Advances in technology are significantly improving the annuity landscape, making products more accessible and user-friendly. Industry leaders highlight that modern technology platforms and initiatives, such as the Insured Retirement Institute's Digital First initiative, are streamlining the annuity purchasing process, reducing transaction time from weeks to days or hours. This is expected to drive further adoption by addressing longstanding concerns about complexity and processing delays.

Many client conversations focus on the accumulation phase, but some may need help spending efficiently in retirement, writes Michael Schessler of Sustainable Retirement Solutions. He discusses how to manage the decumulation phase, starting with shifting the conversation from account balances to income. "Replacing abstract portfolio discussions with a clear income framework helps clients understand what their money is for, not just how it's invested," Schessler writes.

High-income clients age 50 and older can no longer claim catch-up contributions to 401(k)s as upfront deductions under a SECURE 2.0 rule that requires those earning $150,000 or more to make catch-up contributions only to Roth 401(k)s. However, experts say the change presents a long-term planning opportunity for clients, who can benefit from the tax-free withdrawals and the exemption from required minimum distributions that Roth accounts offer.

A study from the National Bureau of Economic Research shows wealth can decline as much as six years before a dementia diagnosis, mostly because of impaired financial decision-making. Study co-author Jing Li says dementia should be treated as a "universal risk." "Everybody has a non-zero probability [of developing it]," Li says. "You should be actively thinking about preventing the financial consequences of it while you're in perfect health."

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority is intensifying its oversight of agentic artificial intelligence as advisors begin adopting tools capable of autonomous planning and execution, FINRA Executive Vice President and Chief Regulatory Operations Officer Greg Ruppert said in a recent post. FINRA is encouraging member firms to share their approaches and experiences with these technologies, emphasizing the importance of robust governance, supervision, and audit mechanisms.

The Trump administration has formally nominated Kevin Warsh as the next chair of the Federal Reserve. Warsh, a former Fed governor, had been one of several finalists under consideration, alongside Kevin Hassett, Christopher Waller and Rick Rieder. Warsh's nomination now moves to the Senate for confirmation, with markets focused on how his leadership could shape the Fed's policy direction once Chair Jerome Powell's term ends.

Tom Rieman, CEO of Practice Intel, emphasizes the importance of organic growth in the wealth management industry, highlighting a formula that underscores the impact of value, amplification, efficiency and commoditization. Rieman notes that commoditization significantly hampers growth, while value creation is the most powerful driver of organic growth. He advocates for a client engagement model that fosters personalized value creation to unlock sustainable organic growth.

Andree Mohr, president of Integrated Partners, emphasizes the importance of artificial intelligence for advisory firms, highlighting that nearly half of Gen Z clients expect AI-enabled digital tools. Mohr advises firms to focus on education, start with low-risk, high-impact opportunities and set clear ethical guidelines to ensure that AI enhances client experience without compromising compliance.

The Insured Retirement Institute's 2025 Retirement Security Blueprint includes 33 proposals to enhance and strengthen retirement security for more of America's workers and retirees. Access it here.