The life insurance industry is likely to see some big changes in 2021, writes Bill Unrue, CEO of Ensight. Three major shifts Unrue expects are increased regulation, consumers demanding better technology and more focus on the dangers of not having enough coverage.

Full Story: WealthManagement (12/22) 

Financial advisors need to make sure clients understand their long-term care insurance policies and whether they need to make changes. Financial planner Henry Montag lists seven key aspects of coverage to examine, including waiting periods, duration and inflation options.

Full Story: WealthManagement (12/21) 

The coronavirus pandemic has hurt the retirement prospects of a significant swath of American workers, according to a survey by Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies. The survey found that 33% of workers borrowed from their retirement accounts, while 21% said they are now less confident they will be able to retire comfortably.

Full Story: ThinkAdvisor (free registration) (12/21) 

How advisors can help to prop up "three-legged stool"

The "three-legged stool" retirement model -- comprised of Social Security, pensions, and 401(k) or IRA savings -- is collapsing, according to a recent report from the American College of Financial Services. Financial advisors can help prop up the stool for clients by keeping abreast of legislative changes and adjusting financial plans accordingly.

Full Story: InvestmentNews (tiered subscription model) (10/27) 

FINRA posts rule for reps acting as beneficiaries

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority issued a rule that any FINRA-registered representative who is listed as a client's beneficiary must get written approval from their firm. The rule also will apply to advisors named as their clients' executor, trustee or power of attorney.

Full Story: WealthManagement (10/29) 

Experts discuss riders for in-plan annuities

Experts weigh in on riders such as guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits and guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefit being used in in-plan annuities. Bob Melia, executive director of the Institutional Retirement Income Council, says riders are better suited to individuals than to defined contribution retirement plans.

Full Story: PlanAdviser online (10/23) 

Don't stress just yet about PPP forgiveness

Reflecting on Paycheck Protection Program loan forgiveness, Jared Hecht, CEO of Fundera, recommends taking a patient approach at this stage. Recipients still have ample time to apply, and there's a possibility that blanket forgiveness for smaller loan amounts could be forthcoming, he writes.

Full Story: Forbes (10/27) 

Expect remote life underwriting to stay after pandemic

Remote underwriting for life insurance policies will continue even after the coronavirus pandemic is over, according to Shelby Hollister-Share, head of life underwriting at Equitable. "Insurers are likely going to keep expanding more and more into this technological, no-touch environment, and one day -- once social distancing measures have been lifted -- will be able to provide clients with a comprehensive set of high- and low-touch underwriting options that fit their preferences," she writes.

Full Story: ThinkAdvisor (free registration) (6/24) 

Labor Dept. proposes fiduciary exemption

The US Labor Department has proposed an exemption to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act that would let investment-advice fiduciaries be compensated for advice given to clients. The exemption would include advice on rollovers from employee benefit plans to products such as IRAs.

Full Story: Pensions & Investments (free access for SmartBrief readers) (6/29),  ThinkAdvisor (free registration) (6/29) 

Surveys: Advisors must focus on services clients want

Two surveys by Carson Coaching, one of financial advisors and one of consumers, show a gap between advisors' services and what clients value. To close the gap, Carson says advisors should focus on the three areas clients value most: engagement, fee transparency and planning.

Full Story: InvestmentNews (tiered subscription model) (6/29)