MYGA sales power 2Q, Wink reports, overcoming variable sales decline
{September 7th, 2022} by Staff Reports
Total second-quarter sales for all deferred annuities were $72.8 billion, an increase of 21.9% when compared to the previous quarter and an increase of more than 12.8% when compared to the same period last year, according to Wink’s Sales & Market Report. Sales were powered by an 80% increase in multi-year guaranteed annuities, while variable […]
Higher Rates Fuel Q2 Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuity Sales: Wink
{September 7th, 2022} by Allison Bell
Higher interest rates and client concerns about stock market volatility pushed sales of multi-year guaranteed annuities (or MYGA contracts) up hard in the second quarter. U.S. MYGA contract sales increased 82% between the second quarter of 2021 and the latest quarter, to $26 billion, according to new annuity issuer sales survey data from Wink. Click […]
AIG Announces Launch of Initial Public Offering of Corebridge Financial, Inc.
{September 7th, 2022} by AIG
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–American International Group, Inc. (NYSE: AIG) today launched the initial public offering (“IPO”) of its majority-owned subsidiary, Corebridge Financial, Inc. (“Corebridge,” previously “SAFG Retirement Services, Inc.”). AIG, as the selling stockholder, is offering 80 million shares of common stock (out of 645 million total common shares) of Corebridge and has granted a 30-day […]
Is a fixed annuity worth it for those early retirement years?
{September 7th, 2022} by Mark MacGillivray
As an advisor, you have many tools in your toolbox to help guide your clients through their retirement planning process while diversifying their portfolios. However, there may be one tool that is currently underutilized – the fixed annuity. Similar to a bond or CD, fixed annuities are considered safe money products, with added benefits that […]
Taking A Fresh Look At The Annuity Portfolio
{September 7th, 2022} by Staff
A new Issue Brief from the American Academy Of Actuaries takes a deep look at today’s annuity options and strategies. Excerpts are presented below. Access the full report at www.actuary.org. There are many different types of insured annuities in the U.S., but they are all often simply called “annuities,” which can cause considerable confusion. This […]
Northwestern Mutual in elite company with highest-available financial strength ratings
{September 7th, 2022} by Northwestern Mutual
MILWAUKEE, Aug. 30, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Against the backdrop of surging inflation and low consumer sentiment across the country, Northwestern Mutual’s financial strength and consistency continue to set the company apart. This week the company announced it has once again maintained the highest available financial strength ratings that can be awarded within the industry. Northwestern Mutual, whose […]
Regulators debate new indexed-linked annuity rules for nonforfeiture
{September 7th, 2022} by John Hilton
A regulator subgroup is inching closer to a new actuarial guideline to shoehorn the hot-selling indexed-linked annuities into variable annuity nonforfeiture rules. The Index-Linked Variable Annuity Subgroup was created last year by a National Association of Insurance Commissioners task force to focus solely on the index-linked annuity products — known variously as structured, buffered or […]
September Is Life Insurance Awareness Month: Roselyn Sánchez and Life Happens Aim to Secure the Financial Futures of Americans With Life Insurance
{September 7th, 2022} by Life Happens
Roselyn to Spread Awareness About the Importance of Purchasing Life Insurance Through her Partnership with Nonprofit Life Happens ARLINGTON, Va., Sept. 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Life Happens, a national nonprofit educating consumers about the importance of life insurance in a sound financial plan, kicks off its 19th annual Life Insurance Awareness Month (LIAM) campaign with actress, singer-songwriter, dancer, model, […]
F&G Reaches Nearly $5 Billion in Institutional Markets Sales Since Launching in June 2021
{September 7th, 2022} by Fidelity & Guaranty Life
DES MOINES, Iowa, Sept. 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — F&G Annuities & Life, Inc. (F&G or the Company), an operating segment of Fidelity National Financial, Inc. (NYSE:FNF) and a leading provider of insurance solutions serving retail annuity and life customers and institutional clients, recently closed two pension risk transfer (PRT) transactions propelling cumulative sales from F&G’s Institutional Markets […]
TIAA announces partnership with Girls in Tech to empower women in technology
{September 7th, 2022} by TIAA
NASHVILLE, Tenn., Sept. 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — TIAA has teamed up with Girls in Tech (GIT), a global nonprofit with more than 100,000 members focused on closing the gender gap in technology careers. “TIAA is committed to doing the hard work to understand the challenges and clear the path for women in tech,” said Sastry Durvasula, Chief Information […]
New Research Underscores Value of Life Insurance in Helping Consumers Address Today’s Top Financial Planning Challenges
{September 7th, 2022} by Lincoln Financial Group
RADNOR, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–New research from Lincoln Financial Group (NYSE: LNC) finds U.S. consumers surveyed are looking to better understand how to weather the current economic climate, yet few are taking action. During Life Insurance Awareness Month, Lincoln Financial encourages consumers to adopt an “if not now, when?” financial planning mindset, highlighting how the often unknown […]
KBRA Publishes Rating Report for CL Life and Crestline Assurance Holdings
{September 7th, 2022} by KBRA
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–On August 23, 2022, KBRA assigned an A- Insurance Financial Strength Rating (IFSR) to CL Life and Annuity Insurance Company (CL Life) and a BBB- Issuer Rating to CL Life’s insurance holding company, Crestline Assurance Holdings, LLC Crestline Assurance Holdings. The Outlook for both ratings is Stable. CL Life is a fixed annuity […]
Upstream Holdings, Inc. Announces BBB- Investment Grade Rating from Egan-Jones Ratings Company on the Company and Notes Due 2028
{September 7th, 2022} by Upstream Holdings
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Upstream Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) announced that it has received an investment grade rating of “BBB-” from Egan-Jones Ratings Company, an independent, unaffiliated rating agency on the Company and Notes due 2028 (the “Notes”). Egan-Jones is a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization (NRSRO) and is recognized by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners […]
Broker Words—September 2022
{September 7th, 2022} by Stephen Howard
My favorite Liam is probably Liam Devlin, Donald Sutherland’s character in the movie The Eagle Has Landed (and this and two other novels by author Jack Higgins). I still use one of my favorite quotes from time to time referring to the highly unlikely. Replying to a German officer who is explaining that Germany will shortly win […]
Indexed Products Are Designed To Beat Fixed Rates, Not The Market
{September 7th, 2022} by Charlie Gipple
I have never had a client balk at my indexed annuity or indexed universal life insurance conversations when I tell them that the products are designed to do better than their fixed rate peers, not the stock market. I will tell them that if fixed rates on fixed annuities today are three or four percent, […]
Senior Market Sales Acquires Successful Senior Health Insurance Agency, Medicare Solutions Network
{September 7th, 2022} by Senior Market Sales
OMAHA, Neb., Sept. 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Senior Market Sales® (SMS), one of the industry’s premier insurance marketing organizations, has acquired Medicare Solutions Network, a Lisle, Illinois, Medicare agency known for its engaging educational Medicare workshops and exceptional customer service in the Chicago area. SMS President Jim Summers praised the success of husband-wife team David H. Wylly, President, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, and Lori L. Wylly, […]
The Evolution Of Variable And Indexed Life
{September 7th, 2022} by Sean Wickersham
There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all product. Every client has individual needs that can typically be addressed by myriad options. Of all the options out there, one of the more versatile, especially in the insurance space, has to be variable universal life (VUL). VUL has had an interesting ride since it first rose […]
Volatility Controlled Strategies: Not Better, Not Worse
{September 7th, 2022} by Charlie Gipple
If you had a choice between inheriting 40 percent of Jim’s estate or 100 percent of Richard’s estate, which one would you choose? My answer is: It depends… Of course, this is a ridiculously vague question that requires more information in order for you to make the correct choice. Click HERE to read the full […]
Eldridge, Atlas Merchant doubling down on annuity provider DPL Financial
{September 7th, 2022} by Gregg Greenberg
High-profile private investors Eldridge and Atlas Merchant Capital are upping their stakes in commission-free insurance specialist DPL Financial Partners. Click HERE to read the full story via InvestmentNews
Broker-dealers’ assets bounce back in July
{September 7th, 2022} by Bruce Kelly
After a brutal first half of the year that saw the S&P 500 decline into bear market territory by 20.6%, it looks as if the brokerage industry got some relief as the stock market had a great July, with the S&P gaining 9.1% last month. Click HERE to read the full story via InvestmentNews
Millennials Are Richer And Want Advice
{September 7th, 2022} by Eric Rasmussen
The wealth of millennials is rising faster than that of any other demographic group. They want advice and now want to pay for it. That’s the upshot of a report by Cerulli Associates released last week. The consulting firm said that millennials in its research had an average net worth of more than $278,000 in […]
Indexed life sales continue record-setting pace in 2Q, Wink reports
{September 7th, 2022} by Staff Reports
Indexed life insurance sales continued a strong pace during the second quarter, according to the Wink’s Sales & Market Report. Non-variable universal life sales for the second quarter were $790.3 million, up 7.1% when compared to the previous quarter and up 4.4% as compared to the same period last year. Non-variable universal life sales include […]
Why this is a golden age for life insurance
{September 7th, 2022} by Brooks Tingle
Every generation has defining moments, but few experience an event like the COVID-19 pandemic — an inflection point that delineates the “before” from everything that follows. Historians and future generations will undoubtedly use the past two-plus years to study significant societal change. In the life insurance industry, we felt change too. Click HERE to read […]
Flight to safety propels New York Life, others to top of annuity hill
{September 7th, 2022} by John Hilton
The macroeconomic factors dominating 2022 are about as dramatic as it gets: 8-9% inflation rate, interest rates up 2% and the Dow Jones down 10%. To annuity buyers and sellers, it signals one thing: a flight to safety. In other words, a turn away from riskier, equity linked products toward safer, guaranteed rate return products […]
Great American Life to become MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company
{September 7th, 2022} by Great American Life Insurance Company
In May 2021, Great American Life Insurance Company was sold to MassMutual. As part of this transition, we will establish a new company name. On Monday, October 3, Great American Life Insurance Company will begin doing business as MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company. We’re working hard to ensure that our transition to MassMutual Ascend is as […]
Wholesaling Diversity
{September 7th, 2022} by Sheryl Moore
My friend Orian Williams, JD, LL.M, CFP® was recently recognized by the Association for Wholesaling Diversity to be a “Rising Star.” After listening to him on the “For Internal Use Only”podcast, I can attest that he most definitely IS a RISING STAR! He is an attorney, a wholesaler, a father of triplet girls, a foodie, a traveler, and more. […]
MYGA sales surpass all other annuities while variable sales plummet in Q2
{September 7th, 2022} by Insurance Forums Staff
Multi-year guaranteed annuity (MYGA) sales in the second quarter of 2022 hit $26.2 billion—up more than 79.9% when compared to the previous quarter, and up 81.8% when compared to the same period last year according to the 100th edition of Wink’s Sales & Market Report. “Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuity sales exploded again this quarter,” said Sheryl Moore, CEO […]
Finseca Completes NAILBA Merger
{September 7th, 2022} by Allison Bell
Finseca announced today that it has completed previously announced plans to combine with another financial professional group, the National Association of Independent Life Brokerage Agencies. NAILBA will now be known as “NAILBA, a Finseca Community, according to Finseca. Marc Cadin, Finseca’s CEO, said the group is just getting started with life insurance and financial services […]
U.S. Life Expectancy Fell Another 1.2 Years in 2021
{September 7th, 2022} by Allison Bell
The COVID-19 pandemic continued to drive down Americans’ life expectancy in 2021. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is reporting, based on early data, that overall life expectancy at birth fell by 1.2 years between 2020 and 2021, to 76.1 years, according to a new report and a comparable report based on 2020 […]
Regulators Draft Language for Hot New Annuities
{September 7th, 2022} by Allison Bell
Life insurers could start using a new language to build “index-linked variable annuities,” or ILVAs, as early as April 1, 2023. The Index-Linked Variable Annuity Subgroup, an arm of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, has been working on an Actuarial Guideline ILVA draft for more than a year. Insurer groups seem to like what […]
Life Insurance Awareness Month Arrives Amid COVID-19 Lull
{September 7th, 2022} by Allison Bell
Life Happens launched the 2022 Life Insurance Awareness Month campaign Thursday, at a time when memories of the deadly COVID-19 spike that hit in January are fading. The Arlington, Virginia-based financial services education group has brought in Roselyn Milagros Sánchez Rodriguez — a singer, songwriter, dancer, actor and producer born in Puerto Rico — to […]
Actuarial Group Posts Individual Annuity Guide
{September 7th, 2022} by Allison Bell
Annuity experts have published a new guide to the most popular types of individual annuities available in the United States today. The Lifetime Income Risk Joint Committee — an arm of the American Academy of Actuaries — posted the issue brief on the academy website late last month. Actuaries are people who have taken tests […]
Clients Need Help With the Bad Days, Too: Allianz Life’s Corey Walther
{September 7th, 2022} by Allison Bell
Corey Walther says retirement advisors need to understand that hurricanes are coming. And advisors should build risk management into a client’s retirement planning strategy long before the winds pick up. Walther is the president of Allianz Life Financial Services, a Minneapolis-based broker-dealer arm of Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America that notes that it […]
Summer Blahs Hit U.S. Individual Life Market
{September 7th, 2022} by Allison Bell
COVID-19 patients crowded into hospitals just nine months ago— but memories of the deadly January surge are fading, and sales of individual cash-value life insurance have cooled. Market research firm Wink has shown what’s happening in its new U.S. individual life sales report for the second quarter. Wink bases its reports on voluntary issuer surveys. […]
AIG Launches Corebridge Life and Annuity Unit IPO
{September 7th, 2022} by Allison Bell
American International Group today began a split from Corebridge Financial — its life and annuity business — that it began talking about in October 2020. AIG offered 80 million of the 645 million available shares of Corebridge common stock, or about 12% of the shares, to the public through an initial public offering. The company […]
The secret to financial security? Owning life insurance, survey says
{September 7th, 2022} by Press Release
Arlington, Va. and Windsor, Conn., ―According to new findings from the 2022 Insurance Barometer Study, conducted jointly by nonprofit industry trade associations LIMRA and Life Happens, 2 in 5 parents say they are barely or not at all financially secure. This is increasingly critical, as most households haven’t prepared for the loss of a primary wage earner: 44% […]
Life Insurance Direct Marketing Association (LIDMA) Announces 2022 Fall Meeting & Business Showcase
{September 7th, 2022} by LIDMA
19th Annual LIDMA Fall Meeting & Business Showcase of industry leaders to take place at the Westdrift Manhattan Beach in Manhattan Beach, California from October 16 to October 19, 2022. The 2022 LIDMA conference theme is “Future of Life Insurance Distribution” and will feature keynote speakers ATLANTA, Aug. 31, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — The Life Insurance Direct Marketing Association (LIDMA) has announced […]
Senior Market Sales Acquires New York-Based Field Marketing Organization CareValue
{September 7th, 2022} by Senior Market Sales
OMAHA, Neb., Sept. 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Senior Market Sales® (SMS), one of the industry’s premier insurance marketing organizations, has acquired CareValue, a rapidly growing national field marketing organization (FMO) based in Canandaigua, New York, and specializing in senior life and health insurance. SMS President Jim Summers said CareValue’s technology platform, its success as a market leader serving independent insurance agents, and its […]
TFA Representatives Recognized by Forbes as America’s Top Financial Security Professionals
{September 7th, 2022} by Transamerica Financial Advisors
BALTIMORE, Sept. 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Transamerica Financial Advisors, Inc. (TFA) is pleased to announce that five of the organization’s independent representatives have been recognized as top-ranked financial security professionals in their respective states. Forbes and SHOOK Research have ranked the top professionals in the wealth planning, protection, and insurance industry in their annual list of Top Financial Security Professionals […]
Industry’s first indexed whole life insurance product combines guaranteed protection with significant growth potential
{September 7th, 2022} by Ohio National
September 6, 2022 Groundbreaking product only available from Ohio National Indexed whole life insurance offers the stability and guarantees of traditional whole life — but with index-based growth opportunities New product ideal for consumers looking for protection and asset growth through market-based returns with accompanying downside protection. In the life insurance industry, something totally new comes along […]
F&G nears $5B in institutional market sales, boosted by pension transfer
{September 6th, 2022} by N/A
Des Moines-based F&G Annuities & Life Inc. recently closed two significant pension risk transfer transactions that have propelled the company’s institutional market sales to nearly $5 billion since that product channel’s launch by F&G just over one year ago. Since entering the institutional market last year, F&G has closed 10 pension risk transfer deals resulting […]
Mood Swings and Investing Decisions
{September 6th, 2022} by Richard Baker
People have mood swings and often make decisions based on their current feelings. Following one’s feelings instead of using a planned system can lead to disaster when managing the assets inside a variable annuity or variable life policy, or any aspects of retirement planning. Understanding that a mood swing can overturn solid decision-making can help […]
Regulators Ask for Advice About Indexed Universal Life Illustrations
{August 31st, 2022} by Allison Bell
The Life Actuarial Task Force wants to know: Can it make anyone who cares about indexed universal life insurance performance illustrations happy? The task force — an arm of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners — is asking anyone interested in the topic for advice on what it should do. Click HERE to read the […]
Wink, Inc. Releases 2nd Quarter, 2022 Deferred Annuity Sales Results
{August 31st, 2022} by Wink's Press Release
— FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION — NEWS RELEASE MULTI-YEAR GUARANTEED ANNUITY SALES SURPASS ALL OTHERS, WHILE VARIABLE SALES PLUMMET Wink, Inc. Releases 2nd Quarter, 2022 Deferred Annuity Sales Results Des Moines, Iowa. August 30, 2022– Wink’s Sales & Market Report, the insurance industry’s #1 resource for annuity sales data since 1997 released its 100th edition […]
SECOND QUARTER 2022 ANNUITY SALES
{August 31st, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
Deferred Annuity Sales Total 2Q2022 deferred annuity sales were $72,804 million, compared with sales of $64,492 million for the second quarter of 2021. Second quarter deferred annuity sales were up nearly 22% when compared to the previous quarter and up nearly 13% when compared to the same period last year. Deferred annuities include sales of […]
Wink’s demo: Slice and dice sales data (in any way you can imagine!)
{August 31st, 2022} by Wink's Intel Pros
Wink released the 2nd Quarter, 2022’s sales in its 100th Wink’s Sales & Market Report. Be sure that you know how to slice and dice that sales data in the online Sales Data Query! The query is available for Wink’s Sales & Market Report subscribers. The Sales Data Query allows subscribers to search for sales […]
The Life Insurance Distributor That Can’t Stop Buying Other Firms
{August 31st, 2022} by Aaron Smith
Sheryl Moore, CEO of market research firm Wink, said she thinks Integrity wants to become a “preeminent distributor” of annuities, life insurance, and medical supplement and long-term-care products. Click HERE to read the full story via Life Annuity Specialist
Investors Heritage Ranks as the Fastest-Growing U.S. Insurer in 2021 According to S&P Global
{August 31st, 2022} by Investors Heritage
FRANKFORT, Ky.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Investors Heritage Life Insurance Company (“Investors Heritage”) today announced that it ranked as the fastest-growing U.S. life and annuity insurer in 2021, according to a new report from S&P Global.1 Investors Heritage ranked as the fastest-growing U.S. annuity insurer in both total direct premiums and considerations as well as direct first-year premiums and […]
Banks have spoken
{August 31st, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
Let this sink in for a minute. Bank certificates of deposit are averaging a credited rate of less than 0.75%. Fixed annuities, however, are averaging credited rates of 3.43% today. Banks have spoken. FOR THE FIRST TIME, BANKS SOLD MORE ANNUITIES THAN ANY OTHER DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL IN THE BUSINESS. More than Full Service National Broker/Dealers. […]
Flight to safety propels New York Life, others to top of annuity hill
{August 31st, 2022} by John Hilton
The macroeconomic factors dominating 2022 are about as dramatic as it gets: 8-9% inflation rate, interest rates up 2% and the Dow Jones down 10%. To annuity buyers and sellers, it signals one thing: a flight to safety. In other words, a turn away from riskier, equity linked products toward safer, guaranteed rate return products […]
How Advisors Are Tackling Gaps In Financial Literacy
{August 31st, 2022} by Ben Mattlin
Let’s be frank: Clients are often financially ignorant. Advisors devote a lot of time to explaining the most elementary principles. When a client’s family gets involved, that learning curve can get even more complicated; different generations have differing degrees of comfort with money. Some advisors are working to improve the situation. By contributing to financial […]
NAIC’s LATF solicits feedback on options to address concerns related to AG 49-A
{August 31st, 2022} by Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP
On August 15th, the NAIC’s Life Actuarial (A) Task Force (LATF) re-exposed for comment four options to address a concern raised by state insurance regulators regarding the use of illustrations for indexed universal life insurance (IUL) policies with volatility-controlled indexes that allow for crediting fixed bonuses under the policies. The four options include a brief […]
Principal Protection Is Out There: Annuity Moves
{August 31st, 2022} by Allison Bell
Some life insurers are still introducing annuities that protect the value of premium contributions, despite worries about stock market, bond market and interest rate volatility. National Western Life Insurance Company and North American Company for Life and Health Insurance — a Sammons Financial subsidiary — are two companies that have added non-variable indexed annuities in […]
AmeriLife Opens Two Career Agency Offices: The Gameboard
{August 31st, 2022} by Allison Bell
AmeriLife Group revived an old concept: starting career insurance agency offices, rather than buying existing agencies. The Clearwater, Florida-based financial services distributor announced Monday that it has opened one career agency in Mansfield, Texas, and another one in Cranston, Rhode Island. Click HERE to read the full story via ThinkAdvisor
Annuities May Be Winning Over Advisors Who Were Fence-Sitters: Survey
{August 31st, 2022} by Allison Bell
Advisor apathy toward annuities may be fading, but advisor hostility toward the products still looks strong, according to results of a new survey organized by RetireOne and Midland National. The percentage of advisors who said they were either likely or very likely to recommend annuities has increased to 64% this year, from 52% in 2021. […]
Life Insurers Need to Balance Speed With Risk Assessment: Brett Laker
{August 31st, 2022} by Allison Bell
Brett Laker helps life insurers figure out how dangerous their clients are. Laker is the head of North America at UnderwriteMe, a life insurance underwriting technology firm that is owned by Pacific Life’s reinsurance arm. Your clients might turn to life insurers to protect loved ones’ financial well-being, and to use life insurance and annuities in retirement […]
Life and Annuity Issuers Look Strong: S&P
{August 31st, 2022} by Allison Bell
The big, well-known life insurers that back many of your clients’ life insurance policies and annuities are getting high grades from rating analysts at S&P Global. S&P analysts tell lenders and insurance buyers how strong insurers are. The strength ratings affect how much insurers pay to borrow money, and how much they can charge for […]
9 Lessons From John Hancock’s $26M LTCI Settlement
{August 31st, 2022} by Allison Bell
To make up for early cancellation of benefits payments for 156 holders of New York State Partnership for Long Term Care policies, John Hancock agreed last week to pay a total of $26.3 million. The settlement includes a $21.6 million in extra benefits to policyholders and beneficiaries, a $2.5 million penalty to the New York […]
Why this is a golden age for life insurance
{August 31st, 2022} by Brooks Tingle
Every generation has defining moments, but few experience an event like the COVID-19 pandemic — an inflection point that delineates the “before” from everything that follows. Historians and future generations will undoubtedly use the past two-plus years to study significant societal change. In the life insurance industry, we felt change too. Consumer interest in life […]
“Secret weapon” to running multiple businesses
{August 31st, 2022} by Kelly Augspurger
Kelly Augspurger and Sheryl J. Moore chatted about business and their personal lives. Click HERE to listen in and learn what Sheryl’s “secret weapon” is and how she manages to run multiple businesses successfully.
Equitable Announces Acquisition of Penn Investment Advisors
{August 31st, 2022} by Equitable
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Equitable, a leading financial services company and principal franchise of Equitable Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: EQH), announced today the acquisitioni of Penn Investment Advisors, Inc. (PIA), a registered investment adviser and subsidiary of Penn Community Bank. The acquisition is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2022. Headquartered in Bucks County, Pa., Penn Investment Advisors has $600 million […]
AIG Announces Closing of Hybrid Notes Offering by Corebridge Financial, Inc.
{August 31st, 2022} by AIG
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–American International Group, Inc. (NYSE: AIG) (“AIG”) today announced that Corebridge Financial, Inc. (“Corebridge”), its majority-owned subsidiary, issued and sold $1.0 billion of 6.875% Fixed-to-Fixed Reset Rate Junior Subordinated Notes due 2052 (the “Notes”). Corebridge intends to use the net proceeds from this offering to repay a portion of the remaining $1.9 billion […]
Symetra Again Receives Top Workplace Honors from Forbes
{August 31st, 2022} by Symetra
BELLEVUE, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Symetra has once again been recognized by Forbes as a top employer. The Bellevue, Wash.-based life insurer was named to Forbes’ 2022 “America’s Best-in-State Employers” list as one of the top 60 employers in Washington state. The designation is Symetra’s second workplace award for 2022 following its Great Place to Work Certification™ earlier this […]
Best’s Special Report: U.S. Life/Health Ratings Activity in 2021 Mixed as Insurers Navigate Headwinds
{August 31st, 2022} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The U.S. life/health (L/H) insurance industry saw a higher number of Credit Rating (rating) upgrades in the first half of 2022 compared with the same prior-year period, with improved capitalization levels a driving force, according to a new AM Best report. Rating downgrades decreased in the first half of 2022, according to the Best’s Special […]
KBRA Publishes Rating Report for CL Life and Crestline Assurance Holdings
{August 31st, 2022} by KBRA
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–On August 23, 2022, KBRA assigned an A- Insurance Financial Strength Rating (IFSR) to CL Life and Annuity Insurance Company (CL Life) and a BBB- Issuer Rating to CL Life’s insurance holding company, Crestline Assurance Holdings, LLC Crestline Assurance Holdings. The Outlook for both ratings is Stable. CL Life is a fixed annuity […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Oxford Life Insurance Company and Its Subsidiaries
{August 31st, 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 Oxford Life Insurance Company (Oxford Life) (Phoenix, AZ), and its subsidiary, Christian Fidelity Life Insurance Company (Dallas, TX), which are collectively referred to as Oxford Group. The outlook of these […]
Lincoln Financial Group Partners With Minority-Owned Boutique Asset Management Firm to Bring Additional Small-Cap Investment Opportunities to Clients
{August 31st, 2022} by Lincoln Financial Group
RADNOR, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Lincoln Financial Group (NYSE: LNC) today announced that its minority-managed mutual fund, LVIP Channing Small Cap Value Fund, is now available as a standalone investment within the Lincoln ChoicePlusSM and Investor Advantage® annuity product suites. This investment option, in partnership with Channing Capital Management, LLC, provides clients with a platform for investing primarily in […]
New Survey Suggests Americans are Worried about Outliving Savings, While Advisors are Confident They Can Address Client Concerns
{August 31st, 2022} by RetireOne
SAN FRANCISCO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–RetireOne®, the leading independent platform for fee-based insurance solutions, and Midland National Life Insurance Company (Midland National), a member of Sammons Financial Group®, today announced the results of the “2022 RIA Protected Accumulation + Retirement Income Survey”. The survey reveals that 82 percent of Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) agree that clients are concerned about outliving their retirement […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of National Western Life Group, Inc. and Its Subsidiaries
{August 31st, 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 Rating (Long-Term ICR) of “a” (Excellent) of National Western Life Insurance Company (NWLIC) (Centennial, CO). Concurrently, AM Best has affirmed the FSR of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term ICR of “a-” (Excellent) of Ozark National Life Insurance […]
American Business Joins Integrity to Innovate Insurance Offerings for High-Net-Worth Clientele
{August 31st, 2022} by Integrity Marketing Group
One of the country’s most prestigious boutique life insurance firms looks to the future by tapping into Integrity’s broad suite of resources and services designed to enhance growth DALLAS, Aug. 16, 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 […]
More Americans turning to family, friends, prayer than advisors for financial advice
{August 31st, 2022} by Nationwide
Nationwide Retirement Institute ® research also finds only about half of U.S. families feel confident they can save enough for retirement COLUMBUS, Ohio, Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Today, the majority of U.S. parents (60%) cite inflation or rising living costs among their top financial concerns as they look ahead at the next 12 months, according to a new survey by […]
Northwestern Mutual in elite company with highest-available financial strength ratings
{August 31st, 2022} by Northwestern Mutual
On heels of record year, Northwestern Mutual recognized as industry standout by major ratings agencies MILWAUKEE, Aug. 30, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Against the backdrop of surging inflation and low consumer sentiment across the country, Northwestern Mutual’s financial strength and consistency continue to set the company apart. This week the company announced it has once again maintained the […]
Senior Resource Services Partners with Integrity to Access End-to-End Insurtech Platform
{August 31st, 2022} by Integrity Marketing Group
Integrity’s best-in-class systems and innovative products will empower Senior Resource Services and its agents to better meet the complex retirement needs of American consumers DALLAS, Aug. 23, 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 entered into an […]
LibertyMark® Freedom Annuities Now Offer a 7% Upfront Premium Bonus
{August 31st, 2022} by Legacy Marketing Group
PETALUMA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Legacy Marketing Group® today announced the release of a 7%* upfront premium bonus product on its newest fixed indexed annuity (FIA) series, LibertyMark Freedom. Issued by “A” (Excellent) rated** Americo Financial Life and Annuity Insurance Company, the new LibertyMark Freedom 10 Plus and 10 LT Plus annuities jump-start a client’s premium at contract issue with a […]
Three New Reports Highlight Economic Gains and Challenges Among Women Since Title IX’s Enactment
{August 31st, 2022} by TIAA
Newly released data from the sixth annual Personal Finance Index examines financial literacy among five generations of U.S. women NEW YORK (June 23, 2022)—Women have made substantial economic progress in the last 50 years but still face substantial gaps in financial knowledge and retirement readiness, three new reports show. The TIAA Institute is releasing the insights to […]
Inflation, Increased Rates Boost Annuities Industry To New Heights
{August 31st, 2022} by Edward Hayes
Inflation and volatile equity markets have bedeviled Wall Street and policy makers, but one sector that doesn’t seem to be bothered by the adversity is the annuities industry. Annuities have been enjoying record sales in recent months, and market watchers attribute much of the success to investors fleeing for safety in the face of a […]
Buy-up indexing strategies
{August 30th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
Buy-up indexing strategies- These are strategies where the annuitant is paying a fee for relatively-higher caps/pars. Studies done by Wink, Inc. show that 20% – 30% of a product’s premium allocation typically goes to an available buy-up indexing strategy. -sjm
Sagicor Financial Company Ltd. to acquire ivari, a leading middle-market individual life insurer in Canada
{August 30th, 2022} by Sagicor Financial Company Ltd
TORONTO and BARBADOS, Aug. 25, 2022 /CNW/ – Sagicor Financial Company Ltd. (“Sagicor” or the “Company”) (TSX: SFC), a leading financial services provider in the Caribbean with a growing presence in the U.S., has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire ivari, a subsidiary of Wilton Re Ltd., subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions, including required regulatory approvals. The expected consideration, […]
Fixed Annuities Post Their Best Quarterly Sales Ever
{August 30th, 2022} by Ben Mattlin
Advisors who aren’t at least considering annuities as a solution shouldn’t be surprised if their clients turn elsewhere for advice, Bamji said. “Many advisors who had little true understanding of annuities in the past [are] finally becoming wise to the various protection benefits annuities offer in a truly diversified portfolio,” he said. “The bottom line […]
Future interest rates move away from the highs and round adjustments with the fall of the dollar
{August 30th, 2022} by N/A
Thus, around 1 pm, the Inter-financial Deposit rate for January 2024 was 13.07%, down from 13.08% last Friday; the DI rate for January 2025 was down to 11.98%, from 11.99%; the DI for January 2026 was at 11.78%, from 11.80%; and the DI for January 2027 was down to 11.76%, from 11.78% Click HERE to […]
Imminent needs to change the current state of IUL illustrations.
{August 23rd, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
The last call that regulators had on indexed life illustrations seemed to have a different feel. Finally, it seemed that the regulators are of the belief that there is a problem, and that it needs fixed sooner than later. The other interesting development is that opening the illustration model regulation now appears to be on […]
Wouldn’t be the first time that the purchaser misunderstood what they bought.
{August 23rd, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
What do you want to bet that this is a Variable Annuity with a living benefit that has a 7% rollup? Wouldn’t be the first time that the purchaser misunderstood what they bought. MarketWatch, you need experts that know more about annuities. Stop with the lead generation, it gets rid of your credibility. -sjm
Out of the Darkness
{August 23rd, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
Nine years ago, my son, AJ Betts killed himself. Each year since he has passed, I have walked in the Out of the Darkness Walks, which are put on by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. If you live in the Des Moines metro area, I invite you to walk with me on “Team AJ Betts.” […]
Task force weighs ‘limited’ revision of life insurance illustrations model
{August 23rd, 2022} by John Hilton
It “would be HUGE” if regulators reopened the illustrations model, wrote Sheryl Moore, president and CEO of Moore Market Intelligence and Wink, Inc., in an email. Indexed life insurance wasn’t available yet when #582 was finalized, she noted. Click HERE to read the full story via INN
Ibexis Life & Annuity Insurance Company Launches Innovative Fixed Annuity
{August 23rd, 2022} by Ibexis Life & Annuity Insurance Company
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., Aug. 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Ibexis Life & Annuity Insurance Company (“Ibexis”) has launched its MYGA Plus™ fixed annuity. The MYGA Plus™ is a fixed annuity product that provides clients with the flexibility to choose between two fixed rates that are each guaranteed for the initial duration of the product. One option is to […]
Sammons names Tyler Brown new government affairs director
{August 23rd, 2022} by Sammons Financial Group
Sammons® Financial Group, Inc. has named Tyler Brown to the role of director, Government Affairs. In this strategic role, Brown will report into the company’s Legal department and have primary responsibility for all state and federal government relations for Sammons Financial Group. In that capacity, Brown will manage communications with regulators and legislators on behalf […]
Ameritas retirement plans launches GoalWise(SM) the next technology for a personalized savings experience
{August 23rd, 2022} by Ameritas
LINCOLN, Neb., Aug. 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — The retirement plans division of Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. is proud to announce a digital, interactive retirement savings and financial wellness platform, GoalWiseSM, to manage the end-to-end retirement savings journey. GoalWise offers a personalized, goal-based gamification experience for participants and insightful, targeted, event-driven communications and data trending for financial professionals […]
Better Service Means Better Retirement Security: Mutual of America’s Brian Severin
{August 23rd, 2022} by Allison Bell
Brian Severin wants to convince workers throughout the United States to start saving early, keep their money in their nest eggs, and let their nest eggs grow. Severin is a senior executive vice president and chief marketing officer at Mutual of America Financial Group, a New York-based mutual insurer that focuses on the retirement plan […]
John Hancock to Pay $26.3M Over Canceled LTCI Policies
{August 23rd, 2022} by Allison Bell
New York state regulators are imposing a $2.5 million penalty on John Hancock Life & Health Insurance Co. for problems with 156 long-term care insurance policy terminations. The Boston-based Manulife Financial unit will also have to pay $2.2 million to the New York state Medicaid program, and $21.6 million in extra benefits to policyholders and […]
7 Reasons New York’s $26M John Hancock LTCI Action Matters for Advisors
{August 23rd, 2022} by Allison Bell
State Medicaid could start to go after insurers and other financial services companies that fail to live up to agreements with people who end up using Medicaid to pay nursing home bills. New York state insurance regulators raised that possibility last week, when they announced a $26.3 million consent agreement with Manulife’s John Hancock unit. […]
Life Insurers Triumphed Over Q2 Storms: Morgan Stanley
{August 23rd, 2022} by Allison Bell
U.S. life insurers went into the second quarter facing low background interest rates, rising rates, inflation, the COVID-19 pandemic, and worries about the effects of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. And they did well. Nigel Dally and Erica Reynolds, securities analysts at Morgan Stanley, say the big, publicly traded life insurers they follow did so well, […]
State Regulators Are Open to Broader Review of Product Illustrations
{August 22nd, 2022} by Cyril Tuohy
Industry analysts like Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink, and Bobby Samuelson, executive editor of The Life Product Review, have decried the illustration “gamesmanship” used to get around AG 49-A. Click HERE to read the full story via Life Annuity Specialist
American Business Joins Integrity to Innovate Insurance Offerings for High-Net-Worth Clientele
{August 22nd, 2022} by Integrity Marketing Group
DALLAS – AUGUST 16, 2022 – 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 American Business, one of the nation’s leading providers of life insurance products to high-net-worth clients. As part of the acquisition, Alan Grad, Chairman and CEO […]
Equitable Holdings Mitigates Remaining Redundant Reserves Associated with New York’s Regulation 213 Through Proceeds of Reinsurance Transaction
{August 22nd, 2022} by Equitable Holdings, Inc
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Equitable Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) (NYSE: EQH) announced today that it has mitigated the remaining $1 billion of redundant reserves associated with New York’s Regulation 213 (“Reg. 213”). The Company’s principal operating subsidiary Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company (“EFLIC”) has entered into an agreement with Global Atlantic Financial Group subsidiary, First Allmerica Financial […]
Next Generation of Innovative Insurtech Companies to Join Accelerator
{August 22nd, 2022} by gener8tor
MINNEAPOLIS & ST. PAUL, Minn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Startup accelerator, gener8tor, and two leading organizations in the insurance space, Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz Life) and Securian Financial, announced today the five participants of the 2022 OnRamp Insurance Accelerator: Botdoc, ForwardLane, Manifest, Nestimate and White Swan. The startup companies are contributing innovative solutions to the […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Oxford Life Insurance Company and Its Subsidiaries
{August 22nd, 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 Oxford Life Insurance Company (Oxford Life) (Phoenix, AZ), and its subsidiary, Christian Fidelity Life Insurance Company (Dallas, TX), which are collectively referred to as Oxford Group. The outlook of these […]
Global Atlantic Announces $10 Billion Group Annuity Reinsurance Agreement With Equitable
{August 22nd, 2022} by Global Atlantic Financial Group
HAMILTON, Bermuda–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Global Atlantic Financial Group (“Global Atlantic”), a leading financial services company, today announced it has signed an agreement with Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company (“Equitable”) to reinsure a portion of its group retirement annuities. The business Global Atlantic will reinsure currently has $10 billion in general account and separate account value. Under the […]
Ringleader of pension fraud scam adapted to IUL sales sent to prison
{August 22nd, 2022} by Staff Reports
The man behind a pension fraud scheme that was adapted to indexed universal life sales, resulting in millions of retirement fund losses, dozens of lawsuits and a high-profile bankruptcy was sentenced to 10 years in prison Friday. Authorities say Scott Kohn, 68, of Newport, California, caused $310 million in losses to more than 2,500 retirees […]
Biometric data lawsuits test insurer’s coverage limits
{August 22nd, 2022} by John Hilton
Illinois courts will soon decide a pair of biometric data cases and potentially establish important precedents in the next round of data privacy exposure for insurance companies. The cases will decide what constitutes a violation, and whether there is a statute of limitations on claims. Insurers, among others, are sure to be watching the cases […]
DOL likely inching close to a full fiduciary rule, analysts say
{August 22nd, 2022} by John Hilton
Virtually the only thing left for the Department of Labor to do with its fiduciary definition rewrite is to essentially make all first-time advice fiduciary, analysts agreed during a Thursday webinar. If it happens, that change would be significant and basically return the DOL to its initial 2016 fiduciary rule, said Brad Campbell, partner at […]
IBD Elite 2022: Brokerages are morphing, not going away
{August 22nd, 2022} by Tobias Salinger
No one wants to be a broker anymore. The unsavory image of stockpickers peddling shares for hefty commissions still hovers over the $39 billion independent brokerage industry. It’s partly why wealth managers that own both brokerages and registered investment advisors — the counterpoint to brokers, because they operate under the highest industry standard of client care […]
Equitable Announces Acquisition of Penn Investment Advisors
{August 22nd, 2022} by Equitable
Media Contacts: Monique Freeman (212) 314-2010 mediarelations@equitable.com NEW YORK — August 17, 2022 – Equitable, a leading financial services company and principal franchise of Equitable Holdings (NYSE: EQH), announced today the acquisitioni of Penn Investment Advisors, Inc. (PIA), a registered investment adviser and subsidiary of Penn Community Bank. The acquisition is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2022. Headquartered in […]
Does Your Client Need Emergency Cash? Here Are Some Options
{August 22nd, 2022} by Ben Mattlin
Over the past few years, a lot of people have seen their lives disrupted. Many may have financial needs they hadn’t planned for. On top of that, the cost of borrowing is on the rise. So what are some smart ways for clients to access emergency cash without paying the 11% average interest rate on […]
Crestline enters insurance market through “strategic” acquisition
{August 22nd, 2022} by Kassandra Jimenez-Sanchez
Crestline, a credit focused institutional asset manager, has announced the acquisition of a life insurance company established in 1978 and licensed in multiple states, which will now operate as CL Life and Annuity Insurance Company (CL Life). Through this “strategic” acquisition, Crestline enters the direct annuity insurance market. CL Life will provide insurance products to […]
Importance of adequate life insurance cannot be overstated
{August 22nd, 2022} by Rocky Mount Telegram
September is Life Insurance Awareness Month. And it is important to be aware of the importance of life insurance. Are you adequately insured? Many people aren’t. About 40 percent of Americans face some type of life insurance gap, either because they’re uninsured or underinsured, according to a 2021 survey by LIMRA and Life Happens. Click […]
Annuities Coming Soon To A 401(k) Near You
{August 22nd, 2022} by Jennifer Lea Reed
Upcoming legislation is expected to make it a lot easier for defined contribution retirement plan sponsors to add an annuity product to their mix of equity and fixed-income offerings, which in turn could make it easier for plan participants to solve the issue of longevity risk. But there are some big requirements for plan sponsors […]
Fed united on need for higher rates, divided over how high
{August 22nd, 2022} by Ann Saphir and Howard Schneider
Aug 18 (Reuters) – The Federal Reserve needs to keep raising borrowing costs to bring high inflation under control, a string of U.S. central bank officials said on Thursday, even as they debated how fast and how high to lift them. St. Louis Fed President James Bullard, who was among the central bank’s earliest advocates […]
Advisors Waiting to See How Bolt-On Annuity Income Spigots Work
{August 21st, 2022} by Allison Bell
David Anderson, the CEO of Merit Life Insurance has a tough job: Persuading advisors and their clients that letting retirement savers attach an annuity spigot to just about any sensible, diversified asset portfolio will work. Merit Life is a Shelton, Connecticut-based company with backing from the investment firm 777 Partners, just 14 employees in its […]
Whole Life Insurance Market May See a Big Move : Major Giants AIG, Aviva, Metlife: Whole Life Insurance Market 2022-2028
{August 21st, 2022} by ReleaseWire
New Jersey, NJ — (SBWIRE) — 08/19/2022 — Whole Life Insurance Market – Global Outlook and Forecast 2021-2027 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, and the changing […]
Lots going on with indexed UL illustrations…
{August 16th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
I don’t believe that if the historical performance lookback on IUL is abolished that sales will decline by 75%. But they WILL decline. Oh, they WILL decline. Click HERE to read the latest installment of Bobby Samuelson’s “The Life Product Review” here. -sjm
Crestline Announces Launch of CL Life and Annuity Insurance Company
{August 16th, 2022} by Crestline Investors, Inc
FORT WORTH, Texas, Aug. 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Crestline Investors, Inc. (“Crestline”) a credit focused institutional asset manager, today announced its entrance into the direct annuity insurance market with the acquisition of a life insurance company established in 1978 and licensed in multiple states, which will now operate as CL Life and Annuity Insurance Company (“CL Life”), […]
North American Builds upon its Top-Selling NAC BenefitSolutions Fixed Index Annuity
{August 16th, 2022} by North American Company for Life and Health Insurance
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa, Aug. 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — More than three out of four Americans are concerned about safeguarding their current savings and finding ways to secure lifetime income for their future. Today, 76% of Americans say protecting their retirement nest egg and account is important to them, and 77% acknowledge concern for outliving their income […]
Web-Based Life, Health and Annuity Distributor Raises $15M
{August 16th, 2022} by Allison Bell
Modern Life is getting $15 million in cash it can use to set up a web-based life, health annuity brokerage aimed at advisors. The New York-based startup is licensed to operate throughout the United States, including in New York state, and it will begin setting up relationships with many different large insurers, not just one […]
National Western Life introduces newest fixed indexed annuity, NWL New Frontiers
{August 16th, 2022} by National Western Life Group, Inc.
AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — National Western Life Insurance Company (National Western Life) announced the launch of NWL® New Frontiers, an innovative addition to the Company’s product suite. This new fixed indexed annuity exclusively offers access to the J.P. Morgan Factor FocusSM Index, while providing customers with the opportunity to take advantage of market gains and help […]
WealthVest and Aspida Partner with Franklin Templeton on Exclusive Index
{August 16th, 2022} by Wealthvest
WealthVest, a financial services marketing and wholesaling firm, in conjunction with Aspida Life Insurance Company (“Aspida”), a life insurance and annuity company, have partnered with Franklin Templeton to offer two new crediting strategies on an exclusive index within Aspida’s WealthLock℠ Accumulator Fixed Index Annuity – developed jointly with WealthVest. The WealthLock℠Accumulator FIA, distributed solely by […]
Annuity Buyers Lose Some Appetite for Battered Special Indexes
{August 16th, 2022} by Cyril Tuohy
“The down market affects all indices, not just hybrids,” said Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink, publisher of Wink’s Sales & Market Report. “The bad news is that some people are earning zero. The good news is that when the market recovers, those owning indexed annuities are going to have some fantastic opportunities for gains.” Click HERE to read the […]
Life Insurers See Q2 Mortality Decrease
{August 16th, 2022} by Allison Bell
Retirement advisors may be facing a new longevity planning problem: An easing of the COVID-19 pandemic could give clients extra years of post-retirement life. The number of reported pandemic-related deaths fell to about 30,000 in the second quarter, which ended June 30. This is down from about 158,000 in the first quarter. Click HERE to […]
Jackson’s Annuity Stormproofing Worked
{August 16th, 2022} by Allison Bell
Derivatives can make an annuity issuer’s earnings look messy, but they helped Jackson sail smoothly through the spring stock market storms. Thanks to hedging arrangements, the annuity giant is reporting $3 billion in net income for the quarter ending June 30, on just $6.5 billion in revenue. Click HERE to read the full story via […]
Merit Life Aims to Ramp Up Annuity Sales
{August 16th, 2022} by Allison Bell
Merit Life Insurance — a company best known for its contingent deferred annuity contracts — is staffing up. The Shelton, Connecticut-based company has hired Martin Woll, who has been the chief operating officer at Equitable’s individual retirement division, to be its chief operating officer. Click HERE to read the full story via ThinkAdvisor
Regulators Work to Keep Hot Annuity Products Fair
{August 16th, 2022} by Allison Bell
State insurance regulators are still shaping actuarial guidelines for a hot retirement savings product — the registered index-linked annuity, or RILA. A National Association of Insurance Commissioners team is deciding what to do about RILA asset values for consumers who pull cash out early. Click HERE to read the full story via ThinkAdvisor […]
Senate Finance Chair Asks Blackstone Unit for Private Placement Life Details
{August 16th, 2022} by Allison Bell
Congress may be about to pay more attention to private placement life insurance — arrangements wealthy individuals and families can use to package investments of their own choosing inside variable universal life insurance policies. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., the chair of the Senate Finance Committee, today announced that he is investigating the use of PPLI […]
Annexus company finding retirement plans receptive to annuities
{August 16th, 2022} by John Hilton
Annexus Retirement Solutions occupied a niche position within the Annexus empire, creating and managing new annuity platforms for retirement plans. As the lone Annexus satellite not part of the blockbuster Integrity Marketing Group acquisition, ARS continues as an independent company prepared to pounce in a very enticing market, said Joe Boan, director of sales and […]
AIG delays IPO for Life and Retirement division
{August 16th, 2022} by John Hilton
American International Group will attempt a delayed initial public offering next month for its Life and Retirement division. Executives announced the new timeline today during a second-quarter call with analysts. The Life and Retirement segment was rebranded as Corebridge Financial earlier this year and was to go public during the second quarter. Click HERE to […]
Integrity Expands Life Insurance Distribution by Partnering with Richman Insurance Agency
{August 16th, 2022} by Integrity Marketing Group
DALLAS, Aug. 9, 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 Richman Insurance Agency, an insurance marketing organization (“IMO”) based in Dallas, Texas. As part of the acquisition, Rob Richman, President of Richman Insurance Agency, will become a […]
National Western Life Focuses on Growth by Announcing Reinsurance Transaction
{August 16th, 2022} by National Western Life Group, Inc.
AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — National Western Life Insurance Company (National Western Life), a wholly owned subsidiary of National Western Life Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: NWLI), announced the execution of an annuity reinsurance transaction with Aspida Life Re Ltd. (Aspida Re), a Bermuda based reinsurer rated “A-” (Excellent) by A. M. Best and “A-” by KBRA. The transaction was effective July […]
Midwest Holding Inc. Reports Second Quarter 2022 Results
{August 16th, 2022} by Midwest Holding Inc
LINCOLN, Neb., Aug. 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Midwest Holding Inc. (“Midwest”) (NASDAQ: MDWT), today announced financial results for the second quarter of 2022. Second Quarter 2022 Highlights: GAAP net income was $9.3 million compared to a $(5.0) million GAAP net loss incurred in the second quarter of 2021. GAAP earnings were $2.47 per share (diluted) versus the $(1.34) per-share loss in Q1 2021. GAAP total revenue […]
Jackson Announces Second Quarter 2022 Results
{August 16th, 2022} by Jackson National Life Insurance Company
LANSING, Mich.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jackson Financial Inc. (NYSE: JXN) (Jackson®) today announced financial results for the three months ended June 30, 2022. Key Highlights Net income of $2,903 million, or $32.56 per diluted share, including the impact of non-economic hedging results under GAAP accounting Adjusted operating earnings1 of $225 million, or $2.52 per diluted share Total annuity account […]
AM Best Upgrades Issuer Credit Ratings of Members of A-CAP Group
{August 16th, 2022} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has upgraded the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICR) to “bbb+” (Good) from “bbb” (Good) and affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of B++ (Good) of Atlantic Coast Life Insurance Company (Charleston, SC) and Sentinel Security Life Insurance Company (Salt Lake City, UT). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. Both […]
Life Insurance Policy Administration Systems Market Is Set to Fly High in Years to Come
{August 16th, 2022} by AMA Research & Media LLP
New Jersey, USA — (SBWIRE) — 08/15/2022 — The latest study released on the Global Life Insurance Policy Administration Systems Market by AMA Research evaluates market size, trend, and forecast to 2027. The Life Insurance Policy Administration Systems market study covers significant research data and proofs to be a handy resource document for managers, analysts, industry […]
YOU CAN STILL LOSE MONEY WITH THESE PRODUCTS?!
{August 9th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
Does anyone else take issue with people marketing structured annuities/RILAs as “offering downside protection?” YOU CAN STILL LOSE MONEY WITH THESE PRODUCTS?! You ARE offered some level of downside protection with structured annuities, but it isn’t like you cannot lose any money. Losses are normally tempered with a buffer or floor, which is typically less […]
OIDs: Sales don’t seem to be following the trend
{August 9th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
I am reading more and more about Outsourced Insurance Desks (OIDs) over the past couple of months. In fact, Jeff Waddington, CLU, CLTC from Protective Life had an interview about them in today’s InsuranceNewsNet. “An OID, at its core, allows an advisor to access products and expertise in the risk management or insurance world when appropriate for their clients.” So, […]
Rhetorical Question
{August 9th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
When it comes to pricing annuities, there are only 100 pennies in a dollar. And… The insurance company has to make a profit. The annuitant has to receive a fair credited rate/cap/par/spread. The distribution expenses have to be paid for a commission to the agent, and an override to the FMO. But what if it […]
Brighthouse Financial Expands Flagship Shield Level Annuity Suite With New Product That Provides Guaranteed Lifetime Income
{August 9th, 2022} by Brighthouse Financial, Inc
CHARLOTTE, N.C.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Brighthouse Financial, Inc. (“Brighthouse Financial” or the “company”) (Nasdaq: BHF) announced today the expansion of its flagship Brighthouse Shield® Level Annuities suite with the launch of Brighthouse Shield Level Pay PlusSM Annuities, which are designed to help strengthen clients’ retirement portfolios by providing a stream of guaranteed lifetime income.1,2 Shield Level Pay Plus annuities also offer […]
Prudential FlexGuard® reaches $10B total sales milestone at record pace
{August 9th, 2022} by Prudential Financial, Inc.
NEWARK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU) announced that its FlexGuard product has reached a $10 billion total sales milestone since its launch in 2020, making it the fastest-growing indexed variable annuity in the industry, according to data from the Secure Retirement Institute.1 FlexGuard allows individuals and their financial professionals to select index-linked investment strategies, including some […]
Lincoln touts ‘robust’ life insurance sales amid ongoing restructuring
{August 9th, 2022} by John Hilton
It has been a rough go for Lincoln Financial for several quarters as the company shifts away from capital-intensive products to more shared-risk ones. But the Radnor, Pa.-based insurer might be turning a corner. During a second-quarter earnings call with analysts today, Lincoln executives spoke of life insurance sales up 53% from the prior-year quarter, […]
Life Application Activity Returns to Pre-COVID Normal
{August 9th, 2022} by Michael S. Fischer
U.S. life insurance applications from consumers fell by 7.7% year over year in July, according to MIB Group’s activity report released this week. Activity was down by 13% from July 2020, when a coronavirus-related spike occurred, and was flat compared with the previous year. This suggests that policy purchases have returned to something like normal. […]
Prudential CEO Lowrey: We’ll manage life business ‘very, very carefully’
{August 9th, 2022} by John Hilton
Prudential Financial has no plans to exit the life insurance business anytime soon, but will move forward with caution, president and CEO Charles Lowrey said today. Lowrey lauded the potential in the life insurance business during a second-quarter earnings call with industry analysts. With the final question of the session, Lowrey was asked if Prudential […]
The Variation in Some Annuity Payouts Has Exploded
{August 9th, 2022} by David Blanchett and Branislav Nikolic
Single premium immediate annuities (SPIAs) can provide retirees with an incredibly valuable way to generate guaranteed lifetime income. Payout rates, which represent the annual income divided by the premium, vary both across insurance providers and over time. There are a number of different components that insurers consider when determining the respective payout rate for SPIA, […]
Brighthouse balances strong annuity sales with weaker life numbers
{August 9th, 2022} by John Hilton
This month marks the fifth anniversary of Brighthouse Financial as an independent company. Executives rejoiced Friday over strong annuity sales figures during a second-quarter earnings call. Brighthouse was spun off as a separate company from MetLife as part of its long-term strategy to become a leaner, less complex insurer focused on segments with a higher […]
12 Best & Worst Broker-Dealers: Q2 Earnings, 2022
{August 9th, 2022} by Janet Levaux
The latest earnings season for the broker-dealer community wrapped up on Tuesday, when LPL Financial reported its second-quarter profits — which topped analysts’ estimates. “Amid persistent market volatility and geopolitical uncertainty, our advisors reinforced the value they provide to their clients by helping them navigate through [challenging] times,” LPL President and CEO Dan Arnold said […]
Ex-Advisor Sentenced to Almost 22 Years in Prison Over Fake-Annuity Scam
{August 9th, 2022} by Jeff Berman
A former registered broker and investment advisor has been sentenced to almost 22 years in prison after being convicted of stealing over $9.3 million from clients as part of an annuities-related Ponzi scheme, according to court documents and the Department of Justice. After a trial in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, […]
Inflation Risk is the Top Financial Concern for Nearly Three in Four Women
{August 9th, 2022} by Alliance for Lifetime Income
WASHINGTON, Aug. 3, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — The latest chapter of HerMoney and the Alliance for Lifetime Income’s State of Women 2022 study finds that inflation risk (73%) tops the list of women’s financial concerns, ahead of illness or disability (71%), market volatility (70%), longevity (58%) and unemployment (43%). Yet only two in five women (41%) say they […]
Retirees can rely on annuities as a source of guaranteed income for life
{August 9th, 2022} by IAMS, Inc
LINCOLN, Neb., Aug. 3, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — With industry surveys showing that most retirees’ #1 fear is running out of money,1 Insurance Agency Marketing Services, Inc. (IAMS) is pleased to highlight Annuity Awareness Month and the importance of annuities as a vehicle for secure retirement income. On Monday, July 11, IAMS’ Executive Vice President and General Counsel Chris Conroy joined Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts at […]
National Western Life Group, Inc. Announces 2022 Second Quarter Earnings
{August 9th, 2022} by National Western Life Group, Inc.
AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Ross R. Moody, Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer of National Western Life Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: NWLI), announced today second quarter 2022 consolidated net earnings of $30.8 million, or $8.70 per diluted Class A common share, compared with consolidated net earnings of $49.9 million, or $14.11 per diluted Class A common share, for the second […]
AIG Reports Second Quarter 2022 Results
{August 9th, 2022} by American International Group, Inc
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–American International Group, Inc. (NYSE: AIG) today reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2022. AIG Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Peter Zaffino said: “AIG had another excellent quarter. General Insurance reported outstanding results and Life and Retirement again delivered a solid performance considering the significant market headwinds in the […]
Principal Financial Group® Announces Second Quarter 2022 Results
{August 9th, 2022} by Principal Financial Group
Principal Financial Group® Announces Second Quarter 2022 Results DES MOINES, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Principal Financial Group® (Nasdaq: PFG) announced results for second quarter 2022. Net income attributable to PFG for second quarter 2022 of $3,059.4 million, including $2,827.2 million from exited business, compared to $361.8 million for second quarter 2021. Net income per diluted share of $11.94 for second […]
COLORADO ADOPTS STRONGER PROTECTIONS FOR ANNUITY CONSUMERS
{August 9th, 2022} by ACLI
WASHINGTON – American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) President and CEO Susan Neely and National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) Colorado Political Action Committee Chair and Government Relations Committee member Brent Jones issued the following joint statement on the best interest annuity rule adopted recently by the Colorado Division of Insurance: “The new […]
American Equity Reports Strong Results as Investment Yield Improves
{August 9th, 2022} by American Equity Investment Life Holding Company
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–American Equity Investment Life Holding Company (NYSE: AEL), a leading issuer of fixed index annuities (FIAs) today reported on its second quarter 2022 results. These results include improved yields in the investment portfolio, continued progress with our “best-in-class” asset origination partners, and continued share repurchase activities in-line with our capital return […]
The Mystery of Why a Startup Bought a Small Seller of Burial Insurance
{August 9th, 2022} by Cyril Tuohy
Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink, said Everly’s move appears to be a strategic decision to acquire a company that is successful for final expense policies, then distribute that product straight to consumers. “Final expense life insurance products are fairly transactional, so it would be an ideal product line for online distributing,” she added. Moore said […]
Horace Mann reports second-quarter 2022 results slightly ahead of previous announcement
{August 9th, 2022} by Horace Mann Educators Corporation
SPRINGFIELD, Ill.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Horace Mann Educators Corporation (NYSE:HMN) today reported financial results for the three months ended June 30, 2022: “Our capital generating capacity is strong, and we remain committed to driving shareholder value” Tweet this ($ in millions, except per share amounts) Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, […]
