The National Association of Insurance Commissioners will pilot the AI Systems Evaluation Tool, which is designed to help state regulators understand how insurers are using artificial intelligence and to assess related risks. Iowa Insurance Commissioner Doug Ommen emphasized the tool's flexibility and noted that it will be used in a mix of financial and market conduct exams during the pilot phase.

Twenty-eight percent of financial professionals report that clients have a thorough understanding of annuities, but only 14% of clients agree, according to a LIMRA survey. This knowledge gap is significant, as earlier research links higher annuity knowledge to greater likelihood of ownership. "With the oldest Gen Xers now approaching retirement age, most of whom don't have a pension, the industry needs to redouble their efforts to help consumers better understand the critical role annuities can play in filling that protected lifetime income gap left by disappearing pensions," says LIMRA's Bryan Hodgens.

Health savings accounts are increasingly being used to offset rising health care costs, which are expected to surge in 2026, and grow retirement income. "For those in high income brackets, it makes the most sense to use a health savings account as a very powerful investment account," says Maryann Vognild of Focus Partners Wealth.

Average 401(k) balances rose to a record $144,400 in the third quarter, rising 5% from the prior quarter. Meanwhile, average IRA balances climbed to $137,902, and average 403(b) plans grew to $131,200. The report also highlights a potential shift, with a fifth of Gen Z 401(k) participants putting money into Roth versions of their accounts.

The annuity industry is preparing for major changes in 2026, writes Brian Kunkel of AmeriLIfe. All states have adopted a best-interest standard for annuity transactions, raising the duty of care for financial professionals. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners' new valuation manual, effective Jan. 1, will require carriers to adjust reserves, potentially altering product features and pricing. Additionally, the recently passed tax and spending bill has introduced tax changes that add more complexity to retirement planning.