Conning expects lower annuity sales in 2016-2017
'The greatest disruption will be seen in mid-sized and large insurers with greater focus on indexed and variable annuities,' said Steve Webersen, head of Insurance Research at Conning.
View ArticleThe Least Bad Choice for President
At a time when the country needs a smart young technocrat without baggage, we must choose between two oldsters who together carry more baggage than all the major airlines combined.
View ArticleVanguard emeritus Jack Brennan to chair FINRA
Brennan has served as FINRA’s Lead Governor since 2011. In June, FINRA announced that Robert W. Cook will become FINRA’s new chief executive in the second half of 2016.
View ArticleBetterment reaches $5 billion in AUM
Betterment also announced this week that Amy Shapero has joined the company as Chief Financial Officer.
View ArticleFinancial / Retirement Planning Software Directory
See the detail on financial planning software including vendors, scopes, costs, and contacts.
View ArticleSocial Security Maximizer
The Social Security Maximizer is an integral tool for a retirement planner's comprehensive financial planning calculations.
View ArticleGreat Hopes Ride on Great-West’s New Annuity
Great-West Financial's new Smart Track II variable annuity contract has four different income riders. Will it help Bob Reynolds achieve his goal of making Great-West a top-five retirement company in...
View ArticleOff the Grid
As the DOL rule changes the role of the employee-advisor, the mode of compensating and incentivizing advisors may need to evolve. And that may spell changes in the almighty “grid.”
View ArticleThe ‘Save Our Social Security Act of 2016’: A Major Step Toward Reform
These changes in the proposed bi-partisan proposal would bring the Social Security system close to long-term solvency, writes this Urban Institute economist and former Deputy Assistant Secretary of...
View ArticleSummer Issue of the Journal of Retirement Appears
Of the eight new articles, the one called “Strategies for Managing Retirement Risks” might be the most relevant for financial planners and advisors.
View ArticleWith ‘Fidelity Go,’ Fido Goes Robo
Although Schwab and Vanguard have a head start in this space, “I don’t think Fidelity has lost anything by waiting,” William Boland, an analyst with Aite Group, told RIJ.
View ArticleQuote of the Week
“In choosing between various political parties and programs for the commonwealth’s social and economic organization most people are uninformed and groping in the dark. The average voter lacks the...
View ArticleMost plan providers expect DOL rule to help asset retention: LIMRA
'Nearly three quarters of plan providers anticipate their call center staff will need training to be able to distinguish education from advice,' said Matthew Drinkwater, Ph.D., assistant vice...
View ArticleNet income of life/annuity industry down 73% in 1Q2016: A.M. Best
A.M. Best views the industry as having adequate risk-adjusted capitalization, which is supported by the continued overall profitability.
View ArticleHonorable Mention
Brief or late-breaking items from MassMutual, Fidelity, New York Life, Raymond James, Allianz Life and Millennium Trust.
View ArticleFinancial / Retirement Planning Software Directory
See the detail on financial planning software including vendors, scopes, costs, and contacts.
View ArticleSocial Security Maximizer
The Social Security Maximizer is an integral tool for a retirement planner's comprehensive financial planning calculations.
View ArticleGreat Hopes Ride on Great-West’s New Annuity
Great-West Financial's new Smart Track II variable annuity contract has four different income riders. Will it help Bob Reynolds achieve his goal of making Great-West a top-five retirement company in...
View ArticleOff the Grid
As the DOL rule changes the role of the employee-advisor, the mode of compensating and incentivizing advisors may need to evolve. And that may spell changes in the almighty “grid.”
View ArticleWith ‘Fidelity Go,’ Fido Goes Robo
Although Schwab and Vanguard have a head start in this space, “I don’t think Fidelity has lost anything by waiting,” William Boland, an analyst with Aite Group, told RIJ.
View Article