That Annuity Show

Philip Chao, a leading voice in the 401(k) space shares his sharp focus on creating guaranteed retirement income. The conversation explores Philip's background, his companies, and the evolving landscape of annuities within retirement plans. Key themes include the role of fiduciaries, the integration of annuities into target date funds, and the future of guaranteed income products in the retirement market. In this conversation, Philip Chao discusses the evolution and importance of Target Date Funds and Qualified Default Investment Alternatives (QDIAs) in retirement planning. He emphasizes the need for personalized solutions that consider individual data rather than relying solely on averages.  The discussion also highlights the significance of engagement in retirement planning, the challenges of behavioral finance, and how guaranteed income can help ensure financial security in retirement. Chao advocates for transparency and education in financial services to empower individuals in their retirement decisions.

Today, we welcome Ben Faught, Chief Actuary at Oceanview Life. The conversation delves into the success story of Oceanview Life, its unique investment strategies focusing on mortgage-backed securities, and the challenges and considerations in pricing annuities. Ben shares insights on market trends, the importance of understanding asset-liability matching, and the future of fixed index annuities in a changing economic landscape. The discussion emphasizes the role of actuaries in advocating for clients and ensuring sustainable business practices. Learn more at our website, thatannuityshow.com

Tom Totten, an actuary and serial entrepreneur, shares his journey from a defined benefit consultant to advising companies on Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs). The conversation delves into the intricacies of ESOPs, their guarantees, and the liquidity risks associated with them. Tom discusses the purpose of lifetime income strategies, including the use of annuities, and reflects on the evolving relationship between employers and employees in the context of retirement planning. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the benefits of including lifetime income solutions in retirement planning, emphasizing the role of the workplace in providing these solutions. They explore the challenges of communicating the value of lifetime income to pre-retirees and retirees, the impact of technology on retirement planning, and the benefits of diversification in investment strategies. The discussion also touches on the potential of ESOPs as a means of wealth creation for employees and the evolving landscape of retirem

Jeff Affronti, president and CEO of FSD Financial Services joins our show to delve into the current landscape of annuities, focusing on market trends, the importance of annuity laddering, and strategies for younger investors. Jeff shares insights on using MYGAs for retirement income, the impact of inflation on annuities, and the latest product features and innovations in the industry. The discussion also touches on the risks associated with life-only annuities and the potential for entering the MYGA market.

In this episode, Paul Tyler, Ramsey Smith, and Graham Clark discuss the emerging opportunities in in-plan annuities inside 401k plans. They explore the importance of guaranteed income, the skills needed for insurance carriers to compete effectively, and the strategic partnerships necessary for success. The conversation delves into product design, the role of target date funds, and the significance of being proactive in a rapidly evolving market. The speakers emphasize the need for carriers to take leadership roles and adapt to changing market conditions to ensure long-term viability and profitability. Learn more: thatannuityshow.com 

Paul Tyler and Bruno Caron welcome Deloitte's Insurance Practice leader Dan McCoach to discuss how technology is reshaping the life and annuity industry.  The conversation explores four practical applications of AI delivering immediate value: automating developer workflows, enhancing back-office efficiency, streamlining document processing, and drafting complex communications. McCoach offers a fascinating perspective on how AI tools are rescuing legacy systems just as subject matter experts reach retirement age. Looking ahead, McCoach discusses DeepSeek's disruptive impact on AI economics and warns that quantum computing's arrival within 5-8 years could compromise current encryption standards. Whether you're an industry insider or technology enthusiast, this episode delivers essential insights on the digital revolution transforming insurance.

In this episode of That Annuity Show, Paul Tyler and Chief Investment Officer, David Czerniecki of Nassau discuss the current economic landscape, focusing on tariffs, inflation, cryptocurrency, and the impact of AI on productivity. They explore the volatility of markets compared to the economy, the implications of tariffs on manufacturing and inflation, and the speculative nature of Bitcoin. The conversation also delves into the future of AI and its potential to enhance productivity, as well as investment strategies in a changing market environment. Learn more at  

Ramsey Smith and Graham Clark share insights on the challenges of securing retirement income, the importance of 401k plans, and the need for effective stakeholder engagement. They explore how ALEXIncome aims to provide sustainable solutions that bridge the gap between traditional retirement income sources and modern investment strategies, emphasizing the significance of education and transparency for plan participants. This conversation delves into the complexities of retirement planning, focusing on the importance of guaranteed income, the impact of market disruptions on investment strategies, and the role of technology and innovative products in enhancing financial security for retirees. The discussion highlights the need for a shift in how retirement funds are managed, emphasizing the benefits of annuities and the potential of blockchain technology in simplifying processes.

Summary In this episode of That Annuity Show, Paul Tyler interviews Toby Leonard, Assistant Vice President of Product Development at Security Benefit. They discuss the evolution of annuities, particularly fixed index annuities, and their role in financial planning. The conversation highlights the importance of education, technology, and the impact of AI on the insurance industry. They also explore market trends, predictions for annuity sales, and the significance of annuities in the RIA space. Learn more at thatannuityshow.com 

Karen Monks, a principal analyst at Celent, discusses the intersection of technology and life insurance. Karen shares her insights on how AI is transforming underwriting processes, the impact of COVID on consumer behavior, and the driving forces behind technology adoption in the insurance industry. The conversation also explores the challenges of integrating legacy systems with modern technology, the importance of consumer experience, and the skills needed for future success in the industry.

In this episode of That Annuity Show, hosts Paul Tyler and Bruno Caron welcome Jim Ryan, Executive Director and Head of Distribution at Oceanview, to discuss the company's growth since its 2019 launch. Jim shares insights into how Oceanview has established itself in the annuity market. The conversation explores the evolution of both MYGA and FIA products, the critical importance of technological integration across multiple platforms, and why keeping products simple can be a key to success. The conversation emphasizes simplicity, technology investment, and focus on efficiency to help adapt to market changes. Listen for Jim’s optimistic outlook for incremental industry growth in the coming years. Learn more at thatannuityshow.com  

Katherine Dease, the Chief Technology and Innovation Officer for Insured Retirement Institute (IRI) discusses the future of annuities and how the Digital First Initiative could accelerate growth. With special guest host, Michael Celi, Chief Product Officer of Zinnia, Katherine shares insights on the challenges of modernizing the annuity industry, particularly the data problems that hinder innovation. The conversation highlights the importance of user experience, the role of annuities in holistic financial planning, and the need for collaboration among industry players. They also touch on regulatory considerations and the metrics for measuring success in the initiative, emphasizing the call for industry participation to drive meaningful change. Learn more at thatannuityshow.com

In this episode industry leaders Sheryl Moore, Wink Inc., and Michele Trogni, CEO of Zinnia, a guest host, explore the evolving landscape of insurance and annuities, from digital transformation challenges to opportunities for growth. The discussion weaves together Moore's journey from personal investment challenges to becoming the "Annuity Rockstar" with Trogni's vision for technological innovation in the industry. They address the delicate balance between digital innovation and traditional agent-led sales while highlighting how technology can enhance consumer understanding and product accessibility.  Learn more: thatannuityshow.com

In this episode, Paul Tyler and Bruno Caron catch up with Joe Jordan, a leading voice in purpose-driven planning, to discuss the evolving landscape of retirement. They explore the importance of finding meaning and purpose in retirement, the challenges posed by an aging population, and the emotional aspects of retirement that financial advisors often overlook. The conversation emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to retirement planning that includes community, relationships, and personal fulfillment. More about how Books:        

In this episode, Paul Tyler and Bruno Caron welcome back Arun Muralidhar, co-founder of Alpha Engine Global Investment Solutions, to explore "SeLFIES" (Standard of Living Indexed, Forward-starting, Income-only Securities), an innovative retirement solution he developed with Nobel laureate Robert Merton. Arun delves into Brazil's successful implementation of “SeLFIES”, which has attracted 105,000 investors and raised $2.8 billion since January 2023. The conversation highlights an approach to retirement planning that focuses on guaranteed monthly income rather than wealth accumulation, addresses the potential shortcomings of current retirement statements and target date funds, and explores potential implementations in other countries like India and the UK. Arun also discusses complementary innovations such as education bonds and using QR codes for retirement contributions, while emphasizing how these instruments could help address gender equity in retirement savings. For those interested in learning more about

In this episode, host Paul Tyler broadcasts from Noida, India, where he visits Zinnia's offices and speaks with their leadership team including Josh Everett (CEO of Zinnia India), Kapil Bhardwaj (Head of Global Processing), Pawan Choudhary (CTO), Rajan Agarwal (Head of Exchange Solutions), and Eti Gupta (Head of Marketing). Key highlights: Zinnia’s India operations manage an impressive 1.4 million calls annually and handle over 55% of North America’s variable annuity business, reflecting their critical role in the company’s global strategy. Once viewed as a back-office function, India’s operations have transformed into a Global Innovation Center (GIC), driving innovation and strategic growth. This shift leverages India’s diverse talent pool across key cities: Bangalore stands out as a hub for AI and tech innovation, Chennai excels in engineering and operational capabilities, and Delhi/NCR is renowned for its deep insurance expertise and skilled knowledge workers. The conversation focuses on how insurance comp

In this episode of That Annuity Show, Paul Tyler and Tisa Rabun-Marshall engage with Kerra Bolton, a prolific writer and independent journalist, who shares her diverse career journey and insights into the retirement space. The conversation explores the challenges of career reinvention, the importance of understanding consumer concerns in retirement planning, and the role of fear and motivation in financial decision-making. Kerra emphasizes the significance of finding purpose in life and work, and how one's purpose can evolve over time. The episode provides valuable takeaways for financial professionals and agents on how to connect with clients and address their concerns effectively. Listen to learn more: thatannuityshow.com   Learn more about Kerra:  

In this episode, Paul Tyler and David Czerniecki, Chief Investment Officer for Nassau, discuss the rapidly changing economic landscape, touching on global political trends, the implications of tariffs, market predictions, energy dynamics influenced by AI, and the impact of interest rates on the insurance industry. They explore how these factors interconnect and shape the future of the economy, emphasizing a cautious optimism moving forward.  

Susan Winkler of CT IFS joins Paul Tyler as a guest host to discuss their interviews from InsureTech Connect (ITC) in Las Vegas. The podcast explores the critical intersection of climate risk and insurtech innovation, featuring conversations recorded during the conference. The episode includes insights from Stacey Brown of InsurTech Hartford discussing industry AI adoption trends; Sabine VanderLinden of Alchemy Crew examining climate risk and its impact on retirement planning; Tom Polowy of InsureGo addressing personal lines challenges in the Connecticut market; Travis Grassel from the Iowa Department of Insurance providing regulatory perspectives; and Vilas Shah of Infosys sharing sustainability initiatives and innovation budget trends for 2025.  

In this episode of That Annuity Show, host Paul Tyler, along with guests Bruno Caron and Tisa Rabun-Marshall, engage in a comprehensive discussion with retirement planning expert Suzanne Norman. They explore the complexities of retirement planning, including the emotional landscape retirees face, the importance of financial literacy, and the concept of 'Peak 65' as a significant demographic shift. The conversation emphasizes the need for purpose in retirement, the role of financial advisors, and the emotional aspects of financial decision-making, particularly concerning longevity and healthcare costs. The episode concludes with insights on how to better engage clients in meaningful financial conversations. Links mentioned in the show: RISE Score  and .  (great for FPs and consumers).  with a lot of education materials. Also, regarding the cognitive/financial topic, here are links to Chris Heye's Institute papers: