VA sales have trended downward for five years, and the third quarter brought more bad news: the product line saw the lowest sales in 20 years. However, experts think interest may slowly pick up as advisers and insurers get more comfortable operating under the DOL fiduciary rule.
| Issuer | Net assets ($M) | % change vs. 2016 | Market share | Market share % change _vs. 2016 | Financial strength rating* | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | TIAA-CREF | $474,342.50 | 5.50% | 24.70% | 3.50% | A++ (Superior) |
| 2 | Jackson National | $176,606.00 | 14.40% | 9.20% | 12.30% | A+ (Superior) |
| 3 | Prudential Financial | $161,203.50 | 4.70% | 8.40% | 2.70% | A+ (Superior) |
| 4 | Lincoln Financial Group | $128,692.70 | 6.80% | 6.70% | 4.80% | A+ (Superior) |
| 5 | AXA Equitable | $114,282.40 | 6.60% | 5.90% | 4.60% | A (Excellent) |
| 6 | Brighthouse Financial | $114,084.70 | 2.90% | 5.90% | 1.00% | A (Excellent) |
| 7 | AIG | $113,673.60 | 6.60% | 5.90% | 4.60% | A (Excellent) |
| 8 | Ameriprise Financial | $78,240.90 | 4.80% | 4.10% | 2.80% | A+ (Superior) |
| 9 | AEGON/Transamerica | $74,579.10 | 6.60% | 3.90% | 4.60% | A+ (Superior) |
| 10 | Nationwide | $71,540.70 | 9.50% | 3.70% | 7.40% | A+ (Superior) |
| 11 | Pacific Life | $54,540.10 | 3.80% | 2.80% | 1.80% | A+ (Superior) |
| 12 | Voya Financial | $39,604.70 | -39.70% | 2.10% | -40.80% | A (Excellent)1 |
| 13 | Hartford | $39,076.40 | -2.50% | 2.00% | -4.40% | B++ (Good)1 |
| 14 | Allianz Life | $34,250.70 | 11.10% | 1.80% | 9.00% | A+ (Superior) |
| 15 | Thrivent Financial | $34,101.10 | 11.40% | 1.80% | 9.30% | A++ (Superior) |
| 16 | Fidelity Investments Life | $30,836.70 | 10.60% | 1.60% | 8.50% | A+ (Superior) |
| 17 | New York Life | $30,392.10 | 9.30% | 1.60% | 7.20% | A++ (Superior) |
| 18 | Ohio National | $22,362.70 | 6.90% | 1.20% | 4.90% | A+ (Superior) |
| 19 | Northwestern Mutual | $20,184.90 | 11.00% | 1.00% | 8.90% | A++ (Superior) |
| 20 | Mutual of America | $15,388.00 | 22.70% | 0.80% | 20.30% | A+ (Superior) |
| Issuer | Net assets ($M) | % change vs. 2016 | Market share | Market share % change _vs. 2016 | Financial strength rating* | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jackson National | $3,891.70 | -9.50% | 18.90% | 1.70% | A+ (Superior) |
| 2 | TIAA-CREF | $2,611.60 | -19.50% | 12.70% | -0.30% | A++ (Superior) |
| 3 | AXA Equitable | $2,118.10 | -12.20% | 10.30% | 0.60% | A (Excellent) |
| 4 | Lincoln Financial Group | $1,595.70 | 0.10% | 7.80% | 1.40% | A+ (Superior) |
| 5 | AIG | $1,490.00 | -23.40% | 7.20% | -0.60% | A (Excellent) |
| 6 | Prudential Financial | $1,315.00 | -36.90% | 6.40% | -2.00% | A+ (Superior) |
| 7 | Nationwide | $1,221.60 | -11.70% | 5.90% | 0.40% | A+ (Superior) |
| 8 | Ameriprise Financial | $904.30 | -10.70% | 4.40% | 0.30% | A+ (Superior) |
| 9 | Allianz Life | $742.30 | 46.50% | 3.60% | 1.60% | A+ (Superior) |
| 10 | AEGON/Transamerica | $724.80 | -32.20% | 3.50% | -0.80% | A+ (Superior) |
| 11 | Pacific Life | $712.50 | 0.00% | 3.50% | 0.60% | A+ (Superior) |
| 12 | New York Life | $668.90 | 6.00% | 3.30% | 0.70% | A++ (Superior) |
| 13 | Thrivent Financial | $575.90 | -22.50% | 2.80% | -0.20% | A++ (Superior) |
| 14 | Fidelity Investments Life | $323.40 | -1.00% | 1.60% | 0.30% | A+ (Superior) |
| 15 | Brighthouse Financial | $306.50 | -39.00% | 1.50% | -0.50% | A (Excellent) |
| 16 | Northwestern Mutual | $295.90 | -4.70% | 1.40% | 0.20% | A++ (Superior) |
| 17 | Ohio National | $184.30 | -50.20% | 0.90% | -0.60% | A+ (Superior) |
| 18 | Massachusetts Mutual | $147.00 | -10.00% | 0.70% | 0.10% | A++ (Superior) |
| 19 | Great-West | $139.70 | 43.00% | 0.70% | 0.30% | A+ (Superior) |
| 20 | Mutual of America | $123.90 | -4.90% | 0.60% | 0.10% | A+ (Superior) |
Rajesh Markan earlier this year pleaded guilty to one count of criminal fraud related to his sale of fake investments to 10 clients totaling $2.9 million.
From building trust to steering through emotions and responding to client challenges, new advisors need human skills to shape the future of the advice industry.
"The outcome is correct, but it's disappointing that FINRA had ample opportunity to investigate the merits of clients' allegations in these claims, including the testimony in the three investor arbitrations with hearings," Jeff Erez, a plaintiff's attorney representing a large portion of the Stifel clients, said.
Chair also praised the passage of stablecoin legislation this week.
Maridea Wealth Management's deal in Chicago, Illinois is its first after securing a strategic investment in April.
Orion's Tom Wilson on delivering coordinated, high-touch service in a world where returns alone no longer set you apart.
Barely a decade old, registered index-linked annuities have quickly surged in popularity, thanks to their unique blend of protection and growth potential—an appealing option for investors looking to chart a steadier course through today's choppy market waters, says Myles Lambert, Brighthouse Financial.
