Digital distribution

Insurers will prioritize analytics, mobile and three other next-generation technologies in 2014, says Strategy Meets Action. Find out how the research and consulting firm came to these five.Throughout January, as SMA Founder Deb Smallwood details each of the five next-generation technologies — the current landscape of the technology, opportunities and challenges that come with the technology and action items for insurers.First up, Analytics and Big Data.

Application is designed to improve policyholders' experiences, reduce costs and shorten cycle time.

New organizational structure intended to strengthen client services, better align resources to that goal and drive growth.

Since last year, new skills and new thinking are more urgent than ever, even as budgets and technology needs remain static.

With the acquisition, Insureon will exceed $100 million in total premium; deal between online provider of BOP insurance and national independent distributor expected to close in January.

Hub International Acquires Assets of Pinnacle Partners Member Firms

Brightway Insurance to Acquire Towne Center Insurance

Questar Capital Names Halverson as Director, Field Development

Insurers need to think not just about how customers want to buy a product, but the total lifetime experience.

U.S. life insurers are poised to outperform in the debt market next year as they invest premiums at higher interest rates, according to CreditSights.

On Dec. 23 alone, the healthcare.gov website supported as many as 83,000 users at the same time.

Disability insurance-consulting company to offer e-signature capability to disability applications over the web.

As the federal health-insurance exchange finds its footing, some state-run exchanges now are struggling with technology delays and low sign-up levels.

Depth of experience, location and culture will complement P&C and benefits brokerage; key associates to continue operations from current location.

USI Completes Acquisition of Molton, Allen & Williams

The extension was announced as healthcare.gov yesterday experienced a single-day record number of visits and consumers were moved into a queuing system deployed when the website approaches 50,000 simultaneous users.

Retirement Income Clearing Calculator to provide for choice, portability of guaranteed retirement income options.

Kaiser Permanente will allow late payment for exchange plans but isn’t changing other policies in response to the government’s request, and WellPoint says its continuity-of-care policies will allow customers “to continue receiving care from an out-of-network provider for a specified period of time.”

In the newly created role, Seth Peller is tasked with building Willis’ Casualty portfolio.

Solutions selected to help insurer meet growth, audience expansion objectives.