The US annuity market is expected to see continued growth into 2026, driven by demographic shifts, market volatility and increased awareness of retirement income gaps. Key trends include the rise of registered index-linked annuities, long-term care annuities and in-plan income solutions. Artificial intelligence is increasingly being used to streamline processes and personalize experiences, making it a crucial tool for future growth, according to industry experts.

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Howard Sharfman of NFP Kirkland Insurance Solutions notes that annuities have a reputation for high commissions and limited flexibility, which deters clients despite the availability of modern, efficient options. Sharfman urges advisors to integrate annuities into comprehensive financial plans, use digital tools to simplify the buying process, and emphasize transparency to build trust.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced that the standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B will rise to $202.90 in 2026, up nearly 10% over the previous year. The annual Part B deductible will also increase by 10%, reaching $283. The Senior Citizens League notes that this marks the third consecutive year in which Part B premiums have outpaced Social Security cost-of-living adjustments.

Long-term care planning is shifting from fear-based discussions to a focus on flexibility, according to financial advisor Nicolas Thornton. Traditional LTC insurance is less appealing due to rising premiums, prompting clients to consider hybrid life/LTC policies, annuities with LTC riders and health savings accounts, Thornton writes.

The Securities and Exchange Commission's Division of Examinations has released its priorities for 2026, with a focus on compliance with fiduciary standards, cybersecurity, emerging technology, financial responsibility and investor protection. Amid resource constraints, the agency said it will prioritize recently registered advisors, as well as firms that have never been examined.

The Department of Labor's priorities are shifting rapidly under the Trump administration, driven by a significant reduction in staff at the Employee Benefits Security Administration. Daniel Aronowitz, recently confirmed as assistant secretary of labor, is expected to manage the agency creatively amid these changes. Experts at Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath note that the staff cuts, part of a broader effort to downsize the federal government, have resulted in a decline in the number of civil cases closed by the Labor Department. The administration is also revisiting regulations on ESG investing and fiduciary duty, with the latter unlikely to survive in its current form.

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By initiating conversations about philanthropy, advisors can deepen client relationships, help clients clarify their charitable intentions, and retain both current clients and their heirs, writes Ken Nopar of Nopar Consulting. This approach also serves as a differentiator in attracting new clients, especially when other advisors may not address charitable planning in depth.

Financial advisors are facing a "visibility crisis" as artificial intelligence search results significantly reduce web traffic, with a Pew Research Center study noting a decline of up to 50%. FMG Suite's Samantha Russell offers five strategies to address this issue, including building authority through client reviews, sharing expertise in the media and creating FAQ pages that match common search queries.

The Insured Retirement Institute's State of the Industry report is a members-only publication that includes annuity market data, operations and technology, and regulatory and legislative trends in 2024, as well as notable themes emerging in 2025. Access it here.

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.