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Universal’s joint problem: Low interest and lapse rates
Earnings reports for life insurers reveal a possible threat to future profitability: old books of universal life business.
Gauging clients’ need for insurance beyond the house and car
Clients know that it is necessary to buy homeowners insurance and car insurance, but too many leave it at that
Advisers face soaring health coverage costs
Escalating medical costs and increased expenses associated with the health care reform law are driving double-digit increases in health insurance premiums at many financial advisory firms
Transamerica to cease sales of fixed annuities via insurance brokers
Transamerica/Aegon has announced it will cease sales of fixed annuities through insurance brokers, starting Jan. 1.
B-Ds countersue insurers in clash over stranger-originated annuities
Tangle stems from estate planner's alleged scheme to profit from deaths of annuitants
IRI to launch ‘painless’ annuity training platform
Investment advisers will be able to visit one website for the annuity-sales training required under a new suitability standard issued by regulators.
Retirement leaders push for lifetime-income options in 401(k)s
Retirement industry leaders today pressed officials from the Labor and Treasury departments to ensure that any future “safe-harbor” rules for annuities in 401(k) plans also include other lifetime-income options.
401(k) advisers don’t see annuities as income solution
While retirement industry leaders last week pressed officials from the Labor and Treasury departments to make it easier to include annuities in 401(k) plans, many investment firms and advisers said they aren't pinning their hopes on the annuity proposal and are looking for income solutions that don't involve insurance.
Tax fears spell opportunity for insurance agents
With higher tax rates likely in the future, the insurance industry is seizing the moment to win business…
Advisers find niche deep in the Corn belt
At first glance, financial advisers seem to be about as suited for farm life as Lisa Douglas, the overdressed socialite who was dragged from her Manhattan penthouse to a farm in the hit TV show “Green Acres.”
Fiduciary standard’s biggest critic? Insurance agents
The staunchest opposition to a universal fiduciary standard that would put clients' interests first isn't from securities brokers. It's from insurance agents, comments to the Securities and Exchange Commission show.
Regulator seeks bigger backstop for retained-asset accounts
New Jersey's insurance commissioner is proposing an amendment which would provide unlimited coverage in the case of certain insolvencies
Advisers plunge into providing health care
Whether it's helping downsized clients, assisting retirees whose benefits are being chiseled away or advising small-business owners on health care options for their companies, a growing number of financial advisers find themselves navigating the murky waters of health care insurance.
TARP bill likely to be fraction of initial forecast
Bailed-out banks, insurers and automakers are a sore spot for millions hurt by the financial crisis
Point/Counterpoint: Are life settlements essentially securities?
On July 22, the Securities and Exchange Commission released a report from its Life Settlements Task Force which recommended that the SEC urge Congress to amend federal securities laws to include life settlements as securities.
Court decision on STATs seen as setback to insurers
The judge determined that state insurable interest laws do not apply to annuities – at least, in this case.
Finra may wade into STATs controversy
Meanwhile, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners has scheduled a hearing in Washington this month to discuss the transactions
<b>IN’s Cooper:</b> The Hartford’s petard problem
You have to feel sorry about The Hartford's latest problems.
Buffett wins bet against France in the World Cup
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. had sold insurance requiring the Omaha-based company to pay $30 million to a client if France won the tournament.
The Hartford inflames B-Ds, advisers
Broker-dealers and financial advisers are taking action against The Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. in response to a letter the firm sent to their clients that entices them to swap their variable annuities for a replacement — one that advisers say actually strips away generous guarantees.