Wealth Management
Total annuity sales reached a record $432.4 billion in 2024, marking a 12% increase from the previous year and the third consecutive year of growth. Despite strong overall performance, declining interest rates in late 2024 led to a 13% drop in fixed-rate deferred and income annuities, as investors shifted toward products with higher growth potential.
Traditional variable annuities saw their first annual increase in three years, rising 19% to $61.2 billion, fueled by strong equity markets and product innovation. Experts anticipate continued strength in annuity sales for 2025, and variable annuities could have another positive year’s annuities.
LIMRA attributes this sustained demand to growing consumer interest in investment protection and guaranteed retirement income. Final industry rankings for 2024 will be released in March after earnings reports are completed.
Finsum: This could be the play for income investors worried about rising rates but need some upside exposure in 2025.
Retirement is often the most significant financial commitment for American households, with many needing over $1 million to sustain their post-work years. A Prudential survey of 198 financial advisors found that 80% use specialized portfolios for retirees, particularly those well-versed in retirement income planning.
Around half of retiree clients prefer living off portfolio income, necessitating investment strategies distinct from traditional total return approaches. Advisors showed the strongest interest in long-term bonds, U.S. large-cap equities, and Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS) for retiree portfolios.
Knowledgeable advisors were significantly more inclined to increase allocations to TIPS and long-term bonds compared to those less experienced in retirement planning. Overall, there is considerable interest in income-focused investment strategies and multi-asset portfolio solutions tailored to retirees' needs.
Finsum: Thinking of how strategies and portfolio solutions can be dynamic to suit clients shifting needs is critical to making clients feel supported
The neo and challenger bank market is undergoing rapid expansion, driven by advancements in fintech, increased digital adoption, and evolving consumer expectations. These digital-first banks, operating without physical branches, are reshaping financial services by offering personalized, low-cost solutions.
Market growth is fueled by smartphone penetration, regulatory support, and innovations in AI, blockchain, and open banking. Despite challenges like cybersecurity risks and compliance complexities, investments in security and transparency are building consumer trust.
Leading players such as Revolut, Monzo, and Chime continue to expand through strategic innovations and global outreach. As digital banking gains traction worldwide, emerging markets in Asia, Latin America, and Africa present significant growth opportunities.
Finsum: This presents an opportunity as an investor as well as consumers, these services can improve client options and opportunities.
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A spot Ethereum ETF is an investment fund that directly holds Ethereum, providing a regulated way for investors to gain exposure to the cryptocurrency. The SEC approved the first spot Ethereum ETFs in July 2024, following the approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs earlier that year.
Unlike Ethereum strategy ETFs, which rely on futures contracts, spot ETFs track Ethereum’s price more directly and often come with lower fees. A competitive fee war among issuers has led to aggressive price cuts and temporary waivers to attract investors.
While these ETFs offer easier access for retirement accounts, they lack features like staking rewards, which are available to direct Ethereum holders. Despite their launch, Ethereum’s price saw little immediate movement, leaving the long-term impact of these funds uncertain, but a new presidency could create a lot of upside.
Finsum: These ETFs are a great way to get crypto exposure, and while volatility is still very high, the Trump admin has already made it clear they are crypto friendly.
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming industries, with 77% of companies already integrating it and experts predicting a $15.7 trillion economic impact by 2030. Financial advisors are increasingly leveraging AI to enhance efficiency, with 92% already implementing it and 80% using it to automate routine tasks.
AI applications in finance include real-time meeting transcription, automated document management, and intelligent client communication to streamline workflows and improve client interactions.
Marketing strategies are also benefiting, as AI enables precise audience segmentation, personalized outreach, and predictive analytics to optimize campaigns. Additionally, AI enhances compliance by securely managing records, tracking version histories, and automating retention efforts.
Finsum: As AI continues to evolve, financial advisors who embrace its capabilities will gain a competitive edge in a rapidly digitizing landscape.
High-net-worth (HNW) investors often face challenges when managing concentrated stock positions, whether from stock grants, inheritance, or long-term holdings. Envestnet's new Options Strategy Quantitative Portfolio (QP) provides HNW clients with customizable strategies—covered calls, protective puts, and collars—to hedge against volatility while gradually reducing exposure.
These options-based solutions help mitigate downside risk, generate income, and spread-out taxable gains, preventing large, sudden tax liabilities. Additionally, liquidity constraints on large holdings can make it difficult to sell shares without affecting market prices, making structured unwinding essential.
Envestnet’s strategy offers a scalable yet tailored approach, leveraging quantitative modeling to align with each investor’s risk tolerance and goals.
Finsum: This offering enhances portfolio flexibility while preserving long-term wealth and could allow advisors to better target the needs of HNW needs.