AXA named No. 1 global insurance brand (again)
Interbrand, the brand strategy and design consultancy, has honored AXA for the eighth consecutive year as #1 Global Insurance Brand. The 2016 Interbrand rankings, centered on growth, rewarded AXA for three major initiatives:
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- The strengthening of its powerful innovation ecosystem, designing products to serve customers;
- Meaningful initiatives for corporate responsibility through the promotion of concrete, sustainable actions; and
- An expanded presence of the Group in Africa and the Middle East.
"We are very proud to be the leading insurance brand for the 8th year in a row," Véronique Weill, AXA's group chief customer officer, said in a press release about the award. "I would like to thank our 103 million customers who have trusted us, once again this year. I would also like to thank our employees and our distributors for this new achievement. Their daily commitment towards our customers illustrates our new strategic vision: Empower people to live a better life. The AXA brand reflects this mission and we are very pleased to be recognized for our continued efforts."
Grow your practice from the comfort of your own office
The Insurance Agent Summit, happening Oct. 24-28, is an upcoming online event that's being billed as "the world's only online and completely virtual insurance conference." The event will feature more than 30 master classes with some of the industry's top agents, brokers and thought leaders. Some of the Summit's hot topics will include:
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- Closing more sales
- Building a true lifestyle business
- Thinking strategically about growth, and
- Becoming an authority
Visit the event website insuranceagentsummit.com) soon to claim a free ticket (while supplied last), which is valued at $997.
Digital-savvy insurance and finance professionals may also want to take part in the upcoming Virtual Advisor Summit, happening Nov. 7-11, which will spotlight sessions designed specifically for life insurance agents, financial advisors and retirement planning specialists. Details at virtualadvisorsummit.org.
Insurers among finalists in 2016 Top Companies for Women Technologists Leadership Index
Allstate, Nationwide, New York Life and USAA made this year's list of 25 companies that are leading the way when it comes to recruiting, retaining and advancing more women in technical roles. The Anita Borg Institute (ABI), a nonprofit organization focused on the advancement of women in computing, announced its finalists for the 2016 Top Companies for Women Technologists Leadership Index earlier this month. The winner will be announced in Houston on October 19 at the Grace Hopper Celebration for Women in Computing.
Robert DeChellis elected chairman of the IRI board of directors
The Insured Retirement Institute recently announced that Robert DeChellis, president and CEO of Allianz Life Financial Services, LLC, has been elected to serve as chairman of the IRI Board of Directors. He succeeds Nick Lane, who was recently promoted to president and CEO of AXA Japan. Here's an excerpt from DeChellis' statement about the news: "Both IRI and our industry currently stand at a great inflection point. During this next chapter, we must continue to broaden and deepen our affinity with financial advisors. This will require us to shift our focus to supporting a more holistic retirement planning process. As such, IRI's offerings must continue to evolve to better support advisors working to help their clients achieve financial security and dignity in retirement."
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Slice launches on-demand, homeshare insurance
Slice Labs Inc., an insurtech startup has launched their first on-demand insurance product to support the on-demand economy. The company has rolled out their on-demand homeshare insurance product to hosts using homeshare platforms like Airbnb, HomeAway, OneFineStay and FlipKey. Funded earlier this year, Slice built technology to support the purchase of insurance policies that last for the period of time one is acting as a business, whether it's minutes, hours or days. Buying insurance in this manner allows the ultimate freedom for those working in the on-demand economy to choose how, when and where to work, while transferring the burden of risk conveniently and affordably. A person pays for the insurance as they earn their income choosing to purchase only when and how they need it. "Many people working in the on-demand economy do not realize their risk and the fact that they're simply not covered through conventional means," said Ernest Hursh, Slice co-founder and Head of Sales and Marketing. "It is our mission to mitigate that risk and to provide the appropriate trust, safety and protection for these folks."
Guardian recognizes its top financial representative
The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, one of the nation's largest mutual life insurers, recently announced that Jaacov Eric Bouskila of New York-based National Financial Network, LLC was the company's number one top producer in total commission credits for 2015. This marks the third year he has earned the same distinction. "It's an incredible honor to recognize Eric as the top-producing financial representative for Guardian," said Michael Ferik, executive vice president of individual markets at Guardian. "He delivers personalized service that is the cornerstone of his practice and enables them to continuously provide a top service to his clients."
Efficient Advisors marks its 6th annual advisor summit
Efficient Advisors, LLC hosted advisors for its 6th annual Partners in Excellence Fall Summit, on September 29, in Naperville, Chicago. With a focus on investment philosophy and practice management, CEO John Blood and President Nicole Newlin welcomed attendees by emphasizing Efficient Advisors' commitment to community, excellence and partnership. In his keynote presentation, "The Case for Factor Investing," Eugene Fama, Jr. told advisors that their mission should be to make a great investor. To do that, he advised them not to try to be everything to everybody, but to differentiate themselves in a way that is compelling and sustainable. He explained that the best way to do that is through disciplined factor investing, avoiding the "mug's game" of active management.
