Products May 2, 2011

Allianz Expands Distribution of Annuity Product

Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America announced that it has formed strategic relationships with seven broker/dealers to add the Allianz Retirement Pro Variable Annuity to their advisory platforms.
Reported by

Previously available only through LPL Financial, Retirement Pro will now be offered through Cambridge Investments, Advisor Group (representing Royal Alliance, SagePoint and FSC Securities), Commonwealth Financial Network and Valmark Securities.  

The announcement said Allianz Retirement Pro is an insured retirement solution designed for clients who work with a fee-based investment adviser.  

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In addition, Allianz Life has added to the team supporting the product, led by Corey Walther, Head of Investment Relations and Fee-Based Distribution for Allianz Life Financial Services, LLC.  

The recent hirings include: 

  • Jay Rosoff – Formerly with Allianz Global Investors, Rosoff will be responsible for the Northeast region. 
  • Ryan Hurley – Most recently a Regional Vice President for Allianz Life, Hurley will be responsible for the West region. 
  • Mike Nicola – Formerly a Senior Vice President of Fund Partner Relations for Allianz Life, Nicola will be responsible for the Central region.  
Products May 2, 2011

Mercer Launches Online Education Tool

Mercer has launched “RetireTALK,” an online retirement planning and education platform for participants in its 401(k) retirement plans.
Reported by

The interactive Web site uses hypothetical personal retirement scenarios based on different ages and challenges to bring a “real world” relevance to retirement planning, the company announced.It is designed to motivate participants to consider what they are currently doing to save for retirement – and what they could be doing better.  

RetireTALK is a two-phase campaign that will address universal retirement planning themes: “Saving and spending habits” (explores a variety of positive and negative habits and reinforces effective savings strategies) and “Fact or fiction” (explores common misconceptions about saving and puts some myths to rest). Each phase will include new personal retirement scenarios, instant polls, quick tips, and easy-to-use planning calculators. Additionally, the campaigns will use social media elements to further drive engagement, such as a “Share It” feature and a “Tweet of the Week” that provides retirement planning facts and statistics.  

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The campaign launched in mid-April for Mercer’s clients and is also available to the public at http://www.retireTALK.com.

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