That Annuity Show

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.