F-H-L-B Spells Cheap Cash for Big Annuity Issuers

The largest borrower from the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) system in 2024 was Athene Annuity and Life, at more than $15 billion. For at least 16 other top annuity issuers, FHLB loans are a key source of "fungible," low-cost borrowed capital.

RIJ and ChatGPT Discuss ‘Funding Short’

Life insurers used to be known as champions of 'asset-liability matching,' or ALM. Today, many of them are doing the opposite by 'funding short.' Here's a transcript of RIJ's recent conversation with ChatGPT about the risks and rewards of funding short, and its role in today's annuity business.

Warring Watchdogs: NAIC and FIO

'The Federal Insurance Office conflicts with the states’ role as primary regulators, complicates their engagement with fellow insurance regulators globally, duplicates data collection from our industry,' said state insurance commissioners in asking Congress to eliminate the FIO.
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Warring Watchdogs: NAIC and FIO

'The Federal Insurance Office conflicts with the states’ role as primary regulators, complicates their engagement with fellow insurance regulators globally, duplicates data collection from our industry,' said state insurance commissioners in asking Congress to eliminate the FIO.

AIG looks for new CEO

The AIG Companies are among the largest issuers of fixed and variable annuities, with $13.6 billion in total annuities sales through the first three-quarters of 2016.

As expected, Fed nudges target rate higher

'In view of realized and expected labor market conditions and inflation, the Committee decided to raise the target range for the federal funds rate to 0.75% to 1%,' said a March 15 Federal Reserve press release.

Honorable Mention

Brief or late-breaking items from Voya Financial, The Retirement Equity Laboratory at the New School, and Kehrer-Bielan consultants.