NAIFA and several industry partners in a letter expressed support for the National Association of Insurance Commissioners' updated annuity best interest guidance, which they say "reflects meaningful progress toward regulatory clarity and consistency that protects consumers while allowing financial professionals to effectively serve their clients." NAIFA has been instrumental in advocating for the NAIC model, which 49 states have adopted.

Insurers must adapt to changing customer expectations, broker consolidation and modernization to thrive in 2026, according to Deloitte's Global Insurance Outlook. The report highlights the challenges posed by technology, climate change and regulatory demands, projecting a "bifurcated industry" where tech-forward carriers excel while others struggle.

Year-end is a favored time for Roth IRA conversions because it allows investors to more accurately estimate their total income for the year, which is crucial for managing potential tax liabilities. Roth conversions may be particularly beneficial for younger retirees, who can potentially convert funds at a lower tax rate while setting up future tax-free growth. However, advisors warn that increased income from conversions could affect eligibility for Affordable Care Act health insurance subsidies.

Regulatory and compliance concerns were cited as the top reason advisors hesitate to embrace artificial intelligence, surpassing data security or ethical worries, according to a survey by Financial Planning. While advisors are utilizing AI for tasks such as client meeting preparation, they are cautious about employing it for investment recommendations, says Leslie Norman of Dynasty Financial Partners.

Women who actively participate in managing household finances and attend advisor meetings are significantly more confident in handling their finances during and after a divorce, according to a BMO survey. The survey also found that nearly all women who engaged an advisor after their divorce reported improved financial confidence, and two-thirds of women said they found their advisor through referrals from friends and family.

To prepare finance teams for the AI era, firms must implement structured upskilling strategies that foster continuous learning and adaptability, writes Glenn Friedman of Prager Metis. Rather than replacing finance professionals, AI should function as a powerful sidekick that handles repetitive, data-intensive tasks, allowing humans to focus on things such as ethical decision-making, strategic insight and relationship-building, Friedman writes.