Equitable Joins the ‘Bermuda Triangle’ Club

Equitable Holdings' recent reinsurance deals were the topic of critical articles in three financial publications this summer. Underneath the controversy, the leader of the RILA industry was catching up with the Bermuda mega-trend.

A Menu of Income Options for DC Plans?

By Kerry Pechter
If no two 401(k) participants have the same levels of retirement savings and the same retirement spending needs, shouldn't their plans offer more than one process for decumulating their savings?
Anecdotal Evidence

401(k)s don’t need private assets or ‘crypto’

By Kerry Pechter
Alternative investments, crypto, private assets—these are bread for the money management industry. For most Americans, these exotic assets are not bread, or even cake; let alone icing.
The Bucket

Private credit, reinsurance top the news

By Editorial Staff
Bond analysts see pros and cons of alternatives in 401(k)s; Private credit funds attract revenue at record pace; Offshore reinsurance increases life insurer leverage: AM Best; Rising supply depresses Treasuries’ advantage. (With charts.)

COVER STORIES YOU MAY HAVE MISSED

August 2025

A Fixed Index Annuity with a Dash of Risk

By Kerry Pechter
The Momentum Growth contract from Delaware Life introduces a bit of gambling to the FIA product category—but within guardrails, and only with what contract owners might call 'house money.'
July 2025

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

By Kerry Pechter
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...
June 2025

RIJ and ChatGPT Discuss ‘Funding Short’

By Kerry Pechter
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...