That Annuity Show

As index choices expand, how can financial professionals help clients understand their options? Tisa Rabun-Marshall, Ramsey Smith, and Bruno Caron welcome back Branislav Nikolic, Managing Director, Head of Insurance at The Index Standard, to explore developments in index-linked products. The conversation covers index design, the role and limitations of volatility-control strategies, and how changing market conditions can shape expectations. Branislav shares his perspective on balancing innovation with clarity and the importance of research, transparency, and education in supporting informed retirement planning conversations. Connect with Branislav Nikolic Learn more about The Index Standard

Most pre-retirees have considered how they will generate income in retirement, yet many have not translated that awareness into a current plan. Bill Nash of LIMRA joins Tisa Rabun-Marshall, Bruno Caron, and Ramsey Smith to discuss findings from LIMRA's 2026 Retirement Income Readiness Report and explore the factors associated with how prepared people feel as they approach retirement. For advisors, carriers, and others helping clients transition from accumulation to income, the conversation examines the gap between awareness and action. The panel discusses common retirement concerns, the complexities created by longer retirements, and how planning and professional guidance may help individuals better understand their options. You'll hear perspectives on: · Why 88% of surveyed pre-retirees have thought about retirement income, while 50% lack a meaningful or recently updated plan · How time spent planning is associated with reported retirement preparedness · Why retirement-income conversations may benefit from beginning with an individual's goals and needs · How healthcare costs, inflation, market volatility, sequence-of-returns risk, and longevity can affect retirement planning · Why surveyed pre-retirees working with a financial professional were more likely to report feeling highly prepared than those who were not—77% compared with 47% Access LIMRA's 2026 Retirement Income Readiness Report here: https://www.limra.com/en/research/research-abstracts-public/2026/retirement-income-readiness-report/ Listen where you get your podcasts and at thatannuityshow.com

Retirees often consider the many facets of planning and their needs for later in life separately. Vince Bodnar, President and CEO of Lumos Insurance, joins co-hosts Tisa Rabun-Marshall, Ramsey Smith, and Bruno Caron to discuss how a more coordinated planning process may help individuals better understand the interconnection of retirement income, health, quality of life, and legacy. Vince also shares his perspective on product development, advisor education, longevity risk and the role of reinsurers in supporting insurance solutions. Listen where you get your podcasts and at thatannuityshow.com

In this episode of That Annuity Show, Tisa Rabun-Marshall, Ramsey Smith, and Bruno Caron discuss the current trends in the annuity market with Jason Hopper, A.M. Best's Associate Director of Industry Research and Analytics. They explore the recent Best's Special Reports covering industry shifts, market trends and the impact of baby boomers on annuity growth. The conversation also delves into the increasing role of private credit in insurance and the need for insurers to adapt to changing consumer expectations. The episode concludes with insights on the future outlook of the industry and the importance of innovation and adaptability. Listen where you get your podcasts and at www.thatannuityshow.com

In this episode of That Annuity Show, Bruno Caron and Anthony McSwieney of CM Risk Consulting discuss the evolving insurance rating environment and the role of capital, reinsurance, and business strategy in the rating process. Anthony draws on his background in bank treasury and asset-liability management, as well as 16 years at AM Best, while Bruno brings his experience across the insurance industry and product strategy. The conversation explores how insurers communicate their strategies to rating agencies and examines topics including BCAR and RBC, capital quality, operational risk, surplus notes, preferred securities, and parental support. They also discuss how technology, distribution, product design, acquisitions, reinsurance structures, and long-term capital planning can factor into broader rating conversations. Bruno and Anthony offer their perspectives on the complexities insurers face as they balance growth, capital management, and business strategy in a changing market. Learn more at www.thatannuityshow.com Learn more at https://cmriskconsulting.com

Empathy can play an important role in helping clients move from recognizing a need to feeling ready to take action. In a recent episode of The Annuity Show, Maria Ferrante-Schepis, founder of Think Worthy Consulting, discussed how insurance professionals can better understand the "invisible wall" between unmet need and concept of negative demand. Her perspective: education alone may not be enough. Meaningful two-way conversations can help advisors better understand client concerns, build trust, and support more informed decision-making. As technology continues to handle more of the technical aspects of insurance and annuity solutions, the human element may become even more important. She reviews previous failures and successes in industry technology advancements, as well as overlooked nuances, to gain a clearer perspective on how we can approach future innovation. Learn more: thatannuityshow.com and where you get your podcasts Visit: thinkworthy.com to engage with Maria

What do recent legal and regulatory developments mean for financial professionals? In this episode, we examine the current status of the Department of Labor's fiduciary rulemaking efforts, the related litigation, and the implications for advisors, insurers, and the broader financial services industry. Joining the conversation are Eric Lund Marhoun, Senior Counsel at Nassau Financial Group, and Kent Mason, Partner at Davis & Harman LLP. They discuss the evolution of the fiduciary rule, recent court decisions, the role of industry organizations in the regulatory process, and practical considerations for navigating today's compliance environment. The discussion also explores documentation, client communications, and the potential role of technology, including AI, in supporting compliance practices. While the current regulatory framework has evolved through recent legal developments, future legislative, regulatory, or judicial actions may continue to shape the landscape. This episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal or regulatory advice. Financial professionals should consult their firm's compliance department or legal counsel regarding specific situations.

Brent Williams, CEO of Benekiva, shares his journey from managing a large financial advisory firm to founding a claims automation company. He discusses industry challenges like legacy systems, fragmented data, and the transformative potential of AI in claims processing, emphasizing a human-centered approach to technology. Learn more about Benekiva: https://benekiva.com Tune into TAS for additional episodes: https://thatannuityshow.com

In this episode of the That Annuity Show, Nassau Financial Group's Chief Investment Officer, Joe Orofino, joins Tisa Rabun-Marshall and Mark Fitzgerald to discuss current economic trends and the factors shaping today's investment landscape. The conversation explores inflation, interest rate movements, and how developments such as artificial intelligence and global trade policies may influence markets, investment strategies, and consumer behavior. Listeners will gain perspective on market volatility, duration strategies, and the broader economic signals investors are watching. Learn more at http://www.thatannuityshow.com

This episode of That Annuity Show brings together Paul Tyler, Bruno Caron, Tom Buckingham, James Wong and featured guest David Novak, CEO and Founder, Annuities Genius for a candid discussion on the intersection of AI and annuities. From conference insights to next-generation tools, they delve into how technology is reshaping client engagement, driving operational efficiency, and setting the stage for the industry's next wave of innovation. Learn more at www.thatannuityshow.com