- How Do We Advise Resilience & Adaptability?
Clients want to know that their expectations are realistic
by Chris Huemmer
In the world of finance and investments, navigating uncertain waters is nothing new. The past few years have presented advisors with a series of market shocks and shifting environments that have led to both challenges and opportunities for their clients’ portfolios. The path forward continues to be rife with uncertainty as the trajectory of growth,…
read more - A Conversation With Mitchell Morrison
AI may not be quite ready to replace the advisor
by P. E. Kelley
Over the past year we have witnessed a phenomenal advent of generative AI tools, including GPT-4, ChatGPT and AlphaCode, and a subsequent explosion of possible outcomes for the technology. At the outset, its immediate adoption by users — throughout industry, education and just regular folks — has been definitive. It has captured the imagination of…
read more - Where Are U.S. Investors Putting Their Money?
A new market environment is changing the landscape of U.S. fund flows.
by Ryan Jackson
As global stock and bond returns have ebbed and flowed in recent years, so have the flows into the funds that invest in them. According to Morningstar Direct, U.S. open-end and exchange-traded funds shed about $370 billion in 2022 after reeling in a record $1.2 trillion in 2021. That marked the first calendar year of…
read more - Investors Identify Pros And Cons For Direct Indexing
Is this the managed product of the future?
New qualitative research reveals individual investor reactions to direct indexing to inform product and innovation strategies, according to Hearts & Wallets, the independent research and benchmarking firm that specializes in saving, investing and financial advice.
read more - Life/Annuity Reinsurers Remain Prepared For Growth
Some have updated mortality assumptions on the heels of the pandemic
Excess mortality has negatively affected the profitability of global life reinsurers, although the impact of elevated life claims on most is likely to remain a manageable earnings drag, according to a new AM Best report.
read more - Competitive Collaboration In The Life Insurance Industry
When an industry comes together, everybody wins
by Trey Reynolds
Many books have been written about the benefits of collaboration. Most of us, if not all, would agree that effective collaboration is key to the success of any organization. But when most of us consider the topic of collaboration, we think within the framework of internal collaboration – working with our colleagues to move our…
read more - Health Benefit Cost Expected To Rise 5.4% In 2024
High inflation, labor shortages seen as root causes
In September, Mercer, a global leader in redefining the world of work, reshaping retirement and investment outcomes, and unlocking real health and well-being, and a business of Marsh McLennan (NYSE: MMC), released preliminary results of the 2023 National Survey of Employer-Sponsored Health Plans. According to the survey, even after taking into account changes US-based employers made to healthcare plans…
read more - The Road Ahead For Holistic Planning
SECURE 2.0's evolving landscape
We are now nearly nine months into the implementation of some significant retirement reforms known as SECURE 2.0. When the legislation was initially signed into law, we noted how much of a win this is for holistic financial security professionals across the board — leaders, advisors, brokerage firms and everyone in between. Most notably, because…
read more - Enhanced Benefits: The Opportunity Cost Of Partnership
…When it comes to serving your group clients best
by Eric Silverman
I have a regular, ongoing and basic conversation with health brokers where they say they would love to do more with Enhanced Benefits (the industry formerly known as “Voluntary”), but they don’t have the time or resources to focus on them. Even for the brokers who do try to install them, they say they are…
read more - The Revolution Of Artificial Intelligence
How big data is reshaping the life-settlement industry
by Wm. Scott Page
The insurance industry has been no stranger to Artificial Intelligence (AI) in recent years. Its potential impact on the sector has been a focal point of numerous discussions, often tied to big data, which has played a crucial role in insurance for decades, given the enormous volume of data generated and managed daily. From actuarial…
read more - Giving Clients Peace Of Mind With A Next-Gen Benefit
The Standard’s newest fixed indexed annuity features legacy benefits
by Paul Garofoli, FLMI, RICP
An enhanced death benefit feature in a fixed indexed annuity might seem like an idle benefit to some, but to The Standard, securing your legacy is anything but idle.
read more - For Women In Financial Service: A Trailblazing Transformation
Defying stereotypes and transcending limitations
by Suzy Jacobs
In a world filled with boundless potential and limitless capabilities, it is truly disheartening to witness the persistent underrepresentation of women in certain professions. Extensive research has shed light on the countless obstacles that impede women from establishing successful careers in male-dominated fields. One such obstacle is the exclusion from male-focused networks, which significantly restricts a…
read more - Thinking Beyond The Core
Introduce your clients to a new world of ‘custom designed’ plans
by Eric Silverman
In today’s market, the brokers and advisers who are most likely to attract and retain clients are those willing to adapt and embrace change, and a key factor in each broker’s performance is their approach to enhanced (voluntary) benefits. Whether you entrust one carrier with your strategy, develop an in-house program, or partner with a…
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