Goldman Touches the FIA Market

By Kerry Pechter
A Bermuda domicile is just one of Global Atlantic Financial Group's competitive edges. Last week, the former Goldman Sachs Reinsurance Group added Forethought, which markets variable, fixed and fixed indexed annuities, to its stable of insurance businesses, which includes Commonwealth Annuity.

Selling Income Annuities on Greed, Not Fear

By Kerry Pechter
Iowa advisor Curtis Cloke claims that his 'Thrive” system,' which finances retirement with period certain, cash-refund deferred income annuities, offers safety without sacrificing upside. He's one of RIJ's 'RetiremEntrepreneurs.'

Out of Commission

By Kerry Pechter
Wondering what life under a strict fiduciary standard might be like? Just ask investors in the U.K. (also known as 'the nanny state') where sales commissions were banned from financial services last January.

The Elephant in the Room

By Kerry Pechter
It's difficult if not impossible for anyone to describe the contours and textures of the annuity/retirement income business, or even any particular section of it. But fortunately there are people who try.
Featured

Shedding Light on Shadow Reinsurance

By Kerry Pechter
New research from the London Business School and Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis adds detail to the use of "shadow reinsurance" by life insurers, a practice that frees up reserves but reduces transparency and may drive up risk.
News

International Paper settles 401(k) fee case for $30 million

By Kerry Pechter
In addition to the payment of $30 million, the settlement requires International Paper’s 401(k) plans to be monitored for four years and requires the company to put its recordkeeping out for bids, the release added.

Inflation or deflation? It’s a toss-up

By Kerry Pechter
It's hard to say whether the combination of aging populations, low interest rates and high government debt will lead to deflation or inflation, says AXA Investment Managers. But in the short term they recommend a higher equity allocation, according to a report at IPE.com.

Don’t underestimate the (well-educated) older worker, economist says

By Kerry Pechter
The old folks are alright. Older workers (60-74) evidently won't dilute the nation's productivity by staying in the labor force, says a Brookings Institution economist, because only the most productive older workers hang in there. In fact, well-educated older workers have never had it so good.