MRS Introduces E-App for Annuity Policies
{April 5th, 2021} by http://www.punch-pr.com
Quicker, easier application process nets client success MILWAUKEE, WI, UNITED STATES, April 1, 2021 /EINPresswire.com/ — MRS, a global leader in insurance automation and technology solutions, announced today the release of a new electronic application (E-App) system for annuity policies. The new technology will allow financial and insurance professionals to complete and submit annuity applications […]
Labor Department sues MetLife for details on ‘missing’ annuity reforms
{April 5th, 2021} by Barbara Grzincic
MetLife Inc has been stonewalling the U.S. Labor Department’s request for more information about its new methods of locating “missing” pensioners who are entitled to annuities, the government said Wednesday in a petition filed in federal court in Manhattan. Click HERE to read the full story via Reuters
Annuity Advocates: The Industry ‘Lost Track’ of What Annuities Are
{April 5th, 2021} by AM Best
Reconsider the simplicity of annuities, said Ramsey Smith, founder, ALEX.fyi; Paul Tyler, chief marketing officer, Nassau Financial; and Bruno Caron, associate director, AM Best (March 30, 2021).
Ohio National Announces Strategic Transaction with Constellation
{March 30th, 2021} by Ohio National Financial Services
March 23, 2021 Sponsored demutualization of Ohio National Mutual Holdings, Inc. initiated with Constellation, an insurance holding company backed by Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec and Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board Provides Ohio National with long-term financial stability and significantly enhances financial strength to build upon its leadership position and accelerate its growth […]
Integrity Acquires Brokers International — An Iconic Leader in Life, Annuities and Wealth Planning
{March 30th, 2021} by Integrity Marketing Group
DALLAS, March 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Integrity Marketing Group, LLC (“Integrity”), the nation’s largest independent distributor of life and health insurance products, today announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire Brokers International, Ltd. As one of the oldest and most influential life insurance, annuity and wealth-planning organizations, Brokers International supports thousands of agents, agency partners and financial […]
Midland National Is First to Offer Independent Agents Access to an ESG Index
{March 30th, 2021} by Midland National Life Insurance Company
DES MOINES, Iowa, March 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Midland National Life Insurance Company (Midland National) introduced the first index aligned with the growing environmental, social, and governance – or ESG – marketplace. The new BlackRock ESG US 5% Index ER (ticker: BESGUVCX) will be available across three Midland National products and represents the first time an index of […]
Security Benefit Adds Two Diversified Index Credit Options for Strategic Growth Series
{March 30th, 2021} by Security Benefit
TOPEKA, Kan.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Security Benefit today announced the addition of two new index accounts based on the S&P 500® Factor Rotator Daily RC2 7% Index (Factor Rotator) and the S&P Multi-Asset Risk Control (MARC) 5% Index. Both diversified indexes are now options in new purchases of the firm’s Strategic Growth Series annuities, which offer contract-holders the potential […]
Best’s Special Report: U.S. Life/Annuity Industry’s Net Income Cut Nearly in Half in 2020
{March 30th, 2021} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The U.S. life/annuity (L/A) insurance industry saw its net income cut nearly in half in 2020, to $24 billion from $45 billion. These preliminary results are detailed in a new Best’s Special Report, titled, “First Look: 12 Month 2020 Life/Annuity Financial Results,” and the data is derived from companies’ annual statutory statements received as of […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Lincoln National Corporation and Its Subsidiaries
{March 30th, 2021} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A+ (Superior) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICR) of “aa-” of The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Lincoln Life & Annuity Company of New York (Syracuse, NY) and Lincoln Life Assurance Company of Boston (LLAC) (Dover, NH). […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company and Its Subsidiaries
{March 30th, 2021} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A+ (Superior) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICRs) of “aa-” of The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company (Penn Mutual Life) (Horsham, PA) and its wholly owned subsidiaries, The Penn Insurance and Annuity Company (Wilmington, DE), Vantis Life Insurance Company (Windsor, CT) and […]
AM Best Comments on Credit Ratings of Ohio National Financial Services, Inc. and Its Subsidiaries Following Announced Strategic Transaction with Constellation Insurance Holdings, Inc.
{March 30th, 2021} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has commented that the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICR) of “a+” of The Ohio National Life Insurance Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, Ohio National Life Assurance Corporation (together referred to as the Ohio National Life Group), remain unchanged following the announcement […]
AM Best Removes From Under Review With Developing Implications and Affirms Credit Ratings of Aspida Life Re Ltd.
{March 30th, 2021} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has removed from under review with developing implications and affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “a-” of Aspida Life Re Ltd. (Aspida Re) (formerly known as F&G Reinsurance Ltd.) (Bermuda). Aspida Re is a subsidiary of Aspida Holdings Ltd., which is an indirect […]
Best’s Commentary: U.S. Life Insurance Products to Change in Reaction to New Tax Rules
{March 30th, 2021} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–New interest rate assumptions for U.S. life insurance companies in the recently enacted Consolidated Appropriations Act will allow higher premiums to be paid into life products and still meet the definition of life insurance, according to a new AM Best commentary. Two tests are used to determine if a life insurance contract meets the definition […]
AM Best Upgrades Issuer Credit Ratings of Athene Holding Ltd. and Its Subsidiaries
{March 30th, 2021} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has upgraded the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating (Long-Term ICR) to “bbb+” from “bbb”, the existing Long-Term Issue Credit Ratings (Long-Term IRs) and the indicative Long-Term IRs of Athene Holding Ltd. (Athene) (NYSE:ATH) (Bermuda). Concurrently, AM Best has upgraded the Long-Term ICRs to “a+” from “a” and affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) […]
Bestow Data Shows Women Are Closing the Life Insurance Coverage Gap
{March 30th, 2021} by Bestow
DALLAS, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Bestow, the first full-stack life insurance platform, today released proprietary data showing key differences between women’s life insurance purchasing behaviors compared to men. The findings reveal that women are empowered life insurance purchasers when given 100% digital, self-directed experiences and are closing the industry’s coverage gap. “The busiest people on Earth are […]
Chubb Issues Statement in Response to The Hartford
{March 30th, 2021} by Chubb Limited
NEW YORK, March 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Chubb Limited (NYSE: CB) today issued the following statement in response to the recent statement from The Hartford: As demonstrated by our industry-leading returns and underwriting performance, we have created an unsurpassed franchise in the insurance industry and its most dynamic markets. We continue to have great confidence in our ability to […]
Forbes Recognizes Seven Northwestern Mutual Advisors on Annual Top Women Wealth Advisors List
{March 30th, 2021} by Northwestern Mutual
MILWAUKEE, March 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Northwestern Mutual announced today that seven financial advisors affiliated with the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company have been named to the 2021 edition of the Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors list. “I’m incredibly proud of these talented advisors and the impact they make,” said Aditi Javeri Gokhale, chief commercial officer and president […]
Sammons Financial Group Further Develops Registered Investment Advisor Channel
{March 30th, 2021} by Sammons Financial Group
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Sammons® Financial Group, Inc. has named Cooper Sinclair to the position of associate vice president, Sales and Distribution for RIA Distribution. In his new role, Sinclair will be responsible to further develop and lead the strategic direction of Sammons Financial Group’s fee-based Registered Investment Advisor, or RIA, channel. Core position functions include establishing […]
AmeriLife Names David Paul National Sales Director, Simplified Issue Life
{March 30th, 2021} by AmeriLife Group, LLC
CLEARWATER, Fla., March 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — AmeriLife Group, LLC (“AmeriLife”), a national leader in developing, marketing, and distributing annuity, life, and health insurance solutions, has announced the promotion of David Paul to national sales director, Simplified Issue Life. In this role, Paul will deliver sales leadership and support existing final expense and simplified issue life initiatives for AmeriLife’s Brokerage and […]
DALBAR Recognizes AIG & Nationwide For Customer Experience Excellence
{March 30th, 2021} by DALBAR, Inc
MARLBOROUGH, Mass., March 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — There are lots of ways that today’s consumers can interact with their financial services providers. To truly deliver a superior standard of care, companies need to maintain an exceptional experience across channels. DALBAR’s Customer Experience Excellence Award, our highest honor, recognizes those companies who are able to consistently provide a best-in-class […]
Guardian and Atidot Partner to Create New Insurance Models and Customer Experiences Using Artificial Intelligence and Predictive Analytics
{March 30th, 2021} by Guardian
NEW YORK, March 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian Life) today announced it has entered into a joint venture with the AI and predictive analytics innovators at Atidot. The collaboration is focused on creating a platform that deploys artificial intelligence and machine learning to power data driven decision-making that helps make insurance products […]
Allianz Said to Study Hartford Situation After Chubb’s Offer
{March 30th, 2021} by Jan-Henrik Foerster and Aaron Kirchfeld
Chubb Ltd.’s $23 billion takeover offer for Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. has prompted Germany’s Allianz SE to study the feasibility of a counteroffer, according to people familiar with the matter. Europe’s biggest insurer is discussing its options with potential advisers, said the people, asking not to be identified because the discussions are private. While Allianz views Hartford as […]
Genworth Names Chairman With Private Equity Deal Experience
{March 30th, 2021} by Allison Bell
The board of Genworth Financial Inc. has picked Melina Higgins — who has deep deal making and finance experience — to succeed James Riepe as the company’s chairman. The board also added Howard Mills, a former New York state insurance superintendent, and two other independent directors, Genworth announced Thursday. Tom McInerney will remain Genworth’s president […]
Idaho Finalizes Best Interest Rule for Annuity Sales
{March 30th, 2021} by Alex Padalka
Idaho has become the latest state to adopt a best interest rule on the sale of annuities. House Bill 79, as it’s known, was signed by Republican Governor Brad Little earlier this month, according to the Idaho State Legislature. The rule requires brokers, investment advisors and other financial professionals to put consumers’ interests first when recommending annuities. Click HERE […]
BISA Announces 2021 Leadership
{March 30th, 2021} by BISA
BISA Announces 2021 Leadership WASHINGTON, D.C., The Bank Insurance & Securities Association (BISA) announces the appointment of two newly selected Board officers and two new members to serve on the association’s Board of Directors in addition to the full slate of officers and board members for 2021. In their newly selected Board officer […]
10 Things Women Need To Know About Life Insurance
{March 30th, 2021} by Cameron Huddleston and Amy Danise
Women: It’s time for you to close the gender gap in life insurance ownership. Just 47% of women have life insurance coverage versus 58% of men, according to the 2021 Insurance Barometer Study by Life Happens and LIMRA, insurance industry groups. Yet women are just as likely to need life insurance as men. “It’s important […]
Life Insurance Providers Global Market Opportunities And Strategies To 2030: COVID-19 Impact and Recovery
{March 30th, 2021} by Reportlinker
New York, March 29, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report “Life Insurance Providers Global Market Opportunities And Strategies To 2030: COVID-19 Impact and Recovery” – https://www.reportlinker.com/p06039381/?utm_source=GNW Description: Where is the largest and fastest growing market for the life insurance providers? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and […]
Honorable Mention
{March 30th, 2021} by Editorial Staff
Canadian firm buys Ohio National for $1 billion; Net income of life/annuity industry fell almost 50% in 2020; New index annuity income rider from AIG; SIMON adds First Trust Target Outcome ETFs; KKR, owner of Global Atlantic, reports earnings; Voya, Morningstar in managed accounts partnership; A ‘longevity’ biotech SPAC. Click HERE to read the full […]
Consumers Want Liquidity: Survey
{March 30th, 2021} by Allison Bell
The hot new investment these days may be a rainy day fund. The Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) looks at what consumers want, and need, in a new batch of results from a survey of 2,034 U.S. adults, ages 18 and older, that was conducted in November 2020, as the third U.S. wave of the COVID-19 pandemic […]
Allstate To Take $4 Billion Net Loss This Quarter On Life Sales
{March 29th, 2021} by Katherine Chiglinsky
Allstate Corp. struck another deal to sell part of a life-insurance business and warned investors that the divestitures will result in a roughly $4 billion net loss in the first quarter. Wilton Re agreed to pay $220 million to buy Allstate Life Insurance Co. of New York in a transaction that will complete Allstate’s exit […]
Can Annuities Boost Retiree Returns?
{March 29th, 2021} by Ben Mattlin
Although interest rates are rising they’re still pretty low by historical measures, so it’s hard to get a safe, reliable return on savings—especially for retirees who may have a relatively short timeframe. Variable annuities, which invest in mutual fund-like sub-accounts, can post decent gains depending on the vagaries of the market, but they’re also […]
Allianz weighs Hartford offer after Chubb bid – sources
{March 29th, 2021} by Mark Rosanes
Allianz is said to be privately considering making a counteroffer for Hartford Financial Services after Chubb’s $23 billion offer. Sources familiar with the situation told Bloomberg that the Munich, Germany-headquartered insurance giant is discussing with potential advisers the feasibility of a possible bid. Deliberations are said to be at an early stage and Allianz could decide against making an […]
11 Popular Financial Tips That May Cause More Harm Than Good
{March 29th, 2021} by Expert Panel, Forbes Finance Council
3. ‘Annuities are expensive and ineffective.’ When consumers read or hear that “annuities are expensive” and “don’t offer market-like returns” from the investment community, it has the potential to derail their retirement plans. Often, investment professionals don’t realize that annuities’ primary value proposition is transferring risk—that the purchaser will live in retirement too long—not necessarily […]
In the face of an unprecedented pandemic, Dan Arnold and James Cracchiolo saw their total pay fall last year.
{March 29th, 2021} by Bruce Kelly
After leading two of the most prominent financial advice companies through the tumult caused by COVID-19 last year, the chief executives of LPL Financial Holding Inc. and Ameriprise Financial Inc. were rewarded with cuts to their total 2020 compensation, just as share prices for both firms have hit new highs. Click HERE to read the full story […]
Ohio National To Demutualize In Response To ‘Challenging’ Conditions
{March 29th, 2021} by Staff Reports
Ohio National executives cited “challenging” economic conditions today in announcing an expansive reorganization plan to demutualize the company. The Ohio National Mutual Holdings board of directors unanimously approved a strategic transaction with Constellation Insurance Holdings. ONMH is the parent company of Ohio National Financial Services, a leading provider of financial products. Click HERE to read […]
IRI: Virginia Annuity Rule Should Include 6-Month Grace Period
{March 29th, 2021} by Steve Morelli
Virginia is the latest state to adopt an updated annuity suitability rule but might be among the first ones to take effect unless the state adds a six-month grace period. Without a change in the rule, producers would have to comply with the new standard as of the implementation date of May 1. The Insured […]
Allstate Completes Exit of Life and Annuity Businesses
{March 29th, 2021} by The Allstate Corporation
NORTHBROOK, Ill.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) has agreed to a transaction in which Wilton Re will pay $220 million to acquire Allstate Life Insurance Company of New York (ALNY). The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2021, subject to regulatory approval and other closing conditions. This transaction, along with the […]
Integrity Acquires Brokers International In Blockbuster Deal
{March 29th, 2021} by John Hilton
“This is huge because Brokers International was the first marketing organization in the life insurance and annuity space, and they’re now selling to the biggest distributor of [Medicare supplement] products in the nation,” said Sheryl Moore, president and CEO of Moore Market Intelligence. “Now they’re going to have the opportunity to leverage their med supp […]
Integrity Adds $3.5B of Yearly Premiums With Latest Purchase
{March 29th, 2021} by Richard Bedard
Sheryl Moore, CEO of Moore Market Intelligence, told InsuranceNewsNet the acquisition was “huge,” combining the first marketing organization for life insurance and annuities, Brokers International, with the largest distributor of Medicare supplement products. She also touted the opportunities for cross-selling. Click HERE to read the full story via Life Annuity Specialist
Sammons Doubles Down on Fee-Based Advisors With New Hire
{March 29th, 2021} by Cyril Tuohy
Sinclair has a lengthy history of working with fee-based advisors, said Sheryl Moore, CEO of Wink, publisher of Wink’s Sales & Market Report, which tracks the industry. He used to work for Jefferson National, which provided annuities to these advisors, she noted. “His experience will no doubt be helpful to Sammons in their initiatives to further annuity […]
Jackson Reports 2020 Financial Results¹, Continues Demerger Preparations
{March 29th, 2021} by Jackson National Life Insurance Company
LANSING, Mich.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jackson® today announced its full-year financial results, generating $2.8 billion in IFRS pre-tax operating income2 in 2020. Jackson also reported $19.2 billion in total sales and deposits3, noting significant growth in variable annuity and advisory sales. At the end of January, Prudential plc (Prudential; NYSE: PUK), Jackson’s parent company, announced it intends to separate Jackson through […]
US Life & Annuity Industry Carries Mixed Momentum In 2021
{March 29th, 2021} by N/A
March 16, 2021 — The pace of the U.S. life and annuity industry’s emergence from COVID-19 disruption accelerated late in an otherwise challenging 2020, setting the stage for favorable year-over-year comparisons in key individual business lines in 2021. Life, annuity, and accident and health direct premiums and considerations increased 1.1% in 2020, fueled by double-digit […]
FIAs Stand The Test Of Market Volatility
{March 29th, 2021} by Jason Mitchell
With financial anxieties remaining high amid continued market volatility, many Americans are putting more thought into securing their futures, and in doing so, contributing more than ever to their savings. In fact, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis1, the average savings for Americans were 13.7% in December of 2020 versus only 7.2% […]
When’s the next sales release? Be the first to know!
{March 23rd, 2021} by Wink's Intel Pros
Wink is preparing for the release of 4th Quarter, 2020’s Wink’s Sales & Market Report.* All of our quarterly sales releases, annual reports, and other major announcements are published on our site at Wink’s Press Releases. Contact Jamie at support@winkintel.com to be added to our Press Release distribution list and always be in-the-know and the […]
American Equity Goes Live with Penn River’s ProductHub to Improve Product Rules Management
{March 23rd, 2021} by Penn River
NEWTON SQ, Pa., March 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Penn River Inc. announced today that American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company (American Equity), a leading underwriter of fixed indexed annuities, is in production with Penn River’s ProductHub platform. The implementation is the first step in a comprehensive modernization program focused on the design, implementation and management of product rules utilizing Penn […]
Jasmine Jirele Named President and CEO of Allianz Life
{March 23rd, 2021} by Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America
MINNEAPOLIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz Life) announced today that Jasmine Jirele has been named president and CEO of Allianz Life, succeeding President and CEO Walter White, who will retire December 31, 2021. Jirele’s leadership experience spans strategy, product innovation, marketing, operations, and digital and experience management. She has served as Allianz […]
How Securian Grew In 2020 While Life Insurance Payouts Increased
{March 23rd, 2021} by Star Tribune (Minneapolis MN)
As a provider of life insurance, St. Paul-based Securian Financial knew more than most companies the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Like other companies, Securian sent employees home to work remotely, technology investments made the shift easier and streamlining some processes helped them better serve customers. It issued new COVID-related benefits and stipends for […]
Broker-dealer M&A shows signs of life in 2021
{March 23rd, 2021} by Bruce Kelly
The breakneck pace of mergers and acquisitions by registered investment advisers and various large buyers, often called aggregators, has been grabbing headlines for the past few years. Click HERE to read the full story via InvestmentNews.
AIG Life & Retirement Launches New Lifetime Income Benefit for The Power Series of Index Annuities®
{March 23rd, 2021} by AIG
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AIG Life & Retirement, a division of American International Group, Inc. (NYSE: AIG) and a leading provider of annuities, today announced a new protected lifetime income benefit for The Power Series of Index Annuities. Available exclusively through independent marketing organizations (IMOs), the new Lifetime Income Choice benefit guarantees income growth and creates added […]
Insurers Now Realize A Pressing Opportunity To Support New Consumer Needs, Post Pandemic
{March 23rd, 2021} by N/A
Consumer priorities have changed significantly as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, with nearly half (45%) of consumers surveyed planning to save more and those most impacted financially seeking to mitigate future financial uncertainty. This is according to the EY Global Insurance Consumer Survey, a survey of more than 2,700 consumers across Europe and North […]
In-plan annuities: Potential new trend?
{March 23rd, 2021} by Kristen Beckman
The dramatic volatility over the past 12 months due to the COVID-19 pandemic may be driving increased engagement in retirement planning and a heightened focus among both plan sponsors and participants on in-plan guaranteed lifetime income options. According to the February 2021 TIAA Retirement Insights Survey, which polled 1,005 plan participants and 502 plan sponsors […]
ACLI: Idaho Leaders Enact Enhanced Protections For Annuity Consumers
{March 23rd, 2021} by ACLI
WASHINGTON – American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) President and CEO Susan Neely and National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) Idaho President Guy Stubbs issued the following joint statement on the best interest annuity law signed recently by Idaho Governor Brad Little: “Legislation signed by Gov. Brad Little and championed by Insurance Department […]
Life Insurance Premium Down, Policy Sales Up In Mixed 2020 Data
{March 23rd, 2021} by Staff Reports
While total life insurance new annualized premium fell 3% in 2020, the number of policies sold in 2020 increased 2% for the year, driven by strong whole life and term sales, according to LIMRA’s U.S. Individual Retail Life Insurance Sales Survey. “In 2019, fourth quarter premium jumped 15% ahead of the mandatory adoption of the […]
Principal May Remain Largely Intact: KBW Analyst
{March 23rd, 2021} by Allison Bell
Principal Financial Group Inc. may come out of its strategic review with less life and annuity business on its books but with its current product strategy largely intact. Ryan Krueger, a securities analyst at Keefe, Bruyette & Woods (KBW), talked about that possibility in a recent life and annuity market commentary. KBW is part of […]
Awareness of simplified underwriting boosts chances people will buy life insurance
{March 23rd, 2021} by Insurance Forums Staff
While fully underwritten policies may net better deals, consumers seem to like simplified issue life insurance. While already underway prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, many life insurance policies are now underwritten through “simplified” or “streamlined” processes, which are less reliant on physical data (e.g., blood, urine, examination) and more reliant on readily available datasets (e.g., […]
Nationwide’s Sixth Annual Advisor Authority Study – Women’s Retirement
{March 23rd, 2021} by Gaining Perspective, featuring: Ann Bair and Lori Hall of Nationwide
As the COVID-19 pandemic wears on, women investors are more concerned about their finances and feel less prepared than they’ve been in years. Nearly three in four women with investable assets of $100,000 or more said the pandemic has negatively impacted their ability to retire. Ann Bair and Lori Hall present the findings from […]
Multi-Generational MERIT Insurance Services Secures Future Growth by Joining Integrity Platform
{March 23rd, 2021} by Integrity Marketing Group
DALLAS, March 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Integrity Marketing Group, LLC (“Integrity”), the nation’s largest independent distributor of life and health insurance products, today announced it has acquired MERIT Insurance Services (“MERIT”), a leading brokerage general agency (“BGA”) based in Hartford, Connecticut. As part of the acquisition, Jace Rosenbluth, President of MERIT, will become a Managing Partner with Integrity. Financial terms of the […]
Number of New U.S. Individual Life Policies Sold Rises: LIMRA
{March 23rd, 2021} by Allison Bell
U.S. consumers got more individual life insurance for less money in the fourth quarter of 2020, according to new insurer survey results from LIMRA. LIMRA found that insurers sold 2% more individual life policies in the latest quarter than in the year-earlier quarter. The total amount of coverage purchased increased 1%, but total new annualized premiums […]
Fixed Income Products in a Zero-Rate Market
{March 23rd, 2021} by John Ruth
It’s a relatively new thing in America that a large contingent of people publicly distrust those who create wealth. Yet, what started with Occupy Wall Street has culminated in a pitched battle where Wall Street, represented by hedge funds shorting GameStop, was roundly defeated by Main Street, represented by day traders taking the long position. […]
State Lawmakers Consider Remote Notarization Model
{March 23rd, 2021} by Allison Bell
A team of state insurance legislators wants to help people prove their signatures and documents are real without making in-person visits to notaries. The lawmakers, members of the National Council of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL), are working on a draft of a Remote Notarization Model Act. NCOIL included the draft model in a packet of materials for the group’s upcoming spring […]
Nine Northwestern Mutual Advisors Named to the Barron’s Top 1,200 Financial Advisors Ranking for 2021
{March 23rd, 2021} by Northwestern Mutual
MILWAUKEE, March 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Northwestern Mutual announced today that nine financial advisors affiliated with Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company have been named to the 2021 Barron’s Top 1,200 Financial Advisors ranking. “In an unprecedented year, our advisors and their teams remained deeply committed to providing comprehensive financial security to individuals and families,” said Aditi Javeri Gokhale, chief […]
AmeriLife Acquires Insurance 360; Expands Capabilities to Serve Term Life Insurance Market
{March 23rd, 2021} by AmeriLife Group, LLC
CLEARWATER, Fla., March 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — AmeriLife Group, LLC (“AmeriLife”), a national leader in developing, marketing, and distributing annuity, life, and health insurance solutions, has acquired Insurance 360, an insurance provider that offers term life, universal life, disability income, long-term care, and survivorship insurance policies from major insurance carriers. “Under President Scott Harper’s direction, Insurance 360 has become one of the […]
DALBAR Identifies the Top Account Statements
{March 23rd, 2021} by DALBAR, Inc
MARLBOROUGH, Mass., March 17, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The results of DALBAR‘s annual Trends and Best Practices in Investor Statements study are in, and BNY Mellon’s Pershing, BlackRock, Merrill and AIG all landed in the top spot within their respective lines of business. Pershing’s brokerage statement topped the list for the third consecutive year, achieving the highest brokerage statement score of […]
AmeriLife Announces SVP Of Strategy And Innovation
{March 23rd, 2021} by AmeriLife Group, LLC
CLEARWATER, Fla., March 17, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — AmeriLife Group, LLC (“AmeriLife”), a national leader in developing, marketing, and distributing annuity, life, health insurance and retirement planning solutions, has hired Galya Appell as senior vice president of Strategy and Innovation. In this role, Appell will lead the design, planning, execution, and integration of AmeriLife’s business strategies. She will work with senior leaders […]
Every Single Middle School Student Can Benefit From Financial Literacy Education According to New Study
{March 23rd, 2021} by EVERFI, MassMutual Foundation
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. & AMHERST, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Newly released findings from a two-year study of the efficacy of financial education on middle school students affirm significant knowledge gain in the subject matter, and advocates more such learning be provided to students in this age group. Conducted by the University of Massachusetts Donahue Institute (UMDI), the largest study […]
Protective to Host 2021 Company Update Webcast Wednesday, March 31 at 9am CDT
{March 23rd, 2021} by Protective Life
BIRMINGHAM, Ala.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Protective Life Corporation (“Protective”), a wholly owned U.S. subsidiary of Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc. (TSE:8750, “Dai-ichi”), will host a Company Update webcast on March 31, 2021, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. CDT. Company leaders will provide information about Protective’s 2020 financial results, current business strategy and 2021 outlook. The group will also take […]
New York Life Announces Strong 2020 Financial Results Underscoring Company’s Enduring Financial Strength
{March 23rd, 2021} by New York Life
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–New York Life, America’s largest1 and most admired2 mutual life insurer, today announced strong financial results for 2020 that highlight the company’s ability to successfully weather the unprecedented and challenging moments of 2020. New company highs with $27 billion in surplus, $702 billion in assets under management, $1.1 trillion in individual life insurance in force […]
FBL Financial Group Special Committee Sends Letter to Shareholders
{March 23rd, 2021} by FBL Financial Group, Inc.
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–FBL Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: FFG) (“FBL Financial Group” or “the Company”) today sent a letter to shareholders urging them to vote “FOR” the previously announced definitive agreement under which Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company (“FBPCIC”) will acquire all of the outstanding shares of FBL Financial Group Class A […]
Wells Fargo: Younger Women Are Increasingly Earning the Title of “Breadwinner”
{March 22nd, 2021} by Wells Fargo
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Women’s contributions to their family’s finances are growing, according to a new Wells Fargo study released today in conjunction with International Women’s Day. The study polled 2,195 women in households with $250,000 or more in assets or $100,000 or more in income about how they are feeling, responding to, and leading through uncertainty and […]
Why Index Flex is Going to Change the Annuities Game
{March 22nd, 2021} by dkorth@finsum.com (FINSUM)
The annuities world is generally not what most advisors would describe as “exciting”. Annuities are crucial products which fill a valuable void for millions of clients, but there is nothing in the space akin to a sizzling thematic ETF. However, New York Life recently launched a very interesting product that brings a degree of flexibility […]
American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) Responds to Social Media Misinformation About COVID-19 Vaccine
{March 16th, 2021} by ACLI
WASHINGTON, March 12, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) Senior Vice President, Policy Development Paul Graham issued the following statement on social media misinformation relating to COVID-19 vaccines: “A social media post appears to be behind the spread of entirely false information, suggesting a COVID-19 vaccine could be a factor a life insurer considers in […]
As Investors Seek Protection and Growth, Lincoln Level Advantage® Tops Registered Index-linked Annuity Sales In 2020
{March 16th, 2021} by Lincoln Financial Group
RADNOR, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–During a year when investors and financial professionals alike sought solutions that offered protection for retirement assets, Lincoln Financial Group’s (NYSE: LNC) industry-recognized annuity, Lincoln Level Advantage, surpassed $5 billion in sales – becoming the number one selling registered index-linked annuity (RILA) in the industry for 20201. Unpredictable markets were cited as the top […]
Life Insurers Are Not Denying Claims Based On Covid Vaccine, ACLI Says
{March 16th, 2021} by Targeted News Service
American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) Senior Vice President, Policy Development Paul Graham said social media is rife with misinformation relating to COVID-19 vaccines. “A social media post appears to be behind the spread of entirely false information, suggesting a COVID-19 vaccine could be a factor a life insurer considers in the claims-paying process. “The […]
Will Covid-19 Vaccination Disqualify You From Life Insurance? Here Are The Claims
{March 16th, 2021} by Bruce Y. Lee
What does getting a Covid-19 vaccine have to do with life insurance? Well, neither rhymes with the “porcupine.” But some on social media are claiming another link between the two: that receiving a Covid-19 vaccination may actually prevent you from receiving life insurance coverage. Click HERE to read the full story via Forbes. ACLI responds: […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Subsidiaries of CUNA Mutual Holding Company
{March 16th, 2021} 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+” of CMFG Life Insurance Company (CMFG Life) and MEMBERS Life Insurance Company (MEMBERS Life). Both companies are life/health subsidiaries of CUNA Mutual Holding Company (CUNA Mutual) and collectively referred to as CMFG […]
Infographic: Americans’ evolving financial priorities create opportunities for financial advisors
{March 16th, 2021} by Alan Goforth
Americans are serious about their finances in 2021, giving advisors an opportunity to help them reach their objectives. More than half of U.S. adults said their top New Year’s resolution is related to finances, according to a recent Harris poll conducted on behalf of the Million Dollar Round Table trade group. Among the key findings: Advisors made […]
Insurance leader reflects on “intentional risk-taking”
{March 16th, 2021} by Bethan Moorcraft
How many of you have engaged in a round of ‘Pass the Baby’ during your first ever meeting as the manager of a global insurance team? I’d hazard a guess at very few. That’s one of the unique experiences had by Julie Wood (pictured), managing director and Southeast Zonal leader at Marsh, and panelist at […]
SURVEY SAYS: Would You “Invest” in an Annuity?
{March 16th, 2021} by Rebecca Moore
Last week, I asked NewsDash readers, “Does your DC plan offer an annuity option as part of its investment lineup, and if it did, would you put some of your savings into it?” More than two-thirds (68.2%) of respondents work in a plan sponsor role, 18.2% are recordkeepers/TPAs/investment consultants and 13.6% are advisers/consultants. Click HERE […]
A black eye for FINRA? Brokers with checkered histories cast doubt on enforcement efforts
{March 16th, 2021} by Tobias Salinger
One advisor is in jail, accused of murdering a client for his life insurance money. Another was arrested on charges of child sex abuse. An alternative investment manager raised billions of dollars for funds now described by authorities as a Ponzi-like scheme by selling its risky and costly products through wealth managers. None of these […]
Volatility Control – When Less Is Mower
{March 16th, 2021} by Jeff Barnes
I have a friend who races riding lawn mowers. Yes, this is actually a thing. He even travels out of state to compete in races. Click HERE to read the full story via INN
Inspiring Women of Iowa award finalists announced
{March 16th, 2021} by N/A
Sixteen finalists in four categories for the annual Inspiring Women of Iowa award have been announced. The event, whose proceeds benefit the Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa, honors women of courage, confidence and character as well as people who make up the communities that support them. Courage Award finalists are Chelsea Krause, Sheryl Moore, Krista […]
Insurance Is an Asset Class: Idea File
{March 16th, 2021} by Allison Bell
Robin Raju has been head of individual retirement at Equitable’s individual retirement business for close to a year, and he has been with Equitable and its affiliates since 2004. He said one key shift he sees Equitable driving is an emphasis on showing how insurance fits in a client’s financial life. More and more, Equitable […]
Harry Dent: ‘Biggest Crash Ever’ Likely by End of June
{March 15th, 2021} by Jane Wollman Rusoff
Here’s Harry S. Dent Jr. taking the stock market’s temperature: It’s at fever pitch! “It’s the riskiest market since 1929,” he argues. And the U.S. economy? Ready to fall apart. “A huge collapse is coming. This thing will be hell.” That’s what “The Contrarian’s Contrarian,” as Dent has been dubbed, tells ThinkAdvisor in an interview. […]
Sales of Protection-Oriented U.S. Individual Annuities Continue to Rise
{March 15th, 2021} by Allison Bell
Many U.S. life insurers have been favoring sales of annuities with some built-in protection against loss of account value, especially with the rise of stock market volatility. That trend pushed up sales of what the Secure Retirement Institute classifies as protection-focused annuities in 2020, even as sales of what the organization classifies as income-focused annuities […]
AIG Hires Life & Retirement Separation Executive: Personnel Moves
{March 15th, 2021} by Allison Bell
American International Group Inc. has hired Lisa Buckingham to fill the newly created role of executive vice president and global head of AIG enterprise design and Life & Retirement separation initiatives. Buckingham will help the New York-based insurer separate the life insurance and annuities business from the rest of the company. Buckingham previously was executive […]
Integrity Marketing Acquires Copeland Group: Deals
{March 15th, 2021} by Allison Bell
Private equity-owned Integrity Marketing Group LLC has acquired Copeland Insurance Group. Integrity Marketing, a Dallas-based insurance market organization, has been buying many other smaller distributors. It has relationships with 340,000 agents. The Copeland Group is a Longview, Texas-based Medicare plan distributor that was founded by Mel Copeland in 1962. The firm now has about 130 employees […]
The Future Can Be Female: Starting the Finance CEO Pipeline Earlier
{March 15th, 2021} by Jane Carten
When I walk into a room and see a crowd full of white men over the age of 40, I know I’m in the right place. Lack of diversity in the asset management industry is a fact that is palpable. Earlier this fall, when Jane Fraser was announced as the next CEO of Citigroup, there […]
Unlocking the Benefits of a Reverse Rollover Strategy
{March 15th, 2021} by Robert Bloink and William H. Byrnes
The Labor Department’s recently released investment advice fiduciary standard has highlighted the importance of rollover decisions when it comes to retirement planning. When most clients think of rollovers, they think of the traditional 401(k)-to-IRA rollover — rollovers that might be employed several times throughout a typical client’s career, as they change employers over the years. The IRA-to-401(k) rollover — […]
Is a 4% Withdrawal Rate ‘Just Right’? It Depends.
{March 15th, 2021} by Ginger Szala
How much should your clients spend in retirement? Too much and they’ll go broke, too little and they could be unnecessarily sacrificing quality of life. Is there a “just-right” rate of withdrawal from retirement accounts? Morningstar portfolio strategist Amy C. Arnott examined this question in a recent column. As it has been explored many times by […]
Merrill Data Shows Benefits of Segmenting Clients Based on Wealth, Behavior — Not Age, Sex
{March 15th, 2021} by Jeff Berman
Merrill Lynch’s success with the digital adoption of its products and services shows why advisors and financial services firms should avoid targeting one demographic segment, according to April Rudin, a financial services marketing strategist and CEO of The Rudin Group. Click HERE to read the full story via ThinkAdvisor
New products bulletin
{March 15th, 2021} by Editorial Staff
Nationwide and Annexus partner on income-generating FIA; Equitable extends RILA feature to variable annuity; Securian offers new IOVA. Nationwide and Annexus partner on income-generating FIA Nationwide is partnering with Annexus, the prominent independent designer of fixed indexed annuities (FIAs), to issue Nationwide New Heights Select, which is built “on the foundation of 2020 top-selling income […]
Pandemic Hurt Annuity Sales in 2020
{March 15th, 2021} by Kerry Pechter
Overall US annuity sales volumes fell nine percent in 2020, to $219 billion in 2019, according to the Secure Retirement Institute (SRI) US Individual Annuity Sales Survey. Click HERE to read the full story via RIJ
Jackson National top seller of annuities in 2020
{March 15th, 2021} by InvestmentNews
With sales of $17.9 billion, Jackson National Life topped the total annuity sales chart in 2020. Click HERE to read the full story via InvestmentNews
Individual Life Application Activity Continues to Rise: MIB
{March 15th, 2021} by Allison Bell
More Americans applied in February to get themselves covered against the risk of death. Overall life insurance application activity was 7.3% higher last month than in February 2020, according to MIB Group Inc.’s latest individual life application activity report. In January, life application activity was up 3.9% from a year earlier. MIB is a Braintree, […]
Jackson Once Again Named “Call Center of the Year” by SQM
{March 15th, 2021} by Jackson National Life Insurance Company
LANSING, Mich.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jackson National Life Insurance Company® (Jackson®) was recognized with four awards from Service Quality Measurement Group, Inc. (SQM)1 for excellence in contact center service in 2020. For the second year in a row, Jackson was awarded SQM’s top honor — Call Center of the Year — for earning the highest combined ratings for customer and employee experience among a […]
Latest U.S. Primerica Survey Finds Americans Are Less Confident About Their Finances Compared to Three Months Prior
{March 15th, 2021} by Primerica
DULUTH, Ga.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The latest U.S. Middle-Income Financial Security Monitor from Primerica (NYSE: PRI) finds that the majority of middle-income families are still optimistic about their economic future, while many are experiencing financial stresses and are unprepared for the future. 57% say their financial situation is in good shape, while 59% report their income is falling behind the […]
Best’s Special Report: U.S. Life/Health Sector Credit Rating Upgrades Outnumber Downgrades in 2020
{March 15th, 2021} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Despite the pandemic, the U.S. life/health industry saw positive Credit Rating action in 2020, with the number of downgrades and ratings put under review declining compared with the previous year, according to a new AM Best report. The Best’s Special Report, titled, “Life/Health Rating Upgrades Outnumber Downgrades in 2020,” states that rating upgrades remained essentially flat […]
Millennial and Gen Z Workers Are Struggling Most During the Pandemic
{March 15th, 2021} by The Standard
PORTLAND, Ore.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–One year into the COVID-19 pandemic, a new study shows younger workers (ages 18 – 40) are struggling the most with mental health and substance abuse. Fifty-nine percent of Millennials and 71% of Gen Z workers now report mental health issues as compared to 22% of Boomers and 35% of Gen Xers. Serious […]
David Lacusky to Lead Next-Generation Sales Strategy at Global Atlantic
{March 15th, 2021} by Global Atlantic Financial Group
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Global Atlantic Financial Group, a leading annuity and life insurance company, today announced the appointment of David Lacusky as Senior Vice President and Director of Strategy & Internal Sales for Individual Markets. He will report to Global Atlantic’s Head of Sales, Sam Barnett. “Dave is a proven, growth-oriented sales executive, and I’m thrilled […]
Lincoln Financial Group Names John Kennedy President of Lincoln Financial Distributors
{March 15th, 2021} by Lincoln Financial Group
RADNOR, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Lincoln Financial Group (NYSE:LNC) today announced that it has appointed John Kennedy as executive vice president and president of Lincoln Financial Distributors (LFD). He will be a member of Lincoln’s Senior Management Committee and report to Lincoln president and CEO Dennis R. Glass. The company also announced that Ellen Cooper, executive vice president, […]
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of RBC Life Insurance Company
{March 15th, 2021} 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+” of RBC Life Insurance Company (RBC Life) (Mississauga, Ontario). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. The ratings reflect RBC Life’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very […]
Aflac Brings Laughs to Help Ease Pain During March Madness®
{March 15th, 2021} by Aflac
COLUMBUS, Ga., March 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Aflac, a leading provider of supplemental insurance products in the U.S., is preparing for The Big Dance® with a bracket-busting campaign to connect with over 150 million passionate basketball fans who are missing the traditional March Madness experience. Developed in partnership with DDB New York, the campaign, which marks […]
Guardian Life Enters Partnership with Team Rubicon to Scale Vaccine Distribution Across the U.S.
{March 15th, 2021} by Guardian
NEW YORK, March 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian Life) announced a health equity initiative to mobilize distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine in partnership with veteran-led disaster response organization, Team Rubicon. Through both grant funding and a volunteer activation of its dental provider network, financial representatives, and employees, Guardian Life’s partnership will advance […]
Pan-American Life Insurance Group Announces Data Security Incident
{March 15th, 2021} by PALIG
NEW ORLEANS, March 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Pan-American Life Insurance Group (PALIG) shared information today regarding a data security incident. On February 19, 2021, PALIG detected suspicious activity within its computer systems and on March 9, 2021, it confirmed that some policyholder and beneficiary information, like name, address and date of birth, was taken. It also appears that a […]
National Western Life Group, Inc. Announces 2020 Full Year and Fourth Quarter Earnings
{March 15th, 2021} by Northwestern Mutual
AUSTIN, Texas, March 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Ross R. Moody, Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer of National Western Life Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: NWLI), announced today 2020 consolidated net earnings of $92.3 million, or $26.11 per diluted Class A common share, compared with consolidated net earnings of $131.6 million, or $37.22 per diluted Class A common share, for 2019. The Company’s book […]
Insurance Related Activities Industry | BizVibe Adds New Insurance Companies Which Can Be Discovered and Tracked
{March 15th, 2021} by BizVibe
NEW YORK, March 12, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — BizVibe has expanded the number of companies which can now be discovered and tracked for their insurance related activities industry group. Companies listed under the NAICS category for insurance related activities are defined as being primarily engaged in selling annuities and insurance policies and/or providing other employee benefits and insurance […]
Nationwide and Envestnet | MoneyGuide Join Forces to Help Advisors Incorporate Income Solutions into a Financial Plan
{March 15th, 2021} by Envestnet | MoneyGuide; Nationwide
COLUMBUS, Ohio and RICHMOND, Va., March 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Nearly three in four (72%) investors said the pandemic has negatively impacted their ability to retire, according to Nationwide’s sixth annual Advisor Authority Study, powered by the Nationwide Retirement Institute. Now, Nationwide, one of the strongest, diversified, Fortune 100 insurance and financial services companies, and Envestnet | MoneyGuide, the creator of a leading […]
Aegon appoints Will Fuller as President and CEO of Transamerica
{March 15th, 2021} by Aegon
THE HAGUE, Netherlands–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Aegon announced today that Will Fuller (50, American), formerly Executive Vice President of Lincoln Group, will succeed Mark Mullin as President and CEO of Transamerica, and as a member of the Management Board of Aegon N.V., effective March 31, 2021. Mark Mullin, who served as President and CEO for 11 years, will […]
Investment Advice Rule Could Still End Up Back In Court
{March 15th, 2021} by John Hilton
The Department of Labor has settled on an investment advice rule that was written by the Trump administration and allowed to take effect by the Biden administration — so the rules should finally be clear, right? Not quite. There could be plenty more changes in store before the investment advice rule is finally in place, […]
RIAs are warming up to remote work
{March 15th, 2021} by Jeff Benjamin
It’s been a year since John Middleton gathered his four employees at Brighton Financial Planning to announce what was supposed to be two weeks of working from home, and now he doesn’t know if his advisory firm will ever return to being a full-time in-office business. Click HERE to read the full story via InvestmentNews
Covid could leave its mark on longevity assumptions
{March 15th, 2021} by Emile Hallez
There are various factors beyond Covid infections to consider, some of which could have a positive effect on life expectancy, and other that could take away from it, according to a recent report published by longevity-risk consulting firm Club Vita. Life expectancy in the U.S. dropped by one year in 2020 as a result of […]
Impact: Learning from Leaders
{March 15th, 2021} by Sheryl J. Moore
Tune in with Marshall Heitzman, CFP®, ChFC, FLMI and the team at CUNA Mutual Group Annuities, as I talk about why Structured Annuities make TOTAL SENSE in today’s market environment. Make sure to wear your green, and I’ll give you some tips that will help you to be seeing green! -sjm Wink’s Note: […]
A Conversation With David Levenson Life, Revisited
{March 15th, 2021} by P.E. Kelly
Something happened in 2020 that caught the attention of many in the financial planning industry. As the world, its people and its industries began to realize the size and scope of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the subsequent and staggering consequences and challenges it imposed, consumers in the U.S. began to think more seriously about life […]
Why Annuities Are So Helpful in Today’s Market Environment
{March 15th, 2021} by Lee Barney
“It is a real challenge for retirees today that people are living longer, with retirements now lasting 20 to 30 years and interest rates being so low,” said Jonathan Barth, registered investment adviser (RIA) consultant with DPL Financial Partners, speaking during a webinar the company sponsored, titled, “Practical Market Assumptions for Today’s Retirement Realities: Why […]
10 Things You May Not Notice In Your Life Insurance Policy, But Should
{March 15th, 2021} by Tony Steuer and Amy Danise
A life insurance policy can be long and complex, with over-lawyered details in a small font. You may rely on your life insurance agent to steer you toward a good policy and tell you the crucial details. But an agent might not touch on everything you should know. Here are 10 things you may not […]
A personal note to the Advisors Excel extended-family
{March 14th, 2021} by Sheryl J. Moore
I’ve been hurting since I heard about this on Saturday morning. I wasn’t close with Josh Jones from Advisors Excel, he wouldn’t tell you that I was his “friend.” But, I will tell you this- – He IS a child of God. – He IS in Heaven now. (I’ve asked my son to give him a big […]
Women!
{March 9th, 2021} by Sheryl J. Moore
We need to have one big conference for women, and get all of our female resources to attend so that we can quit TALKING about the matter of increasing the number of women in financial services, and finally JUST DO IT! -sjm Let’s gather the following into 1 room: 1. The The American College of […]
Apollo and Athene to Merge in All-Stock Transaction
{March 9th, 2021} by Apollo and Athene
Apollo to Move to Single Share Class with “One Share, One Vote” Transaction will be Substantially Accretive Proforma Company with Industry-leading Corporate Governance to be S&P 500 Eligible Companies to Host Conference Call Today at 8:30 am EST NEW YORK and HAMILTON, Bermuda, March 08, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Apollo (NYSE: APO) and Athene (NYSE: […]
Nationwide Announces Launch of Nationwide New Heights® Select Fixed Indexed Annuity
{March 9th, 2021} by Annexus, Nationwide
COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Nationwide, one of the strongest, diversified, Fortune 100 insurance and financial services companies, has joined with product development partner Annexus, the premier independent designer of fixed indexed annuities (FIAs), to announce the launch of Nationwide New Heights® Select, built on the foundation of 2020’s #1 selling income FIA with a guaranteed […]
Maximizing a Client’s Variable Annuity Income
{March 9th, 2021} by James Kavanagh
Insurers are fixated on in-the-moneyness (ITM), so should you be. There have been several articles published recently about the challenge that insurance companies have in forecasting variable annuity policyholders’ behavior, such as how policyholders manage and make decisions about their contracts. Getting it right is critical to insurers’ profitability. Their big concern is when a variable […]
Apollo Reabsorbs Athene in All-Stock Deal That Values Firm at $11 Billion
{March 9th, 2021} by Miriam Gottfried and Leslie Scism
Apollo Global Management Inc. APO -4.24% said it is buying the portion of Athene Holding Ltd. it doesn’t already own, in a move to consolidate the investment giant’s ownership of its highly successful insurance affiliate. For Apollo, which owns 35% of Athene already and has a long-term agreement to manage its assets, the merger is […]
Prudential PLC Plans to Part With Jackson by June 30
{March 9th, 2021} by Allison Bell
Executives at Prudential PLC talked Wednesday about becoming a “pure-play Asia and Africa business” and removing Jackson Holdings LLC from its corporate family. “We have two key priorities,” Mike Wells, Prudential’s group CEO, said during a conference call the company held to go over its 2020 earnings with securities analysts. “One is to pursue at […]
Apollo to Acquire Athene Through $11B Deal
{March 9th, 2021} by Allison Bell
Apollo Global Management Inc. is moving to gain full control over Athene Holding Ltd., a large life insurer. The companies announced Monday that they have agreed to merge by swapping stock, through a transaction that implies a $11 billion total value for Athene. The combined company would have a market capitalization, or total stock value, of $29 […]
Adding Whole Life Insurance Cash Value As A Volatility Buffer In Retirement
{March 9th, 2021} by Wade Pfau
This article is part of a series. Click here to read the previous articles. The next potential use for whole life insurance in lifetime financial planning is using the cash value as a volatility buffer asset to help manage the sequence-of-returns risk for investment portfolio distributions. Retirement spending can be sourced to the cash value after a market […]
Kansas City Life Announces Fourth Quarter 2020 Results
{March 9th, 2021} by Kansas City Life Insurance Company
KANSAS CITY, Mo., March 5, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Kansas City Life Insurance Company recorded a net loss of $0.8 million or $0.07 per share in the fourth quarter of 2020 compared to net income of $10.6 million or $1.09 per share in the fourth quarter of 2019. Net income totaled $15.2 million or $1.57 per share for the year ended December 31, 2020, down from $24.4 million or $2.52 per share for the year ended December […]
Insure Provides Guide to Insurance for the Unemployed in 2021
{March 9th, 2021} by Insure
FOSTER CITY, Calif., March 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Insure.com, a resource for auto, home, health and life insurance, provides timely guidance to those who are struggling with job loss. Topics reviewed in the insurance guide to unemployment include: Unemployment benefits. State unemployment insurance programs provide temporary cash benefits to qualifying workers, with varying eligibility requirements. Experts explain how to access this support. […]
Transamerica Introduces Annuity Rider with Guaranteed Protection
{March 9th, 2021} by Transamerica
BALTIMORE, March 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Transamerica announced today the availability of an optional variable annuity rider for investors seeking protection from market downturns and the opportunity to grow assets and build wealth. The Transamerica Principal OptimizerSM offers protection from market losses on an investor’s principal and earnings, the potential of uncapped investment growth, and the freedom to invest […]
More Women Report Prioritizing Day-to-Day Expenses Over Their Financial Future Because of the Pandemic
{March 9th, 2021} by Lincoln Financial Group
RADNOR, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–One-third of women say they are struggling to make ends meet, according to new research from Lincoln Financial Group (NYSE: LNC). The company’s January 2021 Consumer Sentiment Tracker found that while men are more focused on financial issues like the impact of taxes, stock market volatility and long-term-care expenses, women report the pandemic has resulted […]
Equitable Adds Protection Features to its Tax-Deferred Variable Annuity
{March 9th, 2021} by Equitable
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Equitable, a leading financial services organization and principal franchise of Equitable Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: EQH), today announced enhancements to its Investment Edge® tax-deferred variable annuity designed to give clients a level of protection against market volatility while preserving their ability to participate in market growth. The latest version of Investment Edge adds an investment choice with partial […]
Matt Goolsby Named United Life Insurance Company’s Agent of the Year
{March 9th, 2021} by United Life Insurance Company
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Matt Goolsby of Market Advisory Group in Wichita, Kan., was recently honored as the 2020 Agent of the Year for United Life Insurance Company. This prestigious award is given annually by United Life to an agent who has demonstrated leadership in the industry, strong values, balanced life insurance and annuity growth, as […]
Best’s Market Segment Report: Despite Navigating Pandemic Well in 2020, U.S. Life/Annuity Industry Not Out of the Woods Yet
{March 9th, 2021} by AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Most rated U.S. life/annuity (L/A) insurance companies have remained well-capitalized during the pandemic to date, and have benefited from favorable mortality and morbidity experience, low credit impairments and rebounding equity markets. However, according to AM Best’s annual Review & Preview market segment report, the sales process remains a challenge, with economic risks carrying over into 2021. […]
Securian Financial Introduces New Investment-Only Variable Annuity
{March 9th, 2021} by Securian Financial
ST. PAUL, Minn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Securian Financial has launched MultiOption® Momentum, an investment-only variable annuity (IOVA) offering a distinctive combination of both indexed and variable investment options in a tax-deferred, variable annuity. Issued by Minnesota Life Insurance Company, MultiOption Momentum gives financial professionals a new, competitive choice to build retirement portfolios for their clients. “MultiOption Momentum is […]
Total U.S. Annuity Industry Considerations Fall
{March 9th, 2021} by Allison Bell
U.S. life insurance businesses did better, in terms of revenue, than U.S. annuity businesses did in 2020. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners, a Kansas City, Missouri-based group for insurance regulators, has published data supporting that conclusion in its latest life and fraternal market share report. Click HERE to read the full story via ThinkAdvisor
JPMorgan, Goldman, Wells CEOs Among ‘Most Overpaid’
{March 9th, 2021} by Alex Padalka
The heads of JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs, Wells Fargo, Ameriprise and Citigroup are among the 100 most overpaid chief executives in the nation, according to one corporate responsibility research group that looks at compensation and shareholder returns. As You Sow says it evaluates CEO pay at all S&P 500 firms using data from Institutional Shareholder Services, […]
Leaving LIBOR: The Most Significant Event in Modern Financial History
{March 9th, 2021} by Richard Sandor
Financial products based on LIBOR are estimated at $200 trillion globally making the upcoming transition away from the LIBOR at the end of the year one of the most significant events in financial markets in history. Click HERE to read the full story
Uptick in Interest in Life Insurance During the Pandemic
{March 9th, 2021} by Tim Kehrer and Steve Lipker, Kehrer Bielan Research & Consulting
The COVID-19 pandemic has now witnessed an increase in the number of U.S. households that acknowledge that they do not have sufficient life insurance coverage, after its decline since 2012. According to Larry Cohen, director of the Consumer Financial Decisions [CFD] Group at Strategic Business Insights, “Because attitudes change before behaviors do, attitude trends directionally […]
Imagine The Future Of Illustrations
{March 9th, 2021} by Chris W. Kite
Updated Indexed Universal Life (IUL) illustration regulations are upon us! A long and winding road for regulators and carriers. Will illustrations get even longer? Similar to what John Lennon sings in Across the Universe, words and numbers are flowing out like endless rain into a paper cup … But we are seeing some shorter illustrations […]
Update – Aon’s $30B Bid for Willis Towers Watson Faces EU Antitrust Warning: Reuters
{March 9th, 2021} by Foo Yun Chee
BRUSSELS – Aon will face a list of objections by the EU’s antitrust watchdog which it must overcome with concessions to proceed with its $30 billion bid for Willis Towers Watson, two people familiar with the matter said. The negotiations may derail Aon’s goal of closing the deal in the first half of the year […]
New York Life Insurance to pay $10.9 million for improper annuity swapping
{March 9th, 2021} by Reuters Staff
(Reuters) – New York Life Insurance & Annuity Corporation has agreed to pay $10.9 million in compensation and penalties for causing clients to switch their existing annuities to a plan that generated less income, the state’s insurance regulator said on Tuesday. The insurer did not properly disclose income comparisons and suitability information of the annuity […]
Knighthead Annuity Celebrates A Rising Star
{March 9th, 2021} by Knighthead Annuity & Life Assurance Company
GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands , March 02, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Knighthead Annuity & Life Assurance Company is pleased to announce that Senior Operations Manager Anika Hewitt has been selected by the Banking Insurance & Securities Association’s (“BISA”) Diversity and Inclusion Committee to be a part of the 2021 Rising Star Class. Ms. Hewitt will […]
The Fateful Date
{March 9th, 2021} by John Hilton
For young Stephen Kagawa, the date meant a chance to have a nice dinner with a lady and who knows where things might lead? That the evening changed his life is not the surprising part. That it matched him to a lifelong love for life insurance and financial planning is. Click HERE to read the […]
Athene-Apollo Deal Opens Door Wider For Annuities
{March 9th, 2021} by John Hilton
Apollo Global Management is fully absorbing Athene Holding in a blockbuster $11 billion merger deal that further opens the door for annuities in traditional financial planning. Apollo co-founders Marc Rowan, Leon Black and Josh Harris funded Athene as a separate annuity company in 2009. The investment firm is Athene’s biggest shareholder, with Apollo and related […]
Insured Retirement Institute wants more worker access to plans, annuities
{March 9th, 2021} by Mark Schoeff Jr.
Annuities are an answer to one of the most vexing worries that Americans face – outliving their money in retirement, IRI leaders said. But a critic countered that the products need to come with more investor protections. When the SECURE Act was approved by Congress in late 2019, it was hailed as a landmark retirement savings […]
Principal, Red Cross sued over 401(k)s
{March 9th, 2021} by Emile Hallez
Principal Financial is facing fresh claims over the handling of its 401(k) plan, several years after the insurer settled a separate class-action case for $11 million. Click HERE to read the full story via InvestmentNews.
Clock starts ticking on November 2022 compliance for SEC ad rule
{March 9th, 2021} by Mark Schoeff Jr.
Investment advisers registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission have until November 2022 to comply with the agency’s new marketing rule. But that doesn’t mean they can relax, because compliance will be a heavy lift that should start now, experts said. Click HERE to read the full story via InvestmentNews
Commonwealth Financial to recruiters: Lay off MassMutual reps
{March 9th, 2021} by Bruce Kelly
Commonwealth Financial Network, a leading broker-dealer and registered investment adviser, took the unusual step this week of telling outside, third-party recruiters to back away from referring reps from MML Investors Services, the broker-dealer arm of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co., known as MassMutual, a leading insurance and retirement company. Click HERE to read the full […]
25-year-old advisor launches new Harlem office of Northwestern Mutual
{March 9th, 2021} by Tobias Salinger
Just seven years after landing an internship with Northwestern Mutual as a college student, a financial advisor launched a new office of the giant insurer and wealth manager. Anthony Williams leads a team of four representatives and four other staff members who opened the new office in New York City on Feb. 19, he said […]
Machine Learning Can Help The Insurance Industry Throughout The Process Lifecycle
{March 9th, 2021} by David A. Teich
Insurance works with large amounts of data, about many individuals, many instances requiring insurance, and many factors involved in solving the claims. To add to the complexity, not all insurance is alike. Life insurance and automobile insurance are not (as far as I know) the same thing. There are many similar processes, but data and […]
Courage Award Finalist
{March 9th, 2021} by Wink's Intel Pros
Congratulations to our CEO and Chief Storyteller on being a finalist for the Courage Award, presented by the Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa at the 2021 Inspiring Women of Iowa event. Courage Award Finalists Chelsea Krause Rockwell Automation, Burn Boot Camp Ankeny & Clive Iowa Sheryl Moore Wink, Inc. Krista Tedrow South Central Iowa […]
Sammons Financial Group Announces Changes to the Shared Services Team
{March 9th, 2021} by Sammons Financial Group
Seth Nailor named Vice President of Agency Services WEST DES MOINES, Iowa, March 08, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sammons® Financial Group, Inc. has named Seth Nailor as vice president of agency services. In his new role, Nailor is responsible for setting strategic direction and leading agent contracting and agent compensation functions for Sammons Financial Group and its lines of […]
