A New Alt-Asset Manager Enters the ‘Bermuda Triangle’
{February 8th, 2022} by Kerry Pechter
Meet the newest high-roller in the “Bermuda Triangle” world. Since last July, Sixth Street, a fast-growing asset manager, acquired The Hartford’s old life/annuity business, established reinsurers in Bermuda and the Cayman Islands, and executed big capital relief deals with three large life/annuity companies. Click HERE to read the full story via RIJ
Kuvare Insurance Services Launches Third-Party Asset Management Business
{February 8th, 2022} by Kuvare Insurance Services
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Kuvare Insurance Services (KIS), a boutique asset manager that oversees approximately $19 billion in assets for various insurance operating companies owned by or affiliated with Kuvare US Holdings (Kuvare), today announced the launch of its third-party asset management business. Over the past two years under the leadership of Brian Roelke, President and Chief […]
The Hartford Announces Fourth Quarter And Full Year 2021 Financial Results
{February 8th, 2022} by The Hartford
HARTFORD, Conn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Hartford (NYSE: HIG) today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended Dec. 31, 2021. “In 2021, The Hartford delivered strong financial performance with meaningful growth and P&C margin expansion driven by stellar results in Commercial Lines and a significant contribution from partnership investment returns. In Group Benefits, solid premium […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company and Its Subsidiaries
{February 8th, 2022} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A+ (Superior) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings of “aa-” (Superior) of Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company and its subsidiaries, United of Omaha Life Insurance Company, Companion Life Insurance Company (Hauppauge, NY) and United World Life Insurance Company. Concurrently, AM Best has affirmed the Long-Term […]
MetLife Named to World’s Most Admired Companies List by Fortune Magazine
{February 8th, 2022} by MetLife
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET) today announced that it has been named to Fortune magazine’s 2022 list of the “World’s Most Admired Companies.” Eight life insurers were included in the annual report card of the best-regarded companies. To identify companies that have the strongest reputations across industries, Fortune partners with Korn Ferry to survey […]
Dominic Cursio Joins Legacy Marketing Group as National Sales Leader
{February 8th, 2022} by Legacy Marketing Group
PETALUMA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Legacy Marketing Group, creator and distributor of exclusive, innovative annuity and insurance products, announces that Dominic Cursio has joined the company as National Sales Leader. A 22-year industry veteran, Dominic has spent the bulk of his career working with Independent Marketing Organizations (IMOs); insurance carriers; broker-dealers; insurance agents; and, most recently, in the […]
Lincoln Financial Group Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2021 Results
{February 8th, 2022} by Lincoln Financial Group
RADNOR, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Lincoln Financial Group (NYSE: LNC) today reported net income for the fourth quarter of 2021 of $220 million, or $1.20 per diluted share available to common stockholders, compared to net income in the fourth quarter of 2020 of $143 million, or $0.74 per diluted share available to common stockholders. Fourth quarter adjusted income […]
Principal Financial Group® Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2021 Results
{February 8th, 2022} by Principal Financial Group
DES MOINES, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Principal Financial Group® (Nasdaq: PFG) announced results for fourth quarter and the full year of 2021. Net income attributable to PFG for fourth quarter 2021 of $471.8 million, compared to $472.6 million for fourth quarter 2020. Net income per diluted share of $1.76 for fourth quarter 2021 compared to $1.70 in the prior year […]
Manulife closes U.S. Variable Annuity Reinsurance Transaction with Venerable Holdings, Inc.
{February 8th, 2022} by Manulife Financial Corporation
TORONTO, Feb. 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ – Manulife announced today that its subsidiary, John Hancock Life Insurance Company (U.S.A.) (“John Hancock”), has successfully closed the previously announced transaction to reinsure a substantial portion of its legacy U.S. Variable Annuity block, consisting primarily of policies with Guaranteed Minimum Withdrawal Benefits riders, with Corporate Solutions Life Reinsurance Company, a subsidiary […]
The 2021 Annuity (Re)insurer Restructuring Wave: Overview of the 25 Largest Insurers – ResearchAndMarkets.com
{February 8th, 2022} by ResearchandMarkets.com
DUBLIN–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The “2021 Focus Series: The Annuity (Re)insurer Restructuring Tsunami” report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com’s offering. Over the past ten years, there has been an increasing level of attention provided to the life and annuity market. New entrants have sought to gain access to annuity insurers and their substantial assets under management by establishing new platforms or through […]
Elton John Announces the Alliance for Lifetime Income as The Presenting Partner of His Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour in North America
{February 8th, 2022} by Alliance for Lifetime Income
WASHINGTON, Feb. 3, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Elton John continues to prove that your next act may just be your best. Today, the number one male recording artist of all time announced the Alliance for Lifetime Income as the presenting partner of his “2022 Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour in North America.” The Alliance is Elton John’s first and only non–profit tour partner. […]
The Quiddity Of Life Insurance
{February 8th, 2022} by David J. Murphy
Annie Dillard’s essay entitled Total Eclipse is considered to be a masterpiece of literary nonfiction. Dillard describes her personal experience of a solar eclipse in Washington State. She describes a total eclipse in terms that define its uniqueness. “The second before the sun went out, we saw a wall of dark shadow come speeding at […]
These are the Top 40 Brokers Under 40
{February 8th, 2022} by Tobias Salinger
With our annual rankings, Financial Planning recognizes the industry’s top-producing young brokers among wirehouses and regional firms. On a combined basis, the Top 40 Brokers Under 40 generate more than $203 million in annual production — an average of $5.1 million per year — and oversee $46 billion in client assets. The group’s production rose 22% from last […]
Insurance Restructuring Options Take a Giant Leap Forward
{February 8th, 2022} by Luann Petrellis
On March 19, 2021, in a landmark transaction, the Illinois director of insurance approved eight plans of division filed by Allstate Insurance Co. to restructure its insurance operations. This undertaking is the first of its kind and represents a significant step forward for the insurance industry to expand the application of restructuring mechanisms. Allstate’s extensive […]
AnnuitySpecs Now Houses Product Marketing Materials, Regulatory Filings, and Rates/States Sheets
{February 1st, 2022} by Wink's Press Release
— FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION — NEWS RELEASE WINK’S USERS RECEIVE FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND DOCUMENTS LIBRARY RESOURCE AnnuitySpecs Now Houses Product Marketing Materials, Regulatory Filings, and Rates/States Sheets Des Moines, Iowa. February 1, 2022– In the continued pursuit of their mission statement, “To provide the best darned competitive intelligence to the life insurance and annuity industries,” Wink, Inc., […]
Annuities and the Problem of Index Bloat: Do We Really Need 138?
{February 1st, 2022} by Aaron Smith
Index choices on annuities have been expanding so dramatically that it spurred Sheryl Moore, who’s been closely following the market for years, to create a LinkedIn post: “Today, there are 138 unique indices, upon which your indexed interest is benchmarked, on indexed annuities. 138!!! (There were 12 when I started my business 17 years ago.)” Click HERE […]
I welcome the opportunity to discuss these products with anyone who is interested.
{February 1st, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
Wow. To be named among giants is an extreme honor, David Macchia. Thank you so much for your admiration and kind words! Annuities, like any other product, are neither good nor bad. They are simply a tool. And for people that are looking to transfer the risk of living too long, annuities make sense. There […]
A New Film, ‘The Baby Boomer Dilemma,’ Praises Annuities
{February 1st, 2022} by Kerry Pechter
In a office in Des Moines, amid foot-high stacks of reports-to-be-read and items-to-be-filed, we find Sheryl Moore, founder of annuity consulting firm Wink, Inc., whose life goal is to “rebrand annuities” in a positive way. I know several of these experts; I could tell that the filmmaker knows how to draw people out. Click HERE […]
Athene Launches Athene® Amplify 2.0, a Next-Generation Registered Index-Linked Annuity
{February 1st, 2022} by Athene USA
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa, Jan. 25, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Athene USA (“Athene”), a leading provider of retirement savings products, announced the launch of Athene® Amplify 2.0, a registered index-linked annuity (RILA) that offers next-generation accumulation potential with a level of downside protection in volatile markets. The annuity is issued by Athene Annuity and Life […]
A personal update from Wink’s CEO, Sheryl J. Moore: Changing this regulation will leave a wonderful legacy for my son.
{February 1st, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
Remember when I worked with my former Senator to get the law changed, to allow gay men to donate blood? Well, guess what happened two days ago, on what would have been my son’s 25th birthday? The FDA announced that they are looking at changing the eligibility requirements for donating corneas and other tissues! This […]
Target Practice: AIG and Milliman’s New Annuity
{February 1st, 2022} by Editorial Staff
“Structured” annuities and exchange traded funds (ETFs) have proliferated in recent years as a kind of Goldilocks investments for people who want exposure to stocks and are willing to give up some of their potential reward for partial protection against risk of loss. Click HERE to read the full story via RIJ
2022/03/07 – Innovation in Annuities Session Set by American Council of Life Insurers
{February 1st, 2022} by TNSeve
LAS VEGAS, Nevada, Jan. 28 (TNSeve) — The American Council of Life Insurers in collaboration with the Society of Actuaries has scheduled a session on March 7, 2022, as part of its ReFocus2022 conference at the Aria Resort and Casino entitled “Innovation in Annuities”: According to the agency website: With an aging population, government provided social insurance systems running low on funds and continuing […]
What inflation could mean for annuities
{February 1st, 2022} by Emile Hallez
Many people are likely wondering how heightened inflation will affect their retirement goals, including the role of insurance products they already own or are considering. Click HERE to read the full story via InvestmentNews
February is Insure Your Love month.
{February 1st, 2022} by Life Happends
Life Happens created and coordinates the Insure Your Love campaign at the beginning of each year because the basic motivation behind the purchase of life insurance is love. People want to protect their loved ones, and one of the best ways to do that financially is with life insurance. Click HERE to learn more at […]
Pacific Life Foundation Announces $8 Million Charitable Giving Program for 2022
{February 1st, 2022} by Pacific Life Foundation
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Pacific Life Foundation has announced plans to make $8 million in charitable contributions in 2022. Supporting communities where Pacific Life employees live and work, including Orange County, California; Omaha, Nebraska; and Lynchburg, Virginia, grants will focus on the areas of arts and culture; civic, community and economic development; environment; education; and […]
AM Best Comments on Credit Ratings of Principal Financial Group, Inc. and Its Subsidiaries Following Reinsurance Announcement
{February 1st, 2022} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has commented that the Credit Ratings (ratings) of Principal Financial Services, Inc. (Principal) [NASDAQ: PFG] (headquartered in Des Moines, IA) and its insurance subsidiaries remain unchanged following the Jan. 31, 2022, announcement that Principal Life Insurance Company and Principal National Life Insurance Company have entered into an agreement to cede its in-force U.S. […]
Sixth Street Announces $25 Billion Reinsurance Transaction between an Affiliate of Talcott Resolution and Principal Financial Group
{February 1st, 2022} by Sixth Street
SAN FRANCISCO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Sixth Street, a leading global investment firm, today announced the signing of a reinsurance transaction between a non-U.S. affiliate of Talcott Resolution (“Talcott”) and Principal Financial Group®. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2022, subject to customary closing conditions. Under the terms of the transaction, the Talcott affiliate […]
Principal Financial Group® Announces Reinsurance Transaction, Increases Share Repurchase Authorization by $1.6 Billion
{February 1st, 2022} by Principal Financial Group
DES MOINES, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Principal Financial Group® (Nasdaq: PFG) today announced it has entered into an agreement with an affiliate of Sixth Street and its insurance platform, Talcott Resolution (“Talcott”), to reinsure the company’s in-force U.S. retail fixed annuity and universal life insurance with secondary guarantee (“ULSG”) blocks of business. Principal® expects deployable proceeds of approximately $800 million […]
MetLife Completes Approximately $2.4 billion in Longevity Reinsurance Transactions with Phoenix Group
{February 1st, 2022} by MetLife
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–MetLife, Inc. announced today that its subsidiary, Metropolitan Tower Life Insurance Company, has completed two longevity reinsurance transactions with Phoenix Group (“Phoenix”). The transactions were completed in the fourth quarter of 2021. “We are pleased to have completed our first two longevity reinsurance transactions with Phoenix and to support Phoenix in its U.K. […]
AIG Life & Retirement Study Shows Americans Setting Renewed Focus on Financial Security and Planning
{February 1st, 2022} by AIG
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AIG Life & Retirement today announced the results from a new study, Americans Moving Forward, which shows individuals are thinking more critically about how future events could impact their finances. Over half of survey respondents said long-term financial planning has become more important (58%) and that they intend to save more (56%) and pay […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Equitable Holdings, Inc. and Its Life Subsidiaries
{February 1st, 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 Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company of America (EFLICOA) (Phoenix, AZ) and Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company (EFLIC) (New York, NY). EFLICOA and EFLIC collectively are referred to as Equitable Life […]
Ameriprise Financial Reports Fourth Quarter 2021 Results
{February 1st, 2022} by Ameriprise Financial, Inc.
MINNEAPOLIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (NYSE: AMP): Earnings Per Diluted Share Return on Equity, ex AOCI (1) Q4 2021 Q4 2021 GAAP $5.96 GAAP 51.2% Adjusted Operating $6.15 Adjusted Operating 50.6% Fourth quarter adjusted operating earnings per diluted […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Members of ReliaStar Life Insurance Group
{February 1st, 2022} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings of “a+” (Excellent) of ReliaStar Life Insurance Company of New York (Woodbury, NY) and ReliaStar Life Insurance Company (Minneapolis, MN), collectively known as ReliaStar Life Insurance Group (ReliaStar). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. […]
AM Best Upgrades Credit Ratings of CNO Financial Group, Inc. and Its Life/Health Subsidiaries
{February 1st, 2022} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has upgraded the Financial Strength Rating to A (Excellent) from A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating to “a” (Excellent) from “a-” (Excellent) for the life/health subsidiaries of CNO Financial Group, Inc. (headquartered in Carmel, IN) [NYSE: CNO]. These subsidiaries are referred to collectively as CNO Financial Group (CNO). Concurrently, AM […]
Global Atlantic Launches $10 Million Foundation With Million-Dollar Grant to Accion Opportunity Fund
{February 1st, 2022} by Global Atlantic Financial Group
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Global Atlantic Financial Group (“Global Atlantic”), a leading U.S.-focused annuity and life insurance company, has officially launched the $10 million Global Atlantic Foundation by committing a million dollar grant in support of the Accion Opportunity Fund (“AOF”), a leading nonprofit that provides small businesses with access to capital, business networks and coaching. “Community giving […]
Lincoln Financial Network’s New Partnership Launches to Support Financial Professionals of Color and Broaden Access to Financial Advice
{February 1st, 2022} by Lincoln Financial Group
PHILADELPHIA–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Lincoln Financial Network (LFN), the retail wealth management affiliate of Lincoln Financial Group (NYSE:LNC), today announced the partnership of its African American Financial Professionals Network (AAFPN) with Changing How Individuals Prosper (CHIP) Professionals. This unique partnership will provide access and opportunity to Black and Latinx financial professionals and consumers by using CHIP’s online platform […]
Principal® Named “Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality”
{February 1st, 2022} by Principal Financial Group
DES MOINES, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Principal Financial Group® is proud to announce that it has earned, for the seventh year in a row, the designation as a “Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality” by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. The 100% rating comes from the 2022 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), the nation’s foremost benchmarking survey and report measuring […]
The Standard Earns Top Marks in Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2022 Corporate Equality Index
{February 1st, 2022} by The Standard
PORTLAND, Ore.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Standard Insurance Company (The Standard) announced that for the sixth consecutive year, it received a score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2022 Corporate Equality Index, the nation’s foremost benchmarking survey and report measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ workplace equality. “We are honored to be recognized again by the Human […]
Transamerica Earns Perfect Score on Corporate Equality Index
{February 1st, 2022} by Transamerica
BALTIMORE, Jan. 28, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Transamerica announced today that the company earned a score of 100% from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation on their 2022 Corporate Equality Index (CEI). Transamerica has received a perfect score on the annual benchmarking survey and report—which measures workplace equality for LGBTQ+ employees—since 2017. “Transamerica has made a strong commitment to […]
Conning is Pleased to Announce its Newest Focus Series-Group Annuities: Finding the Growth
{February 1st, 2022} by Conning
HARTFORD, Conn., Jan. 31, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Group annuities include pure investment products, such as GICs, as well as annuity products similar in design to individual annuities. Group annuities are also purchased by defined benefit plans as part of their pension de-risking strategies. Looking from the outside, the group annuity line of business appears to have limited growth […]
Sammons Financial Group Announces Record Community-Giving in 2021
{February 1st, 2022} by Sammons Financial Group
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa, Jan. 31, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Sammons® Financial Group, Inc. continued its ongoing community support by donating more than $3.75 million to charitable organizations throughout 2021. Additionally, employees contributed 5,500 hours in volunteer service, 10% higher than 2019 volunteer hours. “It’s crucial for us to be part of the communities where we live and work,” said Esfand Dinshaw, chairman and […]
A Blackstone Life Insurer Signs 10-Year Deal With NTT Data
{February 1st, 2022} by Allison Bell
Abig life and annuity issuer that’s now controlled by Blackstone, an investment manager, has started to show how it will operate. Everlake Life announced Monday that it has hired NTT Data Services to administer its annuities and life policies for 10 years. Everlake Life is the Northbrook, Illinois-based company that Blackstone created to hold Allstate […]
Life Insurance Found Me
{February 1st, 2022} by Cory Schroeder
I am a Marine Corps veteran. When I served, I was a member of an elite bomb squad and deployed several times to Iraq. As you may imagine, the camaraderie among those of us in the unit — one that faced risk and danger each day — is deep and unique. That’s why when Peter, […]
How Life Insurance Sales Defied Expectations
{February 1st, 2022} by Mary Beth Ramsay
Over the past decades, the U.S. life insurance industry has been known for its slow growth compared to other financial sectors such as banking and investments. But now, the signs are finally pointing up. According to LIMRA: Life insurance sales increased by about 3% in 2020, a higher rate than any annual growth rate […]
Great Resignation Could Fuel More Withdrawals From Retirement Accounts
{February 1st, 2022} by Contributor
(Yahoo!Finance) – Sarah Johnson has borrowed against her retirement account several times – once to buy her first home, and another time to cover unexpected medical bills. She paid the loans back – often ahead of the due dates, but when the pandemic hit and she found herself unemployed and in a financial crisis, she […]
Permanent Life Insurance Market Giants Spending Is Going To Boom | Prudential Financial, Berkshire Hathaway, Prudential Financial
{February 1st, 2022} by Advance Market Analytics
Latest released the research study on Global Permanent Life Insurance Market, offers a detailed overview of the factors influencing the global business scope. Permanent Life Insurance Market research report shows the latest market insights, current situation analysis with upcoming trends and breakdown of the products and services. The report provides key statistics on the market status, size, share, […]
2021 Annuity Sales Highest In 13 Years, LIMRA Reports
{February 1st, 2022} by Staff Reports
Total U.S. annuity sales were $254.8 billion in 2021, up 16% from 2020. This represents the highest annual annuity sales since 2008, and the third highest sales recorded in history, according to preliminary results from the Secure Retirement Institute U.S. Individual Annuity Sales Survey. Total annuity were $63.4 billion in the fourth quarter, 8% higher […]
Insurers Using RILAs to Shift From Risky Guaranteed Living Benefits: Cerulli
{February 1st, 2022} by Melanie Waddell
Sales of registered index-linked annuities are rising, and more insurers are replacing traditional variable annuities that offer living benefits with the products, according to Cerulli Associates. “Insurers indicate that they are using the RILA to pivot away from risky guaranteed living benefits,” states Donnie Ethier, the head of Cerulli Associates’ Wealth Management practice. “Because the […]
Registered Index-Linked Annuities Achieve Record Growth, Cerulli Reports
{February 1st, 2022} by Press Release
January 25, 2022, BOSTON—Registered index-linked annuities (RILAs), including those that are built on variable and fixed annuity contracts, reached $39 billion in 2021, representing approximately 17% of total annuity sales, according to Cerulli’s report, U.S. Annuity Markets 2021: Acclimating to Industry Trends and Changing Demand. With more brand name insurers entering the space, RILAs have gained […]
3 Reasons To Rethink The ‘Buy Term And Invest The Difference’ Strategy
{February 1st, 2022} by Amie Agamata
We’ve all heard the saying “buy term and invest the difference.” There is a long debate in the financial services industry on the value of whole life insurance. Why are some people either for or against whole life insurance? Click HERE to read the full story via INN
Life Insurance vs AD&D: Do You Need Both?
{February 1st, 2022} by iQuanti
iQuanti: Life insurance and accidental death and disability insurance (AD&D) have a lot of similar components. In essence, life insurance pays out a death benefit in the event that the insured person dies. AD&D pays out if the insured person dies or suffers a severe injury from an accident. Many individuals can find a life insurance […]
Low Rates Still Pushing Annuity Buyers Toward Variable Products
{January 31st, 2022} by Allison Bell
The Federal Reserve Board appears to be ready to start raising the interest rate benchmarks it controls, but low rates continued to reshape the U.S. individual annuity market in the fourth quarter of 2021. Sales of traditional fixed-rate annuities fell sharply, according to preliminary results of a Secure Retirement Institute issuer survey. Sales of products […]
Ameriprise Continues to Adjust Life and Annuity Products for Low Rates
{January 31st, 2022} by Allison Bell
Executives at Ameriprise Financial are hoping the Federal Reserve will move forward with pushing interest rates higher soon, but they are going to shape the company’s life insurance and annuity products to reflect the current low-rate environment. Walter Berman, the Minneapolis-based financial services company’s chief financial officer, said the idea of a rate increase has […]
Heather Kane to Chair National Association for Fixed Annuities
{January 31st, 2022} by Allison Bell
Members of the National Association for Fixed Annuities have elected Heather Kane to be the 2022 board chairman. Kane, who has been the vice chair of the Washington-based group, succeeds Lauri Beck. Kane is a sales executive at EquiTrust Life Insurance Company in Norwalk, Iowa. She has been active in the annuity market since 2000, […]
10 Things That Scare Your Annuity Prospects Now
{January 31st, 2022} by Allison Bell
What are annuity prospects really thinking? One way to answer that question: Peek in the reams of survey data that survey companies, life insurers and insurance distributors have been releasing in recent weeks. Making sense of all of those torrents of data can be challenging. Here, we try to fish something manageable out of the […]
Principal Reinsures $25B in Life and Annuity Business With Talcott Arm
{January 31st, 2022} by Allison Bell
Principal Financial Group today announced that it has picked an affiliate of Talcott Resolution Life to help it shed the risk associated with its retail fixed annuity business and part of its life insurance business. The Des Moines, Iowa-based life insurer has named the Talcott arm, Sutton Cayman, to reinsure a retail fixed annuity block […]
7 Best States to Find Prime Annuity Prospects
{January 31st, 2022} by Allison Bell
The Federal Reserve looks as if it’s about to start increasing the interest rate benchmarks it controls “soon.” For people who help clients use annuities to save for retirement, that’s a sign to get ready for the possibility of explosive sales growth. U.S. life insurers invest heavily in high-grade corporate bonds to support the benefits […]
Allianz Life Recognized as a Top Workplace for LGBTQ+ Employees
{January 31st, 2022} by Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America
MINNEAPOLIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz Life) announced today it has received a score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2022 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), the nation’s foremost benchmarking survey and report measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ workplace equality. This is the sixth consecutive year the company […]
Buffered Annuities Are Hot. Whether They’ll Stay That Way Is Disputed.
{January 31st, 2022} by Cyril Tuohy
… No way, says Sheryl Moore, CEO of research firm Wink. She sees sales of $86 billion by 2025 for 22% yearly growth. Click HERE to read the full story via LifeAnnuitySpecialist ******* Article excerpt: But Moore, whose firm publishes Wink’s Sales & Market Report, thinks $50 billion by 2026 is far too low. “This market […]
Latest Variable Universal Life Insurance Offering from Lincoln Financial Provides Growth and Protection Flexibility
{January 25th, 2022} by Lincoln Financial Group
RADNOR, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Lincoln Financial Group (NYSE: LNC) today launched the next generation of Lincoln AssetEdge®, an accumulation-focused Variable Universal Life (VUL) insurance policy offering significant tax-advantaged cash value growth and income potential and a cost-effective death benefit. As industry sales of accumulation VUL policies continue to surge, increasing three-fold in the third quarter of 20211, AssetEdge (2022) offers […]
Industry Stalwart AIP Marketing Alliance Taps into Integrity’s Omnichannel Platform
{January 25th, 2022} by Integrity Marketing Group
DALLAS, Jan. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Integrity Marketing Group, LLC (“Integrity”), an omnichannel insurtech leader in life, health and wealth solutions, today announced it has acquired AIP Marketing Alliance (“AIP”), a leading independent marketing organization (“IMO”) based in Troy, Michigan. As part of the acquisition, Rick Kisser, CEO of AIP, and Kym Kisser, CFO of AIP, will become Managing Partners in Integrity. Financial […]
AIG Life & Retirement Creates New Category of Structured Investing with Advanced Outcomes Annuity
{January 25th, 2022} by AIG
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AIG Life & Retirement, a leading provider of annuities, today announced the launch of Advanced Outcomes AnnuitySM. This new annuity is issued by American General Life Insurance Company, a subsidiary of American International Group, Inc. (NYSE: AIG). As a variable annuity featuring structured outcome investments, the Advanced Outcomes Annuity targets higher growth than […]
Would You Buy Insurance From Amazon, Facebook, Or Google?
{January 25th, 2022} by Staff
The insurance industry is going through digital transformation at breakneck pace. The most recent data from CB Insights pegs global insurtech funding at $10.5 billion through Q3 2021, already 48% greater than 2020’s year-end total. Driven by insurtechs, insurance is moving towards efficiency driven by technology, data, and predictive analytics. It’s getting away from the […]
Commentary: Your Annuity Clients Probably Want You To Be A Fiduciary
{January 25th, 2022} by Paul McGillivray and Ryan Brown
The 2020 U.S. Department of Labor Fiduciary Rule (DOL 3.0) now applies to all IRA-to-IRA rollovers. It applies to IRA rollovers from 401(k) and other qualified assets, too. This rule hits 50% or more of most insurance agents’ annuity sales. The DOL has reinterpreted its existing rollover rule for ERISA plan and IRA assets. DOL […]
Addressing America’s Financial Literacy Crisis Begins at Home
{January 25th, 2022} by Craig Hawley
We’ve known for some time that many Americans struggle with understanding finances. Unfortunately, it’s a problem that appears to be worsening in our country. I was startled to learn that only 34% of Americans can answer at least four of five basic financial literacy questions on topics such as mortgages, interest rates, inflation and risk […]
New York May Develop Life Policy Disclosure Rules
{January 25th, 2022} by Allison Bell
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners may have set off a race by New York and other states to develop their own life insurance policy disclosure rules. Members of the NAIC’s Life Insurance and Annuities Committee freed states to create their own disclosure rules last month, by voting at an in-person session in San Diego […]
Supreme Court Rules 7th Circuit Erred in Annuity Plan Fiduciary Case
{January 25th, 2022} by Allison Bell
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 8-0 on Monday that federal courts should look at more than a 403(b) retirement plan’s flexibility and investment menu size when deciding whether the administrators have met the Employee Retirement Income Security Act standard for the duty of prudence. For life insurance agents and brokers who help clients with decisions […]
FINRA eyes enhancements to digital asset sale disclosures
{January 25th, 2022} by John Mccrank
NEW YORK, Jan 19 (Reuters) – The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority plans to look at enhancing the disclosure regime for broker dealers that sell digital assets, and may also update its rules around how options accounts are opened, the head of Wall Street’s self-regulatory body said on Wednesday. FINRA may put out an “early stage […]
Typical Life Distributors Report Stable or Growing Revenue: Survey
{January 25th, 2022} by Allison Bell
Many U.S. life insurance distributors told a survey team that they ended up doing well in 2020, and again in 2021, in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic. About 60 brokerage general agencies and independent marketing organizations filled out questionnaires for LIMRA and the National Association of Independent Life Brokerage Agencies in September 2021. Click HERE […]
MetLife, Zurich Complete $3.5bn Longevity Reinsurance Transaction
{January 25th, 2022} by Metropolitan Tower Life Insurance Company
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Metropolitan Tower Life Insurance Company, a subsidiary of MetLife, Inc. (“MetLife”), announced today it has completed a significant longevity reinsurance transaction involving an unnamed U.K. pension scheme, using an independent U.K. regulated insurer, Zurich Assurance Ltd. (“Zurich”) as intermediary. The transaction, which was completed in Q4 2021, was MetLife’s first longevity swap of […]
Best Life Insurance Companies Of 2022
{January 25th, 2022} by Amy Danise
The pandemic has brought financial security into sharp focus the past two years. Life insurance is one way to bolster your financial plan and protect your family’s financial future. The best life insurance for you will depend on your financial goals, budget and how much cash value you want to build within a policy. We […]
Wade D. Pfau, Ph.D., CFA, RICP Shares Insights on Retirement Risks and Life Insurance
{January 25th, 2022} by U.S. Regulated Equity Markets (Alternative Disclosure) via PUBT
Wade D. Pfau is the program director of the Retirement Income Certified Professional designation and a professor of Retirement Income at The American College of Financial Services, as well as a co-director of the college’s Center for Retirement Income. He is also a principal and director for McLean Asset Management. He holds a doctorate in […]
The coming wealth transfer: $84.4 trillion
{January 25th, 2022} by Editorial Staff
‘About $72.6 trillion in assets will be transferred to heirs, while $11.9 trillion will be donated to charities,’ according to Cerulli Associates. More than half will be transferred by Baby Boomer households. Click HERE to read the full story via RIJ
American Life & Security FIA adds ‘macro regime’ index
{January 25th, 2022} by Editorial Staff
Midwest Holdings has only about $77 million in market cap, but it wants to be on the leading edge of the ‘convergence of insurance and investments.’ Its American Life & Security subsidiary sells fixed annuities. Click HERE to read the full story via RIJhttps://retirementincomejournal.com/article/american-life-security-fia-adds-goldman-sachs-xenith-index/
Life Happens’ CEO Prescribes Inventories
{January 25th, 2022} by Allison Bell
Life Happens is not yet organizing a “list your stuff” outreach campaign — but it could. Life Happens is a nonprofit group that helps life insurers, life insurance distributors and other financial services sector players tell consumers about the importance of personal protection insurance products, such as life insurance, disability insurance and long-term care insurance. […]
S&P Analysts Look at U.S. Annuity Market, See Cannibals
{January 25th, 2022} by Allison Bell
Rating analysts at S&P Global Ratings predict that sales of registered index-linked annuities, or RILAs, will continue to grow — by crowding out sales of fixed annuities, non-variable indexed annuities and traditional variable annuities. The analysts talked about annuity-eat-annuity competition in a web meeting S&P held Thursday to address hot topics in the world’s insurance […]
These Annuity Providers Put Customers First Despite Pandemic Challenges
{January 25th, 2022} by DALBAR, Inc
MARLBOROUGH, Mass., Jan. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — DALBAR is excited to congratulate the winners of the 2021 Annuity Service Award which recognizes those firms providing the highest quality customer service in the industry. As the nation’s leading independent evaluator of the customer experience within financial services, DALBAR knows a thing or two about customer service. This year’s winners stand out […]
TIAA Offers Lifetime Income for Corporate Retirement Market
{January 25th, 2022} by TIAA
NEW YORK, Jan. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — TIAA for the first time is offering its guaranteed lifetime income solutions to the corporate retirement market through the TIAA Secure Income Account. Over its 100-year history, TIAA has paid out more than $500 billion in retirement benefits to millions of people working in higher education and other non-profit, purpose-driven fields, never […]
NAIC 2022 Committee Leadership in Place
{January 25th, 2022} by National Association of Insurance Commissioners
WASHINGTON, Jan. 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) has named its 2022 committee chairs and vice chairs. The Association also assigned members to the organization’s standing committees, as well as announced the names of its 2022 task force chairs and vice chairs. “I’m excited about this year’s committee assignments. The insurance industry […]
Corporate Insight Announces Annual User Experience Awards in Insurance and Annuities, Highlighting Rise of Virtual Assistants and Needs Calculators
{January 25th, 2022} by Corporate Insight
NEW YORK, Jan. 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Corporate Insight, the leading provider of competitive intelligence and customer experience research to the financial services and insurance industries, today announced the release of its 2021 Monitor Awards in annuities, property and casualty insurance, and life insurance. The annual awards program recognizes digital innovation and best practices, awarding gold, silver and […]
U.S. Life Insurance Application Activity Closes the Year with Solid Growth, Reports the MIB Life Index
{January 25th, 2022} by MIB Group Holdings
BRAINTREE, Mass., Jan. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — U.S. life insurance application activity finished 2021 with annual Year-over-Year (YOY) growth up +3.4%, according to the U.S. MIB Life Index, representing the second consecutive year of growth. Following record breaking YOY growth in 2020 of +3.9%, 2021 achieved the second highest YOY annual growth rate on record. YOY comparisons […]
AM Best Upgrades ManhattanLife and Affiliated Companies
{January 25th, 2022} by ManhattanLife
HOUSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has upgraded the Financial Strength Rating to B++ (Good) from B+ (Good) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating (Long-Term ICR) to “bbb” (Good) from “bbb-” (Good) of ManhattanLife Insurance and Annuity Company (Houston, TX), The Manhattan Life Insurance Company (Great Neck, NY), Family Life Insurance Company (Houston, TX) and Western United Life Assurance […]
Amplify Raises $12M Investment for Life Insurance Investment Platform
{January 24th, 2022} by Amplify Life Insurance
SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Amplify Life Insurance, a digital life insurance platform focused on helping customers build wealth through permanent life insurance, announced today it has raised $12M in Series A funding co-led by Greycroft and Crosslink Capital. Other investors who participated include Conversion Capital, Anthemis, and Transverse Asset Management. Amplify is the first digital platform that […]
Annuity Leaders Poised to Navigate Continued Uncertainty, Pending and Potential Regulatory Changes
{January 24th, 2022} by NAFA
WASHINGTON (Jan. 24, 2022) — The general membership of NAFA, the National Association for Fixed Annuities, unanimously approved the slate of candidates presented for its 2022 board of directors at the association’s annual meeting held in October 2021 in Lake Las Vegas, Nev. Nominations were received from the membership at large, and candidates were vetted by […]
So, tell me…what makes YOUR index different?
{January 18th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
Today, there are 138 unique indices, upon which your indexed interest is benchmarked, on indexed annuities. 138!!! (There were 12 when I started my business 17 years ago.) So, tell me…what makes YOUR index different? Join in the conversation HERE. NOTE: Cannot source illustrations, caps, spreads, or participation rates in your response. -sjm
Why Asset Managers Keep Buying Annuity Issuers
{January 18th, 2022} by Kerry Pechter
What is concerning are not so much the practices of pioneers of this business. More concerning are the ‘me-too’ players–smaller johnny-come-lately asset managers who want some of those billions flowing from desperate institutional investors. Click HERE to read the full story via RIJ
DPL Assembles Market Leaders Avantis Investors, Barclays and Security Benefit Life to Introduce Innovative Asset Allocation Option for RIAs
{January 18th, 2022} by DPL Financial Partners
LOUISVILLE, Ky.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–DPL Financial Partners (“DPL”), the leading turnkey insurance platform for registered investment advisors (RIAs), announced the introduction of a new and innovative U.S. equity index designed to deliver higher expected returns with lower volatility. The Avantis Barclays Volatility Control (“VC”) Index represents a first for Eduardo Repetto and Pat Keating of Avantis Investors, […]
What Financial Advisors Used To Do
{January 18th, 2022} by Bryce Sanders
Have you seen the promos for the new CBS series “Good Sam?” One line in the ads has her saying, “When you were in charge and dinosaurs ruled the Earth.” As a financial advisor today, you might wonder what life was like when the more experienced advisors in the office started in the business. Let’s […]
Avoid These 11 Mistakes In Complying With DOL Best Interest Rules
{January 18th, 2022} by John Hilton
The Department of Labor continues to tweak the rules governing sales of financial products with retirement dollars. Regulators are honing best-interest principles after President Joe Biden’s administration allowed a rule published by his predecessor to take effect in February 2021. The Investment Advice Rule has two main parts: a new prohibited transaction exemption allowing advisors […]
Advisor Misconduct Rises After PE Buyouts: Study
{January 18th, 2022} by Melanie Waddell
RIAs acquired by private equity firms had a 147% increase in the percentage of their advisors committing misconduct and a 200% increase in the average number of misconduct incidents after the ownership change, according to a just-released study. The research released by the University of Oregon examined whether ownership by private equity firms encourages or deters financial misconduct. […]
FINRA SVP says advisors play a crucial role as nation’s financial literacy plummets
{January 18th, 2022} by Justin L. Mack
Financial literacy in the United States is low. And things don’t look to be getting better anytime soon. Because of that, financial advisors play a crucial role in ensuring that the nation’s most vulnerable communities are protected against those who wish to take advantage of that lack of understanding, and shielded from making bad decisions […]
Prudential: 5 Reasons Parents Should Get Life Insurance
{January 18th, 2022} by Prudential Financial
NEW YORK, Jan. 13, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Whether parents are experiencing life with a baby for the first time or have a full nest of young ones, protecting and supporting those children is a primary concern. While no one likes to think about a future they’re not in, it’s important for parents to figure […]
5 States Where Annuity Replacements Are Rare
{January 18th, 2022} by Allison Bell
Individual fixed annuity holders may be a lot more content with their contracts in some states than in others. In 2020, consumers in a typical state replaced about 28 annuity contracts for every 100 new contracts they purchased. Consumers in Utah were much quicker to replace their annuities: Issuers there replaced 35.2 contracts for every […]
Life Insurance Industry On Track For Record Premium Growth
{January 18th, 2022} by Doug Bailey
The U.S. life insurance industry is on track to post its fastest premium growth in nearly 20 years, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence Report. Released early last month, the report said strong consumer demand during the pandemic and a tailwind from a 12% overall expansion in premium sales in the third quarter of 2021 […]
Annuity Issuers Eye Rising Rates, Stock Swings for Clues About Sales
{January 18th, 2022} by Cyril Tuohy
Significant rate increases on these multi-year guaranteed annuities, as the products are called, could “translate to a significant increase in sales,” said Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink, publisher of Wink’s Sales & Market Report. Click HERE to read the full story via LifeAnnuitySpecialist
Western & Southern Completes Acquisition of Fabric to Accelerate Digital Expansion
{January 18th, 2022} by Western & Southern Financial Group
CINCINNATI, Jan. 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Western & Southern Financial Group has completed the acquisition of Fabric Technologies Inc. and its subsidiary, Fabric Insurance Agency LLC, which provide a fully digital life insurance platform and mobile app that is serving over 60,000 families and has placed billions of dollars in life insurance coverage. W&S and Fabric share a […]
Zurich shares top concerns of businesses in U.S. and Canada. Findings released as part of The Global Risks Report 2022
{January 18th, 2022} by Zurich North America
SCHAUMBURG, Ill., Jan. 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Zurich North America has shared key concerns of businesses on risks likely to impact U.S. and Canada over the next two years. The findings were released this week as part of the 17th edition of the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual Global Risks Report 2022 (GRR). Zurich is a strategic partner in the development of the annual […]
Ameritas announces whole life insurance product revisions
{January 18th, 2022} by Ameritas
LINCOLN, Neb., Jan. 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Ameritas has introduced enhancements to its whole life insurance products, creating additional options to help meet client needs while maintaining current product competitiveness. The four new whole life insurance products are Ameritas Access Whole Life, Ameritas Growth Whole Life, Ameritas Growth 10-Pay Whole life and Ameritas Value Plus Whole Life. The […]
New John Hancock Retirement report reveals surprising contradictions in how pandemic is affecting employees
{January 18th, 2022} by John Hancock
BOSTON, Jan. 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ – John Hancock Retirement, a company of Manulife Investment Management, today announced the results of its Stress, Finances, and Well-Being report, the eighth annual survey of its retirement plan participants. As the effects of the pandemic have altered the American workforce in ways that continue to play out, this report is a snapshot […]
Women in the workplace: One in five expect later retirement due to pandemic
{January 18th, 2022} by Nationwide
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Jan. 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — The pandemic has shaken women’s confidence in retirement planning according to a recent Nationwide Retirement Institute® survey of employer-sponsored retirement plan participants and sponsors. About one in five (18%) women feel they are on the wrong track for retirement, and the same percentage expects to retire later than the originally planned due to […]
New Reinsurer “Martello Re” Launches with Backing of MassMutual, Centerbridge Partners and Brown Brothers Harriman
{January 18th, 2022} by Barings
HAMILTON, Bermuda and SPRINGFIELD, Mass. and CHARLOTTE, N.C. and NEW YORK, Jan. 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Martello Re Limited (“Martello Re”), a licensed Class E Bermuda-based life and annuity reinsurance company with initial equity of $1.65 billion, has been launched with the financial support of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (“MassMutual”), Centerbridge Partners, Brown Brothers Harriman, and a pre-eminent group of institutional investors […]
American Life Announces Inclusion of the Goldman Sachs Xenith Index to its Fixed Index Annuity Policy Holders
{January 18th, 2022} by Midwest Holding Inc
LINCOLN, Neb., Jan. 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Midwest Holding Inc. (NASDAQ: MDWT), a technology-enabled, services-oriented annuity platform, announced today that its subsidiary American Life & Security (ALSC) will begin offering exclusively to American Life’s Fixed Index Annuity policy holders the Goldman Sachs Xenith Index. The Goldman Sachs Xenith Index is a multi-asset strategy that uses the anticipated macro regime, as identified by a […]
Advisor Internet Marketing Enters Into Strategic Relationship With Advisors Excel to Help Independent Advisors Grow Their Practice With Just An Internet Connection And A Cell Phone
{January 18th, 2022} by Advisors Excel
TUCSON, Ariz., Jan. 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Advisor Internet Marketing (“AIM”), the first fully digital-based financial marketing organization, today announced they have entered into a strategic partnership with Advisors Excel, an industry leader. AIM is the first in the industry that specializes in providing digital client acquisition services to help independent financial advisors grow a profitable location-independent […]
Horace Mann to announce fourth-quarter and full-year 2021 financial results on Feb. 1
{January 18th, 2022} by Horace Mann
SPRINGFIELD, Ill.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Horace Mann Educators Corporation (NYSE:HMN) plans to release its fourth-quarter and full-year 2021 results on Tuesday, Feb. 1, after the market closes. At that time, the quarterly news release and investor supplement will be available on the company’s website at investors.horacemann.com. Management will host a conference call to discuss the financial results on […]
Brighthouse Financial Announces Conference Call to Discuss Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2021 Results
{January 18th, 2022} by Brighthouse Financial, Inc
CHARLOTTE, N.C.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Brighthouse Financial, Inc. (Brighthouse Financial) (Nasdaq: BHF) announced today that it plans to hold a conference call and audio webcast to discuss its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2021, at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Friday, February 11, 2022. The call will follow the issuance of […]
AIG to Report Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2021 Results on February 16, 2022 and Host Conference Call on February 17
{January 18th, 2022} by AIG
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–American International Group, Inc. (NYSE: AIG) will report financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2021 after the market closes on Wednesday, February 16, 2022. AIG’s press release and financial supplement will be available in the Investors section of AIG’s website at https://www.aig.com. AIG will also host a conference […]
Best’s Review Examines How Life Insurers Are Handling Pandemic Developments
{January 18th, 2022} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Best’s Review looks at how the unexpected increase in pandemic-related deaths for working-age people has affected life insurers and how the industry is responding. Life insurers may look to investment gains and business diversification across segments to help balance the potential impending costs. Discover the outlook for the industry in “Life Insurers Not Free […]
American Equity Schedules Fourth Quarter 2021 Earnings Release, Conference Call and Webcast
{January 18th, 2022} by American Equity Investment Life Holding Company
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–American Equity Investment Life Holding Company (NYSE: AEL) announced today that it will release fourth quarter and full-year 2021 earnings and other financial results after the close of market on Thursday, February 17, 2022. The fourth quarter earnings release and financial supplement will be posted on the American Equity website at www.american-equity.com at […]
AM Best Comments on Credit Ratings of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company and Its Subsidiaries Following Launch of New Reinsurer
{January 18th, 2022} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has commented that the Credit Ratings (ratings) of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) (Springfield, MA) and its life/health subsidiaries, remain unchanged following the Jan. 12, 2022, announcement that it has launched a licensed Class E Bermuda-based life/annuity reinsurance company, Martello Re Limited (Martello Re). The launch of Martello Re, with an […]
American Life Announces Launch of S&P 500 ESG Index for the Fixed Annuity Space
{January 18th, 2022} by Midwest Holding Inc
LINCOLN, Neb., Jan. 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Midwest Holding Inc. (NASDAQ: MDWT), a technology-driven, life and annuity platform, today announced that its subsidiary American Life & Security Corp has launched the industry’s first ever Fixed Annuities based on the S&P 500 ESG Index. The S&P 500 ESG Index is comprised of a subset S&P 500 companies built to meet the increasing needs of […]
Author: 2022 Is The Year Consumers Discover Value Of Annuities
{January 18th, 2022} by EIN Presswire
Harry N. Stout, author and podcast host at the FinancialVerse says that 2022 will be the year that consumers proactively reach out for information and advice to explore the solutions that annuity products can provide to address some of their financial challenges. Here are the forces Stout says will shape the annuity market: > The large number of individuals […]
These Are The Ten Biggest Life Insurance Companies
{January 18th, 2022} by INNsider Pro
The U.S. insurance industry recorded net premiums of $1.28 trillion in 2020, with life/annuity insurers accounting for 49%, according to the data from S&P Global Market Intelligence. Moreover, there were 5,929 insurance companies in the U.S. in 2020, including 843 life/annuities and 995 health companies. Click HERE to read the full story via INN
MassMutual flies into the ‘Bermuda Triangle’
{January 18th, 2022} by Kerry Pechter
MassMutual has all the pieces–a life insurer that issues fixed annuities, a stake in a Bermuda reinsurer, a big in-house asset manager, and various partnerships–that should enable it to compete with Athene and Global Atlantic. Click HERE to read the full story via RIJ
Breaking News via Retirement Income Journal
{January 18th, 2022} by Editorial Staff
DPL and Security Benefit add ‘total return’ index option to FIA; Americans expect market volatility in 2022: Allianz Life; Lincoln redesigns participant-facing website. Click HERE to read the full story via RIJ
4 Instances Where Whole Life Insurance Can Come in Handy
{January 18th, 2022} by iCrowdNewswire
A whole life insurance policy is a form of permanent life insurance that covers the policyholder for their lifetime. In addition to a guaranteed death benefit payout, the policy also accrues cash value with a guaranteed rate of return. The cash value that accrues in a whole life insurance policy can be used during your […]
PE’s big catch: RIAs. Is the haul sustainable?
{January 18th, 2022} by Lynnley Browning
Shannon Eusey first sketched out her idea for a financial planning firm when she was studying for an MBA and working at a small wealth management firm in Los Angeles. In a 25-page paper for her “Entrepreneurship and Venture Initiation” class at UCLA’s Anderson School of Management in 2001, she wrote a business plan for […]
Get direct access to Wink’s data
{January 11th, 2022} by Wink's Intel Pros
While we continually enhance our site to meet all of your data needs, we understand that any kind of change can cause alarm for some. We now have data feeds and APIs to give your programs direct access to our data without the user interface changes that we make from time to time. Please […]
This is NOT how indexed annuities should be positioned, folks.
{January 11th, 2022} by Sheryl J. Moore
“Unnamed software” was showing an indexed annuity offering historical returns that average 12.89%. There have been some FMOs blasting emails out and touting those returns for recruiting purposes! This is NOT how indexed annuities should be positioned, folks. If you rely on this information for marketing indexed annuities, you are being disingenuous. -sjm Click […]
Where in the world is our Chief Storyteller?
{January 11th, 2022} by Wink's Intel Pros
Sheryl Moore, our Chief Storyteller stopped by to see friends at Insurance Agency Marketing Services, Inc. and SILAC Insurance Company last week. They are hosting a virtual meeting, Ascend, where she will be presenting along with industry experts like Robert Shiller, Jonathan Golub from Credit Suisse, and Linas Sudzius from Advanced Underwriting Consultants. Register here.
Fortitude Re Completes Acquisition of Third Party Administrators from AIG
{January 11th, 2022} by Fortitude Re
JERSEY CITY, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Fortitude Group Holdings, LLC, the parent company of Bermuda’s largest multi-line reinsurer (“Fortitude Re”), announced today the acquisition of Fortitude Life & Annuity Solutions, Inc. (“FLAS”), a licensed life and annuity TPA, and Fortitude P&C Solutions, Inc. (“FPCS”), a licensed Property and Casualty TPA, from AIG. These transactions are the final step […]
Fortitude Re Enhances Reinsurance Capabilities
{January 11th, 2022} by Fortitude Re
Fortitude Re Enhances Reinsurance Capabilities Forms new Bermuda multi-line reinsurer Acquires U.S. life insurer Obtains Reciprocal Jurisdiction Reinsurer status January 06, 2022 09:30 AM Eastern Standard Time HAMILTON, Bermuda & JERSEY CITY, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Fortitude Re announced today the formation of a Bermuda multi-line reinsurer and the acquisition of a U.S. life insurer. In addition, Fortitude […]
Jackson to Report Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2021 Financial Results
{January 11th, 2022} by Jackson Financial Inc.
LANSING, Mich.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jackson Financial Inc.1 (NYSE: JXN) will announce financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2021 after market close Wednesday, March 2, 2022. Jackson’s press release and supplemental financial materials will be available at investors.jackson.com. Jackson will host a conference call and webcast Thursday, March 3, 2022 at 10 a.m. ET […]
New “2022 Wealth & Wellness Index” Shows Many Americans Less Confident in Their Finances and the Economy Entering Third Year of the Pandemic
{January 11th, 2022} by Empower
REDWOOD SHORES, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–As we embark on the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. economy is making a remarkable comeback after enduring a tumultuous two years. Roughly 80% of the jobs lost to the pandemic have been regained, unemployment rates have normalized and today’s jobseekers have the upper hand. Yet, Americans’ views of their […]
New Year, Same Volatility: Most Americans Expect a Recession in the Near Future
{January 11th, 2022} by Allianz Life
MINNEAPOLIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Despite the start of a new year, a majority of Americans remain worried about market volatility, with over three-quarters saying they expect the market to be very volatile in 2022. These findings from the 2021 Q4 Quarterly Market Perceptions Study from Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz Life), underscore the lingering worries […]
Leading BGA in the Life and Annuity Market (PRNewsfoto/Specialty Program Group)
{January 11th, 2022} by Specialty Program Group
SUMMIT, N.J., Jan. 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Specialty Program Group, LLC (SPG), a leading operator of specialty insurance brokerage firms and underwriting facilities, announced today the acquisition of the assets of Brokers’ Service Marketing Group II, LLC (BSMG) as of December 15, 2021. BSMG is a leading life and annuity brokerage general agency (BGA) serving advisors and financial institutions. The company was […]
Fidelity National Financial Announces Executive Management Transition
{January 11th, 2022} by Fidelity National Financial, Inc.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Jan. 5, 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 annuity and life insurance products through the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, F&G, announced today that Mike Nolan, the Company’s current President, will assume the role […]
USAA Life Insurance Company Expands Availability of New Digital Life Insurance Product
{January 11th, 2022} by USAA
SAN ANTONIO, Jan. 10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — In response to increasing interest in a simplified application process and lower prices, USAA Life Insurance Company (USAA Life) today announced its new digital life insurance product that requires no medical exam is now available in 47 states. According to USAA’s “Life Can’t Wait” survey, monthly cost and no medical exam requirement […]
Midwest Holding Announces Strategic Asset Management Initiative with ORIX Corporation USA
{January 11th, 2022} by Midwest Holding Inc
LINCOLN, Neb., Jan. 10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Midwest Holding Inc. (Midwest,NASDAQ: MDWT), a technology-driven life and annuity platform, announced the closing of a majority ownership sale of a consolidated reinsurance facility to a subsidiary of ORIX Corporation USA (ORIX USA). Under the terms of the agreement, a subsidiary of ORIX USA purchased approximately 70% of Seneca Incorporated Cell, LLC 2020-01 (SRC1), a Midwest consolidated reinsurance cell. […]
Highland Capital Brokerage Acquires Hallett Financial Group And Quotacy
{January 11th, 2022} by Highland Capital Brokerage
BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Jan. 10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Highland Capital Brokerage, a national life insurance and annuity distribution company and subsidiary of Advisor Group, today announced the acquisitions of Hallett Financial Group, an independent insurance brokerage agency based in Minneapolis, as well as Hallett Financial’s sister company, Quotacy, an insuretech firm. The acquisitions of Hallett Financial and Quotacy – […]
Milliman survey reveals 28 out of 34 companies use or plan to use accelerated underwriting in term life insurance
{January 11th, 2022} by Milliman
SEATTLE, Jan. 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Milliman, Inc., a premier global consulting and actuarial firm, just released the results of its biennial broad-based survey on term life insurance. The study surveys 34 term life insurance companies and focuses on current topics relevant to a range of these products. Key findings of the study include: Currently, 26 of the […]
Ohio National introduces new whole life insurance series offering maximum death benefit for the money
{January 11th, 2022} by Ohio National
Newly launched whole life insurance portfolio is designed to provide individuals and businesses the protection they need at a price they can afford Products reflect Ohio National’s 113-year legacy of offering quality, cost-effective coverage that lasts a lifetime CINCINNATI, Jan. 04, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ohio National is pleased to introduce its latest line of […]
Primerica Marks $900B Of Term Life In Force At End Of 2021
{January 11th, 2022} by Primerica
Duluth, GA, Jan. 4, 2022 – Primerica, a leading provider of financial services to families throughout the United States and Canada, will announce projected year-end production results at its annual gathering of senior sales force leaders. The meeting serves as a kickoff to the year to discuss opportunities ahead and celebrate achievements. “During another year […]
Monument Re Completes Acquisition of Variable Annuity Portfolio From Athora Ireland plc
{January 11th, 2022} by Monument Re Limited
HAMILTON, Bermuda–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Monument Re announced today that its Irish subsidiary Monument Life Insurance DAC has completed the acquisition of a closed-block portfolio of variable annuities from Athora Ireland plc, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Athora Holding Ltd. The portfolio has been in run-off since 2017. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. In accordance with […]
AQUARIAN CLOSES ACQUISITION OF PAVONIA LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW YORK
{January 11th, 2022} by Aquarian Holdings
January 4, 2021, New York – Aquarian Holdings (“Aquarian”) today announced that it has closed its acquisition of Pavonia Life Insurance Company of New York (“Pavonia”). Aquarian announced earlier this year that it had signed a definitive agreement to acquire Pavonia from a wholly owned U.S. subsidiary of Enstar Group Limited. “We are excited to […]
Investors Heritage Brings FIA With ESG Index To California, Delaware
{January 11th, 2022} by Investors Heritage
January 4, 2022, Frankfort, Kentucky – Investors Heritage Life Insurance Company (“Investors Heritage”) announced today that it would now be offering its first fixed indexed annuity in California and Delaware. Investors Heritage launched the Heritage Income Advantage (“HIA”) in April 2021 to help policyholders protect assets from market downturns, grow retirement savings, and secure a […]
Allianz Completes Reinsurance Deal For $35B FIA Portfolio
{January 11th, 2022} by German Equity Markets (Web Disclosure) via PUBT
Allianz Life announced today that it has completed the reinsurance agreement with affiliates of Sixth Street, including Talcott Resolution Life Insurance Company, and Resolution Life, for a $35-billion fixed index annuity portfolio. The transaction, announced on December 3, unlocks $4.1 billion in value and frees up regulatory capital for Allianz. Click HERE to read the […]
F&G’s Parent to Get New CEO: Personnel Moves
{January 11th, 2022} by Allison Bell
The board of Fidelity National Financial — the Jacksonville, Florida-based title insurance company that acquired F&G, a major annuity issuer — has named Mike Nolan to be the company’s new CEO. Nolan has been Fidelity National’s president since 2016. He has been working for Fidelity National since 1983. Randy Quirk, the current CEO, will become […]
When Was The Term ‘Wirehouse’ First Used?
{January 11th, 2022} by James Rogers
Morgan Stanley, Wells Fargo, UBS and Merrill Lynch all compete fiercely on technology today, but the roots of the term “wirehouse,” which is often used to describe them, reach back to a system from almost 200 years ago. Click HERE to read the full story via Financial Advisor IQ
Blockchain Technology and Life Insurance
{January 11th, 2022} by Steve Gibbs
In an environment of fast-emerging crypto and blockchain technology, searches like “Bitcoin and Life Insurance,” are producing a wide range of content and topics. Concerns ranging from the likelihood of life insurance companies moving toward accepting Bitcoin, to the involvement of major life insurers in purchasing large amounts of Bitcoin, to the increasing investments of […]
4 Top Threats Facing Investors in 2022
{January 11th, 2022} by Melanie Waddell
The North American Securities Administrators Association released Monday its annual list of top investor threats and urged investors to use caution with popular and volatile unregulated investments. “The most common telltale sign of an investment scam is an offer of guaranteed high returns with no risk. It is important for investors to understand what they […]
Fortitude Re, Midwest Holdings pursue ‘triangle’ strategies
{January 11th, 2022} by Editorial Staff
Fortitude Re, a reinsurer backed by The Carlyle Group, a $276 billion private equity firm, is completing its annuity-reinsurance-asset management strategy. Midwest Holdings’ life insurer, American Life, has launched a new indexed annuity pegged to an ‘ESG’ index. Click HERE to read the full story via RIJ
Pacific Life to pay $3 million for doing unlicensed business
{January 11th, 2022} by InvestmentNews
Pacific Life Insurance will pay a penalty of $3 million for violating New York insurance law in connection with the company’s pension risk transfer business. Click HERE to read the full story via InvestmentNews
Regulators Continued Targeting Annuity Sales In 2021
{January 11th, 2022} by Ayo Mseka
Regulators were busy in 2021 and annuity sales remained a prime target. Controversial rules put forth by the Securities and Exchange Commission and New York State regulators attracted plenty of attention and readers. Meanwhile, the Department of Labor made noise about taking another stab at a fiduciary standard. Click HERE to read the full story […]
2022: The Year Consumers Discover Annuities
{January 11th, 2022} by Harry N. Stout
Have you ever experienced the solution to a problem being in plain sight, only to pass over it? The time for consumers to notice the obvious is coming for annuity products in 2022. This will be the year that consumers proactively seek information and advice to explore the solutions that annuity products can provide, to […]
SEC 6 Big Rules the SEC Plans to Tackle in 2022
{January 11th, 2022} by Melanie Waddell
The Securities and Exchange Commission’s fall regulatory agenda lists numerous rules the agency plans to propose or establish in the new year. Before year-end, the agency proposed rules for comment on money market funds as well as proxy voting advice. The SEC issued on Dec. 17 sweeping guidance on its Form CRS rule, but SEC […]
NAILBA May Merge With Finseca
{January 11th, 2022} by Allison Bell
Finseca — the group formed from the merger of the Association for Advanced Life Underwriting with GAMA International — may combine with the National Association of Independent Life Brokerage Agencies. NAILBA and Finseca announced today that their boards have voted to start the process of looking into a merger. “This process is the culmination of […]
Ohio National introduces new whole life insurance series offering maximum death benefit for the money
{January 11th, 2022} by Ohio National Financial Services
Newly launched whole life insurance portfolio is designed to provide individuals and businesses the protection they need at a price they can afford Products reflect Ohio National’s 113-year legacy of offering quality, cost-effective coverage that lasts a lifetime CINCINNATI, Jan. 04, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ohio National is pleased to introduce its latest line of […]
Tax Code Changes Should Buoy Life Sales: OneAmerica’s Dennis Martin
{January 11th, 2022} by Allison Bell
Dennis Martin is president of individual life and financial services at OneAmerica. He’s in charge of the Indianapolis-based company’s efforts to help individual clients and families protect themselves against mortality and longevity risk, and to use permanent life insurance in long-term financial planning arrangements. The University of Manitoba alumnus has a bachelor’s degree in statistics […]
Apollo Completes Merger with Athene and Finalizes Key Governance Enhancements
{January 4th, 2022} by Apollo
NEW YORK, Jan. 03, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Apollo and Athene today announced the successful completion of their merger under Apollo Global Management, Inc. (NYSE: APO), a high-growth alternative asset manager with asset management and retirement services capabilities. “Apollo and Athene are world-class franchises that have flourished as strategic partners, and we expect the full alignment achieved by our […]
Horace Mann completes acquisition of Madison National Life Insurance Company
{January 4th, 2022} by Horace Mann Educators Corporation
SPRINGFIELD, Ill.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Horace Mann Educators Corporation (NYSE:HMN) announced today that it has closed the acquisition of Madison National Life Insurance Company, Inc., a provider of group life, disability and specialty health insurance for educators and public sector employees. The transaction was funded with cash on hand and additional borrowings on the company’s revolving credit facility. […]
