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Broker World is the only national insurance magazine founded, focused and edited to specifically address the brokerage marketplace and the unique informational needs of independent life and health producers who select the products best suited to their clients' needs from a variety of companies and marketers. The primary service is to provide a channel of communication between life and health companies and marketers and the 28,600+ proven producers of substantial amounts of brokerage business that constitute Broker World's readership.

Integrity

Broker World
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Integrity

Integrity Marketing Group, LLC (“Integrity”), a leading distributor of life and health insurance, and provider of wealth management and retirement planning solutions, today announced it has partnered with MoneySmartMovement, a rapidly expanding independent marketing organization based in Dallas, TX, and led by Sheena and Matt Sapaula. Financial details of the partnership were not disclosed.

“It’s rare to find leaders as inspiring as Sheena and Matt—they are truly unique in building and sustaining great relationships,” shared Bryan W. Adams, co-founder and CEO of Integrity. “The MoneySmartMovement team brings an enthusiastic energy that resonates perfectly with our Integrity passion. As an Integrity partner, MoneySmartMovement is even better positioned to meet consumers’ holistic insurance needs by leveraging our resources and platforms. Integrity has created the industry’s best technology, products, plans and services across leading carriers to help dynamic agencies like MoneySmartMovement make a real impact on our industry. The strengths we each bring to the table will fuel incredible levels of growth, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome Sheena and Matt to Integrity!”

Recognizing a substantial gap in financial literacy nationwide, Sheena and Matt Sapaula use their complementary skill sets and expertise to increase consumers’ foundational understanding of financial principles. MoneySmartMovement provides life insurance and annuity products through an energetic and diverse team of agents nationwide. The agency helps consumers transform their lives by improving their financial literacy and educating them about principles of success. The Sapaulas and the MoneySmartMovement team are also instrumental in helping new associates realize the opportunities available through the insurance industry to transform their financial lives and form foundations for their futures.

“Integrity is an incredibly synergistic force that brings together carriers, customers and agents who share a fundamental desire to make people’s lives better,” said Sheena Sapaula, founder of MoneySmartMovement. “Together, we are acting on an all-encompassing vision of better protecting the life, health and wealth of families and offering greater opportunities and hope to the middle class. We want to help as many people as possible reach their financial stability goals, which can be a long-term commitment. To reach our milestones, we knew we needed a partner that would connect us to best-in-class resources as well as to other leading minds across the industry. We’ve experienced substantial success, and we’re nowhere near slowing down—I couldn’t be more optimistic about our future as an Integrity partner!”

“What I love about this business is that our time is devoted to helping others—from our agents striving to maximize their potential to the diverse clients we serve,” explained Matt Sapaula, founder of MoneySmartMovement. “At MoneySmartMovement, our mission is to transform the way people feel about and manage their financial independence goals. Our growth has always been built on creating relationships—and Integrity shares that focus. Just like MoneySmartMovement, Integrity is dedicated to building up leaders. This partnership offers us an abundance of resources and support, so we can better serve more people and develop the next generation of leaders. It’s a clear win-win for our employees, our producers and our clients, and our future has never been brighter.”

The Integrity suite of solutions offers transformative technology to help agents reach the pinnacle of their potential. Its state-of-the-art solutions include the LifeCENTER platform, which streamlines agents’ workflow and strengthens opportunities for deeper customer relationships through Ask Integrity™, Integrity’s AI-powered digital assistant. It also includes LeadCENTER, which fully integrates with LifeCENTER and offers agents actionable leads on demand. Integrity partners also increase their capacity to make data-driven decisions by leveraging the platform’s proprietary data and analytics and cutting-edge product development.

“Now more than ever, it’s crucial for American families to have a greater understanding of how decisions that affect their life, health and wealth all work together,” explained Patrick Bet-David, managing partner at Integrity. “Sheena and Matt understand that—and they’re incredibly driven to help the families they serve improve their financial literacy and make financial decisions that provide lasting security and peace of mind. Now that they’ve partnered with Integrity, Sheena, Matt and the entire MoneySmartMovement team will have access to the industry’s best technology and resources, as well as proven and respected thought leaders. The Integrity platform is built to promote growth, and I know it will provide unprecedented opportunities for MoneySmartMovement, its agents and their clients.”

Integrity and MoneySmartMovement share a vision of more holistic life, health and wealth protection for all American families. In bringing this concept to fruition, Integrity has assembled incredible leaders from across the insurance and financial services industries who are creating innovative strategies and solutions to help more Americans plan for the good days ahead. Through collaboration and partnership, these visionaries are expanding insurance and financial offerings, and improving processes for all stakeholders.

For more information about MoneySmartMovement’s partnership with Integrity, view a video at www.integrity.com/moneysmart.

Integrity, headquartered in Dallas, TX, is a leading distributor of life and health insurance, and provider of innovative solutions for wealth management and retirement planning. Through its broad partner network of agents and advisors, Integrity helps millions of Americans protect their life, health and wealth with a commitment to meet them wherever they are—in person, over the phone and online. Integrity’s proprietary, cutting-edge technology helps expand the insurance and financial planning experience for all stakeholders using an omnichannel approach. In addition, Integrity develops products with carrier partners and markets them compliantly through its nationwide distribution network. Providing best-in-class service to clients and consumers is at the center of Integrity’s holistic approach to life, health and wealth protection. The company and its partners focus on helping families and individuals prepare for the good days ahead, so they can make the most of what life brings. For more information, visit www.integrity.com.

MoneySmartMovement, headquartered in Dallas, TX, is a distinguished financial services agency at the forefront of leadership development and business scaling for insurance agents. With a network of over 6,000 diverse agents nationwide, MoneySmartMovement stands as one of the fastest-growing agencies in the U.S., committed to meeting the financial insurance needs of families and individuals. The agency serves thousands of Americans annually. For more information, visit www.moneysmartguy.com.

Finseca

Broker World
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Finseca

Finseca is pleased to announce that Anthony T. Mazzei, Sr., chairman and founding partner at National Financial Network, an agency of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (Guardian), will be honored with the prestigious Finseca Hall of Fame Award at the Leaders and Managers Program (LAMP) 2024 in Denver, CO. Mazzei, along with just two other financial security professionals, is being inducted into the 2024 Hall of Fame class because of his demonstrated commitment to leadership, mentorship, advocacy efforts, and improving the lives and financial security of countless clients.

“Tony’s leadership resonates not just within Finseca, but across our entire profession,” remarked Bonnie Godsman, Finseca’s president. “His enduring commitment to the service of his clients and leaders within his firm and our entire profession, exemplifies unparalleled dedication. This recognition is truly merited, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude for his extensive years of service.”

“Tony’s mission is to change lives and make a difference,” said Michael Ferik, head of Individual Markets at Guardian. “Over the past four decades, he’s done exactly that. From his leadership roles in Guardian’s Field Advisory Board and General Agency Mentor Program to his ongoing support of various philanthropic causes, Tony has been a champion of his clients, colleagues, and community. His induction into the Finseca Hall of Fame is a fitting tribute to his work, and we know his efforts to elevate the industry will only continue.”

“A lot has changed in the past forty years,” Leyla Lesina, head of Individual Markets Distribution at Guardian. “No matter what’s happened, however, Tony’s commitment to supporting the well-being of others has been a guiding light for the industry. He is deeply admired and respected by his peers and his counsel is coveted by clients. Tony embodies what it means to be a General Agent and Finseca has made an outstanding choice in inducting him into its Hall of Fame.”

Mazzei has been in the financial services industry for nearly 50 years. He has served in almost every role in the industry: Advisor, managing director, senior home office executive, but most of his time has been spent as a general agent. Mazzei has a unique skill that was identified early on in his career. He empowers others and aligns them with a role that gives them the opportunity to use their unique abilities.

Finseca’s Hall of Fame Award is regarded as the highest honor bestowed upon distinguished insurance and financial security leaders. Nominees were evaluated by the Hall of Fame Selection Committee, which assessed each nominee’s history and accomplishments in four categories:

  • Advancing the art and science of agency/firm building.
  • Advancing the mission and work of the financial services industry.
  • Enhancing the quality of public and private life.
  • Promoting professional education in the financial services industry.

For more information about the Finseca Hall of Fame Awards and this year’s inductees, please visit finseca.org/communities/leadership-awardees.

At Finseca, they know that financial security improves people’s lives and protects their livelihoods and future wellbeing. They are rising to the challenge of increasing financial security for all. Finseca represents the men and women of the financial security profession who dedicate themselves to delivering financial security to their clients every day.

LIMRA/LOMA

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LIMRA/LOMA

LL Global, the parent company of LIMRA and LOMA, recently announced Matt Berman, president and chief executive officer, Foresters Financial, and Tom Dempsey, chief distribution officer, Integrity, have joined the LL Global board of directors in 2024 to complete the terms of other directors who were unable to fulfill the remainder of their elected terms.

The LL Global board provides oversight and guidance to LIMRA and LOMA to ensure the strategic direction continues to meet the changing needs of member companies.

Berman was appointed president and chief executive officer of Foresters Financial in January, 2024. He has 30 years of experience leading strategic planning, distribution and product management in both the property and casualty and life and savings insurance sectors, most notably with AXA, AIG and Zurich Insurance.

As chief distribution officer, Dempsey leads Integrity’s entire sales organization, working to ensure that revenue and production goals are met for the Life, Health and Wealth divisions of the company. For more than two decades, he has been an instrumental leader in the development and growth of top global companies. Prior to joining Integrity, he was responsible for directing the strategic development, growth, and day-to-day operations for Transamerica’s most profitable retail insurance agencies.

“Matt and Tom are exceptional leaders with deep understanding of our industry and business and what it takes to succeed in the marketplace,” said David Levenson, president and chief executive officer, LIMRA and LOMA. “I look forward to working closely with each of them as they help guide us on how we can bring the greatest value to our members.”

LL Global is the non-profit parent company for LIMRA and LOMA. LIMRA and LOMA have a combined membership of more than 700 insurance and financial services companies in 63 countries worldwide.

Serving the industry since 1916, LIMRA offers industry knowledge, insights, connections, and solutions to help more than 700 member organizations navigate change with confidence. Visit LIMRA at www.limra.com.

Established in 1924, LOMA helps to advance the financial services industry by empowering more than 700 financial services companies to navigate change with confidence. Visit LOMA at www.loma.org.

Allianz Life

Broker World
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Allianz Life

Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz Life) announced today that its newest accumulation-focused product, Allianz Accumulation Advantage+™ Annuity, is now available.

Allianz Accumulation Advantage+™ is a fixed index annuity that combines powerful accumulation potential with a premium bonus1, signature Allianz innovations and flexible design. Allianz has also recently added a new FIA with a shorter, seven-year withdrawal charge period, Allianz Accumulation Advantage 7™ Annuity, to its suite of products.

“We are expanding our options to help more people accumulate money for retirement,” said Heidi Vanderkloot, head of FMO distribution, Allianz Life. “Many people are looking for ways to grow their retirement assets while mitigating potential risks. Our new FIAs offer protection of principal and growth potential to help people move toward their ideal retirement.”

Two in three Americans (66 percent) said they need to accumulate more money to retire but are too nervous to invest more in the market in a recent study from Allianz Life*. Yet, fear of market volatility is keeping Americans from taking actions that could grow their retirement assets. The majority of Americans (61 percent) said they would rather have their money sit in cash than endure market swings.

Allianz Accumulation Advantage+™ includes signature innovations like Index Lock, which gives clients the control to lock in an index value at any point once per crediting period2 and multi-year point-to-point crediting with participation rates that are designed to start higher than one-year allocation options and increase each year3. Full accumulation value is available to the Allianz Accumulation Advantage+™ contract owner after 10 years.

The flexible design of Allianz Accumulation Advantage+™ offers 10 percent free withdrawals annually available as soon as the contract year following any contract year a premium payment was made. Plus, any unused free withdrawal percentage carries over into the following contract year, up to a maximum of 20 percent.

*Allianz Life conducted an online survey, the 2023 Q4 Quarterly Market Perceptions Study in November 2023 with a nationally representative sample of 1,005 Respondents age 18+.

Guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America only.
Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, one of the Ethisphere World’s Most Ethical Companies®, has been trusted since 1896 to help millions of Americans prepare for financial uncertainties and retirement with a variety of innovative risk management solutions. In 2023, Allianz Life provided additional value to its policyholders via distributions of more than $13.73 billion. As a leading provider of fixed index annuities, registered index-linked annuities, and fixed index universal life insurance, Allianz Life is part of Allianz SE, a global leader in the financial services industry with approximately 157,000 employees in more than 70 countries. Allianz Life is a proud sponsor of Allianz Field® in St. Paul, Minnesota, home of Major League Soccer’s Minnesota United.

  1. Bonus products may include higher withdrawal charges, longer withdrawal charge periods, lower caps, lower participation rates, higher spreads or other restrictions that are not included in similar products that don’t offer a bonus.
  2. Exercising an Index Lock may result in an interest credit higher or lower than if a lock had not been exercised.
  3. Although MY (multi-year) point-to-point crediting is designed to offer higher rates than its one-year counterpart, there is no guarantee rates will be higher or that rates will increase year over year. Rates will vary due to market conditions. The renewal participation rate may differ significantly—up or down—at the company’s discretion, relative to the initial participation rate.

ICMG

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ICMG

The Inter-Company Marketing Group (ICMG), the non-profit association that fosters business networking among insurance and financial services companies, has named Allen Bress, president of AIM Marketing & Insurance Services, Inc., of Scottsdale, AZ, as the recipient of the 2024 Don Kampe Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Don Kampe Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest honor awarded by the ICMG. This award was established in 2001 to recognize ICMG members who have made significant, ongoing contributions of time and resources for the benefit of the organization. The award was named in honor of Don Kampe, who served on ICMG’s first board of directors, was president for two terms, and continued to be active in board and committee work for 24 years.

Mr. Bress’s entry into the insurance industry in 1968 marked the beginning of an innovative and impactful insurance career. He has founded three reputable companies, showcasing a deep commitment to providing invaluable insurance benefits to the public. Since joining ICMG in 1993, Mr. Bress has been a consistent and enthusiastic advocate for the organization, energetically encouraging others to participate as well.
Beyond ICMG, throughout Mr. Bress’s 50-plus years in the insurance business, he has been active in many other conferences and organizations. He has served on multiple boards, including the Mass Market Insurance Institute, PIMA, Voluntary Benefits Association, and the NAILBA Charitable Foundation. His induction into the Workplace Marketing Association’s Hall of Fame and a founding role in the California Association of Health Underwriters speak to his influential presence and visionary contributions.

This year’s Don Kampe Lifetime Achievement Award was presented by ICMG’s Executive Director, Larry Sigle, who said about Mr. Bress, “It’s evident that his unwavering dedication, visionary leadership, and profound industry impact make him a deserving recipient.”
The ICMG’s 2024 Annual Conference was held February 5 to 7, 2024, in Miami, FL. This was a milestone year for this exceptional conference, as attendees celebrated the 40th anniversary of the event. More information about the organization and its 2024 conference can be found at ICMG’s website, www.icmg.org.

The Inter-Company Marketing Group (www.icmg.org) is the premier non-profit association that fosters strategic alliances among insurance and financial services companies, providing targeted networking opportunities, sharing of knowledge, experience, and resources for successful inter-company alliances. Among ICMG’s members are marketing and business development decision-makers with insurance carriers, reinsurers, distributors, third-party administrators, and other related companies in the insurance business. Find ICMG on LinkedIn or visit www.icmg.org to learn more.

For more information, contact Larry Sigle, executive director, ICMG, 316-252-3368, administration@icmg.org, or Chuck Hirsch, president, Hirsch Communications Consulting, 314-630-1387, charles.k.hirsch@gmail.com.

LIMRA/LOMA

Broker World
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LIMRA/LOMA

LIMRA and LOMA officially launched Industry Advantage, an enterprise-wide program that gives employees unlimited access to a deep and broad library of bite-sized content with topics focused on life insurance, annuities, and workplace benefits.

“LIMRA research shows more than a third of life insurers’ employees have been hired since the pandemic. These individuals may not have the foundational industry knowledge that would help them perform their job responsibilities most effectively,” said Carie Crane, vice president and head of professional development, LIMRA and LOMA. “We developed this curriculum to help our members onboard their new employees and keep their existing employees up to date on emerging industry trends, like artificial intelligence, underwriting advances, and elder financial exploitation.”

Industry Advantage is a cost-effective annual program that offers companies microlearning content compatible with companies’ learning management systems. This content provides relevant insights for new-to-the-industry staff as well as those seeking career advancement and deeper knowledge.

Industry Advantage leverages a microlearning approach, which research has shown has many benefits to the organization and the learner:

  • Increased learner engagement. Providing learning opportunities that are available at the time of need means the learner has access to education and training that can be immediately relevant and useful. These employees are then more likely to feel invested in learning this content.
  • Higher productivity. A Society for Human Resource Management study indicates that companies using microlearning saw a 130 percent increase in employee productivity, compared to companies not taking this approach. The targeted content conveyed through microlearning is more likely to be retained and immediately applied—which logically would increase productivity and efficiency.
  • Narrower skills gap. The financial services industry is changing rapidly, driven by technological advancements and evolving consumer expectations. This just-in-time learning approach can help employers address skill shortages and remain adaptable to help employees gain the knowledge they need.

“LOMA has been the go-to resource for industry-specific professional development for nearly 100 years,” said Crane. “In an increasingly competitive environment, companies must arm their employees with the knowledge needed to succeed in their current jobs and provide the opportunity to develop industry expertise to allow them to advance in their careers. Industry Advantage helps companies develop a well-informed team of professionals that can propel the performance of the organization to achieve their strategic business goals.”

To learn more about Industry Advantage, visit: https://www.loma.org/en/professional-development/talent-mobility-suite/industry-advantage/.

Serving the industry since 1916, LIMRA offers industry knowledge, insights, connections, and solutions to help more than 700 member organizations navigate change with confidence. Visit LIMRA at www.limra.com.

Established in 1924, LOMA helps to advance the financial services industry by empowering more than 700 financial services companies to navigate change with confidence. Visit LOMA at www.loma.org.

BenefitMall

Broker World
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BenefitMall

BenefitMall, the largest employee benefits general agency, is pleased to announce the consolidation of all leadership functions for the company under Bob Love as president, effective January 1, 2024. Following Scott Kirksey’s retirement as CEO at the end of 2023, Love has assumed the overall leadership role for BenefitMall, ushering the company into its next chapter as part of CRC Group. Since joining BenefitMall in June of 2018, Love has played a vital role in the company’s steady growth and numerous successes that have positioned BenefitMall at the top of its industry.

“As we continue to grow, our mission remains clear: To provide the fastest, easiest and most trusted benefits-selling experience,” said Bob Love, president of BenefitMall. “We are steadfast in our pursuit of enhancing the broker experience and fostering a culture of support for every member of our team.”

Love has more than 30 years of industry experience leading sales and operations teams in all size market segments on a national level. Before joining BenefitMall, Love oversaw Group Sales & Service and Group Distribution nationally for MetLife and Guardian. Most recently, he led renewed growth for Prudential National Accounts. In his role at Prudential, Love was instrumental in revitalizing the sales and service teams, restoring sales competitiveness, and ensuring the financial health of the group insurance segment.

“Bob’s extensive experience in the insurance industry makes him the ideal next leader for our organization,” said Scott Kirksey, former CEO of BenefitMall. “He is a proven leader, and I have full confidence in his ability to continue driving innovation and excellence, ensuring a bright future for BenefitMall and our clients.”

Headquartered in Dallas, BenefitMall is the largest employee benefits general agency, partnering with a network of 20,000 brokers to deliver employee benefits to more than 200,000 small and medium-sized businesses. Founded in 1979, BenefitMall leverages innovative technology backed by human expertise to provide a seamless selling experience for its carriers, brokers, and their clients. BenefitMall is part of CRC Group’s Life, Retirement and Benefits Solutions division, a leading national wholesale distributor of specialty insurance products.

American National

Broker World
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American National

iPipeline® announced that American National has launched iGO®, the technology company’s digital e-App solution within its end-to-end ecosystem, to enable the insurance carrier to streamline its distribution and further improve the ease of doing business for insurance agents and brokerage general agencies (BGAs). Supporting multiple product lines, iGO has been successfully adopted by dozens of insurance carriers, hundreds of distributors, and tens of thousands of agents.

iPipeline’s iGO—one of the industry’s leading e-Application tools—will help American National to strengthen its long-term plan for continued growth and expansion within the BGAs market as it strives to build one of the most successful insurance companies in the U.S.
With iPipeline’s iGO e-App solution, you can:

  • Complete an online e-Application, including e-signature—in person with your client or remotely.
  • Ensure the proper and most current applications and forms are used through iGO’s standardized, rule-based platform.
  • Simplify the process for completing forms through its automated data gathering.
  • Ensure that applications are “in good order” while eliminating those that are NiGO (not in good order).
  • Reduce cycle times and increase placement ratios.
  • And accelerate the overall application process.

“For more than a century, American National has developed an outstanding reputation for helping millions of Americans to secure the financial futures of their families. We are honored to partner with them to create an easy, efficient, and end-to-end digital experience for their agents, BGAs, and customers,” said Bill Hunter, senior vice president of sales for iPipeline. “iPipeline has a proven track record of empowering life insurance organizations to grow and thrive. Through this partnership, we can help American National bring peace of mind to even more people in the communities they serve.”

“At American National, we are dedicated to serving our distributors and BGAs,” said Traie Franklin, vice president of Marketing Operations at American National. “Through the collaboration with iPipeline, we believe we can further streamline our business processes and create a much better experience for them.”

To learn more about how iPipeline can simplify business processes and experiences for insurance agents, BGAs, and customers, please visit: https://ipipeline.com/solutions/lifeannuities/.

iPipeline is a leading global provider of comprehensive and integrated digital solutions for the life insurance and financial services industries in North America, and life insurance and pensions industries in the UK. iPipeline couples one of the most expansive digital and automated platforms with one of the industry’s largest data libraries to accelerate, automate, and simplify various applications, processes, and workflows—from quote to commission—with seamless integration. The company’s vision is to help everyone achieve lasting financial security by delivering innovative solutions that connect, simplify, and transform the industry.

Since its establishment in 1995, iPipeline has helped protect more than 49 million people, and today is trusted around the world by more than 100 insurance carriers, and providers, and more than 2,500 broker-dealers, financial institutions, brokerage general agencies (BGAs), independent marketing organizations (IMOs), and managing general agents (MGAs). Connected to more than 500,000 agents and advisers/advisors, the company collected more than $33 billion in premium in life insurance and $55 billion in annuities in 2022. iPipeline operates as a business unit of Roper Technologies (Nasdaq: ROP), a constituent of the S&P 500® and Fortune 1000® indices. For more information, please visit ipipeline.com/ and select your country of origin.

American National is the brand name for the direct and indirect insurance company subsidiaries and affiliates of American National Group, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company. American National Insurance Company, Galveston, Texas, was founded in 1905 and is licensed in all states except New York. American National established a dedicated property and casualty division in 1973 with American National Property and Casualty Company, Springfield, Missouri. This company serves 38 states, not including New York. To better serve the unique insurance needs of the agricultural market, in 2001 American National acquired the Farm Family group of insurance companies based in Glenmont, New York.

American National offers a broad line of products and services, which include life insurance, annuities, health insurance, credit insurance, pension products, and property and casualty insurance for personal lines, agribusiness, and certain commercial exposures. The American National companies operate in all 50 states. In New York, business is conducted by New York licensed affiliates. Each company has financial responsibility for its own products and services. For more information, please visit www.AmericanNational.com.

AllianzIM

Broker World
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AllianzIM

Allianz Investment Management LLC (AllianzIM), a subsidiary of Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, has created a new exchange-traded fund (ETF) product line tailored for investors who want to manage their wealth against unexpected market and economic events. The 6 Month Floor5 series launched with the AllianzIM U.S. Equity 6 Month Floor5 Jan/Jul ETF (NYSE: FLJJ). This spring, it will be followed by the AllianzIM U.S. Equity 6 Month Floor5 Apr/Oct ETF (NYSE: FLAO), set to launch April 1, 2024.

The Floor5 series marks a significant expansion in AllianzIM’s ETF offerings and complements the firm’s comprehensive suite of risk mitigation tools, including the firm’s lineup of Buffered ETFs. AllianzIM created these ETFs for investors who want to shield their portfolios against abrupt market fluctuations, mitigate sequence of return risk, and build long-term wealth. The Allianz Life suite of Buffered ETFs recently exceeded $2 billion in assets under management.

AllianzIM drew on its extensive familiarity with derivatives and the use of options to create the signature risk mitigation traits of the Floor5 ETF series. The ETFs seek to provide a floor with a maximum loss of five percent of the SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust losses for the duration of the outcome period, with upside returns subject to a cap.

“The Floor5 ETF series embodies our commitment to providing adaptable and forward-thinking risk management solutions,” says Chris Chambs, CEO, Allianz Investment Management LLC. “Risk is an inevitable part of the investing journey, particularly in today’s uncertain macroeconomic environment. This expanded ETF portfolio helps meet a growing investor demand for robust tools designed to weather ever-changing market cycles.”

Charlie Champagne, vice president of AllianzIM ETF Strategy noted “We are excited to broaden the scope of our risk mitigation solutions. Two of the features the Floor5 series offers are a known level of downside protection to secure years of asset accumulation for retirees and risk averse investors plus it removes timing risk that is inherent with other solutions.”

AllianzIM’s Floor5 ETFs are offered with an expense ratio of 74 basis points, and portfolio management conducted in-house by AllianzIM. The initial Outcome Period for FLJJ will be Feb. 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024, with subsequent Outcome Periods from July 1, 2024 to Dec. 31, 2024 and Jan. 1, 2025 to June 30, 2025. The initial 6-month Outcome Period for FLAO will be April 1, 2024 to Sept. 30, 2024. Each Outcome Period reflects a new stated Cap commensurate with prevailing market conditions.

AllianzIM ETFs provide outcome oriented solutions with 27 ETFs and more than $2 billion in assets under management. The AllianzIM Floor5 ETF product line taps into AllianzIM’s core strengths, which include risk management experience and in-house hedging capabilities. As part of one of the largest asset management and diversified insurance companies in the world (Allianz SE), AllianzIM uses the same proprietary in-house hedging platform that is used among affiliates to help manage more than $149 billion (as of 12/31/23) in hedged assets for institutional and retail investors around the globe. Offering a new way to help investors mitigate risk and reduce volatility, these ETFs complement Allianz Life’s suite of annuity and life insurance products.

For more information on the AllianzIM 6 Month Floor5 ETF series, please visit www.AllianzIMetfs.com.

AllianzIM, a wholly owned subsidiary of Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, is a registered investment adviser. AllianzIM provides hedging and other derivatives-based risk management solutions through its proprietary platform.

Recognized as one of the Ethisphere World’s Most Ethical Companies®, Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America has been steadfast in its commitments since 1896, concentrating on retirement income and protection goals through various annuity and life insurance products. As a part of Allianz SE, a global leader in the financial services industry, Allianz Life employs approximately 150,000 professionals across over 70 countries.

Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. For more information on investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses, please visit www.allianzIMetfs.com or call 877.429.3837. Investors should read the prospectus carefully before investing. There is no guarantee the funds will achieve their investment objectives, and investors may lose their entire investment. Holding Fund Shares for the entire Outcome Period is necessary to achieve the target outcomes.

The Buffered Outcome and Floor ETFs investment strategies are different from more typical investment products, and the Funds may be unsuitable for some investors. It is important that investors understand the investment strategy before making an investment. For more information regarding whether an investment in the Funds is right for you, please see the prospectus including “Investor Considerations.”
The Funds seek to deliver returns that match, at the end of a specified six-month or one-year period (Outcome Period), the returns of the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust up to a predetermined Cap, while limiting downside losses by the amount of a specified Buffer or Floor, before fees and expenses.

The Fund will utilize FLEX Options issued and guaranteed for settlement by the Options Clearing Corporation (“OCC”). The Fund bears the risk that the OCC will be unable or unwilling to perform its obligations under the FLEX Options contracts. In the unlikely event that the OCC becomes insolvent or is otherwise unable to meet its settlement obligations, the Fund could suffer significant losses.
ETFs are distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC. Allianz Investment Management LLC and Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America are not affiliated with Foreside Fund Services, LLC.

Allianz Life

Broker World
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Allianz Life

Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz Life) announced today that its broker dealer, Allianz Life Financial Services, LLC, has significantly expanded its sales team to support Americans’ increasing interest in products that provide a level of protection.
A dozen new positions were added at the start of 2024. And, since 2020, the number of internal sales reps has grown more than 60 percent, while external representatives have grown 25 percent.

In particular, Allianz Life Financial Services, LLC increased its presence in the southeast, northeast and Great Lakes regions of the U.S. to represent fixed index annuities (FIAs) and registered-index linked annuities (RILAs). Allianz Life has also expanded its number of sales territories from 58 in 2020 to 72 at the beginning of 2024.

“Growing our team will help us increase our support of financial professionals and their clients by bringing Allianz Life products to more Americans as they seek ways to relieve financial stress through retirement,” said Allianz Life Financial Services, LLC President Corey Walther. “Allianz Life is uniquely positioned to help Americans with both fixed index annuities and registered-index linked annuities that are designed to mitigate risk with a level of protection to help clients attain their retirement goals.”

More Americans are interested in adding FIAs and RILAs to their retirement portfolios. For example, two in three Americans (66 percent) said they want to add a financial product to their portfolio that offers protection from market downturns in a study from Allianz Life. The overall annuity market hit a new sales record in 2023 driven by prevailing market dynamics like inflation and market volatility posing significant risks to long-term financial stability.

“We believe that clients will continue to seek a financial strategy that helps them manage risks and volatility,” Walther said. “Products like annuities will continue to play an important role in those strategies to help ease some of the biggest worries about preparing for long-term financial stability.”

Allianz added four new wholesalers
As part of the growth, Allianz Life added four wholesalers to bring the company into new territories at the start of the year. Two of the new wholesalers were promoted within the company. Murray Gengler will represent eastern Tennessee and John Thyberg will cover southern New Jersey and Delaware.

Allianz Life has hired Vinny Minutolo as a regional vice president for broker dealers in the central and northern Florida territory. For the last 13 years, Minutolo was a top performer in the independent channel at Lincoln Financial Distributors. Minutolo was a regional vice president where he supported independent advisors in central and north Florida for Lincoln’s variable annuities.

Christos Bouroutis joined Allianz Life as a regional vice president for broker dealers. Bouroutis will represent the northeast district in central New Jersey and northern Pennsylvania. He previously worked at TruStage Financial Group, MetLife, Inc. and Transamerica Corp.

*Allianz Life conducted an online survey, the 2023 Q4 Quarterly Market Perceptions Study in November 2023 with a nationally representative sample of 1,005 Respondents age 18+.

Guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America. Variable annuity guarantees do not apply to the performance of the variable subaccounts, which will fluctuate with market conditions.
Products are issued by Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America. Variable products are distributed by its affiliate, Allianz Life Financial Services, LLC, member FINRA, 5701 Golden Hills Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55416-1297. 800.542.5427 www.allianzlife.com.
This content does not apply to the state of New York.

Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, one of the Ethisphere World’s Most Ethical Companies®, has been keeping its promises since 1896 by helping Americans achieve their retirement income and protection goals with a variety of annuity and life insurance products. In 2022, Allianz Life provided additional value to its policyholders via distributions of more than $7.7 billion. As a leading provider of fixed index annuities, registered index-linked annuities, and fixed index universal life insurance, Allianz Life is part of Allianz SE, a global leader in the financial services industry with approximately 150,000 employees in more than 70 countries. Allianz Life is a proud sponsor of Allianz Field® in St. Paul, Minnesota, home of Major League Soccer’s Minnesota United.

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