
{June 13th, 2022} by Nationwide
Columbus, OH – Nationwide announced today the launch of enhanced legacy features to the Nationwide Defined Protection® Annuity (DPA), a registered index-linked annuity (RILA). The two new death benefit features, which are available at no extra cost, are uniquely positioned to fit the emerging needs of financial professionals and their clients in today’s challenging economic environment. Return […]
Annuity Industry Geared Up To Promote Products In June
{June 13th, 2022} by Edward Hayes
With the markets experiencing significant volatility over recent years and Americans growing ever more concerned about their retirement prospects, the National Association for Fixed Annuities (NAFA) is among several other organizations trying to raise awareness among investors and advisors about annuities during National Annuity Awareness Month this month. Click HERE to read the full story […]
Millennials Hankering for Annuities: Survey
{June 13th, 2022} by Alex Padalka
Millennials are more apt to buy insurance products such as annuities in the next five years in greater numbers than any period before, according to a report from a firm that sells such products. Around 80% of millennials are “pursuing” products “that offer growth and protection,” according to results of a survey conducted earlier this […]
Going Away for the Summer? No Problem. Clients Escape, Too
{June 13th, 2022} by Emily Dattilo
Summer brings some temporary changes in the way many advisors work, and these can include a change of scenery, with some moving to second homes near the beach or mountains. Charlie Dunn, managing partner at Intergy Private Wealth, a Colorado Springs-based registered investment advisor, spends more than half his summer and most of his kids’ winter […]
Week in Review
{June 13th, 2022} by Richard Bedard
Indexed life insurance had a good first quarter, with sales jumping 18%, according to market research firm Wink. Click HERE to read the full Review in LifeAnnuitySpecialist
Wrong. Wrong. WRONG!
{June 13th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
Consumers “generally can’t touch their money for many years without penalty, with some exceptions”?! How about that they can access [10%] of their annuity funds every year, without penalty? And as for “annuities geared more for retirees seeking pension-like income haven’t garnered as much enthusiasm from consumers,” I’d say that isn’t precisely right. While SPIAs/DIAs […]
LOL! Bait-and-switch
{June 13th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
Laughing out loud at this one: “To entice buyers, insurance companies that provide fixed index annuities may guarantee a minimum income rate and offer enhanced or boosted rates for the first year of the contract or beyond.” Is that a nice way of saying that the insurance company may play bait-and-switch with your inforce renewal […]
AmeriLife, a Frequent Financial Services Firm Buyer, Raises More Cash
{June 13th, 2022} by Allison Bell
A company that has been an active buyer of life insurance, health insurance and retirement services firms appears to have a big new pot of cash. AmeriLife Group announced today that it has received a “strategic investment” from Genstar Capital — a large, San Francisco-based private equity firm. Click HERE to read the full story […]
National Western Life and Achaean Financial Holdings Establish Premier Alliance with Plans to Introduce a New Product for Income Solutions
{June 13th, 2022} by National Western Life Group, Inc.
AUSTIN, Texas, June 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — National Western Life Insurance Company (National Western Life), a wholly owned subsidiary of National Western Life Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: NWLI), entered a strategic alliance with Achaean Financial Holdings (Achaean), an intellectual property and product development company, to launch a new and innovative single premium immediate annuity to the financial marketplace. National […]
AmeriLife Announces Strategic Investment from Genstar Capital
{June 13th, 2022} by AmeriLife Group, LLC
Renowned private equity firm’s joint partnership with Thomas H. Lee Partners will expand AmeriLife’s suite of services and offerings, and further accelerate growth for the nation’s leading distributor of health and financial solutions CLEARWATER, Fla., June 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — AmeriLife Group, LLC (“AmeriLife”), a national leader in developing, marketing, and distributing life and health insurance, annuities, and retirement […]
Simplicity Group Continues Its Growth Trajectory with the Acquisition of the Eagle Team
{June 13th, 2022} by Simplicity Group
SUMMIT, N.J., June 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — The Simplicity Group (“Simplicity”) today announced the acquisition of the Eagle Team, LLC (“Eagle Team”), an independent organization specializing in life and annuity sales and distribution. With this deal, Simplicity welcomes five new partners: John Baker, Steve Buller, Chad Castle, Greg Gall, and Chris Lester. Eagle Team will continue to manage its day-to-day business operations […]
Best’s Special Report: U.S. Life/Annuity Industry Posts 60% Net Income Increase in First-Quarter 2022
{June 13th, 2022} by AM Best
June 10, 2022 07:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The U.S. life/annuity (L/A) industry saw its net income increase by 60% in the first three months of 2022 compared with the same prior-year period, fueled by declines in tax obligations and realized capital losses. This financial review is detailed in a new Best’s Special Report, […]
Best’s Review Examines Life Insurers’ Continued Appetite for Mergers & Acquisitions
{June 13th, 2022} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–In a new article from Best’s Review, industry experts discuss what is fueling the life insurance industry’s desire for more active mergers & acquisitions (M&A). The COVID-19 pandemic prompted life and annuity companies to increase their focus on examining core versus non-core functions, a practice that market watchers say will continue even as COVID-19 […]
Aquarian to Acquire Controlling Interest in Somerset Re and Contribute Additional Equity Capital to Support Further Growth
{June 13th, 2022} by Aquarian Holdings
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Aquarian Holdings (“Aquarian”) and Somerset Reinsurance Ltd (“Somerset Re”) announced today the signing of a definitive agreement for Aquarian to acquire a controlling interest in Somerset Re, a leading provider of reinsurance solutions to the U.S. life insurance and annuity market. In addition, the transaction will provide Somerset Re with a substantial amount […]
Social Security report projects trust fund exhaustion in 2035
{June 13th, 2022} by Mary Beth Franklin
The Social Security and Medicare Trustees released their annual reports on the state of the trust funds Thursday with no fanfare or advanced notice. Click HERE to read the full story via InvestmentNews
Older Baby Boomers Drive Uptick in 71-and-Up Life Application Activity
{June 13th, 2022} by Allison Bell
Your clients might be more likely to be using life insurance for long-term care planning and as a defense against uncertainty about estate tax rules. MIB Group has included data raising those possibilities in its latest monthly U.S. individual life insurance application activity report. The overall individual life activity level was 1.4% lower in May […]
Minnesota and South Carolina Update Annuity Sales Standards
{June 13th, 2022} by Allison Bell
Two more states — Minnesota and South Carolina — have adopted an annuity sales standards update created by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Michael Wise, the acting South Carolina insurance director, and the South Carolina Department of Insurance adopted a regulation to enact the change, publishing Document Number 5065 in the South Carolina States […]
Private Equity Firms Boost Life Insurers’ Investment Returns: Blackstone Exec
{June 13th, 2022} by Allison Bell
A top Blackstone Group executive told insurance sector watchers Wednesday that private equity firms can help life and annuity issuers earn higher investment returns without adding to default risk. Marrying private equity firms’ investment origination abilities with the life and annuity issuers’ hunger for high-grade, long-lived assets makes a lot of sense. said Jonathan Gray, […]
Life and Annuity Issuers Defend Guarantees at S&P Conference
{June 13th, 2022} by Allison Bell
The CEOs of life insurance and annuity issuers told the financial world that they need to continue to offer long-term benefits guarantees because what they do — and what you do — matters. Speaking at an online insurance conference organized by S&P Global Ratings, Ellen Cooper, who has been the CEO at Lincoln Financial for […]
NAFA Brings Industry Groups Together for Annuity Awareness
{June 13th, 2022} by Allison Bell
The National Association for Fixed Annuities is helping to make this month the second annual National Annuity Awareness Month. NAFA worked with other members of an annuity support group, the Coalition for Annuity Awareness, to organize the first awareness month outreach campaign in June 2021. Chuck DiVencenzo, NAFA’s president, said NAFA started the effort because […]
South Carolina Withdraws From Interstate Insurance Compact
{June 13th, 2022} by Allison Bell
South Carolina — one of the leaders in the effort to create the Interstate Insurance Product Regulation Compact — has withdrawn from the compact because of a conflict over long-term care insurance rate increase application reviews. Members of the Interstate Insurance Product Regulation Commission, the body that oversees the compact, voted in December 2021 to […]
Nationwide Adds an Annuity With Strong Floors: Strategy Driver Review
{June 13th, 2022} by Allison Bell
Rising interest rates are putting U.S. life insurers in a strong financial position — but clients are looking at news about inflation, U.S. politics and war in Europe and shivering. The collision of insurer strength with client fear is shaping some of the ideas behind recent life, health and annuity issuer strategy announcements. Click HERE […]
Nationwide is 13th life insurer nabbed by New York
{June 13th, 2022} by Editorial Staff
Nationwide has agreed to pay $5.64 million to settle charges brought against it by the New York regulators for selling new income annuities to people who could have annuitized their existing deferred annuities, possibly at higher income rates than the new annuities paid. Click HERE to read the full story via RIJ
Fixed Indexed Annuities: What’s Changed (or Not) in Ten Years
{June 13th, 2022} by Kerry Pechter and Sheryl Moore
Every year, Wink CEO Sheryl Moore and RIJ analyze a segment of the annuity industry using Wink’s proprietary data. This year, we examine FIA sales since 2011: The era of private equity in the annuity business. Ten years ago, sales of fixed indexed annuities (FIAs) were largely confined to the life/annuity industry’s ‘Wild West’ territory. […]
A New Kind of RIJ is on the Way
{June 13th, 2022} by Kerry Pechter
Retirement Income Journal is changing its business model. After more than 13 years (and almost 650 issues) as a subscription-based weekly publication, the RIJ website will become a free-standing online library and information resource, effective July 1. That’s just three weeks from now. Over the next few months, I plan to redesign the site. My goal will be […]
Annuities are Sorely Misunderstood
{June 13th, 2022} by Kerry Pechter
Most people, and I mean the average person-on-the-street, most of Congress, as well as many investment advisers and most mass-media journalists, don’t know much about today’s annuities. Click HERE to read the full story via RIJ Wink’s Note: Another GREAT article by Kerry Pechter. I couldn’t agree with him more. However, one section has […]
Verisk and LIMRA Partner to Combat Fraud, Financial Crimes in Life Insurance, Annuity and Retirement Markets
{June 13th, 2022} by Verisk and LIMRA
JERSEY CITY, N.J., and WINDSOR, CT., June 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Building on the unique strengths of the two organizations, LIMRA and Verisk are partnering to deliver greater capabilities to insurers and recordkeepers to help them combat fraud and financial criminal attacks on their customers. FraudShare, LIMRA’s latest industry solution developed in conjunction with […]
Annuity ownership drives retirement savings confidence, Athene finds
{June 13th, 2022} by Press Release
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa, June 06, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — While nearly half of American adults saving for retirement (49%) feel that they are on track to reach their retirement savings goals, annuity ownership can truly differentiate their outlook for the better, according to a recent study from Athene, a leading provider of retirement savings […]
Annuities Provide Nourishment In An Income-Starved Environment
{June 13th, 2022} by Susan Rupe
Just as food sustains the body throughout its lifetime, an annuity sustains a client’s savings throughout their retirement. Just how important an income annuity is to the success of a retirement portfolio was the subject of a recent webinar by Tamiko Toland, [the former] director of retirement markets for CANNEX, and sponsored by the National […]
Experts: 4 retirement income strategies to match any client’s style
{June 13th, 2022} by Susan Rupe
When it comes to planning for retirement income, clients face a number of risks. Each risk requires the right set of tools to manage it. And each client has their own retirement income style, which dictates the type of strategy needed to properly fund the client’s post-employment years. How to match the right retirement income […]
Too Many Americans Don’t Understand Life Insurance — or Have the Coverage They Need
{June 13th, 2022} by Maurie Backman- The Motley Fool
You wouldn’t go out and buy some fancy kitchen gadget without truly understanding what it does, right? Well, the same thought process might apply to life insurance. If you don’t understand how life insurance works, you may not be so motivated to bump it to the top of your list of things to prioritize. But […]
REPRINT: Need an Rx for retirement? The doctor is in. #AnnuityAwarenessMonth
{June 13th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
It took me a long time to get my “doctorate in lifetime income.” The journey commenced once I reviewed my retirement account statement after the dot-com bubble burst. I felt absolutely nauseous. Losing money did not sit well with my stomach. If a 401(k) had caused me to retch so violently, what retirement product could […]
The Annuity Model is Broken: Reprint #AnnuityAwarenessMonth
{June 13th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
Do you remember the last time that you watched CNN, CNBC, “Shark Tank,” “The Profit,” or even the market update segment of the news? While viewing this programming, have you ever seen commercials for financial services products? I know that I have. I recall commercials for mutual funds and securities. Once in a great while, I have […]
REPRINT: Unknowingly Sticking It To Your Annuity Clients? #AnnuityAwarenessMonth
{June 13th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
Posted By: Editor On 8/3/2011 11:00:00 AM By Sheryl Moore AnnuityNews Are you sticking it to your clients? You might be and not even know it. The key to illuminating whether you are unknowingly putting your life insurance and annuity clients in a bad position with the products that you sell them is to identify […]
NAIC Rejects Need for Federal Help With Private Equity-Owned Life Insurers
{June 7th, 2022} by Allison Bell
A group for state insurance regulators has told Sen. Sherrod Brown that its members are well-equipped to oversee the private equity firms that now own many U.S. life insurers. State regulators are not seeking help from Washington with monitoring those private equity firm owners, the officers of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners wrote in […]
FIRST QUARTER 2022 LIFE INSURANCE SALES
{June 7th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
Non-Variable UL Sales for the first quarter of 2022 were $737 million, compared with sales of $653 million for the first quarter of 2021. First quarter non-variable life sales were down nearly 14% when compared to the previous quarter and up nearly 13% as compared to the same period last year. Non-variable universal life (UL) […]
Indexed Life Sales Climb in First Quarter as Fixed Universal Slumps
{June 7th, 2022} by Cyril Tuohy
Sales of indexed universal life insurance jumped 18% in the first quarter from a year earlier to $629.9 million, according to Wink’s Sales & Market Report. Reasons for the product’s robust gains had more to do with an unusually weak first quarter in 2021 than with any sudden leap in demand, according to Sheryl Moore, CEO of […]
Traditional universal life is withering on the vine, says Wink CEO
{June 7th, 2022} by John Hilton
As traditional universal life insurance sales continue to plummet thanks to low interest rates and carriers exiting the business, “it is heartbreaking to see a product wither on the vine, the way traditional UL has,” said Sheryl Moore, president and CEO of Wink, Inc. Fixed UL sales for the first quarter were $107.4 million, down […]
Happy Annuity Awareness Month
{June 7th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
Years ago, I was able to get a proclamation signed by my then-governor Terry Branstad, to declare June as Annuity Awareness Month. In celebration of that, I wanted to post some content that I created, to help consumers, journalists, regulators, etc. to understand the basics of annuities. Click HERE for Annuities 101 -sjm
Planning For Special Needs: Overcoming The “Atlas Syndrome” With Life Insurance
{June 7th, 2022} by Lindsay Cigler
Nearly one-fifth of all Americans—more than 54 million—have a physical, sensory or intellectual disability, according to the National Organization on Disability.1 Many of them are children. While the definition and severity of the disability may vary, parents and caregivers of children with special needs are invaluable to their daily well being—providing medical, emotional, social, financial or […]
In A World Full Of Volatility, Give Your Client Certainty
{June 7th, 2022} by Luke Cosme
Volatility is the word of the day. For so many years, economic news has followed a predictable trend—the markets are up, inflation is low, prices are stable, etc. There was comfort in that predictability. Sure, there were the occasional spikes in gas prices and rough days in the market, but our 401(k) statements generally looked […]
Hit The Road To Get The Latest In Life Insurtech And Underwriting Innovations
{June 7th, 2022} by Ken Leibow
Industry conferences are back! I just returned from a two week business trip. First I flew to Tampa to attend the LIMRA Life Insurance Conference at the end of April. I was then invited by the National Brokerage Agencies (NBA) to speak at their Spring Conference in Dallas. From there, I flew to Denver to […]
Which Vegetable Is The Best? The Apple Or The Orange?
{June 7th, 2022} by Charlie Gipple
There are a few annuity and life insurance social media groups in which I am a “group expert.” These social media chat groups are closed groups that are only available to financial professionals where they can ask questions and comment on ideas and strategies that are working for them. It is also a forum for […]
How To Avoid Life Insurance Fraud
{June 7th, 2022} by Press Release
Inflation, exacerbated by the military conflict in Ukraine, and countered by Federal Reserve Bank monetary tightening, has been pushing up interest rates, particularly the last few months. Moody’s Investor Service reports inflation and rising interest rates are a benefit for life insurers, whose bond yields and investment income are rising, and whose spread-based product margins […]
Annuities: What Investors Should Know
{June 7th, 2022} by Lori Ioannou
Investors are pouring billions of dollars into annuities, as worries about stagflation and a U.S. recession whipsaw the stock and bond markets. These complex financial tools, a mix of insurance and investment, come in a variety of product types and are sold as a way to safeguard retirement assets until they can be tapped for […]
Millennials Are Hungry for Growth and Protection Potential, According to Lincoln Financial Group
{June 7th, 2022} by Lincoln Financial Group
RADNOR, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–According to a recent study from Lincoln Financial Group (NYSE: LNC), millennials under age 40, called “younger investors,” plan to purchase insurance products within the next five years – and in greater numbers than ever before.1 And, thanks to interest rates, market volatility and student loan debt, younger investors are looking to the future, […]
Aquarian to Acquire Controlling Interest in Somerset Re and Contribute Additional Equity Capital to Support Further Growth
{June 7th, 2022} by Jamie Johnson
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Aquarian Holdings (“Aquarian”) and Somerset Reinsurance Ltd (“Somerset Re”) announced today the signing of a definitive agreement for Aquarian to acquire a controlling interest in Somerset Re, a leading provider of reinsurance solutions to the U.S. life insurance and annuity market. In addition, the transaction will provide Somerset Re with a substantial amount […]
Integrity Expands Life Insurance Distribution by Partnering with Abernathy Financial Services
{June 7th, 2022} by Integrity Marketing Group, LLC
Florida-based IMO with winning pedigree further bolsters Integrity’s mission to innovate life, health and wealth solutions that help Americans make the most of what life brings DALLAS, June 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Integrity Marketing Group, LLC (“Integrity”), a leading distributor of life and health insurance, and provider of wealth management and retirement planning solutions, today announced it has […]
Finseca: Four Tips for Graduates to Ensure Long-term Financial Security
{June 7th, 2022} by Finseca
WASHINGTON, June 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — As the class of 2022 tosses their hats into the air and begins their careers, Finseca wants to make sure your financial security is immediately a priority. Starting your financial journey, especially if you have student loan debt, is going to require careful planning and preparation. Recent graduates should start with […]
LGBTQ+ Community Falling Behind on Financial Security
{June 7th, 2022} by Nationwide
COLUMBUS, Ohio, June 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — LGBTQ+ Americans are less likely to be on track to meet their financial goals, have the capacity to absorb unexpected expenses, or feel confident in their ability to save for retirement compared to the general population, according to a new Nationwide Retirement Institute survey. Almost two-thirds of LGBTQ+ Americans report living […]
Fidelity National Financial Releases 2021 Sustainability Report and Launches Sustainability Webpage
{June 7th, 2022} by Fidelity National Financial, Inc.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., June 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Fidelity National Financial, Inc. (NYSE:FNF) (the “Company”) today announced the publication of its 2021 Sustainability Report and the launch of its sustainability webpage. Together, the report and webpage provide a comprehensive overview of the Company’s maturing sustainability program and demonstrate ongoing commitment to sustainability practices that benefit all stakeholders. Highlights […]
5 reasons women should consider annuities for retirement
{June 7th, 2022} by Lyle Boss
If you’re a woman in or near retirement, let me ask you this: How do you plan to take what you’ve so diligently saved and turn it into a lifetime stream of dependable, predictable, tax-advantaged income? If you’re like many of us, you probably don’t have a ready answer to this question. That’s because you’ve […]
Annuity Ownership Drives Retirement Savings Confidence, Athene Finds
{June 7th, 2022} by Athene
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa, June 06, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — While nearly half of American adults saving for retirement (49%) feel that they are on track to reach their retirement savings goals, annuity ownership can truly differentiate their outlook for the better, according to a recent study from Athene, a leading provider of retirement savings […]
Recommending FIAs: Start with the client’s objective
{June 7th, 2022} by Rick Wilson
Fixed indexed annuities have become popular financial solutions for advisors to address client goals of safe investment returns and lifetime income. FIAs offer owners the ability to earn higher yields than fixed annuities if the markets perform well, while typically providing some protection against market declines. With the increased popularity of FIAs, insurers have become […]
Debate: Are Lifetime Income Illustrations Helpful?
{June 7th, 2022} by William H. Byrnes and Robert Bloink
The Department of Labor has issued guidance on implementing the final rule of the Secure Act lifetime income illustration provisions. Under the Secure Act, plan sponsors must disclose a participant’s account balance as both a single life annuity and joint and survivor annuity income stream. Plans must furnish lifetime income illustrations annually (or more frequently). […]
How Your Life Insurance Tools Are Selling
{June 7th, 2022} by Allison Bell
In the first quarter, clients flocked to individual life insurance products with performance that was tied to investment indexes, according to new life sales survey data from Wink. Clients also increased purchases of simple, classic whole life policies. Click HERE to read the full story via ThinkAdvisor
Insurers get an edge from hedge funds in 2021
{June 7th, 2022} by Editorial Staff
The life/annuity segment saw its dollar exposure to hedge funds rise in 2021 by 14.0%, to $6.1 bn, and the property/casualty segment by 0.9% to $6.7 bn, following several years of declines, according to AM Best. Click HERE to read the full story via RIJ
ANNUITY AWARENESS MONTH EDITION
{June 7th, 2022} by Wink's RockStars
June is Annuity Awareness Month! We will be reprinting our Chief Storyteller, Sheryl Moore’s most requested annuity-focused articles all month long; they will be indicated with “reprint” in the title. You’ll find these timeless articles are still relevant today. Annuity Awareness Month aligns perfectly with Wink’s top priority of ensuring that the public has the needed information […]
Penn Mutual Beats Georgia Appeal Over Variable Annuity Advice
{June 7th, 2022} by Jacklyn White
Penn Mutual Life Insurance Co. and a subsidiary defeated an appeal claiming they improperly steered investors into expensive and unsuitable variable annuities, when the Eleventh Circuit ruled that federal securities law blocked the proposed class from claiming Georgia law violations. Click HERE to read the full story via Bloomberg Law
Annuity Skeptics Show When Immediate Annuities Could Shine
{June 7th, 2022} by Allison Bell
Two analysts who are skeptical about broad retiree use of income annuities have shown when the products might beat ordinary portfolios of stocks, bonds and cash. The analysts, Jack De Jong and John Robinson, contend in a new working paper that bare portfolios, combined with static cash distribution strategies, will outperform income annuities in about […]
Annuities are Sorely Misunderstood
{June 6th, 2022} by Kerry Pechter
Most people, and I mean the average person-on-the-street, most of Congress, as well as many investment advisers and most mass-media journalists, don’t know much about today’s annuities. Click HERE to read the full story via RIJ
NAIC Reassures Congress on Private Equity-Led Insurers
{June 6th, 2022} by Kerry Pechter
Answering Sen. Sherrod Brown’s March 2022 request for information about the impact of rising ownership of US life/annuity companies by private equity (PE) firms, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Tuesday sent an 11-page response letter to Brown. Brown chairs the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs. Click HERE to read the full story via RIJ
Lincoln Bows Out of Shrinking Market for Guaranteed Universal Life
{June 6th, 2022} by Cyril Tuohy
“It has been heartbreaking to see how sales of universal life have spiraled continually downward,” Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink, publisher of Wink’s Sales & Market Report, said in an email. “I remember when guaranteed universal life was the product du jour.” Click HERE to read the full story via Life Annuity Specialist
Life Insurers Aim to Close Race-Linked Wealth Gap
{June 6th, 2022} by Allison Bell
PGIM and OneAmerica are working to expand the retirement planning market — by trying to increase the odds that Black Americans will have the information they need to build savings and wealth. PGIM has hired Timothy Woods, a veteran asset manager, to spearhead its HBCU Strategic Initiatives. Woods’ team will help historically Black colleges and […]
Wink, Inc. Releases First Quarter, 2022 Life Sales Results
{June 2nd, 2022} by Wink's Press Release
— FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION — NEWS RELEASE INDEXED LIFE SALES HAVE HIGHEST-EVER FIRST QUARTER SALES Wink, Inc. Releases First Quarter, 2022 Life Sales Results Des Moines, Iowa. June 2nd, 2022– Wink, Inc. released the first quarter, 2022 life sales results in its 99th edition of Wink’s Sales & Market Report. Wink’s Sales & […]
