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SBLI

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SBLI, Afficiency Inc., and Quility Insurance announce a strategic collaboration and the release of a new simplified issue term life insurance product that allows consumers to easily purchase life insurance online.

Quility Level Term Insurance, issued by SBLI, includes a maximum coverage amount of $1 million with level premiums throughout the policy term. Included within the policy is a charity rider that allows the client to select a charity or non-profit of their choice as a partial beneficiary of their policy, in addition to three other valuable riders.

“This strategic partnership aligns with SBLI’s objective to expand upon our product and distribution areas,” said Denis Clifford, senior vice president, Distribution at SBLI. “The addition of these innovative digital products opens new growth markets for us. We are thrilled to launch them through distribution partners and to continue to support innovative consumer purchase experiences.”

”We are so happy about this valuable collaboration with SBLI,” said Mark Scafaro, CEO and co-founder of Afficiency. “Our partnership combines efficient product innovation with an accelerated digital scope to help our partners and distributors access life insurance products via API.”

With these new products, clients can apply online from the comfort of their home through a simple, digital process and receive their new policy in just minutes. The application is also available for Quility’s nationwide team of licensed life insurance agents to introduce to their clients.

“Leveraging Afficiency’s enhanced data and machine learning platform, we will enable Quility’s vast array of agents, clients and carriers with smarter and better choices. The impact will be revolutionary,” said Mark Palmer, Quility’s chief strategy officer.

For more information on SBLI’s simplified issue term solutions, please contact Denis Clifford at dclifford@sbli.com.

For nearly 115 years, SBLI (The Savings Bank Mutual Life Insurance Company of Massachusetts) has specialized in providing hassle-free, affordable life insurance. Whether it be term life, whole life or a plan that combines the two, we offer dependable protection at a fair price.

Afficiency is an insurtech company making life insurance easier to understand and even easier to purchase. Afficiency has developed a digital life insurance platform that allows new products to be quickly stood-up and made available for digital distribution, completely via API. All of Afficiency’s life insurance products are designed to be digitally underwritten and issued to applicants within seconds. Afficiency has been partnering with carriers and re-insurers since late 2018 to bring products to market. The team has also been working with some traditional and new distribution channels to deliver these products.

Quility uses innovative and proprietary technology to modernize the process of qualifying for and purchasing life insurance. The Quility digital platform offers clients the option to apply for life insurance online through a ten-minute application with the support of a licensed insurance agent. To learn more, visit http://quility.com.

MDRT

The 2022 MDRT Executive Committee ushers in an integrated approach to supporting the financial services profession, as Randy Scritchfield, CFP, LUTCF, takes his place as 96th president and Carol Kheng, ChFC, joins as secretary. The Executive Committee will empower financial services professionals to redefine the limits of success, equipping them to rise, excel and lead throughout the full cycle of their careers.

Scritchfield, a 37-year member, succeeds 23-year member Ian Green, who will become the immediate past president. Peggy Tsai, RFP, CCFP, a 20-year member, and Gregory Gagne, ChFC, a 22-year member, will move into their new roles as first and second vice presidents while Carol Kheng, ChFC, a 23-year member, will serve as secretary.

The 2022 Executive Committee remains committed to providing support and delivering value for members as the impact of the pandemic continues. The MDRT Productivity Action Plan will be extended in 2022, establishing updated membership requirements enabling members to focus on leading clients to continued success. In addition, MDRT will provide added value to the global membership with the launch of the MDRT Productivity Action Plan Special Content, delivering MDRT’s high-caliber content exclusively to members via multiple platforms and formats.

In North America, the Executive Committee will also support the newly formed North America Channel Relations Team, charged with expanding MDRT’s footprint in North America. This effort focuses on connecting companies and individuals with MDRT’s wide-ranging support of the profession through the Family of Brands—three MDRT-driven associations, tailored to help members reach new heights at all stages of their career. In addition to the inspiration, learning and achievement that are the hallmark of MDRT, the MDRT Academy aids advisors seeking the boost they need to reach MDRT-levels of production. MDRT’s newest association, MDRT Global Services, aims to enhance not only its members’ careers, but the entire profession, through immersive leadership development for home and field office leaders.

“As we look forward to the next year, MDRT is committed to ensuring our members remain well supported—to not only help them navigate the ongoing impact of the pandemic, but help their clients and practice come out on top,” Scritchfield said. “With the Family of Brands offering unique value, tailored to each phase of an advisor’s career, we’re excited to see members put these resources into practice, to reach new levels of peak performance, enhance their career and deliver the highest quality service to their clients.”

Together, the Executive Committee is poised to broaden MDRT’s impact on the financial services profession. Scritchfield brings extensive MDRT experience to the leadership team with three Court of the Table and 20 Top of the Table qualifications. An MDRT Foundation Excalibur Knight, Scritchfield is also a member of its Inner Circle Society and has served on its Board of Trustees. His extensive MDRT volunteer history includes serving on MDRT’s Management Council six times and as a Committee Chair nine times. Among his leadership roles, Scritchfield has served as chair of the Top of the Table Advisory Board and divisional vice president of Annual Meeting Program Development.

Newcomer Kheng, of Singapore, also has a long history of involvement with MDRT and MDRT Foundation volunteerism, including roles as divisional vice president of the Global Conference Program General Arrangements (PGA) Division, chair of the Annual Meeting ConneXion Zone Committee and divisional vice president of the 2014 MDRT Experience meeting.

Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), The Premier Association of Financial Professionals®, is a global, independent association of the world’s leading life insurance and financial services professionals from more than 500 companies in 70 nations and territories. MDRT members demonstrate exceptional professional knowledge, strict ethical conduct and outstanding client service. MDRT membership is recognized internationally as the standard of excellence in the life insurance and financial services business. For more information, please visit https://www.mdrt.org/ and follow them on Twitter @MDRtweet.

OneAmerica

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OneAmerica® launched its second virtual speaker series, Leading Tomorrow with OneAmerica, this June. The webinar series features thought leaders who will speak on important topics in the financial services industry and today’s workplace.

The season kicked off with author Jeff Bush of The Washington Update® on June 10. Kim Thomas and Wendy Dukes of OneAmerica presented on July 15, and Jermaine Davis of St. Kate’s University followed on Aug. 12. Dr. Monica Williams, emergency medicine physician in one of the country’s largest emergency departments, will present on Sept. 9. Next, Tina Thomas of the Alzheimer’s Association will speak on Oct. 14. Deborah Shames and David Booth, co-founders of Eloqui, will present on Nov. 11. To round out the sessions, on Dec. 9, the Executive Council of OneAmerica will finalize the series with a Town Hall session. Each of the presentations will begin at 2 p.m. EST. Register at https://pages.oneamerica.com/LeadingTomorrow2021 to attend.

“Our lineup of speakers will deliver smart and inspiring presentations on a wide range of topics to educate and engage financial professionals,” says Mark Scalercio, senior vice president for Individual Life and Financial Services at OneAmerica. “In our industry, relationships have never been more important. As another exciting speaker series is underway, we’re confident these sessions will position you to develop more meaningful and lasting client relationships.”

OneAmerica carefully selected this exclusive lineup of thought leaders to inform and inspire financial professionals in helping clients prepare for life events. Those in the industry can expect to gain insights on the current marketplace and get cutting-edge ideas on how they can create authentic relationships with clients and grow their business.

Bush worked in the financial industry for more than 30 years. Now he is a keynote speaker and author, often appearing on CNBC. He is an integral part of The Washington Update, serving as a nonpartisan expert on all things Washington, D.C. Bush shared what he knows of the latest tax and fiscal information and how to use this intel to create business growth.

Thomas and Dukes lead diversity, equity and inclusion at OneAmerica and co-presented on “Managing Conscious & Unconscious Bias.” They shared how diversity, equity and inclusion enhances the workplace, marketplace and community, as well as how conscious and unconscious biases can impact decision-making.

Davis specializes in helping individuals, teams and organizations develop healthy work environments. As an expert on teaching leaders how to best communicate, Davis presented “Communicate Courageously” to help financial professionals develop and strengthen authentic relationships with clients.

As an international author, keynote speaker and board-certified emergency physician, Williams is a leading advocate for advanced planning. Williams will discuss in her presentation “You’re the Doctor Now: Guidance for Graceful Endings,” the ways in which families can prioritize long term care planning. Williams will share her firsthand knowledge about proper planning, personal stories being on the front lines and how advanced planning tools can help.

Thomas will give attendees “A Better Understanding of Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementias.” As the senior director of Programs and Services for the Greater Richmond and the Central and Western Virginia chapters of the Alzheimer’s Association, she understands the worries the disease brings to families and its financial impact. In this educational webinar, she will discuss warning signs and how to support older adults who are experiencing memory loss.

Shames and Booth will copresent “Pitch to Win—Virtual Victory,” how financial professionals can be better communicators and presenters in an increasingly digital world. They will provide best practices on customizing pitches to each client—ultimately winning their business.

Finally, members of the OneAmerica Executive Council will wrap up the speaker series in December, closing out 2021 and looking ahead to 2022. They will share how OneAmerica differentiates itself in the marketplace through its focus on relationships.

The series is brought to the public through Care Solutions, offered through OneAmerica Individual Life and Financial Services (ILFS). Other entities referenced are not affiliates of the companies of OneAmerica unless otherwise noted.


A national provider of insurance and financial services for more than 140 years, the companies of OneAmerica help customers build and protect their financial futures. OneAmerica offers a variety of products and services to serve the financial needs of their policyholders and customers. These products include retirement plan products and recordkeeping services, individual life insurance, annuities, asset-based long-term care solutions and employee benefit plan products. Products are issued and underwritten by the companies of OneAmerica and distributed through a nationwide network of employees, agents, brokers and other sources who are committed to providing value to customers. To learn more about the products, services and the companies of OneAmerica, visit http://oneamerica.com/about-us/companies-of-oneamerica.

Underwriters Brokerage Service

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Underwriters Brokerage Service is pleased to announce the addition of Sean Link, JD, as their Estate Planning Specialist, reinforcing the company’s position at the forefront of providing comprehensive insurance, business, and estate strategies to partnered advisors and their clients.

Sean joins Underwriters Brokerage Service by way of PNC Wealth Management in Pittsburgh, where he specialized in fiduciary administration and estate planning for high-net-worth clients. During his successful tenure at PNC, Sean worked extensively with trusts, estates, and financial plans, and he translates that experience into objective results for clients.

“I am excited to join Underwriters Brokerage Service and oversee the creation of the Estate Review process. In this ever-evolving landscape, estate reviews are more important than ever, and Underwriters Brokerage is very timely in recognizing the need for this valuable service. I look forward to helping advisors and their clients address the “what” and the “how” of estate planning, and moreover get to the heart of the “why” behind their legacies.”

Mark Rosen, CLU, president of Underwriters Brokerage Service states, “Our goal has always been to assist financial advisors and insurance agents with enhancing their most important client relationships as well as protecting those relationships from competition. Adding Sean and his estate planning expertise to the Underwriters team helps significantly expand our capabilities in this regard.”

Sean was a fiduciary advisor with PNC Wealth Management for four years, and before that was a trial attorney with the Allegheny County Office of the Public Defender. He earned a Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, from Allegheny College and his Juris Doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh.

Underwriters Brokerage Service is a premier Brokerage General Agency based in Pittsburgh, PA, and is a founding member of LIBRA Insurance Partners, the nation’s largest independent life insurance distributor. The company’s website at https://www.ubsnet.com contains additional information, contact details and resources.
Sean can be reached at sean.link@ubsnet.com or 412-281-0600 ext. 125

SBLI

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SBLI (The Savings Bank Mutual Life Insurance Company of Massachusetts) recently selected MIB Group, Inc., as their primary electronic medical data vendor. SBLI made the selection following a pilot that involved a variety of strategies to streamline the underwriting process to enhance and expedite the experience for both customers and agents by leveraging electronic health record (EHR) data rather than traditional APS records.

MIB is one of the life and health insurance industries’ most trusted and secure resources for data-driven risk management services. The use of their electronic medical data service, with the enhancements they have recently announced, will greatly benefit SBLI’s relationships with BGAs and other clients. These will include:

  • Increased data access: The addition of new and exclusive data sources to infuse the growing release rates.
  • Broader data collection options: New data selection methods, such as the Patient Portal, that allow clients to select retrieval options that best support existing or new workflows.
  • An APS retrieval option: Allows clients to systematically reflex to a traditional APS when no electronic record is found. SBLI is in the process of contracting and implementing this retrieval option.

This type of innovative and seamless technology partnership is a significant step toward building a modern, digital sales process that enables the level of service consumers demand and enhances the overall experience for SBLI agents and customers.

“MIB provides superior customer service for the electronic medical data platform. We have seen a noticeable growth pattern since we began using the platform in May of 2020, with an increase of information contained within the records that allow us to frequently provide an underwriting decision without the need for additional medical requirements,” said Brian O’Connell, vice president and chief underwriter at SBLI. “We are looking forward to growing our digital capabilities within the underwriting department, and the MIB Medical Data Solution and vision complement our internal growth strategies.”

“Electronic medical data is a crucial requirement to help insurers like SBLI build efficiencies and create a better customer experience,” said Andrea Caruso, executive vice president and chief operating officer at MIB. “SBLI has been a valued MIB Member since 1973 and we are very proud to have them select us to help advance their digital journey.”


For nearly 115 years, SBLI (The Savings Bank Mutual Life Insurance Company of Massachusetts) has specialized in providing hassle-free, affordable life insurance. Whether it be term life, whole life or a plan that combines the two, they offer dependable protection at a fair price.

MIB Group, Inc. is the insurance industry’s most trusted and secure partner for data, insights and digital solutions that support underwriting and actuarial decision making and improve industry efficiencies. With deep connections to the life insurance companies who are its members, and a sole focus on improving the insurance industry, MIB is uniquely positioned to provide data-driven solutions that address common industry challenges and enable clients to gain efficiencies, manage their risks, and grow profitably. For more information about MIB, visit www.mibgroup.com.

Amalgamated Life

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TruHearing, the market leader in hearing products and solutions, is expanding access to hearing benefits through its recent partnership with Amalgamated Life Insurance Company, one of the nation’s leading providers of comprehensive insurance solutions. Amalgamated Life Insurance Company currently offers a wide range of group and voluntary benefits; this partnership integrates hearing products into their robust portfolio. With four of TruHearing’s group voluntary plans now being offered, Amalgamated Life can provide a range of options in hearing health services to its extensive customer base. Four plan options are currently available, ranging from discount plans to fully insured coverage.

According to a recent survey by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), more than half (51 percent) of adults report having hearing problems, but only 11 percent of those respondents have sought treatment. Financial barriers, including cost of hearing treatment and lack of insurance or sufficient insurance coverage, were cited as barriers for a combined 44 percent of those with untreated hearing loss.

“At Amalgamated Life, we are continually adding new solutions to our suite of insurance products and employee benefits. The TruHearing voluntary plans help address the too often neglected area of hearing loss.” said Paul Mallen, CEO, Amalgamated Life Insurance Company. “By partnering with TruHearing, we can help plan sponsors meet a vital need and facilitate improved mental health and cognitive function for individuals with impaired hearing. This, in turn, improves quality of life and delivers key benefits to employers such as productivity increases and lower healthcare costs.”

Through TruHearing, covered members can access audiological exams from the largest national network of over 7,000 provider locations, with remote care and telehealth services, as well as hearing aids from the six leading hearing aid manufacturers globally, allowing them to prevent future damage to hearing and avoid unnecessary medical bills. Treatment of hearing loss can also prevent many health and safety risks, from undiagnosed diseases to falling accidents, depression, social isolation, anxiety and dementia.

“TruHearing is committed to building awareness of the importance that quality hearing can make in a person’s life and of the advantages hearing coverage offers to benefit providers,” said Tommy Macdonald, CEO, TruHearing. “Partnering with Amalgamated Life allows us to reach even more organizations with this important message and offer a range of hearing coverage options to improve more lives.”

TruHearing is the leader in hearing healthcare benefits serving more than 160 million people nationwide. With a highly qualified network of hearing care providers combined with the most extensive and technologically advanced hearing aid selection, white-glove service and pre- and post-care support, TruHearing delivers the best value and service to payors and people with hearing health challenges. Headquartered in Draper, UT, TruHearing has been improving lives by making hearing healthcare more affordable for more than 18 years and has been recognized as a “Top Workplace” in the state for five consecutive years. For more information, visit: https://www.truhearing.com.

Founded in 1943, Amalgamated Life Insurance Company, headquartered in White Plains, NY, has since grown into a leading provider of comprehensive insurance solutions operating in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Working closely with plan sponsors, brokers and benefit consultants, Amalgamated Life offers an extensive suite of group insurance and voluntary benefits. Group offerings include: Term life, medical stop loss, disability and specialty drug cost management. Its voluntary products include: Disability, accident, portable term life, whole life, accidental death and dismemberment, critical illness, cyber security, dental, hearing and legal. All of Amalgamated Life’s solutions are characterized by effective risk protection and coverage, flexible benefit options and competitive pricing. For more information, visit: https://www.amalgamatedbenefits.com/amalgamated-life.

The Standard

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The Standard proudly announced the hiring of Paul Garofoli as their newest regional sales director. Based in Texas, he will work with marketing organizations and advisors across the country.

Paul is known for his enthusiasm, communication skills and support of agencies and producers. He’s a noted presenter with experience training agents in all 50 states, two U.S. territories and several European countries. Paul’s energy is a welcome addition to The Standard team.

Garofoli has 38 years of insurance brokerage and distribution experience. His career work includes underwriting, product development, marketing and sales within a variety of companies. He is a Fellow in the Life Management Institute and has a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science/economics from The University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

The Standard is a marketing name for StanCorp Financial Group, Inc. and subsidiaries. Insurance products are offered by Standard Insurance Company of Portland, Oregon, in all states except New York. Product features and availability vary by state and are solely the responsibility of Standard Insurance Company.

Diversified Brokerage Services

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Diversified Brokerage Services (DBS), a national Brokerage General Agency specializing in life, annuities, long term care and disability insurance, has announced that Chuck E. Anderson will join the team as its National Sales Director, effective August 9, 2021. Chuck will be responsible for managing the external sales team, including the RIA and alternate distribution channels of the organization and will report to Kurt Fasen, LLIF, LUTCF, Sales and Marketing Executive. This addition signals a commitment to the company’s long-range plan to bring additional talent in and will allow Fasen, whose role will take on more of a strategic focus as part of the Executive Leadership Team, to have more capacity to focus on firm growth.

“Chuck’s experience successfully leading two different sales organizations will be a tremendous asset to the firm,” explains Fasen. “His vast knowledge of the industry will bring a new perspective, allowing the sales team to reach a whole new level under his leadership and guidance.”

With over 35 years in the business, Chuck has held key positions in sales, operations, technology and marketing. Most recently he served as National Sales Vice President for the Independent Distribution Group at Securian Financial’s individual life insurance division. Prior to that he worked for Prudential as Senior Vice President of Business Development for their individual life insurance sales and served for many years there in various other roles.

“I’m very excited to have Chuck on board,” explains George “Chip” Van Dusen IV, DBS Principal, President and CEO. “We have worked with him a great deal over the years and know that he brings a tremendous amount of experience to the table; he will be a great fit for DBS.”

Very active in the industry, Chuck is passionate about life insurance and has held several industry leadership roles within NAILBA, LIDMA, ACLI and AALU. He was recognized in 2015 for his outstanding role in the industry by receiving the NAILBA Chairman’s award, presented annually to the individual who has most exemplified leadership and contributions to the Life Brokerage Industry during the current year.

“I’ve known Chuck for many years and watched his career with respect and admiration. I believe his success has come from his deep passion and enthusiasm for the industry,” adds Victoria “Tori” Van Dusen-Roos, DBS Principal and Chief Operations Officer. “I am so thrilled to have him as a part of the DBS family and can’t wait to see where he takes our Sales Team.”

Dixon Wells

Dixon Wells announced recently that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Brokerage Services of Carolina, Inc., along with its book of business.

Brokerage Services of Carolina, Inc., based in West Columbia, SC, has been servicing the needs of independent life insurance agents in the Carolinas and surrounding areas since 1977. They have a solid reputation built on excellent service, competitive products, and personal service. The purchase of Brokerage Services of Carolina will further increase Dixon Wells’ footprint in the life insurance brokerage industry.

“We are very excited to welcome Carolina Brokerage Services and their advisors to Dixon Wells,” said Bill Conwell, president and founder of Dixon Wells. “Bill Brooks has been a pillar in our industry for over 40 years. We are honored to serve his relationships moving forward and want to welcome them all to Dixon Wells.”

Dixon Wells is a leading national insurance brokerage general agency that was created and continues to grow on the principle of delivering exceptional service that quickly and efficiently manages every step in the processing of life, long term care, annuities, and disability insurance, melded with the most stable and forward-looking products, insurance company partners and point of sale assistance in the industry. Dixon Wells has locations in Birmingham, AL, Charlotte, NC, Columbia, SC, Columbus, OH, Nashville, TN, Philadelphia, PA, and Richmond, VA. The Dixon Wells team can be reached at 800-821-7996.

Insurance Technologies/IXN

Insurance Technologies, LLC, a leading provider of sales automation solutions for the life and annuities insurance industries, announces the acquisition of IXN, the leading provider of digital data exchange solutions for the life insurance industry. The combined company will fully integrate both companies’ proven systems to offer the most comprehensive and efficient single platform capabilities and experience for sales automation in the life and annuities insurance industries.

The insurance industry is in the midst of a major digital transformation, demanding more and more from market participants to create specialized software to modernize the overall sales and operations process. To operate in today’s competitive distribution world, advisors, agents, distributor firms, and carriers need a modern, simple, cohesive, one-stop digital shop to manage all aspects of the sales process.

Insurance Technologies identified IXN as a dynamic disrupter in the life insurance ecosystem, as proven by their widely adopted cross-platform digital solutions and recent launch of the LifeDX solution, an open API data exchange solution. IXN pioneered the concept of “putting an agents’ business in their pocket” by launching and becoming the industry leader for mobile applications within the life insurance space. IXN also developed a multi-carrier sales automation solution that is becoming the platform of choice for life insurance distributors and carriers.

“As the insurance industry continues to innovate, we must find ways to deliver increasingly specialized yet integrated solutions for advisors, agents, distribution partners, and carriers,” said David Fenimore, CEO of Insurance Technologies. “The addition of IXN’s industry-leading suite of products for life insurance rapidly advances our FireLight® product roadmap for life insurance, providing the full life ecosystem in a single, easy-to-use application. This integrated solution further enhances our life insurance functionality and supports our client base in an area where we already see tremendous growth. We continue to build on our promise to offer a single platform as a service solution that supports the entire life and annuity insurance sales lifecycle and are committed to being the best possible long-term technology partner for our clients.”

“We are excited to combine IXN’s innovative technological tools with Insurance Technologies’ proven solutions,” said Kevin Pohmer, CEO of IXN. “Both of our customer bases and the entire life insurance industry will benefit from our increased ability to deliver innovative, value-added solutions that improve client success and operational efficiency across the entire value chain.”

By combining their proven technology solutions, Insurance Technologies FireLight® and IXN are creating the most robust end-to-end platforms for the life insurance marketplace. The addition of IXN’s digital sales automation and data exchange solutions is expected to make Insurance Technologies software solutions even more attractive to clients and reinforce the company’s strong track record for product and customer service. Together, Insurance Technologies and IXN will be a clear leader in innovation in the insurance technology market.

IXN is a leading provider of cross-platform software solutions to the insurance industry helping make the process of distributing and processing life insurance simple and easy. IXN pioneered the concept of “putting an agents’ business in their pocket” by launching and becoming the industry leader of mobile applications within the life insurance space. Through our SaaS-based sales automation solutions, we assist carriers, agents, BGAs, advisors, and financial institutions better serve their consumers. IXN is headquartered in Lehi, UT.

Insurance Technologies provides innovative sales and regulatory automation solutions to the insurance industry. Offering a suite of integrated sales solutions, from pre-sale functions to quoting and illustrations through e-application and e-delivery to post-sale services, Insurance Technologies provides carriers and distributors the sales capabilities and tools to create automated and cohesive sales experiences for their advisors and clients across the life and annuities insurance industries. The unique architecture and flexibility of its solutions deliver front and back-office configurability and usability to support multiple business strategies, encourage cross-channel growth and evolve with regulatory changes.