Steven A. Morelli

Steven A. Morelli is a contributing editor for InsuranceNewsNet. He has more than 25 years of experience as a reporter and editor for newspapers and magazines. He was also vice president of communications for an insurance agents’ association. Steve can be reached at [email protected].

RIA Collectors Push M&As Into Record Territory

Recent merger and acquisition momentum is likely to continue, putting this year on pace to be the ninth consecutive record-breaking M&A year, according to a report from Echelon Partners.

Pandemic Has Been Healthy For The Upper Incomes

The wealthy are leaping far ahead of lower-income groups’ long-term goals. The survey found that the majority of affluent Americans are prioritizing many traditional milestones in life, such as buying a house.

The Rise Of The Variables, Part II

The recent runaway success of registered index-linked annuities, also known as buffered or structured annuities, has inspired insurance companies to consider extending the model to other products.

DOL: New Investment Advice Rule Does Not Include Right To Sue

The Department of Labor’s newest guidance on its investment advice rule’s exemption emphasizes that the rule does not extend a private right to sue and other conditions that rankled the industry with the Obama administration’s fiduciary rule.

Can Life Insurance Be Fun?

John Hancock includes with each life insurance policy access to the Vitality program, a technology-based wellness program that rewards healthy habits. It’s a side of life insurance not often expressed — a light, even fun, and rewarding side.

Time To Get High On Marijuana Investing?

With New York legalizing recreational marijuana, is it time for investors to jump in? There are still federal-level barriers that limit cannabis companies’ growth potential.

The Rise Of The Variables, Part I

Timothy Pfeifer of Pfeifer Advisory, which advises carriers on product design, said interest rates, regulations, tax policy and other factors are forcing companies to rethink their whole product lineup.

Too Late For The Bitcoin Gold Rush?

Much like those who ran to California after gold was discovered, people rushing to buy Bitcoin are unlikely to discover the breathtaking fortunes found by the pioneers who came before them.

How To Regift

I met someone who knew Ben Feldman. It wasn’t the first time, but each time it happens I have to know everything about Feldman. Was he really the salesman of all salesmen?

Regulators Tighten Focus On Retail Investors

Enforcement action increased on retail investment products such as variable annuities last year, according to the latest Eversheds Sutherland report. Expect more of the same in 2021.

Chubb Offers To Buy Hartford For $23 Billion

If Chubb absorbs Hartford in the $23 billion deal, it will mark the final stage for a company known to many over the decades as The Hartford, a favorite across the life insurance and property/casualty markets.

BlackRock ‘Dabbles’ In Bitcoin As Investors Rush

“My sense is that the regulation has evolved to such an extent that many people think it should be part of the portfolio,” says Rick Rieder, chief investment officer of global fixed income at BlackRock.

COVID Deaths, Product Shift Slow Lincoln Financial In 4Q

Lincoln accelerated its shift from fixed to variable products over the past year, one of the moves that helped shore up the company’s bottom line. Revenues grew in the fourth quarter, executives said this morning. Still, COVID-19 deaths put a dent in company earnings for the quarter.

Winter Will Fade

The year was actually good for quite a few people. I heard from many advisors and marketing organizations that were having a banner year.