Advisers are admitting now more than ever before that insurers’ solvency and financial strength are at the forefront in their minds when they recommend products.
Seeking to wrest market share from the asset management industry, life insurance executives will embark on a campaign of simplified consumer communications and stress real-life contexts for the use of their products.
Retirement accounts have taken a huge hit since the markets tanked, but they were already in trouble because most consumers weren’t saving enough even when times were good, according to one industry leader.
As Valentine’s Day approaches, Cupid’s arrow may snag that special partner, but be sure it doesn’t snag some financial troubles in the process.
Client interest in establishing spendthrift trusts for beneficiaries is picking up steam, partly due to the fact that wealthy clients are becoming more risk-averse, according to financial advisers.
Mary Jo Hudson, director of the Ohio Department of Insurance, yesterday adopted three accounting rule changes that would grant insurers based there some reserve relief.
The Hartford (Conn.) Financial Services Group Inc. limped through the fourth quarter of 2008, racking up a net loss of $806 million.
After forecasting dismal 2008 results, Swiss Reinsurance Group has announced that it will receive a capital infusion from billionaire Warren E. Buffett.
Will Fuller has joined Lincoln Financial Distributors of Philadelphia as president and chief executive, effective Feb. 13.
The Department of Labor today delayed implementation of a rule that would have allowed most investment advisers to give specific advice to 401(k) participants.
Aviva announced that full-year 2008 life insurance and pension sales hit a company record of 11.9 billion pounds ($17.2 billion) in the United Kingdom.
ING Groep has sold off its 70% stake in its Canadian property/casualty unit, ING Canada Inc., in an attempt to bulk up its balance sheets.
Iowa’s insurance commissioner yesterday posted a bulletin that would allow life insurers in that state to apply deferred tax assets toward 15% of their statutory capital and surplus levels.
A New York accounting firm has compiled a short list of candidates and plans to let its clients vote on the ultimate Tax Turkey.
Your clients, a married couple, realize that this is a home-buyer’s market and are interested in purchasing a home. The couple has come to you about tax savings opportunities related to a purchase. They are newlyweds and both previously lived in an apartment.
No required minimum distributions for 2009
A new law that gives retirees greater latitude in taking required minimum distributions could have negative tax implications, according to advisers.
A National Association of Insurance Commissioners executive group last Thursday vetoed a proposal from the insurance industry to loosen required capital and surplus levels.
The troubles that hit variable annuity insurers last year will follow them into this year, further denting their financial strength, according to a report from Standard and Poor’s in New York.
Despite the financial crisis and plummeting markets, employees are still contributing to their 401(k) plans, an analysis from Boston-based Fidelity Investments released today showed.
