Deals & People May 12, 2009

ING Advisors Network Announces Brown as CEO

As ING Advisors Network considers what to do with its group of broker/dealers, Valerie Brown was named new CEO.

Reported by

She replaces John Simmers, who retired in April. Brown had been president, ING Retail Annuities Market Segment and was president of ING Advisors Network from 2002 through 2007 before moving to ING’s annuity business. Brown previously served in a variety of executive roles during her ING career.

“The role of the trusted, independent financial professional is more important today than ever before,’ Brown said, in a news release. “Although ING Advisors Network is currently going through a comprehensive strategic review, the Network remains committed to providing exceptional service to its registered representatives. Furthermore, I am committed to developing a long-term strategy that allows our registered representatives to build and grow their businesses effectively.”

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The network of independent broker/dealers has four broker/dealers—Financial Network Investment Corporation; ING Financial Partners, Inc.; Multi-Financial Securities Corporation; and PRIMEVEST Financial Services, Inc.—and more than 7,000 advisers. ING has reportedly been considering selling off components of its broker/dealer channel.

Products May 12, 2009

Prudential Hosts Retirement Webinar for FPs

Prudential is hosting a free Webinar to help financial planners manage investor concerns about the impact of the recent stock market meltdown on their retirement portfolios.

Reported by

Ellie Behling

“Conversations About Retirement: What do your clients really want to know now?” is a 60-minute educational webinar featuring five expert panelists who will provide tips and insight on retirement planning in today’s economy. The Webinar is Wednesday, May 20, 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. EDT.

Prudential said the panelists and their topics are:

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Ed Keon, managing director and portfolio manager of Quantitative Management Associates, on whether or not this global downturn is different, where we are in the market cycle and rebuilding investor confidence;
David Kelly, chief market strategist, JPMorgan Funds, on the balance between safety and growth for recovery of investors’ retirement savings;
Patti Williams, associate professor of marketing, Wharton School of Business, on the impact of the downturn on investor psychology;
Marc Silverman, Silverman Financial, on how financial planners are evolving to satisfy emerging client needs;
Bruce Ferris, senior vice president, Prudential Annuities, on how manufacturers are changing to cope with the current investment economy and the expanded role of financial professionals; and
Robert Powell, retirement columnist for MarketWatch.com, who will be moderating.

To register, financial planners should go here.