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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.

Hexure

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Hexure

Hexure, a provider of sales and regulatory automation solutions for the life and annuity industry, in tandem with Legal & General America (LGA), one of the nation’s leading term life insurance providers and part of Legal & General Group plc, introduced a new solution to help simplify the term life insurance purchase journey for distributors, advisors and clients.

“Legal & General America is committed to helping close the individual life insurance gap in the U.S. through easy, quick and affordable term life insurance options,” said Mark Holweger, chief executive officer for LGA. “We’re pleased to partner with Hexure on a solution that makes term life insurance much more accessible to advisors and their clients, through a fast, seamless experience.”

By implementing e-tickets within the Hexure solution, advisors can now quote a term life insurance product and then submit an e-ticket within the same platform. This streamlined process makes it easier for advisors to submit e-tickets promptly after quoting without having to navigate between different platforms. The e-ticket is then sent directly to LGA’s digital platform, kicking off the application process without additional steps.

“We’re thrilled to work with LGA in revolutionizing life sales by providing digital and connected sales solutions that enable advisors to secure their clients’ term life insurance coverage efficiently,” said Jaci Miller, chief sales officer at Hexure. “At Hexure, we are dedicated to developing solutions that make the life insurance sales journey as streamlined and efficient as possible. By adding e-tickets to the Hexure platform, LGA will empower advisors with a better client experience that includes a seamless journey from quoting to policy issuance–getting more products in the hands of clients that need them.”

LGA sees consistent quoting activity for its products on the Hexure platform. By seamlessly integrating e-tickets into the process, they are taking a significant step towards enhancing connectivity and influencing more sales opportunities.

To start quoting products and submitting e-tickets to Legal & General America through the Hexure platform, contact your firm’s home office or contact Hexure at [email protected].

LGA, (part of Legal & General Group, one of the world’s leading financial services companies) is one of the nation’s leading term life insurers, and number three in term life insurance sales in the United States (LIMRA Q3 2023 report). LGA’s insurance products are sold nationwide through its companies Banner Life Insurance Company in 49 states and D.C. and William Penn Life Insurance Company of New York in New York. LGA has an A.M. Best rating of A+ (Superior) – 2nd highest out of 15 categories and AA- from Standard & Poor’s (Very Strong capacity to meet financial commitments). Ratings are as of November 3, 2022, and apply to Legal & General America Group and its subsidiaries Banner Life Insurance Company and William Penn Life Insurance Company of New York. All ratings are subject to change. For more information about Legal & General America, visit www.lgamerica.com.

Founded in 1995, Hexure provides digital sales solutions to the insurance and financial services industry across various lines of life insurance, annuities, retirement, and wealth management products. Carriers and distributors use its solutions to build customer-centric sales experiences, accelerate submissions, reduce paper processes, meet regulatory requirements, and improve in-good-order sales.

Swiss Re

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Swiss Re

Swiss Re launches an augmented version of its Life & Health underwriting manual Life Guide. The new version comes equipped with Swiss Re Life Guide Scout, a Generative AI-powered underwriting assistant, developed by Swiss Re, that integrates Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service. Swiss Re Life Guide Scout aims to help increase the efficiency and quality of underwriting by generating swift answers compiled from curated expert knowledge in response to questions asked by the underwriter in natural language.

Life and health insurance underwriting is a complex process that requires accurate and up-to-date information to assess an insurance applicant’s risk. To make the right decisions, underwriters invest a significant amount of time to search and review information using standard search tools to identify relevant sources and facts.

Life Guide, the world’s number one life and health underwriting manual, helps clients understand current and future risks, so they can make informed decisions, and build strong, sustainable portfolios.

The augmented version of Life Guide is now equipped with Swiss Re Life Guide Scout, a new functionality powered by Generative AI, that supports underwriters in speeding up risk assessment. Swiss Re Life Guide Scout allows underwriters to make professional queries, receiving an AI-generated answer and the source of information, within seconds. This facilitates them to make faster, more precise decisions and improves knowledge transfer. With a solid data foundation and advanced analytics capabilities, the integration of Azure OpenAI Service unlocks deeper insights for improved human decision making.

Swiss Re Life Guide Scout is launched as a pilot programme in English. A wider roll-out is planned for later this year.

Julien Descombes, Swiss Re’s chief underwriting officer L&H Re, said: “We are excited to bring Generative AI to our clients who can now leverage this new feature to improve their underwriting process. Our ambition is to provide insurers access to the risk perspective we have built into Life Guide in an even more efficient and user-friendly way to help them continue to write sustainable business and deliver on their promises.”

Catrin Hinkel, CEO Microsoft Switzerland, said: “By integrating Microsoft Azure OpenAI, Swiss Re can unlock the power of advanced analytics and Generative AI to provide new capabilities to the insurance market through a secure, compliant, and reliable cloud environment. This powerful combination empowers Swiss Re to share their risk insights with clients, transforming the way they manage risk.”

About Life Guide
Life Guide has continuously ranked as the industry’s number one global underwriting manual based on the NMG Consulting study. Its underwriting philosophy and embedded trainings are backed by Swiss Re experts who monitor the latest medical, regulatory and technological developments. Packed with up-to-date information, Life Guide combines medical and underwriting expertise with analytics and actuarial know-how to deliver confidence to the decisions clients make. Life Guide helps users understand risks and how they interact with each other through functionalities like the cardiovascular risk calculator, which is used, on average, every five seconds by an underwriter seeking to assess heart disease risk. Every day, thousands of underwriters in over 100 countries access Life Guide adding up to more than 23 million hits per year.

The Swiss Re Group is one of the world’s leading providers of reinsurance, insurance and other forms of insurance-based risk transfer, working to make the world more resilient. It anticipates and manages risk–from natural catastrophes to climate change, from aging populations to cyber crime. The aim of the Swiss Re Group is to enable society to thrive and progress, creating new opportunities and solutions for its clients. Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, where it was founded in 1863, the Swiss Re Group operates through a network of around 80 offices globally.

Cautionary note on forward-looking statements
The information provided and forward-looking statements made are for informational purposes only. In no event shall Swiss Re be liable for any loss or damage arising in connection with the use of this information and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements (the cautionary note on forward-looking statements are available under https://www.swissre.com/terms-of-use.html). Swiss Re undertakes no obligation to publicly revise or update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. This communication is not intended to be a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities and does not constitute an offer for the sale of, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, securities in any jurisdiction, including the United States. Any such offer will only be made by means of a prospectus or offering memorandum, and in compliance with applicable securities laws. This document does not constitute an invitation to effect any transaction in securities or make investments.

BenefitMall

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BenefitMall

BenefitMall, the largest employee benefits general agency, announced the addition of Jenny Long as the new sales manager for retention responsible for overseeing Georgia and Florida markets. The appointment marks a significant step forward in the company’s commitment to serving Southeastern brokers and enhancing its presence in the region. Long brings 15 years of industry experience to her new role. Prior to joining BenefitMall, Long served as a retention manager and a sales executive with a large health insurer, experience that positions her to understand and address the needs of brokers and small business employers.

“Jenny’s dedication to client satisfaction and her deep understanding of the ever-evolving benefits marketplace makes her an invaluable asset. Jenny’s appointment highlights BenefitMall’s commitment to delivering top-tier support and solutions to our brokers and clients,” said Brock Purslow, regional vice president of the Benefits South Division at BenefitMall. “We are confident that Jenny will play a key role in our continued growth and success across Georgia and Florida.”

BenefitMall also announced that Kaleb Bledsoe is assuming an expanded role with the company as national practice leader of ancillary products. The appointment marks a significant step in the company’s commitment to serving its brokers and enhancing products and services for large group clients with more than 100 eligible employees.

Before joining BenefitMall in 2022, Bledsoe enjoyed a successful run as a senior sales consultant at other employee benefits and life insurance companies. As national practice leader, Bledsoe will focus on working with the markets to create strategies that drive non-medical revenue growth while also supporting the large group sales team with his expertise in life and disability insurance, vision and dental care, and more.

John Wiesler, BenefitMall’s senior vice president of sales, comments, “Success in ancillary sales isn’t just about offering additional products; it’s about enhancing the customer experience with tailored solutions that address their unique needs and preferences. We are thrilled to have Kaleb’s expertise and leadership on board.”

Also announced was the addition of Maggie Beckley as a new benefits sales executive for Houston, Texas. The appointment marks a significant step forward in the company’s commitment to serving brokers in Texas. Beckley brings eight years of insurance industry experience to the role. Prior to joining BenefitMall, she worked as a producer with an independent insurance brokerage, gaining extensive knowledge in employer group health coverage, including self-funded and level-funded health plans.

“Maggie’s proactive approach and optimism make her a valuable asset, both professionally and personally,” says Brock Purslow, regional vice president. “She is determined to expand the use of BenefitMall’s online tools and further demonstrate the company’s mission to provide the fastest, easiest, and most trusted benefits selling experience.”

In addition, the company announced the addition of Sam Patton to its team as the new benefits sales executive for Colorado. The appointment marks a significant step in the company’s commitment to serving its Colorado brokers and enhancing its presence in the region. Patton boasts five years of industry experience exclusively at a life and disability carrier prior to joining BenefitMall. He specializes in ancillary benefits such as life, disability insurance (DI), and executive supplemental disability.

Hadley Weiler, BenefitMall’s West Division regional vice president states, “With his background in ancillary benefits, I am confident that Sam will continue to make a significant impact in employee benefits sales, serving brokers with integrity and expertise at BenefitMall.”

Headquartered in Dallas, BenefitMall is the largest employee benefits general agency, working 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.

Hexure

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Hexure

Hexure, a provider of sales and regulatory automation solutions for the life and annuity industry, announced today a partnership with SuranceBay, an insurance technology provider of contracting and compliance software that automates various aspects of the producer-distributor-carrier relationship. This collaboration streamlines the can-sell verification process while also enhancing in-good-order (IGO) life and annuity business transactions through the integration of Hexure’s FireLight platform and SuranceBay’s SureLC™ solution.

“Missing licensing, appointment, and product training are primary contributors to NIGOs and present significant challenges within our industry,” said Kevin Pohmer, chief product officer for Hexure. “Partnering with SuranceBay enables us to provide tools within FireLight that not only verify eligibility to sell but also provide just-in-time functionality to address requirements. This empowers advisors to confidently proceed with sales, assured that they will be in good order.”

The FireLight and SureLC integration significantly reduces not-in-good-order (NIGO) submissions due to missing advisor requirements, such as licensing, carrier appointments or product training. This integration eliminates the need for navigating between systems to verify eligibility or to complete missing requirements before moving forward with the application submission, thus driving sales efficiency and better experiences for the client.

“Everyone involved in the purchase and sale of financial products benefits when surprise roadblocks are prevented. SuranceBay has been providing online contracting and licensing solutions for many years, and we’re thrilled to be partnering with Hexure to extend the reach of our compliance monitoring to the point of sale so producers and distributors can avoid delays and place business more quickly and confidently,” said Mike Abrahamson, director of Client Relations and senior business analyst for SuranceBay.

Hexure clients who use SuranceBay can easily activate the SureLC integration by implementing a SuranceBay authentication token within the FireLight admin tool, quickly enabling can-sell checks for their advisors directly within FireLight.

One Conversation Leads To Olympic Glory And LTCI Success

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One Conversation Leads To Olympic Glory And LTCI Success

We are all aware of the long term care crisis looming. But how do we encourage more Americans to plan appropriately? How can we tell the story in a way that inspires people to create and have faith in their own plan? I use an example from my own life as an Olympic athlete as my guide to encourage folks to trust me and the process.

In the autumn of 1975, a conversation with my Central Jersey Aquatic Club (CJAC) swimming coach would set my life on an unexpected trajectory toward Olympic glory. What I didn’t realize at the time is how important that chance encounter would also be to my future long term care planning clients.

It was a typical evening in September, the air was filled with the sounds of water splashing anthe coach’s commands echoing off the pool walls. I was a newlywed and was there not to swim but to accompany my husband Bernie, who was coaching part-time. As I sat in the stands, my attention divided between my homework and the bustling activity below, I could hear a thud, thud, thud growing closer. Suddenly, looming over me was Bill Palmer, the CJAC head swim coach. His words were direct and challenging, urging me to join the elite swimmers in the pool.

Here’s how that conversation went:

“Hey, you should be down in that pool training!” Bill said with his usual forceful conviction.

“Bill, I’ve already trained twice today,” I shot back. “Thanks, but no thanks; I’m exhausted.”

“No, Wendy, I don’t mean just tonight. I mean every night!”

“Well, I can’t fit that in with my courses, college swim practices, and racing.”

“Wendy, Wendy, Wendy, the Olympic trials are in 10 months. I can get you ready.”

“Bill, Bill, Bill,” I snarked back. “I have school and college swimming. I can’t possibly train with you at that level of intensity and time commitment. I just couldn’t.”

“Listen to me, I can get you ready. You can train and follow the dream you’ve had since you were a little girl. But you will have to leave college and give up your scholarship. You would train with the team twice a day, once on Saturday, and take Sundays off. We’ll keep you in the gym to continue lifting, but with a different intensity, very specific to your starts and turns, power in the legs, back, shoulders, and abs. Power… I have a plan all written out.”

Bill then pulls a 10-month plan off his clipboard and hands it to me. “I can get you ready for the Olympic trials. Barring any major illness or injuries, I believe you have as great a shot as anyone in the fly and free at making the team.”

I am looking at these workouts, the times I will need to hit in practices, the diet, the strength workouts, the five to six hours in the pool a day, the time…the swim mileage, the intensity, and the major commitment.

Bill is waiting for me to agree or disagree, and he wants that answer right then and there. I kept looking at him, speechless. “I’m married. I will be 21 years old at those Olympic trials,” I said. “No one has ever done that before.” And in that instant, I started to think maybe I could do this. Maybe I needed to shift that negative age thought and grab hold of Bill’s belief in me.

“Bill, do you really believe I can do this? Can I make the Olympic team in 10 months?”

“Here’s what I know for sure, Wendy,” said Bill. “You are so talented, hardworking, mentally and physically gifted, focused, and absolutely one of the strongest swimmers I have ever coached. Yes, I think you have a great shot at making the team.”

“Really? In 10 months, you can have me ready?”

“Let me tell you this, Wendy. We can get you ready. We can train, we can do it all right. You give up school, you and Bernie commit fully to this, and that means only swimming. You will not do anything else but swim, eat, rest, swim, eat, sleep for 10 months, train with full intent and intensity, I believe you have a great shot. But I cannot guarantee it, Wendy. We could do all of that, and there is always a chance you will not make the team. There is a chance that you could get sick or injured and not meet the time standards of the trials. But here is what I can absolutely guarantee you, and it is this: If you do not try, you will spend the rest of your life wondering if you could have.”

Trust the Process
Bill Palmer saw in me the potential to ascend to the zenith of swimming excellence. That conversation marked a turning point, informing future discussions I would have with clients about planning for long term care. Both required a vision that looked past the immediate, an evaluation of what could be, and a commitment to plan for something where the fruits would only ripen in the distant future. Just as I placed my trust in Bill’s foresight and coaching, my clients would need to place their trust in my expertise and guidance for their long term care.

The common thread weaving through these experiences is the transformative nature of meaningful dialogue and the critical role of planning, preparation, and faith in the process. My road to the Olympics began with the recognition of my own potential and the acceptance of the intense training and discipline it demanded. In a similar vein, effective long term care planning begins with the acknowledgment of the necessity for a plan resilient enough to stand the test of time, providing security and peace of mind. That may sound crazy, but it’s true.

The Power of One Conversation
My Olympic gold medal and my accomplishments in steering clients through long term care planning stand as evidence of the enduring influence of those crucial conversations. I have over 300 clients with long term care policies and not one of them has ever come back to me wishing they hadn’t made that decision.

I often think about that conversation with Bill when I’m starting a conversation with a client and coaching them through planning for their long term care. In those moments, I can change the course of someone’s life. Both conversations showcase the remarkable power that foresight, trust, and dedication hold in the pursuit of one’s aspirations, be it in the competitive world of sports or the complex arena of financial planning. My story serves as a testament to the idea that sometimes, just one conversation can indeed alter the trajectory of a lifetime. I hope it will inspire you to have more of these conversations with your clients and encourage them to have faith in the planning process–they will not regret it.

Integrity

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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

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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

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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, [email protected], or Chuck Hirsch, president, Hirsch Communications Consulting, 314-630-1387, [email protected].

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