MassMutual Ascend Surpasses $2 Billion in Lifetime Advisory Annuity Sales, Reflecting Continued Momentum in RIA Channel
CINCINNATI – August 11, 2026 – MassMutual Ascend today announced it has surpassed $2 billion in lifetime advisory annuity sales, a significant milestone that underscores the growing adoption of advisory annuities within the registered investment advisor (RIA) channel.
The achievement has been driven by strong partnerships with more than 1,700 investment advisor representatives from nearly 1,000 different RIAs who write annuity business with MassMutual Ascend, as well as firms increasingly embracing advisory annuities as a valuable component of diversified retirement portfolios, reflecting their growing role in comprehensive financial planning.
"Surpassing $2 billion in lifetime advisory annuity sales is an exciting achievement, but what's even more meaningful is the momentum behind it," said Joe Maringer, Senior Vice President and National Sales Manager at MassMutual Ascend. "Nearly $900 million of those sales were generated in 2025 and 2026 alone, underscoring the tremendous growth we're seeing in the advisory annuity market. Ten years ago, we entered this space with the belief that annuities would become an increasingly important part of advisors' retirement planning conversations. This milestone is evidence of that momentum and a testament to the advisors and firms who continue to embrace advisory annuities as a valuable portfolio component."
MassMutual Ascend has been a longstanding leader in the advisory annuity marketplace. In 2016, the company launched the industry's first advisory fixed-indexed annuity, broadening access to annuities designed specifically for advisors operating under a fee-based model. Since then, MassMutual Ascend has expanded its advisory lineup to include fixed, fixed-indexed and registered index-linked annuities to help meet growing demand and address diverse client objectives.
"As retirement challenges become more complex, we're seeing greater appreciation for the role modern annuities can play and the unique outcomes they’re designed to deliver, like defined protection and contractual income, which can be difficult to replicate elsewhere,” said Belle Bielawska, National Key Account Manager at MassMutual Ascend. “Today’s annuities are being viewed through a new lens, and as they continue to evolve and help fill structural gaps in client portfolios, our goal is to make these solutions as accessible and easy to implement as possible.”
Beyond expanding its advisory annuity offerings, MassMutual Ascend has continued to streamline the advisor experience. The company offers automated fee billing and advanced platform and software integrations that make it easy for advisors to incorporate annuity solutions into their advisory business models. Additionally, MassMutual Ascend has expanded its partnerships with advisory platform providers and advisory annuity marketplaces for greater accessibility.
MassMutual Ascend's leadership in the advisory space continues to be recognized across the industry. The company has been ranked by LIMRA as the No. 1 provider in advisory FIA sales for eight consecutive quarters, reinforcing its position as a trusted partner for investment advisors seeking riskmanaged solutions for clients. As momentum continues to build across the advisory annuity marketplace, MassMutual Ascend remains committed to delivering the solutions, technology and support needed to help drive advisor and client success.
About MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company
MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company offers traditional fixed, fixed-indexed and registered index-linked annuities in the retail, broker-dealer, financial institutions and registered investment advisor markets. MassMutual Ascend is committed to taking financial futures above and beyond. From products to service to financial strength, the company is always in pursuit of better – so its customers can navigate their futures with confidence.
For more information, visit MassMutualAscend.com.
Media Contact:
Christina Kampe
Head of Marketing, MassMutual Ascend
ckampe@mmascend.com
Source: MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of MassMutual
