The Department of Labor fiduciary rule has left an opening for banks and broker/dealers to take market share away from the independent agents.

The fastest growth in the direct-to-consumer (D2C) channel in the coming two years is expected to come from direct response TV, online lead generation platforms and “online direct” sales.

The Department of Homeland Security believes that a robust cybersecurity insurance market could help reduce the number of successful attacks. Is it realistic?

Three women give their views on how the industry can better recruit other women as advisors as well as better serve women who need professional advice.

Straight talk, and income illustrations, may help advisors drive home the retirement planning reality for clients. Because relying on Social Security and working until age 70 are not realistic, analysts say.

The insurance broker segment is becoming the preferred conduit for the sale of life and annuities, a sign that regulation is taking a toll on independent agents.

Insurers are improving the readability of their websites in an effort to educate advisors and consumers.

This relatively new type of coverage can protect third parties from losses resulting from an individual’s suicide death.

Rolling over to an annuity IRA is safe, responsible and provides an insurance guarantee against outliving your money, says our Kim O’Brien.

The public option is under discussion once again and the agent community is concerned about its implications.

Discount and online brokers will outgrow full-service brokers and independent advisors, a market expert predicted.

Fewer deaths, higher fees and higher investment income are the factors leading to a brighter second-quarter outlook for life insurers.

Many wholesalers plan to keep selling commission-based products under the tougher rules established by federal regulators. The commission model is usually better for both consumers and agents, industry representatives say.

Market Synergy Group’s lawsuit to overturn the Department of Labor fiduciary rule was to be heard Aug. 24, the earliest of the three lawsuits challenging the DOL.

This means that agents, consumers and insurers will be able to process and manage disability contracts on more hardware platforms faster and with more accuracy.

The Department of Justice offers the administration’s first response to lawsuits asking the court to strike down the Department of Labor fiduciary rule.

The partnership between AE Wealth Management and Orion Advisor Services is expected to bring better back-office reporting capabilities, billing and client statements.

You must find the comfort point between building interest and excitement while also being persistent and honest with your prospect.

When the Department of Labor issued “corrections” to its controversial fiduciary rule, our Kim O’Brien was hopeful. But she says the results did not live up to her expectations.