ING Introduces Global Perspectives Fund
ING U.S. has added the ING Global Perspectives Fund as a new investment strategy within ING Insurance Solutions’ Variable Universal Life insurance
and ING Select Advantage IRA mutual fund custodial account products.
The Global Perspectives Fund has a standard allocation of 60% equity and 40% fixed income. The tactical element of the strategy allows it to adjust in uncertain times based on market fundamentals. The strategy utilizes ten broadly diversified underlying holdings that are equally weighted to provide a balance of upside potential and an element of protection in sustained market downswings.
“Adding the Global Perspectives Fund to our line-up of options sets us apart in the market and brings a compelling investment strategy to our customers and distribution partners,” said Butch Britton, chief executive officer of ING U.S. Insurance Solutions. “In today’s economic environment, an investment strategy with the ability to adjust based on predefined market signals can be very appealing.”
Within ING Insurance Solutions VUL products, the Global Perspectives Fund is available for both in-force and new policyholders who can place some or all of the cash value portion of their life insurance policy into the strategy. This approach may alleviate some of the concerns that market volatility creates and help round out a policyholder’s financial portfolio.
Investors Capital Launches 2X Initiative
Investors Capital Corp. (ICC), of Lynnfield, Mass., has launched its “2X Initiative,” two-day workshops for advisors to help them double production in four years.
At the workshops advisors will learn the eight-step methodology developed by Ron Purvines, Investors Capital’s top-producing advisor in 2012. The eight steps focus on marketing, appointment setting, initial interviews, portfolio composition, implementation, servicing, client events and referrals.
Each of the eight steps falls into one of four categories: respect, return, retain and referrals, explains Purvines. “I have found that being disciplined in the first three principles, the fourth principle happens naturally. These principles are simple and can work for any advisor.”
LEAPS Assists With Succession Needs
Scottsdale, Ariz.-based United Planners Financial Services has partnered with Succession Resource Group, of Portland, Ore., to develop a new acquisition and succession program for it advisors called LEAPS, (Legacy, Exit & Acquisition Planning Solutions).
“Research shows that over 50% of advisors do not have a succession strategy,” says Thomas H. Oliver, CEO of United Planners. “With a strategy in place, advisors can avoid attrition near the end of their career, sustain their income, ensure their clients will continue to receive quality service, and gracefully and gradually leave their legacy in the business.”
LPL Financial Adopts Lincoln’s Annuity Tool
LPL Financial has incorporated Lincoln Financial Group’s Annuity Visualizer tool into its existing platform. The new tool includes hypothetical examples, case studies and marketing materials to help LPL advisors explain to their clients the benefits of annuities as part of an overall retirement plan.
“Until the introduction of Lincoln’s application, advisors went through a multitude of steps to get the same information the Visualizer provides in significantly less time,” said John Kennedy, head of Retirement Solutions Distribution for Lincoln Financial Distributors.
Villere Equity Fund Is Launched
New Orleans-based Villere & Co. has launched a new equity fund that seeks to invest in small and mid-sized companies that are undervalued and largely undiscovered.
“While the fund can invest across all market caps, our experience has shown these smaller companies may provide investors significant long-term growth potential,” said George V. Young, portfolio manager and partner of Villere & Co., the advisor to the funds.
Interactive Data Launches Market-Q Mobile
Interactive Data Corp. has introduced an iPad version of its Market-Q real-time data desktop platform. Market-Q Mobile takes the core functions advisors use the most in the desktop version and incorporates those functions in a tablet. While away from the office, advisors have access to current market information, watch lists, charting, fundamentals and analytical tools.