Jamie Hopkins on Secure 2.0: What’s Overhyped, What’s Interesting and What to Watch
{December 27th, 2022} by John Manganaro
Last week, the closely divided U.S. Congress passed its much-anticipated omnibus spending bill, and the legislation quickly received the signature of President Joe Biden. Much to the satisfaction of the U.S. retirement planning industry, the legislation included the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (Secure) 2.0 Act of 2022. The Secure 2.0 framework features […]
SECURE 2.0 & RILA Act Pass
{December 27th, 2022} by NAIFA
Passage of the Registered Index-Linked Annuities (RILA) Act and the SECURE Act 2.0 as part of the 2023 Omnibus Appropriations bill greatly benefits consumers as well as the insurance financial professionals who help them prepare for retirement and achieve financial security. The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) has strongly advocated on […]
There are many more insights into the mind of an annuity buyer
{December 27th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
Well, there is nothing so surprising about consumers buying annuities for guaranteed income. However, LIMRA discovered that liquidity was a major driver for annuity purchase decisions as well. This was crazy to me, as the research I have read from the American Council of Life Insurers – ACLI indicates that most annuity purchasers do not use the liquidity features […]
4 Ways the Annuity Sales Process Is Broken
{December 27th, 2022} by Michael Kazanjian
The insurance industry has been working to raise awareness around annuity products for more than a decade now. The goal: educate consumers about their potential benefits, such as security in retirement. Click HERE to read the full story via ThinkAdvisor Wink’s Note: This article should be titled “4 Ways the Annuity Sales Process Is […]
If these medical advancements become approved for use in humans, just HOW LONG could we live?
{December 27th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
You always hear me say that “annuities will guarantee a paycheck for life, even if the annuitant lives to be 150 years old.” This is because I read a “Time” magazine article, over a decade ago, which indicated that the first person to live to be 150 years old was already walking the earth at […]
NAIC Task Force Adopts Index-Linked Variable Annuity Guidelines
{December 27th, 2022} by Allison Bell
A panel of regulators at the National Association of Insurance Commissioners has adopted a set of standards for a popular, relatively new type of annuity — the registered index-linked annuity, or index-linked variable annuity. Members of the Life Actuarial Task Force, part of the NAIC’s Life Insurance and Annuities Committee, approved Actuarial Guideline ILVA last […]
12 Life and Annuity Changes in $1.7T Spending Bill
{December 27th, 2022} by Allison Bell
Life insurance and annuity provisions in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 — the 4,155-page, $1.7 trillion spending bill now flying through Congress — could shape clients’ saving and investment decisions for decades to come. Groups like the American Council of Life Insurers, the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors and Finseca are going through […]
American Equity Rejects Offer From Elliott Investment-Backed Insurer
{December 27th, 2022} by Allison Bell
The American Equity Investment Life Holding Company board has rejected an unsolicited acquisition offer from Prosperity Group Holdings — a life insurer affiliated with Elliott Investment Management — for $45 per share in cash, or a total of $3.7 billion. David Mulcahy, American Equity’s chair, called the Prosperity offer “opportunistic” and said it “significantly undervalues […]
Indexed Life Sales May Tumble After Revision to NAIC Guideline
{December 27th, 2022} by Warren S. Hersch
“The results could be much more conservative” than adjusting the actuarial guideline that is intended just for indexed universal life, said Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink, which publishes Wink’s Sales & Market Report. “More conservativeness in illustration handling for indexed life always seems to have a negative effect on sales.” Click HERE to read the full story via […]
American Council of Life Insurers: Congress Helps Millions Of Workers Save For Retirement With SECURE 2.0, Registration For Index-Linked Annuities Act Passage
{December 27th, 2022} by American Council of Life Insurers
CONGRESS HELPS MILLIONS OF WORKERS SAVE FOR RETIREMENT WITH SECURE 2.0, REGISTRATION FOR INDEX-LINKED ANNUITIES ACT PASSAGE WASHINGTON – American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) President & CEO Susan Neely made the following comments today on “SECURE 2.0” and the Registration for Index-Linked Annuities (RILA) Act, retirement security measures Congress approved today as part of […]
Retire boom makes advice for golden years a top 2022 theme for advisors
{December 27th, 2022} by Doug Bailey
With a record 700,000 boomers hitting retirement age in 2022 and another huge segment approaching the milestone, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that advice on retirement investment strategies dominated topics around financial advisors. The risks, rewards, and complexities of new retirement investment products, along with deep concerns about how much money is enough to […]
Quiz: Do You Know These Social Security Facts for 2023?
{December 27th, 2022} by John Manganaro
Based on size alone, the Social Security system is one of the most important and popular programs operated by the federal government. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, in 2022, fully 21% of the federal government budget, or $1.2 trillion, will be used to pay for Social Security. Apart from the money […]
The 401(k) and IRA Changes to Consider After Congress Revised Many Retirement Laws
{December 27th, 2022} by Ashlea Ebeling
Americans will need to rethink how they save after Congress passed a series of laws that stand to overhaul parts of the country’s retirement saving system. The retirement overhaul is part of a larger bill passed by Congress just before the holidays. It includes dozens of retirement policy changes that go into effect over the next decade. Many […]
Top Executive for Financier Greg Lindberg Pleads Guilty to Charges Related to Insurance Fraud
{December 27th, 2022} by Mark Maremont and Leslie Scism
A former top lieutenant of North Carolina insurance mogul Greg Lindberg agreed to plead guilty to a federal criminal conspiracy charge. The plea is the latest episode in prosecutors’ pursuit of Mr. Lindberg and his associates, a saga that has had many twists. The guilty plea indicates that prosecutors are continuing with their investigation and could be […]
Numerous Facts Omitted From Recent Wall Street Journal Article On Greg Lindberg’s North Carolina Insurance Companies
{December 27th, 2022} by 633 Days LLC
DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA, UNITED STATES, December 23, 2022 /EINPresswire.com/ — A spokesperson for Greg Lindberg says that the Wall Street Journal’s recent article on Greg Lindberg’s insurance companies omitted numerous facts: • Single-Family Real Estate Investment – Mr. Lindberg has never spent a single night inside the Raleigh, N.C. house referred to in the Wall […]
Greg Lindberg responds to new Justice Department allegations against Christopher Herwig
{December 27th, 2022} by 633 Days LLC
Largest Policyholder Says These False Claims Don’t Help Them DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA, UNITED STATES, December 23, 2022 /EINPresswire.com/ — Greg Lindberg responded today to false allegations about him that were included in the Justice Department’s criminal filing against Christopher Herwig (U.S. vs. Christopher Herwig, Case No. 3:22-cr-314-MOC, filed on Monday, December 19, and unsealed today.) […]
Top life insurance stories of 2022 focused on COVD-19, business case for buying life insurance
{December 27th, 2022} by Ayo Mseka
Advisors spend a great deal of time persuading their prospects to protect themselves and their loved ones with the gift of life insurance. The most popular stories in 2022 ranged from record setting indexed life sales to re-thinking the “buy term and invest the difference” strategy, to the continuing controversy over IUL illustrations. Here’s a […]
Prosperity Issues Response to AEL
{December 27th, 2022} by Prosperity
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Prosperity Group Holdings LP (“Prosperity”) today released the following statement: Yesterday, American Equity Investment Life Holding Company (“AEL” or the “Company”) (NYSE: AEL) released a statement regarding Prosperity’s interest in acquiring the Company. Prosperity is issuing this press release to affirm our interest in acquiring AEL and to address certain claims made in […]
American Equity Rejects Unsolicited Acquisition Proposal from Prosperity Group Holdings LP and Elliott Investment Management L.P.
{December 27th, 2022} by American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–American Equity Investment Life Holding Company (“American Equity”) (NYSE: AEL), a leading provider of financial dignity solutions through general account annuities, today confirmed that its Board of Directors reviewed and rejected an unsolicited, non-binding proposal from Prosperity Group Holdings LP (“Prosperity”) and its principal shareholder, Elliott Investment Management L.P. (“Elliott”) to […]
AM Best Revises Outlooks to Positive for Fidelity & Guaranty Life Holdings, Inc. and Its Life/Health Subsidiaries
{December 27th, 2022} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has revised the outlooks to positive from stable and affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICR) of “a-” (Excellent) of Fidelity & Guaranty Life Insurance Company (Des Moines, IA) and Fidelity & Guaranty Life Insurance Company of New York, (New York, NY). These […]
TIAA Applauds Passage of “SECURE 2.0” Retirement Legislation
{December 27th, 2022} by TIAA
NEW YORK, Dec. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — TIAA issued the following statement from Kourtney Gibson, Chief Institutional Client Officer, upon passage of retirement provisions in SECURE 2.0: “TIAA commends Congress for uniting on this vital legislation to improve Americans’ retirement outcomes and make a financially secure future more accessible for all. Access to retirement plans and opportunities to […]
Transamerica Applauds the Passage of the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022
{December 27th, 2022} by Transamerica
BALTIMORE, Dec. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Transamerica commends the passage of the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022, included in the year-end government spending bill. SECURE 2.0 is a bipartisan package of provisions built to encourage retirement savings primarily through employer-sponsored, qualified retirement plans. “The passage of SECURE 2.0 is an important step in increasing Americans’ ability to […]
Academy: Today’s Passage of SECURE 2.0 Is a Win for Retirement Security
{December 27th, 2022} by American Academy of Actuaries
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — The SECURE 2.0 legislation that passed today as part of Congress’ year-end, omnibus spending bill is a significant and welcome step forward in improving the U.S. retirement system, and includes key reforms that Pension Practice Council (PPC) committees of the American Academy of Actuaries have advised public policymakers are aligned with expanding access, […]
Symetra Financial Corporation Establishes Bermuda Affiliate
{December 27th, 2022} by Symetra
BELLEVUE, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Working with regulators in the U.S., Japan and Bermuda, Symetra Financial Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Life Insurance Company, today announced that it had established Symetra Bermuda Re Ltd. to reinsure certain risks of Symetra Life Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Symetra Financial Corporation. Symetra Bermuda Re is registered with the […]
Lindberg Associate Pleads Guilty to Charges in Lindberg Insurance Case
{December 27th, 2022} by David Pilla
CHARLOTTE, N.C. //BestWire// – A former business associate of insurance and finance executive Greg Lindberg pleaded guilty to one or more charges related to the failure of businessman Greg Lindberg’s insurance businesses. Christopher Herwig, former chief investment officer for Lindberg-owned entities, pleaded guilty in a recently unsealed indictment in U.S. Superior Court for the Western […]
Secure 2.0 Act Still Leaves Holes in Retirement Planning
{December 27th, 2022} by Teresa Ghilarducci
Congress has passed a bill called Secure 2.0 to help American workers save for retirement. Support was bipartisan: Mitch McConnell and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez both voted for it. But although there are some good pieces to the legislation, no one should confuse it with a solution to the nation’s retirement crises. And in fact, a better alternative was […]
10 Ways Secure 2.0, Part of Spending Bill, Changes Retirement Planning
{December 27th, 2022} by Melanie Waddell
Retirement experts are busy digesting the more than 350 pages of the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (Secure) 2.0 Act of 2022, which has been included in the $1.7 trillion omnibus spending bill that the Senate passed Thursday afternoon. The House is expected to pass it this week. “Assuming the bill passes, and I believe […]
House Passes Secure 2.0 Act in $1.7T Spending Bill
{December 27th, 2022} by Melanie Waddell
The full House passed by a 225-201 vote Friday afternoon the omnibus spending bill, which includes the sweeping retirement package: the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (Secure) 2.0 Act of 2022. The bill now heads to President Joe Biden for his signature. Click HERE to read the full story via ThinkAdvisor Wink’s […]
Wishing you many Christmas Blessings!
{December 20th, 2022} by Wink's Intel Pros
Wishing many Christmas blessings to you! We hope this holiday brings you all the joy and happiness you so richly deserve. -Sheryl Moore and the Wink, Inc. family The Wink offices will be closed on December 23rd & 26th to celebrate the holiday with our families. We will also be closed on […]
Stellar National Holdings Launches New Life Insurance Company
{December 20th, 2022} by Stellar National Life
CHICAGO, IL – December 13, 2022 – Stellar National Holdings, LLC today announced the acquisition and rebranding of American Labor Life Insurance Company to Stellar National Life Insurance Company (“Stellar National Life”). Stellar National Life is being launched with a focus on becoming a fully digital issuer of annuities and a partner of choice for […]
AIG to Officially Shut Unit That Failed in Financial Crisis
{December 20th, 2022} by Leslie Scism
American International Group Inc.’s infamous Financial Products unit—the one that nearly took down the global economy in 2008 with wrong-way bets on mortgages—is on its way to an official demise. AIG announced today that the unit has filed a voluntary petition for chapter 11 bankruptcy in Delaware, as a way to close for good. Back […]
DOL receives nearly 50k comments on independent contractor rule
{December 20th, 2022} by John Hilton
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is calling on the Department of Labor to scrap its independent contractor rule. The DOL independent contractor proposal would make it harder for companies to treat workers as independent contractors, potentially upending several industries, including financial services. Controversy continues to follow the rule proposals, which affect various industries in different ways. Click […]
AIG subsidiary files bankruptcy amid ongoing lawsuit by former execs
{December 20th, 2022} by John Hilton
A subsidiary of insurer American International Group Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy Tuesday, a move panned by a group of former executives suing the insurer. AIG Financial Products Corp. made the filing Wednesday in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware and plans to reorganize. AIG said in a regulatory filing that […]
NAIC regulators decline to move life illustration rework forward
{December 20th, 2022} by John Hilton
A state insurance task force passed on a chance to endorse reopening the overall life insurance illustration model law, leaving the effort in limbo going forward. The Life Actuarial Task Force met last week during the fall meeting of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. During its two-day meeting, the panel declined to refer opening […]
Zurich to Stop Accepting Applications for Indexed and Term Life
{December 20th, 2022} by Cyril Tuohy
“Zurich has expanded into other product lines that have a customer demographic that is far different than the high-net-worth individuals that they typically dealt with for their indexed life sales,” Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink, publisher of Wink’s Sales & Market Report, said in an email. Reducing sales of indexed universal life were planned as a part […]
Lincoln Financial Group Again Named One of America’s Most Responsible Companies
{December 20th, 2022} by Lincoln Financial Group
RADNOR, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Lincoln Financial Group (NYSE: LNC) today announced it has been named one of America’s Most Responsible Companies 2023 by Newsweek Magazine. This year, the ranking focuses on a holistic view of corporate responsibility that considers all three pillars of Environment, Social and Governance (ESG). “At Lincoln, we pride ourselves on being great corporate citizens, and continuously […]
Life Insurance – the Gift that Keeps on Giving
{December 20th, 2022} by SBLI
WOBURN, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–With the holidays approaching, people are frantically trying to find the perfect gifts for their children or grandchildren, whether it be a toy, a video game, or clothing. There is one gift, however, that they probably haven’t considered, but one that will leave a lasting legacy long after toys and clothes have been […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Prudential Financial, Inc. and Its Life/Health Subsidiaries
{December 20th, 2022} by AM Best
December 15, 2022 11:12 AM Eastern Standard Time OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A+ (Superior) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICR) of “aa-” (Superior) of the life/health insurance subsidiaries of Prudential Financial, Inc. (PFI) (Newark, NJ) [NYSE: PRU], referred to as Prudential. Concurrently, AM Best has affirmed […]
Nearly 1 in 3 Americans Say Their Financial Situation Worsened Over the Last Year
{December 20th, 2022} by Allianz Life
MINNEAPOLIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–More Americans say their financial situation is worse than a year ago and don’t expect it to improve in 2023, according to the New Year’s Resolutions Study* from Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz Life). Nearly one in three Americans (29%) say their financial situation is worse now than a year ago. […]
DALBAR Honors Financial Firms for Exceptional Customer Service
{December 20th, 2022} by DALBAR, Inc
MARLBOROUGH, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–DALBAR, Inc., the nation’s leading auditor of customer service in the financial services industry, published today the recipients of its prestigious 2022 DALBAR Service Award. An objective and rigorous audit using DALBAR’s proprietary measurement techniques and technology examines the customer service levels of contact centers and identifies those that stand out from the crowd. […]
RetireOne and Nationwide Partner to Distribute Menu of Advisory Annuity Solutions
{December 20th, 2022} by RetireOne
SAN FRANCISCO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–RetireOne®, the leading independent platform for fee-based insurance solutions, and industry leader Nationwide are teaming up to expand the distribution of Nationwide’s advisory annuity products, allowing Nationwide to reach new markets. RetireOne, an outsourced insurance desk (OID), will begin distributing three of Nationwide’s advisory annuity solutions and the Nationwide Advisory Variable Universal Life product through […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Brighthouse Financial, Inc. and Its Subsidiaries
{December 20th, 2022} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICR) of “a+” (Excellent) of Brighthouse Life Insurance Company (headquartered in Charlotte, NC), New England Life Insurance Company (Boston, MA) and Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY (New York, NY). These entities collectively are referred […]
Best’s Special Report: U.S. Insurers’ Structured Securities Holdings Continue to Rise
{December 20th, 2022} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Insurers continued to follow a years-long trend by increasing their structured securities investments in 2021, with 3% growth year over year to $1.14 trillion, according to a new AM Best special report. However, indications portray an uncertain picture for 2022 as issuances have dropped significantly. The Best’s Special Report, “Insurers’ Structured Securities Holdings Continue […]
Most Americans See Room to Improve Their Overall Financial Wellness in 2023, Says New Lincoln Financial Group Study
{December 20th, 2022} by Lincoln Financial Group
RADNOR, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–After a holiday season racking up credit card bills, Americans considering financial resolutions in the New Year are in good company. When looking back on 2022, 88% of Americans see room for improvement in their overall financial wellness and 71% say they are likely to set financial goals in 2023, according to new […]
TIAA Traditional Increases Income Payments by 3% for 2023
{December 20th, 2022} by TIAA
A Fixed Annuity with a Long History of Paying Increases NEW YORK, Dec. 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Beginning in January 2023, income payments to TIAA Traditionali annuitants, will increase by 3%. The TIAA Traditional fixed annuity has paid more than the guaranteed minimum income payment every year since 1949. In the past 25 years, TIAA has given 15 pay increases. […]
Kansas City Life Statement on Class Action Lawsuit Verdict
{December 20th, 2022} by Kansas City Life Insurance
KANSAS CITY, Mo., Dec. 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — As previously disclosed in its financial reports, Kansas City Life Insurance Company (the “Company”) is a party to a class action lawsuit filed in the 16th Circuit Court for the State of Missouri (Jackson County) styled Karr v. Kansas City Life Insurance Company (the “Karr Action”). On Dec. 9, 2022, the jury in […]
Future-Proofing the U.S. Retirement System Requires Addressing Demographic Disparities
{December 20th, 2022} by Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies
New report examines demographic influences and vulnerable populations in the U.S. workforce LOS ANGELES, Dec. 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Almost half of U.S. workers (49 percent) expect their primary source of retirement income to come from self-funded savings such as 401(k)s, 403(b)s, IRAs, and other savings and investments. However, the total household retirement savings among workers is only $67,000 (estimated […]
America’s Youngest Adults Plan to Retire Earlier Than Any Generation Before Them
{December 19th, 2022} by Northwestern Mutual
Northwestern Mutual study shines light on the financial habits and instincts of Generation Z MILWAUKEE, Dec. 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — The nation’s youngest adults are taking significant steps to improve their financial wellbeing with the goal of retiring at age 59 – years ahead of the generations that preceded them. New data from Northwestern Mutual’s 2022 Planning & […]
Annuity Issuers Need Regulatory Clarity: Scott Golde
{December 19th, 2022} by Allison Bell
Scott Golde is unhappy about the current state of U.S. annuity regulation. Golde is senior vice president, chief ethics and compliance officer at Jackson Financial, a Lansing, Michigan-based annuity giant. Golde earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Indiana University and a law degree from Washington University in St. Louis. Early in his career, […]
NAIC to Spotlight Annuity Sales Standard Update Gray Zones
{December 19th, 2022} by Allison Bell
Many states rushed to adopt an annuity sales rule revision, but big update gaps remain. As many as 14 states and the District of Columbia are still using the National Association of Insurance Commissioners‘ old sales rules, without strong indications that they will move to the new version soon, according to an NAIC implementation map. […]
15 Key Life, Health and Annuity Regulatory Stories of 2022, So Far
{December 19th, 2022} by Allison Bell
Legislators and regulators could still rush out a flurry of major life, health and annuity actions, but up till now, 2022 has been more a year of fixes than of masterpieces. Aside from beginning to build the regulatory universes spawned by the No Surprises Act, which restricts the ability of health care providers to bill […]
Prudential Ad Campaign Focuses on Cautious Optimism
{December 19th, 2022} by Allison Bell
Prudential recently launched an ad campaign with a theme based on the question “Now What?” The first television ad in the campaign shows people celebrating and then wondering what they should do next. Click HERE to read the full story via ThinkAdvisor
Insurtech Regs, ‘Dark Pattern’ Spottting on NAIC’s To-Do List
{December 19th, 2022} by Allison Bell
A consumer group wants state insurance regulators to give agents and consumers more information about how well insurers pay claims. The Center for Economic Justice told the National Association of Insurance Commissioners that states should make public company-level data from the Market Conduct Annual Statements that states already collect. Click HERE to read the full […]
RIA Fears DOL Independent Contractor Proposal Will Hurt Business
{December 19th, 2022} by Allison Bell
A North Carolina registered investment advisor told the U.S. Department of Labor that its effort to narrow the definition of the term “independent contractor” is bad for RIA firms. Laird Hepburn, a partner with an RIA firm in Apex, North Carolina, noted that state and federal law requires him to supervise the firm’s investment advisor […]
Massachusetts Adopts Annuity Sales Regulations
{December 19th, 2022} by Allison Bell
Massachusetts has adopted an annuity sales standard update developed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. The state Division of Insurance published the Suitability in Annuity Transactions regulation changes in the Massachusetts Register Friday. Click HERE to read the full story via ThinkAdvisor
NAIFA ASKS DOL TO EXEMPT FINANCIAL PROFESSIONALS FROM PROPOSED EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION RULE
{December 19th, 2022} by NAIFA
A comment letter submitted by NAIFA President Lawrence Holzberg, LUTCF, LACP, on behalf of the association to the U.S. Department of Labor urges the department to provide an exemption or carve-out for financial professionals in a proposed rule on employee or independent contractor classification under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Independent insurance producers, brokers, and financial advisors have a long […]
Missouri Jury Awards $28.36M in Universal Life Case
{December 19th, 2022} by Allison Bell
A state court jury in Kansas City, Missouri, has awarded a $28.36 million verdict to the plaintiffs in a class-action case involving flexible-premium, adjustable universal life insurance policies. The plaintiffs filed the suit have accused the issuer, Kansas City Life Insurance Company, of basing cost-of-insurance-charge increases on factors other than future mortality experience, in conflict […]
Tontines are making a comeback and no, it’s not a movie
{December 19th, 2022} by Gregg Greenberg
Offerings of the obscure, yet historically significant, financial product have been popping up in the global retirement marketplace of late. Click HERE to read the full story via InvestmentNews
Morningstar adds Luma annuity technology to Advisor Workstation
{December 19th, 2022} by Gregg Greenberg
Independent investment research provider Morningstar announced Tuesday that it’s adding the Annuity Intelligence Center to its widely used Advisor Workstation. Click HERE to read the full story via InvestmentNews Wink’s Note: Hmmm…an annuity tool that “provides advisers with educational material and comparison functionality.” Wink, Inc.‘s AnnuitySpecs tool does that for fixed, multi-year guaranteed, indexed, […]
If Not a 60/40 Portfolio, Then What?
{December 19th, 2022} by Bill Aldrich
One of the most difficult decisions we face in life involves determining when it’s time to retire. The thought of telling your employer that, after a certain date, you won’t be coming back for another paycheck is nerve-racking. Numerous questions pop into your mind. Do I have enough saved? Will my nest egg last? What […]
Guardian Life Announces Largest Dividend in its 162-Year History, with its Dividend Interest Rate increasing to 5.75%
{December 19th, 2022} by Guardian
The company raises its dividend allocation for 2023 with a $1.26 billion payment NEW YORK, Dec. 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (Guardian®) announced that its Board of Directors approved a record dividend allocation of $1.26 billion to eligible individual life policyholders and increased its Dividend Interest Rate to 5.75 percent. The 2023 dividend marks the […]
Have an Annuity? Consider Investing More Aggressively
{December 19th, 2022} by Spencer Look
Analysts (including us) often find that retirees can benefit from partial allocations to annuities. But what should be done with the rest of the portfolio after the annuity has been purchased? Most of the time, the remainder should be invested more aggressively because annuities typically fall into the fixed-income asset class. Click HERE to read the […]
Why High-Net-Worth Investors Are Paying More Attention to Annuities
{December 13th, 2022} by Karen Hube
Wealthy investors are wising up to the unique benefits of annuities. While these insurance-sold investment products are known as tools for turning savings into lifetime income, they are increasingly capturing the attention of high-net-worth investors as a way to maximize after-tax gains, leave more to heirs, offset the impact of inflation, and stabilize portfolios during […]
Nassau Re/Imagine Launches New TalentBridge23 Incubator Program
{December 13th, 2022} by Nassau Re
HARTFORD, Conn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Nassau Re/Imagine today announced the launch of TalentBridge23, a six-month incubation program that will connect talent, innovation, and opportunity within the Hartford insurtech community beginning in January, 2023. Nassau Re/Imagine will run the program, which is also sponsored by CGI and LTIMindtree in conjunction with the University of Connecticut (UConn), and University of […]
Athene® BCA® Honored with “Best FIA of the Year” Award at SPi USA 2022 Conference
{December 13th, 2022} by Annexus
Industry-leading Indices Available with Athene® BCA® Result in Award SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Dec. 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Annexus, a leading retirement product design company, announced that Athene BCA 2.0 Suite of Fixed Indexed Annuities (FIAs), one of its flagship FIAs, won the “FIA of the Year” award at the SPi USA 2022 “Awards for Excellence” ceremony. The event, hosted by Structured Product […]
Senate Passes RILA Annuity Bill
{December 13th, 2022} by Melanie Waddell
The full Senate late Tuesday passed S. 3198, the Registered Index-Linked Annuities Act, which directs the Securities and Exchange Commission to develop a registration form designed for RILA products within 18 months after enactment of the act. The House Financial Services Committee approved companion legislation H.R. 4865, the Registration for Index-Linked Annuities Act, on July […]
Top 10 Life and Annuity Deals of 2022, So Far
{December 13th, 2022} by Allison Bell
COVID-19, rising interest rates, a war in Europe and accounting rule change shock have put the brakes on U.S. life and annuity issuer dealmaking so far this year. At press time, life and annuity issuers had not published the values of any large, conventional mergers or acquisitions. Click HERE to read the full story via […]
The Millennials Are Getting Older: Sammons Life Executive
{December 13th, 2022} by Allison Bell
Jerry Blair wants to see consumers who are young today get life insurance today. Blair is president of the Sammons Life Insurance Group, the life insurance arm of Sammons Financial Group. He entered the world of financial services through a job in a men’s clothing store more than 30 years ago, by selling a suit. The […]
Top 10 Retail Life and Annuity Issuer Stocks
{December 13th, 2022} by Allison Bell
Retail life and annuity stocks have been outperforming the rest of the market. Worries about rising interest rates pushed the S&P 500 index down 14.16% during the 1-year period ending Wednesday. At the top 10 retail life and annuity issuers, share prices fell an average of just 0.31%. The gap was also wide for 10-year […]
12 Days of Last-Minute Christmas Gifts Sure to Impress
{December 13th, 2022} by Bryce Sanders
Since Christmas falls on a Sunday this year, the holidays have a way of sneaking up on you, and the number of shopping days left is dwindling quickly — especially if you’re shopping online. You still might be looking for client gifts or a gift for that special someone in your life. But don’t panic […]
Nebraska Adds an Insurance Agent Apprentice License
{December 13th, 2022} by Allison Bell
The Nebraska Department of Insurance has developed an application designed for people who are new to insurance sales. The department unveiled an apprentice insurance producer license earlier this month. A would-be insurance producer can use the new license to work under the supervision of a fully licensed Nebraska insurance producer for up to 120 days. […]
10 Questions Your Clients Are Asking Google About Life Insurance
{December 13th, 2022} by Allison Bell
Google wants to sell your clients everything. Alphabet’s web search service recently rolled out a new flight search tool. It seems to make yet another major effort in health insurance every few weeks or so. One sign of Google’s interest in your clients: When clients start to type in questions about life insurance, the search […]
12 Merry Retirement Statistics: 2022
{December 13th, 2022} by John Manganaro
Those who follow the financial services trade media are likely used to hearing the phrase “retirement crisis” thrown around with some abandon. The standard notion is that the widespread demise of defined benefit pension plans is leaving Americans with significantly less financial security once they leave the workforce. This fear is often cited in conjunction […]
10 Great Life and Annuity Ads From 100 Years Ago
{December 13th, 2022} by Allison Bell
Life insurers were the video streaming services and self-driving car startups of the 1800s. They clearly offered a useful service, but they had a terrible time staying in business. The 100-something-year-old life insurers of today are the survivors. Back in December 1922, as a new year was about to begin, those life insurance and annuity […]
Here’s the New ‘Safe’ Withdrawal Rate: Morningstar
{December 13th, 2022} by John Manganaro
Investors hoping to utilize a “safe” fixed real withdrawal strategy for managing their retirement income can plan to withdraw 3.8% of their portfolio’s value per year, according to Morningstar’s newly published report, “The State of Retirement Income: 2022.” In the newly published analysis, the analysts found that a starting withdrawal rate of 3.8% delivers a […]
Senate approves bill to streamline regulatory paperwork for index-linked annuities
{December 13th, 2022} by Mark Schoeff Jr.
The Senate approved legislation Tuesday that would streamline regulatory filing requirements for annuities tied to indexes, a move that supporters say would help consumers better understand the investments. Click HERE to read the full story via InvestmentNews
RILAs, fixed annuities still flying off shelves in volatile market
{December 13th, 2022} by InvestmentNews
The shaky stock market has investors loading up on RILAs and fixed annuities, says Lauren Drapeau, VP at Protective Life. Click HERE to view the video at InvestmentNews
LIMRA: Life combo products provide more options as LTCi market slows
{December 13th, 2022} by Ayo Mseka
As the market for long-term-care insurance (LTCI) slows, the need for life insurance combination products appears to be increasing, giving agents an opportunity to provide their clients with the LTC coverage they need, according to Alison Salka, senior vice president and head of LIMRA Research. LTCI sales remain low for a variety of reasons, Salka […]
Insurer: Add full in-force life insurance illustration to regulation remix
{December 13th, 2022} by John Hilton
A state regulator panel has closed an initial comment period on potential changes to the overall life insurance illustration regulation. Any changes to the regulation would be a highly sensitive, extended process difficult to complete, regulators say, so the Indexed Universal Life Illustration Subgroup is proceeding cautiously. The advertised comment period only asked for revision […]
RILA Act clears Senate, one step closer to law
{December 13th, 2022} by John Hilton
The Senate passed legislation Tuesday night to reduce market barriers for the sale of registered index linked annuities. Industry lobbyists are now pushing for the Registered Index-Linked Annuities Act to get to President Joe Biden’s desk. To do that, it needs to go back to the House for a concurrence vote. Click HERE to read […]
Retirement survey finds more than half retired earlier than planned
{December 13th, 2022} by Ayo Mseka
More than half of current retirees aged 62 to 75 surveyed say they have retired from their jobs earlier than planned, according to EBRI’s 2022 Spending in Retirement Survey. Most cited health reasons or ability to retire early. At a recent EBRI webinar, senior retirement leaders shared critical information about some of the reasons retirees […]
New York Life Partners with Human API to Further Support Consumers in the Life Insurance Purchase Experience
{December 13th, 2022} by New York Life
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–New York Life, America’s largest mutual life insurer1, today announced a strategic partnership with Human API, a leading provider of digital health data innovation and solutions, to continue to streamline and simplify the life insurance purchase experience. Powered by Human API’s Health Intelligence Platform, New York Life, with applicant consent and in full […]
Jackson Releases Proprietary Research on Retirement Spending Attitudes of the “Golden Generation”
{December 13th, 2022} by Jackson National Life Insurance Company
Jackson Releases Proprietary Research on Retirement Spending Attitudes of the “Golden Generation” Findings demonstrate pension owners have a propensity toward annuities; reveal opportunity to better educate retirees on the value of guaranteed income solutions December 06, 2022 04:05 PM Eastern Standard Time LANSING, Mich.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jackson National Life Insurance Company (Jackson®), the main operating subsidiary of Jackson […]
Best’s Special Report: U.S. Life/Annuity Industry Posts 25% Net Income Increase in Nine-Month 2022 Period
{December 13th, 2022} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The U.S. life/annuity industry reported a 25% increase in net income during the first nine months of 2022, to $31.4 billion from $25.2 billion, according to a new AM Best report, This financial review is detailed in a new Best’s Special Report, “First Look: Nine-Month 2022 Life/Annuity Financial Results,” and the data is derived from companies’ […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Subsidiaries of CUNA Mutual Holding Company
{December 13th, 2022} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICR) of “a+” (Excellent) of CMFG Life Insurance Company (CMFG Life) and MEMBERS Life Insurance Company (MEMBERS Life). Both companies are life/health subsidiaries of CUNA Mutual Holding Company (CUNA Mutual) and collectively referred to as […]
“Terrified”: Nearly Half of Investors Check Retirement Balance 3 Times a Week
{December 13th, 2022} by Nationwide
Levels of preparedness and confidence vary as retirement fears weigh more heavily on men than women COLUMBUS, Ohio, Dec. 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Investors are feeling increased pressure on their financial and retirement plans in today’s turbulent economic environment, according to Nationwide’s eighth annual Advisor Authority survey, powered by the Nationwide Retirement Institute. Most investors who are not retired say they […]
Milliman’s 2022 Fixed Indexed Annuity Industry Experience Studies show policyholder behavior is highly sensitive to interest rates and benefit guarantees
{December 13th, 2022} by Milliman, Inc.
Recon® platform helps annuity companies better manage risks SEATTLE, Dec. 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Milliman, Inc., a premier global consulting and actuarial firm, today announced the results of its two 2022 Fixed Indexed Annuity Industry Experience Studies, which analyze policyholder behavior across 15 companies spanning 16 years. The two studies cover surrender behavior and partial withdrawals, including income […]
Two-Thirds of American Investors Feel Like Their Financial Safety Net Has Been Taken Away, Finds F&G’s Annual Risk Tolerance Tracker
{December 13th, 2022} by Fidelity & Guaranty Life
Risk Aversion and Retirement Income Worries Have Increased Significantly Since 2021 DES MOINES, Iowa, Dec. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Over two-thirds of American investors (67%) feel like their financial safety net has been taken away from them as a result of the events of 2022, up drastically from 47% of people who said so one year ago. […]
F&G Annuities & Life, Inc. Declares Inaugural Quarterly Cash Dividend
{December 13th, 2022} by F&G Annuities & Life, Inc.
DES MOINES, Iowa, Dec. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — F&G Annuities & Life, Inc. (NYSE: FG) (“F&G” or “the Company”), a leading provider of annuity and life insurance products, today announced that its Board of Directors has declared an inaugural quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per share of common stock, pursuant to the previously announced dividend program in which the Company […]
AIG provides layoff notice, cutting 461 Amarillo workers from job
{December 13th, 2022} by Tamlyn Cochran
AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) – An Affiliate of Insurance Giant (AIG) gave the Texas Workforce Commission notice on a number of Amarillo employees who will be losing their jobs. According to the notice, 461 workers will lose their jobs. In the letter, American General Life Insurance said, it will be restructuring with layoffs effective February 1, […]
Indexed Life Insurance Sales Rose 11% in Third Quarter, Wink Says
{December 13th, 2022} by Cyril Tuohy
Third-quarter sales of indexed universal life insurance rose 11% from a year ago to $670.7 million, according to market researcher Wink. The top five carriers in the segment were National Life Group, with a 14.4% share, followed by Transamerica, Pacific Life, John Hancock and Nationwide. Click HERE to read the full story via Life Annuity Specialist
Big-City Insurers Could Poach Midwest Workers in Remote Work Era
{December 13th, 2022} by Aaron Smith
“Des Moines enjoys a very good standard of living because of the insurance sector,” said Sheryl Moore CEO of Moore Market Intelligence and the publisher of Wink’s Sales & Market Report. Her firm’s office is in Des Moines. “Our insurance jobs pay very competitively. Click HERE to read the full story via Life Annuity Specialist. Wink’s Note: […]
Did you miss the life sales report release?
{December 13th, 2022} by Wink's Intel Pros
In case you missed it, Wink release 3rd Quarter, 2022 life insurance sales. Click HERE to view the news release.
The perfect gift for a spreadsheeting master
{December 12th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
“If time is money, then this gift is priceless – decorate your tree this season with Excel” – Morning Brew Store
Clickbait: Indexed Annuities: What Investors Need to Know
{December 12th, 2022} by SmartAsset
Someone sent me this article, Indexed Annuities: What Investors Need to Know on Yahoo Finance, from SmartAsset. It is about indexed annuities, and as usual, it has a bunch of inaccuracies in it. I won’t waste my time fact-checking it, as it is clickbait. I also won’t waste my breath because I understand that Ken Fisher […]
Wink, Inc. Releases Third Quarter, 2022 Life Sales Results
{December 6th, 2022} by Wink's Press Release
— FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION — NEWS RELEASE NON-VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE SALES FALL Wink, Inc. Releases Third Quarter, 2022 Life Sales Results Des Moines, Iowa. December 1st, 2022– Wink, Inc. released the third quarter, 2022 life sales results in its 101st edition of Wink’s Sales & Market Report. Wink’s Sales & Market Report is the insurance […]
THIRD QUARTER 2022 LIFE INSURANCE SALES
{December 6th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
Non-Variable UL Sales for the third quarter of 2022 were $766 million, compared with sales of $717 million for the third quarter of 2021. Third quarter non-variable life sales were down nearly 3% when compared to the previous quarter and up nearly 7% as compared to the same period last year. Non-variable universal life (UL) […]
Indexed life sales lead the way in strong third quarter, Wink reports
{December 6th, 2022} by Staff Reports
Indexed life insurance continues to drive growth, despite regulation pressures and other disruptions, according to the latest Wink’s Sales & Market Report. Indexed life sales for the third quarter were $670.7 million, down 2.1% when compared with the previous quarter, and up 11.3% as compared to the same period last year. Indexed life sales include […]
Pandemic retirements likely speeded up annuity payouts, data shows
{December 6th, 2022} by John Hilton
Annuity payments increased 7.4% in 2021, possibly due to lingering fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. The American Council of Life Insurers compiled extensive data on life insurance and annuity sales, industry rankings and other data in its 2022 ACLI Life Insurers Fact Book released this week. Life insurance companies paid $100 billion to beneficiaries of life […]
DOL: No date scheduled to release fiduciary advice rule
{December 6th, 2022} by John Hilton
The Department of Labor has no confirmed date to release its highly anticipated fiduciary rewrite, a spokesman said today. Anticipation spiked following a Nov. 23 report that the department was preparing to publish the new rule as early as this week. Industry insiders say privately they will be surprised if the rule is made public before early […]
A way to advertise more attractive benefits in the early years?
{December 6th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
Wink, Inc.‘s AnnuitySpecs tool houses product information on what Jim Wagner from Protective Life refers to as “high/low” riders in the article, Variable Annuities: What’s In and What’s Out. These are riders, where when the benefit base value is exhausted, the guaranteed withdrawal payments are reduced. I’ve never understood the market application for such riders. I’m sure the […]
10 Top Annuity Bills of 2022, So Far
{December 6th, 2022} by Allison Bell
Members of Congress have not moved much new annuity-related legislation through their pipes so far this year. Lawmakers have introduced 42 stand-alone bills that mention annuities, at least in passing, since Jan. 1, but they have advanced just three of the bills through a committee, and none to the House or Senate floor, according to a search […]
Sales % of Change: Life Insurance
{December 6th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
Line of Biz: Sales % Change Over: Last Quarter / This Quarter, Last Year >Non-Variable Universal Life: $766.81 M -2.97% / 6.88% >>Universal Life: $96.09 M -8.27% / -16.66% >>Indexed Life: $670.72 M -2.16% / 11.34% Whole Life: $1.10 B -0.39% / -0.13% -sjm
David Reynolds Joins CUNA Mutual Group Annuities As Divisional Sales Director
{December 6th, 2022} by CUNA Mutual Group
MADISON, WI, November 30, 2022 /24-7PressRelease/ — CUNA Mutual Group annuities is pleased to announce that David Reynolds, CRPC® has started in the role of divisional sales director – South. In his new role, Reynolds will be responsible for leading the efforts of helping the CUNA Mutual Group annuities’ wholesaling team connect with more financial advisors. Reynolds […]
That is literally EVERY single annuity ever developed! I’m not kidding.
{December 6th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
Oh, Brett Arends, you had me at “higher-fee annuity products.” I expect more from MarketWatch in the article, While stocks and bonds plunge, sales of these ‘safe’ investments are booming. Annuities are not a “kind of hybrid of insurance and investment.” They are insurance. Period. “The cost [of annuities] comes in the form of lower returns.” Of […]
Annuities cast a light when things seem dim
{December 6th, 2022} by Jim Poolman
Several factors, including gross domestic product, unemployment and inflation, affect the strength of the U.S. economy. Although the economy is strong, the market has been experiencing the highest inflationary rates in 40 years. Combating high inflation requires increasing interest rates, encouraging people and businesses to borrow and spend less. Click HERE to read the full story […]
It might be time to MOVE IT!
{December 6th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
I bought a five-year MYGA five years ago. I just received the renewal notice, and it will be renewing at a rate that it a good 2.50% less than what I can get on a new business 5-year MYGA. Be checking your clients’ renewal statements, folks! If they don’t need access to the money, it […]
NC regulators throw cold water on Lindberg deal to sell insurers
{December 6th, 2022} by John Hilton
Disgraced billionaire Greg Lindberg is welcome to come up with plans to make policyholders of his insurance companies whole again, but state regulators will control the process, said a spokesman for the North Carolina Department of Insurance. Regulators reacted today to a surprise announcement from Lindberg that he has a stock deal to sell his four insurers […]
Simplicity Welcomes Triton Brokerage to the Group and Adds Bob Ogurcak and Matt Woodson to its Partnership
{December 6th, 2022} by Simplicity Group
SUMMIT, N.J., Nov. 29, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Simplicity Group (“Simplicity”) today announced the acquisition of Triton Brokerage Group (“Triton”). Founded by industry veterans, Bob Ogurcak and Matt Woodson, both of whom become Simplicity Partners following the transaction, Triton is a national distributor of annuity products, life, long-term care, and disability insurance. Triton is the 47th company to join the Simplicity partnership. […]
Transamerica Appoints Todd Buchanan President of World Financial Group and Head of Transamerica Financial Advisors
{December 6th, 2022} by Transamerica
BALTIMORE, Nov. 29, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Transamerica announces today that Todd Buchanan is appointed President of World Financial Group Insurance Agency, LLC (WFG), Senior Vice President at Transamerica, and head of Transamerica Financial Advisors, Inc. (TFA). He reports to Jamie Ohl, President of Transamerica’s Individual Solutions division. Todd Buchanan leads WFG’s vast team of nearly 60,000 independent insurance agents and oversees TFA’s […]
Greg Lindberg Announces Sale of His North Carolina Insurers For $307 Million
{December 6th, 2022} by Greg Lindberg
DURHAM, N.C., Dec. 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — A binding stock purchase agreement for the sale of all of Greg Lindberg’s North Carolina insurance companies was signed on Friday, Lindberg reports. The sale of stock by GBIG Capital, LLC to Universal Financial Holdings, LLC will allow all four of Lindberg’s North Carolina insurance companies to exit rehabilitation and will allow policyholders to access […]
Fidelity National Financial Completes Planned Transaction to Distribute Approximately 15% Ownership of F&G to FNF Shareholders
{December 5th, 2022} by Fidelity National Financial, Inc.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Dec. 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Fidelity National Financial, Inc. (NYSE: FNF) (“FNF” or the “Company”), a leading provider of title insurance and transaction services to the real estate and mortgage industries and a leading provider of insurance solutions serving retail annuity and life customers and institutional clients through FNF’s subsidiary, F&G Annuities & Life, Inc. (“F&G”), […]
Jackson Sponsors 23rd Annual Chicago Polar Plunge
{December 5th, 2022} by Jackson National Life Insurance Company
CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jackson National Life Insurance Company (Jackson®), the main operating subsidiary of Jackson Financial Inc. (NYSE: JXN), announced it will serve as the presenting sponsor of the 2023 Chicago Polar Plunge, the largest polar plunge in the Midwest, with over 4,000 participants annually. All proceeds from the event will help fund year-round activities, events, transportation, uniforms and […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Its Key Operating Subsidiaries
{December 5th, 2022} by Nationwide
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A+ (Superior) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICR) of “aa-” (Superior) of the members of Nationwide Group (Nationwide). Concurrently, AM Best has affirmed the FSR of A+ (Superior) and the Long-Term ICRs of “aa-” (Superior) of Nationwide Life Insurance Company and its […]
The Standard Closes on Acquisition of Securian Financial’s Retirement Plan Recordkeeping Business
{December 5th, 2022} by The Standard and Securian Financial
PORTLAND, Ore. & ST. PAUL, Minn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Standard Insurance Company (“The Standard”) and Securian Financial Group, Inc. (“Securian Financial”) today announced the closing of the acquisition of Securian Financial’s retirement plan recordkeeping business by The Standard, in accordance with the terms of the agreement reported on Oct. 18, 2022. “This transaction brings together two […]
American Equity to Hold Investor Symposium on Wednesday, December 7, 2022
{December 5th, 2022} by American Equity Investment Life Holding Company
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–American Equity Investment Life Holding Company (“American Equity”) (NYSE: AEL), a leading provider of financial dignity solutions through general account annuities, is pleased to announce that it will be holding an “Investor Symposium” on December 7, 2022 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm ET. Speakers will include Anant Bhalla, Chief Executive […]
401(k) Plans Are Coming for Your Rollovers
{December 5th, 2022} by John Manganaro
Back in late December of 2019, then-President Donald Trump signed the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act into law. The bipartisan legislation, known more commonly as the Secure Act, had been in the works for several years and included many provisions. According to Michelle Richter, executive director of the Institutional Retirement Income Council, among […]
When Accelerated Life Insurance Underwriting Makes Sense
{December 5th, 2022} by Catie Muccigrosso
Accelerated underwriting, or a AU, as a fluidless alternative to traditional full life insurance underwriting, can speed the insurance process and provide better coverage and pricing options for applicants. This evolving approach applies applicant data in a mortality-neutral way, acting as a proxy for paramedical visits and lab work necessary in full underwriting. Click HERE […]
Indexed Life Insurance Sales Beat Q3 Sales Doldrums
{December 5th, 2022} by Allison Bell
The third quarter was a better quarter for sales of indexed life insurance than for other forms of non-variable cash-value life insurance, according to new life sales survey data from Wink. Annualized premiums from sales of indexed life insurance increased more than 10%, but sales of whole life insurance and traditional fixed universal life insurance […]
Immediate Annuity Shoppers Look for 13% More Income: Cannex
{December 5th, 2022} by Allison Bell
U.S. residents who were shopping for immediate annuities in the third quarter were looking for 13% more income than they were when they conducted similar searches in the third quarter of 2021. Although the average income sought increased 13%, the average proposed premium increased just 5.2% from the average figure included in the queries processed […]
Annuity And Life Solutions For RIAs
{December 5th, 2022} by Charles Arnold
The number of registered investment advisors, or RIAs, in the industry continues to grow along with the percentage of overall assets they manage. As they become more relevant, so does the attractiveness of their business model for many financial professionals currently at broker-dealers and wirehouses. Click HERE to read the full story via Broker World
LIBRA And IDA
{December 5th, 2022} by Broker World
LIBRA Insurance Partners and Insurance Designers of America, LLC (IDA) announce the merger of the two organizations, creating the largest independently owned life insurance marketing organization (IMO) in the United States. The combined company will operate under the LIBRA Insurance Partners (LIBRA) brand. Click HERE to read the full story via Broker World
LIDMA
{December 5th, 2022} by Broker World
The Life Insurance Direct Marketing Association (LIDMA) awarded Denis Clifford, senior vice president and chief distribution officer at The Savings Bank Mutual Life Insurance Company of Massachusetts (SBLI), the 2022 LIDMA Vision Award. The presentation took place at LIDMA’s 19th Annual Fall Meeting and Showcase in Manhattan Beach, CA. Click HERE to read the full story […]
GLWBs, Step-Ups, And Other Random Annuity Thoughts
{December 5th, 2022} by Charlie Gipple
A few weeks ago I was preparing an indexed annuity illustration for one of our agents who had a client that wanted guaranteed lifetime income. So, I was running one of my favorite indexed annuities with the GLWB rider. As I looked at the printout, I came across something that I hadn’t seen in years. […]
Consumer Focus From Wellness Apps To Digital Life Sales
{December 5th, 2022} by Ken Leibow
Last month saw the release of the Global Consumer Study, new research carried out on consumers across the world and their attitudes towards insurance. 12,728 people from 22 global markets were asked about a range of topics, including: Buying and claiming insurance, purchase triggers, causes of stress, road and cyber insurance, mental and physical health and […]
Expect the MYGA, indexed annuity boom into next year, Moore says
{December 5th, 2022} by Steven A. Morelli
Expect a blazing fourth quarter and 2023 for multiyear guaranteed and indexed annuities and a bumpy ride for variable annuities and its hybrid offspring, structured annuities. Those were a few observations from Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink Inc. and Moore Market Intelligence, after third quarter results showed banner performance for FIAs and MYGAs in particular. […]
Citizens to Offer ‘White Label’ Life Insurance to Widen Distribution
{December 5th, 2022} by Cyril Tuohy
Insurance holding company Citizens wants to broaden its distribution by selling life and final expense coverage under the brand of a South Carolina-based agency. Click HERE to read the full story via Life Annuity Specialist In the second quarter, 56.5% of whole life sales were for policies where the primary focus was final expense, according […]
20 Biggest Life Insurance Companies in the US
{December 5th, 2022} by Ramish Cheema
In this piece, we will take a look at the 20 biggest life insurance companies in the U.S. For more companies, head on over to 5 Biggest Life Insurance Companies in the U.S. Even though one would suspect otherwise, insurance is one of the oldest industries in the world. Humans have been conducting trade since […]
The increasing demand for standards of care in the sale of life insurance: ‘Back to the Future’
{December 5th, 2022} by Richard Weber
It’s 10 p.m.; do you know where your policies are? In 2020 alone, $3.33 trillion of death benefit was sold, although there is an anecdotal sense that as much as 50% of those sales was policy replacements rather than entirely new benefits. It’s also worth noting that 2020 sales were achieved in an industry in […]
