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Archive for May 2014

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  • DIY Not The Best Approach In Making Financial Decisions

    {May 9th, 2014} by N/A

    NEW YORK, May 8, 2014 — Guardian Life Insurance, one of the nation’s largest mutual life insurers and a leading provider of employee benefits, announced new findings from its second annual Guardian Workplace Benefits Study that reveal while four in 10 employees identify themselves as DIYers (Do-It-Yourselfers) when it comes to making financial decisions, they […]

    MetLife Remains Committed To Annuities

    {May 9th, 2014} by Cyril Tuohy

    Despite a drop in annuities sales as part of the company’s strategy to adjust its risk exposures, MetLife’s top executive said the company remains committed to the annuities business. MetLife pulled back on the sale of annuities in recent years, falling to the No. 8 spot at the end of last year from the No. […]

    AIG Settles With Treasury After Cuba Sanctions Breaches

    {May 9th, 2014} by Jeff Jeffrey

    WASHINGTON – American International Group Inc. has agreed to a $279,038 settlement with the U.S. Treasury Department over allegations the company violated long-standing sanctions on Cuba. Treasury alleged two AIG subsidiaries in Canada ran afoul of Cuban assets control regulations more than 3,500 times. The total base penalty amount for the apparent violations was $413,390, […]

    Boomer, Gen X women anxious over retirement

    {May 8th, 2014} by Nick Thornton

    Only 30 percent of boomer women and 13 percent of Generation X women have high levels of confidence in acquiring enough savings for a comfortable retirement, according to research from the Insured Retirement Institute. “Until we see more women feeling better about their household finances and the economy, we do not expect to see high […]

    Pimco gets support from CEO of parent Allianz

    {May 8th, 2014} by Bloomberg News

    Allianz SE, defending its Pacific Investment Management Co. unit against shareholder criticism over declining returns and management infighting, said the bond manager has been a very profitable investment since the German insurer took it over in 1999. “We have more than earned back all the expenses spent on the purchase of Pimco over the past […]

    7 top social media myths for financial advisors debunked

    {May 7th, 2014} by Amy McIlwain

    Despite compliance concerns, financial service professionals are successfully using social media to gain and maintain business. The challenge for advisors has been to determine the best way to use social media, while combating common social media myths in the financial services industry. Here are the top seven social media myths debunked. Myth #1: There are […]

    Paulson sees substantial upside for Genworth if firm splits

    {May 7th, 2014} by Zachary Tracer and Kelly Bit

    (Bloomberg) — Billionaire hedge fund investor John Paulson said Genworth Financial Inc. shares will probably rally as the company divests a stake in an Australian unit, and could gain further if the insurer splits itself in two. “If the company chooses to spin off its mortgage-insurance and other life-insurance businesses into two separate companies, there […]

    Top 10 best jobs of the future: 2014

    {May 7th, 2014} by Janet Levaux

    The U.S. economy gained 304,000 jobs in April, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it will be easy for many individuals to find employment in 2014 or over the next decade. To boost your chances, of course, it’s probably worth targeting jobs that are experiencing rapid growth and have decent pay scales – such as work […]

    AALU speakers probe court, IRS rulings buffeting the

    {May 7th, 2014} by Warren S. Hersch

    Warning: If you sell a life insurance policy to an individual whom a court later determinates has no insurable interest in the insured, be prepared to return the sales commission — all of it. This cautionary note, among others, was the focus of a wide-ranging panel discussion at the 2014 annual meeting of Association for […]

    FIAs Are The Solution For Worst-Case Scenarios

    {May 7th, 2014} by Linda Koco

    Wealth manager Michael Fein is no stranger to variable annuities. But he has decided that he likes fixed index annuities better because “you can use them for worst-case scenarios.” This entails going through everything in the portfolio and assessing what growth and income will look like in a worst-case scenario, using guarantees and net of […]

    Insurer Allianz Faces Shareholder Grilling over Pimco

    {May 7th, 2014} by Jonathan Gould

    Top Allianz executives face a grilling on Wednesday from shareholders worried about a wobbly performance at its U.S-based Pimco fund management business.  Europe’s biggest insurer has made a strong comeback from the financial crisis, generating record first-quarter revenue of €34 billion ($47.37 billion) this year, which it said puts it on track to achieve its […]

    Need More Credentials? Clients Think So

    {May 7th, 2014} by Andrew Welsch

    BOSTON – It’s not just alphabet soup after an advisor’s name. Investors not only want their advisors to earn extra credentials, but to also undertake additional training and education in order to maintain those credentials, a new study by IMCA finds. More than 60% of the 1,200 investors surveyed said they want their advisor to […]

    Kelli Grass Named Senior Vice President At LifeMark Partners

    {May 7th, 2014} by Bill Shelow

    BALTIMORE – May 7, 2014 – Kelli Grass has been promoted to senior vice president of LifeMark Partners. LifeMark, based in Baltimore, is one of the nation’s largest independent national insurance marketing organizations. LifeMark President Bill Shelow said Grass, who has served as vice president of operations since 2004, demonstrated strong leadership skills throughout her […]

    AALU to Congress: Don’t touch our products

    {May 7th, 2014} by Warren S. Hersch

    Tax law changes proposed in a discussion draft of the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee could prove devastating to the industry, notably in respect to sales of permanent life insurance products used to fund non-qualified deferred compensation plans for business executives. So warned the AALU executive leadership team during the opening general session of […]

    LIMRA Names Alison Salka As New Director of Research

    {May 7th, 2014} by LIMRA

    WINDSOR, Conn., May 6. 2014 — LIMRA today announced it has promoted Alison Salka, Ph.D., to senior vice president and director of LIMRA research. She succeeds Robert Baranoff, who retired April 1, ending a 33-year career at LIMRA. As head of research, Salka will be responsible for determining and implementing the strategy and direction of […]

    E-Cigs Cloud Life Underwriting

    {May 7th, 2014} by Josh Jackson

    Everyone seems to be weighing in on “e-cigarettes” – from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to WebMD to major news outlets such as CNN and everyone in between. What are e-cigarettes, and why are they all the buzz in the life insurance industry today? All smoking-related puns aside – what’s the deal with e-cigs? […]

    Adopting the NAIC Model

    {May 6th, 2014} by Fran Matso Lysiak

    State action on annuity sales suitability is predicted for 2014 following the Federal Insurance Office report. Source: Best’s Review (March 2014 Issue)The annuity industry is gearing up for action in the states on annuity sales suitability laws after the release of the Federal Insurance Office’s report recommending that every state adopt and enforce the National […]

    Accordia Life Launches New Life Insurance Business

    {May 6th, 2014} by Business Wire

    DES MOINES, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Today, Accordia Life announces the launch of its Des Moines-based life insurance company focused on delivering competitive life insurance solutions through its network of seasoned distribution partners and life insurance professionals. “We are building an innovative new life insurance company, leveraging the talents of our seasoned industry professionals and our expertise in […]

    National Annuity Awareness Month

    {May 6th, 2014} by SAFE

    JUNE IS NATIONAL ANNUITY AWARENESS MONTH During the month of June, fellow trade associations will provide educational material, webcasts and social media communications to help educate financial professionals and the public on the important role annuity products play in helping Americans save for retirement as part of a secure retirement savings plan. An array of […]

    Sammons Retirement Solutions® Inc. Launches The LiveWell® Fixed Index Annuity

    {May 6th, 2014} by Sammons Retirement Solutions

    WEST DES MOINES, Iowa, May 05, 2014 (BUSINESS WIRE) –Sammons Retirement Solutions® Inc. which administers simple, innovative and straightforward solutions to help individual investors live well in retirement, has launched the LiveWell® Fixed Index Annuity (FIA), issued by Midland National® Life Insurance Company. This new addition to the LiveWell® Retirement Series, provides independent financial professionals […]

    Partners Advantage Unveils Exclusive Coaching Program For Financial Professionals

    {May 6th, 2014} by Partners Advantage Insurance Services

    Riverside, CA (May 6, 2014) – An exclusive new coaching program from Partners Advantage Insurance Services, LLC will commence on June 11, 2014. The Advanced Coaching and Business Building Program will leverage the experienced coaching skills of two nationally recognized leaders in the financial services industry – Anthony Morris and Tom Hegna. Financial professionals who […]

    AIG preparing for federal regulation

    {May 6th, 2014} by Arthur D. Postal

    American International Group is reducing its stock buybacks to bulk up its capital as part of its efforts to transition to federal oversight as a systemically important financial institution (SIFI), president and CEO Robert Benmosche acknowledged today. As part of that effort, AIG is supporting legislation proposed last week in both the House and Senate […]

    Three Generations Face Very Different Retirements

    {May 6th, 2014} by Wire reports

    Three generations face very different retirements Today, nonprofitTransamerica Center for Retirement Studies (“TCRS”) released new research evaluating the effects of what is commonly referred to as the Great Recession on American workers and their retirement outlook. “2014 represents a confluence of economic and demographic occurrences,” saidCatherine Collinson, president of TCRS. “As the U.S. economy and […]

    The Industry Must Remain Vigilant Against Attempts at Taxation

    {May 6th, 2014} by Larry Barton

    They’re at it again. Our members of Congress continue to sift through the president’s budget package and will continue to do so until their summer break. Before they go home and shake hands with the voters, you have a stake in asking your congressional representatives if they actually read about the target on your clients’ […]

    Iowa Commissioner Reprimands Ameritas

    {May 6th, 2014} by Targeted News Service

    DES MOINES, Iowa, May 5 — The Iowa Department of Commerce’s Insurance Division issued the following news release: Iowa Insurance Commissioner Nick Gerhart today announced that he has reprimanded the licenses of Ameritas Investment Corporation and Ricky Small, its former supervisor, both of Lincoln, NE. Commissioner Gerhart and his office regulate both the business of insurance and the sale of securities in Iowa. Ameritas Investment Corporation and Ricky Small were […]

    A.M. Best Affirms Ratings of Sun Life Financial Inc. and Its Subsidiaries

    {May 6th, 2014} by Proquest LLC

    A.M. Best has affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of A+ (Superior) and issuer credit ratings (ICR) of “aa-” of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (Sun Life) (Ontario, Canada) and Sun Life and Health Insurance Company (U.S.) (SLHIC) (Windsor, CT)-the core insurance subsidiaries ofSun Life Financial Inc. (SLF) (Ontario, Canada) [NYSE:SLF]. Concurrently,A.M. Best has […]

    Lincoln Financial CEO: More Focus on Products Without Long-Dated Guarantees

    {May 6th, 2014} by Fran Matso Lysiak

    RADNOR, Pa. – Lincoln National Corp. is increasing its emphasis on products without long-dated guarantees and recently completed repricing most of its product portfolio, said its chief executive officer as the company’s first-quarter profit rose 36.7%. Net income rose to $329 million. Total revenues increased 11.8% to $3.2 billion. The company had a very good […]

    (Not) leaving your legacy

    {May 5th, 2014} by Michael P. Voelker

    It’s safe to say that you won’t find any punch card readers in use at insurance companies anymore, and you’d probably be hard-pressed to even find a typewriter. Those two machines were instrumental to record keeping and data processing at insurers for decades but, ultimately, they made way for a new generation of business technology. […]

    Retirement crisis is a catastrophe for women

    {May 5th, 2014} by Andrea Coombes

    If there’s a retirement-savings crisis in the U.S., women will bear the brunt of it. They tend to earn less money than men, and to leave the workforce more than men do to care for others. Plus, thanks to longer life spans, women, on average, need more money to fund a longer retirement. “Women face […]

    Berkshire profit slips 3.8% on insurance

    {May 5th, 2014} by Noah Buhayar, Zachary Tracer

    (Bloomberg) — Berkshire Hathaway Inc. reported a 3.8% decline in first-quarter profit, as underwriting results declined at insurance businesses and on reduced earnings from Chairman Warren Buffett’s derivatives wagers. Net income slipped to $4.71 billion, or $2,862 a share, from $4.89 billion, or $2,977, a year earlier, the Omaha, Nebraska-based company said yesterday. The decrease […]

    AIG, Prudential Financial on Federal Reserve’s List of 15 Firms for Extra Supervision

    {May 5th, 2014} by Craig Torres

    The Federal Reserve released a list of 15 firms that merit an extra layer of supervision because they pose heightened systemic risks, including JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Bank of America Corp. The tally published on the Fed’s website today listed the four largest U.S. lenders, the biggest clearing and custody banks such as Bank […]

    Consumer Confusion Begs for Advisors’ Direction on Annuities

    {May 5th, 2014} by Linda Koco

    Cerulli analysts were struck by the naiveté they found in the answers to a survey of older 401(k) participants regarding retirement income expectations. Their conclusion produced an enlightening perspective on the need for advisor-sold annuities. In 2013, the analysts posed the question to people age 55 and older who were active participants in 401(k) plans. […]

    3 reasons to replace the stretch IRA with life insurance

    {May 5th, 2014} by Ed Slott

    No one is a bigger fan of the so called “stretch IRA” than me. I’ve been touting its benefits for over 20 years. The stretch IRA is a term that describes how an inherited IRA can be extended (“stretched”) over the lifetime of an individual IRA beneficiary if the IRA was set up properly and […]

    3 annuity industry innovations you should know about

    {May 5th, 2014} by Emily Holbrook

    It’s true – many do not immediately think of the insurance industry when they think about product innovation. But, among other things, we’re trying to change that stigma. From a breast cancer tumor calculator to health care ministries to annuity mobile apps, the insurance industry, whether deservedly recognized or not, is an innovation juggernaut. Click […]

    Fixed annuity sales receiving added scrutiny from Finra

    {May 5th, 2014} by Bruce Kelly and Darla Mercado

    With broker-dealers selling a bigger share of indexed annuities, securities regulators are taking a closer look at policies and procedures around clients exchanging or giving up variable annuities in order to put those assets into products such as equity [fixed] indexed annuities. Broker-dealers are becoming more of a force in the world of indexed annuities, […]

    Global Atlantic Financial establishes new insurance business Accordia Life

    {May 5th, 2014} by IBR Staff Writer

    Multi-line insurance and reinsurance company Global Atlantic Financial Group has formed a new life insurance subsidiary Accordia Life in US, as part of its plan to boost footprint in the country’s life insurance segment. Accordia Life, formerly Aviva life, a life insurance division of the Aviva USA, was acquired by Commonwealth Annuity and Life Insurance […]

    Sentinel Security Life’s Summit Bonus Index (SM) Annuity Available Now in Washington

    {May 5th, 2014} by http://www.prweb.com/releases/2014/05/prweb11771907.htm

    Salt Lake City, UT (PRWEB) May 05, 2014 Sentinel Security Life Insurance Company (Sentinel Security Life) announced the launch of Summit Bonus Index, a fixed index annuity, in the state of Washington. Available today, the Summit Bonus Index provides principal protection, tax deferral and the opportunity to earn a consistent stream of income for life. This […]

    The MEC’s last stand

    {May 5th, 2014} by ROBERT BLOINK, WILLIAM H. BYRNES

    Many financial producers now consider modified endowment contracts (MECs) a tool of the past in structuring clients’ product portfolios — but in many cases, dismissing the MEC too quickly can cause your clients to miss out on a valuable product. While it’s important that your clients understand the potentially adverse tax consequences of MEC classification, they should […]

    A Response to a Dave Ramsey column

    {May 5th, 2014} by NAFA President & CEO

    The National Association for Fixed Annuities, was very intrigued by the advice Dave Ramsey gave to an individual. The world of fixed annuities is governed by very strict laws of disclosure and suitability determination before any recommendation of a product can be given. The law requires that the individual providing the advice, must ask very […]

    Jackson Furthers Educational Events For Advisors

    {May 5th, 2014} by Cyril Tuohy

    Jackson National, the top seller of variable annuities (VAs) in the U.S., has announced the launch of its EALive! program to educate advisors about alternative products. The company previously had said it would expand its educational campaign around alternative investments, which are designed to boost returns in portfolios weighed down by low interest rates. Jackson, […]

    Overstock.com Enters Insurance Market With Virtual Agency

    {May 5th, 2014} by Michael Buck

    SALT LAKE CITY – Online retailer Overstock.com has entered the insurance market with an online agency platform that offers personal and commercial policies through its heavily trafficked website — a first step in what might become a bigger business for the company. “I think financial products may be a major part of our future,” Overstock […]

    Estate Planning Failures of the Rich and Famous

    {May 4th, 2014} by Steven A. Morelli

    James Gandolfini will be remembered for many things, and one of them might be surprise endings. Fans of his Tony Soprano character will be forever perplexed by the sudden, jarring end to “The Sopranos,” the groundbreaking HBO series. In the middle of a tense scene in a diner, propelled by Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’,” the […]

    Strategies for the Rich and Not-So-Famous

    {May 4th, 2014} by Steve Patterson

    Beyond the curiosity factor of estate planning disasters of the rich and famous, these tales can be effective ways for agents and advisors to open conversations about uncomfortable subjects. Sales coach, speaker and former insurance agent Tom Hegna teaches others to use the examples to generate business. First, there is the sheer recognition factor. “They’ll […]

    Is AARP Really Looking Out for Its Members When It Comes to Annuities?

    {May 4th, 2014} by AnnuityFYI Exclusive Article

    When AARP was founded in 1958, the life expectancy of the average American was 69 years old. Today, Americans can expect to live a decade beyond that. With longer life expectancies, retirees are being forced to stretch their savings and retirement assets further than ever before. Many fear that they will run out of money […]

    MetLife profit misses analysts’ estimates

    {May 2nd, 2014} by Zachary Tracer

    (Bloomberg) — MetLife Inc., the largest U.S. life insurer, reported a 35 percent increase in first-quarter profit amid derivatives gains and international growth. The stock declined in extended trading as results missed analysts’ estimates. Net income rose to $1.33 billion from $986 million a year earlier, New York-based MetLife said today in a statement. Click […]

    Advisors: C’mon, Get Happy

    {May 2nd, 2014} by John J. Bowen Jr.

    Elite financial advisors recognize an important fact about their careers that escapes many others: The main reason they are in business is not so they can simply keep getting more and more clients – it’s so they can build a business that supports happiness and a great quality of life. Happiness is an increasingly popular […]

    A deferred annuity buyer’s guide

    {May 2nd, 2014} by Kathy Donovan: Opinion article

    With the adoption of three new versions of the deferred annuity buyer’s guide by the NAIC at its Summer 2013 meeting, states have been issuing guidance documents concerning the use of such guides. The three new versions of the deferred annuity buyer’s guide are: the “Buyer’s Guide for Deferred Annuities Variable”; the “Buyer’s Guide for […]

    Would you sell life insurance to Donald Sterling?

    {May 2nd, 2014} by Steven Korbin

    My heart goes back to the days when I was attending LUTC classes to get my designation as a fellow. As you know, the instructors of these classes are themselves life insurance producers. We students therefore benefited from their tales of sales triumphs and disasters. I remember one particular teacher bragging about all the commissions […]

    Penn Mutual Launches a New Inflation Protected Withdrawal Benefit Available With Smart Foundation Variable Annuities

    {May 2nd, 2014} by Press Release

    The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company, a more than 167-year-old company, is pleased to announce the launch of its new Inflation Protector Withdrawal Benefit, available with the Smart Foundation Variable Annuities. The new rider will add an extra measure of flexibility to this suite of variable annuities in order to help meet a broader range […]

    BNP Paribas Prepared to Pay for Iran Dealings

    {May 2nd, 2014} by Andrew Sachais

    eNEW YORK (TheStreet) — French bank BNP Paribas warned during its earnings conference call Wednesday that it could face fines in excess of $1.1 billion for breaching U.S. sanctions on Iran. BNP Chief Financial Officer Lars Machenil said on the call that the bank had already set aside around $3.73 billion for potential litigation costs, […]

    4 reasons life insurance is anything but boring

    {May 1st, 2014} by Cory Weiner

    Life insurance is such a blatantly obvious solution that many consumers fail to grasp that it may very well be the sexiest, low-cost, low-risk financial management vehicle around. And while insurance is often seen as a dyed-in-the-wool industry, the truth is that it is both sophisticated and innovative. Here to fight the charge that insurance […]

    Aviva life insurance reborn as Accordia Life

    {May 1st, 2014} by Matthew Patane, mpatane@dmreg.com

    9:19 a.m. CDT May 1, 2014 The life insurance division of the former Aviva USA earns a new name today: Accordia Life, a subsidiary of Global Atlantic Financial Group. Accordia Life will serve as the downtown Des Moines-based life insurance company within Global Atlantic. The Bermuda-based firm bought the life insurance side of Aviva in […]

    A.M. Best Affirms Ratings of Penn National Insurance Companies’ Members

    {May 1st, 2014} by BusinessWire

    A.M. Best Company May 1, 2014 3:57 PM OLDWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– A.M. Best has affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of A- (Excellent) and issuer credit ratings (ICR) of “a-” of Pennsylvania National Mutual Casualty Insurance Company (Penn Mutual) and its subsidiaries, Penn National Security Insurance Company, Founders Insurance Company and Partners Mutual Insurance Company […]

    Speculation on Buffett’s Successor Heats Up Before Berkshire Annual Meeting

    {May 1st, 2014} by Noah Buhayar

    Two years ago, Warren Buffett, then 81, announced that the Berkshire Hathaway Inc. board had chosen his successor as chief executive officer. The board, he said, also had two backups, but all three names were to remain a secret. This naturally led to a frenzy of tea-leaf reading, Bloomberg Businessweek reports in May 5 issue. […]

    Investors’ favored strategy: slow and steady [infographic]

    {May 1st, 2014} by Warren S. Hersch

    More than four in 10 adults age 25 and older anticipate an improvement in their financial situation, though one in five say they still have a lot of catching up to do. So concludes the third installment of Northwestern Mutual’s “2014 Planning and Progress Study,” an annual research project that explores Americans’ attitudes and behaviors […]

    MetLife Posts Higher Profit In First Quarter

    {May 1st, 2014} by Deon Roberts, The Charlotte Observer

    April 30–New York-basedMetLife reported first quarter profit of$1.3 billion, an increase of 36 percent from a year ago, but earnings were weighed down in part by a$60 million accord withNew York authorities. The largest life insurer in the U.S., whose U.S. retail hub is inCharlotte, said total operating revenues grew 1 percent, to$17 billion, as […]

    Americans Are More Optimistic About Their Finances

    {May 1st, 2014} by PR Newswire Association LLC

    MILWAUKEE,April 30, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Americans feel slightly better about their financial circumstances today than they did a year ago, yet their optimism is tempered by the need to close a gap in their long-term savings and the continuing effects of the slow-growth economy. Forty-two percent of adults age 25 and older expect their financial […]

    SEC loosens rules on social media testimonials

    {May 1st, 2014} by Linda Koco

    In March, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) mod­i­fied its rule bar­ring invest­ment advi­sors and invest­ment advisor rep­re­sen­ta­tives (IARs) from dis­playing testimonials. Although tar­geted at SEC reg­is­tered advi­sory firms, the guid­ance could have a ripple effect on all types of advi­sors, including those in insur­ance. That might happen if reg­u­la­tors of other types of advi­sors […]

    Global Atlantic Financial Group Launches Life Company

    {May 1st, 2014} by Jeff Jeffrey

    DES MOINES, Iowa – Global Atlantic Financial Group Ltd. has launched a new Des Moines, Iowa-based life insurance company called Accordia Life. The new company is based on the life insurance business of Aviva U.S. Life, which Global Atlantic Financial Group purchased from Athene Holding Ltd. after Athene bought Aviva in October (Best’s News Service, […]

    Lincoln Financial Group Reports First Quarter 2014 Results

    {May 1st, 2014} by Press Release

    Operating EPS of $1.34, up 31%, drives ROE of 12%Operating Revenues of $3.2 billion up 10%Book Value per Share, excluding AOCI, of $45.63 up 9%       RADNOR, Pa., Apr 30, 2014 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Lincoln Financial Group /quotes/zigman/232274/delayed/quotes/nls/lncLNC+0.93% today reported net income for the first quarter of 2014 of $329 million, or $1.21 […]

    American Equity Reports First Quarter 2014 Results

    {May 1st, 2014} by BusinessWire

    WEST DES MOINES, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–April 30, 2014– American Equity Investment Life Holding Company (NYSE: AEL), a leading underwriter of index and fixed rate annuities, today reported a first quarter 2014 net loss of $9.8 million, or $0.13 per diluted common share, compared to first quarter 2013 net income of $26.0 million, or $0.38 per diluted […]

    WealthVest Marketing Reaches Billion Dollar Mark in Sales

    {May 1st, 2014} by PR Web

    Bozeman, Montana (PRWEB) May 01, 2014 WealthVest Marketing, with offices in Bozeman, Montana, and San Francisco, California, announces a sales milestone of $1 billion in index annuity products as of March, 2014. “We have been building all of our sales and marketing capacities to reach this success level. Our entire team has been responsible for […]

    Agents, beware of bad RIA platforms — A practical guide for choosing an outstanding RIA for clients and advisors alike

    {May 1st, 2014} by Jason Wenk

    Recently, an article on ProducersWEB warned agents about IMO-offered RIA services. The argument against IMO-offered RIAs was based on one example, using a performance comparison that wasn’t apples to apples. The article didn’t give agents a roadmap to follow as to how to properly choose an RIA partner. The author also made a blanket statement […]

    Collins Amendment makes its introduction

    {May 1st, 2014} by Arthur D. Postal

    As expected, legislation was introduced in both the House and Senate Tuesday aimed at clarifying that federal regulators must use state-based metrics in overseeing insurance companies. The Senate version is expected to be added to legislation reauthorizing the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act that industry officials anticipate will be taken up by mid-May in the Senate […]

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