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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QLACs: The ‘Greek yogurt’ of Retirement Products?

Longevity annuities were the topic of a two-hour discussion at the Brookings Institution two weeks ago and of a RIIA/New York Life webinar this week. Having read the transcript of the first one and attended the second, I offer these highlights.

Going Dutch, with a DB-DC Hybrid

Can the use of "buffers" in collectively-managed defined contribution funds offer defined benefit-like income predictability? In the Netherlands, where pensions are a passion, a team of business, academic and governmental experts is recommending it.
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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.