Trump Accounts, which provide a $1,000 initial deposit for children born from 2025 to 2028, offer a significant opportunity for families to build financial security amid rising costs, writes NAIFA President-Elect Christopher Gandy. Financial professionals can play a crucial role in helping families integrate newly formed accounts into their broader financial plans by explaining complex rules, encouraging consistent contributions and providing ethical guidance, Gandy writes.

"If America is serious about affordability, then we must be serious about guidance. Policy gives families a start. Advisors bring them a strategy."

-- NAIFA President-Elect Christopher Gandy

Read the Insurance Business profile on Gandy to learn more about him and what he seeks to accomplish as NAIFA's next leader.

As life expectancy rises, financial strategies must evolve. Discover insights and practical guidance for advisors in our newest blog.

US annuity sales reached a record $121.2 billion in the third quarter, driven by independent broker-dealers and strong performance in registered index-linked annuities, according to LIMRA. Total sales rose 5% year over year, while RILA sales surged 20% to $20.7 billion. LIMRA projects annuity sales will surpass $450 billion this year, although it notes fixed annuity momentum could slow in 2026 due to anticipated interest-rate cuts.

The evolution of in-plan retirement income options is encouraging more retirees to keep their assets within 401(k) plans rather than roll them into IRAs, according to a report by PGIM's David Blanchett. "Today's DC plans offer features that can protect retirement outcomes for millions of Americans, especially as the in-plan retirement income space continues to evolve," Blanchett writes.

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority's 2026 Regulatory Oversight Report highlights the risks posed by inaccurate AI-generated information, which FINRA said will be a major focus during next year's exams. FINRA emphasizes the need for firms to supervise AI tools as rigorously as human employees, including documenting reviews and archiving AI outputs. The report also underscores rising cybersecurity threats, particularly those involving vendors, and ongoing challenges with Regulation Best Interest and Form CRS compliance.

The Treasury Department and the IRS have released guidance on expanded health savings account eligibility under the recently passed tax and spending legislation. The guidance covers tax benefits related to telehealth, remote care and direct primary care service arrangements. The public comment period will run until March 6.