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Associated Press
23-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Valmark Financial Group Leads Consumer-First Innovation in Life Settlements With Streamlined Policy Pricing and Expanded Market Access to Maximize Client Value
AKRON, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 23, 2025-- The Valmark Financial Group family of companies, with 60-plus years of life insurance experience and 20-plus years of life settlement experience, is setting a new standard for consumer empowerment and marketplace innovation in the life settlements industry. Through proprietary pricing strategies, institutional partnerships, and client education, Valmark is delivering transformative value to policyowners and professional advisors alike. Unlocking Hidden Value Through Expedited Search and Verification Capabilities Valmark's latest advancement in Life Settlements leverages over 20 years of historical transaction data and thorough methodology to generate accurate, estimated fair market values (FMV) for life insurance policies even before they are listed for sale. This proactive pricing approach empowers clients with data-driven insights into the true value of their life insurance policies, in contrast to the typically lower cash surrender value offered by insurance carriers. 'We believe transparency is key to changing the way people think about their life insurance,' said James Dawson, Director of Life Settlements at Valmark. The 2024 LISA Study revealed that the fair market value of a life insurance policy is, on average, 6.5 times greater than its surrender value. By making that reality clear to policyowners, we're empowering them to make informed decisions that better align with their current needs. With the scale to provide these FMV estimates across the thousands of policies managed under Valmark's Policy Management Company and $70B of death benefit placed over the years, Valmark is making informed, consumer-first pricing the new industry standard. Expanding the Market Through Strategic Provider Programs Valmark's reach across the life settlement market is facilitated by its relationships with those institutional life settlement providers that make up approximately 95% of the life settlement market. i These relationships have enabled the creation of new, consumer-friendly programs that expand access and expedite timelines. One such innovation is a streamlined process for healthy insureds, allowing certain policies to be sold within 30 days with little to no post-sale service requirements. Another pioneering solution is the company's 'Term Convert & Sell' program, which allows policyowners nearing term expiration to monetize their policy, even if they had no plans to convert, by selling it to a buyer who will handle the conversion. This unlocks value that would otherwise be lost. 'These are powerful examples of 'unlocking hidden money' that most policyowners don't realize they're leaving on the table,' said Michael Michlitsch, VP of Inforce Insurance Solutions at Valmark. 'Our mission is to unlock that value and deliver outcomes our clients didn't think were possible.' Setting the Industry Standard in Process, Credibility, and Education Valmark's credibility as a trusted, independent broker is built on a proven, competitive auction process that aligns with regulatory guidelines and consistently delivers superior results. In fact, the firm's client-centric competitive auction process has resulted in offers that are, on average, nearly 25% higher than market norms (net of fees). ii In addition to the company's technical leadership, Valmark is a national trailblazer in creating awareness for consumers and educating financial professionals. Over the past 18 months, Valmark has delivered over 50 continuing education (CE) presentations to professionals best positioned to guide clients on in-force insurance decisions. 'Whether a client decides to keep their policy or sell it, our goal is to ensure they've explored all options through a clear, transparent process,' said Dawson. 'We've built a reputation not just on outcomes, but on the integrity of how we got there.' A Legacy of Leadership and Client Advocacy Valmark's leadership in the life settlement industry is built on decades of innovation, fiduciary principles, and a commitment to client-first solutions. The company's efforts have helped set standards not only for transparent processes but also for fair compensation practices across the industry. 'I'm proud to have led the charge on this important client solution 20 years ago,' said Caleb Callahan, President at Valmark. 'From creating a uniform, transparent process that ensures reasonable and fair compensation for policyholders, to testifying before Congress on the importance of fiduciary principles, we've always placed our clients' best interests at the heart of everything we do.' About Valmark Financial Group Valmark Financial Group is a holding company of several subsidiaries, including Executive Insurance Agency, Inc., a national producer group; Valmark Securities, Inc., a broker-dealer and member of both FINRA and SIPC; Valmark Advisers, Inc., a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission registered investment adviser; and the Valmark Policy Management Company, LLC, which provides ongoing policy management and monitoring services for life insurance policyholders. With a proud history of working with independently owned financial services firms committed to high ethical standards in over 30 states throughout the United States, Valmark offers a wide range of insurance and investment solutions for high net-worth clients. Headquartered in Akron, Ohio with operations in St. Paul, Minnesota, Valmark, through its affiliated entities, has helped its member firms place over $70 billion of life insurance death benefits and manage insurance policies with a cumulative cash value of over $8 billion dollars. Valmark's affiliated RIA, Valmark Advisers, has an estimated $10 billion in assets under management and advisement, including approximately $1.2 billion in variable sub-account assets within its TOPS® funds. To learn more about Valmark Financial Group and its Life Settlements offering, visit or Securities offered through Valmark Securities, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisory services offered through Valmark Advisers, Inc., a SEC Registered Investment Advisor. i 95% Market Exposure: Calculated by comparing the percentage of life settlement transactions (between 2016 and 2023) reported by The Deal (a third-party industry newsletter) involving providers with whom Valmark has an active relationship. ii 25% Higher Offers (Net of Fees): Based on a comparative analysis of Valmark Securities' average net offers (after fees) vs. average market offers reported by The Deal from 2016 to 2023. The actual number calculated: 23.5%. View source version on CONTACT: Jamie Summerville – VP, Communications Valmark Financial Group 130 Springside Drive Akron, OH 44333 P: 330.576.1234 x3609 E:[email protected] KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA OHIO INDUSTRY KEYWORD: PROFESSIONAL SERVICES OTHER PROFESSIONAL SERVICES TECHNOLOGY INSURANCE FINANCE ASSET MANAGEMENT ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE SOURCE: Valmark Financial Group Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 05/23/2025 09:30 AM/DISC: 05/23/2025 09:29 AM
Business Wire
23-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Valmark Financial Group Leads Consumer-First Innovation in Life Settlements With Streamlined Policy Pricing and Expanded Market Access to Maximize Client Value
AKRON, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Valmark Financial Group family of companies, with 60-plus years of life insurance experience and 20-plus years of life settlement experience, is setting a new standard for consumer empowerment and marketplace innovation in the life settlements industry. Through proprietary pricing strategies, institutional partnerships, and client education, Valmark is delivering transformative value to policyowners and professional advisors alike. 'We've built a reputation not just on outcomes, but on the integrity of how we got there.' Unlocking Hidden Value Through Expedited Search and Verification Capabilities Valmark's latest advancement in Life Settlements leverages over 20 years of historical transaction data and thorough methodology to generate accurate, estimated fair market values (FMV) for life insurance policies even before they are listed for sale. This proactive pricing approach empowers clients with data-driven insights into the true value of their life insurance policies, in contrast to the typically lower cash surrender value offered by insurance carriers. 'We believe transparency is key to changing the way people think about their life insurance,' said James Dawson, Director of Life Settlements at Valmark. The 2024 LISA Study revealed that the fair market value of a life insurance policy is, on average, 6.5 times greater than its surrender value. By making that reality clear to policyowners, we're empowering them to make informed decisions that better align with their current needs. With the scale to provide these FMV estimates across the thousands of policies managed under Valmark's Policy Management Company and $70B of death benefit placed over the years, Valmark is making informed, consumer-first pricing the new industry standard. Expanding the Market Through Strategic Provider Programs Valmark's reach across the life settlement market is facilitated by its relationships with those institutional life settlement providers that make up approximately 95% of the life settlement market. i These relationships have enabled the creation of new, consumer-friendly programs that expand access and expedite timelines. One such innovation is a streamlined process for healthy insureds, allowing certain policies to be sold within 30 days with little to no post-sale service requirements. Another pioneering solution is the company's 'Term Convert & Sell' program, which allows policyowners nearing term expiration to monetize their policy, even if they had no plans to convert, by selling it to a buyer who will handle the conversion. This unlocks value that would otherwise be lost. 'These are powerful examples of 'unlocking hidden money' that most policyowners don't realize they're leaving on the table,' said Michael Michlitsch, VP of Inforce Insurance Solutions at Valmark. 'Our mission is to unlock that value and deliver outcomes our clients didn't think were possible.' Setting the Industry Standard in Process, Credibility, and Education Valmark's credibility as a trusted, independent broker is built on a proven, competitive auction process that aligns with regulatory guidelines and consistently delivers superior results. In fact, the firm's client-centric competitive auction process has resulted in offers that are, on average, nearly 25% higher than market norms (net of fees). ii In addition to the company's technical leadership, Valmark is a national trailblazer in creating awareness for consumers and educating financial professionals. Over the past 18 months, Valmark has delivered over 50 continuing education (CE) presentations to professionals best positioned to guide clients on in-force insurance decisions. 'Whether a client decides to keep their policy or sell it, our goal is to ensure they've explored all options through a clear, transparent process,' said Dawson. 'We've built a reputation not just on outcomes, but on the integrity of how we got there.' A Legacy of Leadership and Client Advocacy Valmark's leadership in the life settlement industry is built on decades of innovation, fiduciary principles, and a commitment to client-first solutions. The company's efforts have helped set standards not only for transparent processes but also for fair compensation practices across the industry. 'I'm proud to have led the charge on this important client solution 20 years ago,' said Caleb Callahan, President at Valmark. 'From creating a uniform, transparent process that ensures reasonable and fair compensation for policyholders, to testifying before Congress on the importance of fiduciary principles, we've always placed our clients' best interests at the heart of everything we do.' About Valmark Financial Group Valmark Financial Group is a holding company of several subsidiaries, including Executive Insurance Agency, Inc., a national producer group; Valmark Securities, Inc., a broker-dealer and member of both FINRA and SIPC; Valmark Advisers, Inc., a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission registered investment adviser; and the Valmark Policy Management Company, LLC, which provides ongoing policy management and monitoring services for life insurance policyholders. With a proud history of working with independently owned financial services firms committed to high ethical standards in over 30 states throughout the United States, Valmark offers a wide range of insurance and investment solutions for high net-worth clients. Headquartered in Akron, Ohio with operations in St. Paul, Minnesota, Valmark, through its affiliated entities, has helped its member firms place over $70 billion of life insurance death benefits and manage insurance policies with a cumulative cash value of over $8 billion dollars. Valmark's affiliated RIA, Valmark Advisers, has an estimated $10 billion in assets under management and advisement, including approximately $1.2 billion in variable sub-account assets within its TOPS® funds. To learn more about Valmark Financial Group and its Life Settlements offering, visit or Securities offered through Valmark Securities, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisory services offered through Valmark Advisers, Inc., a SEC Registered Investment Advisor. i 95% Market Exposure: Calculated by comparing the percentage of life settlement transactions (between 2016 and 2023) reported by The Deal (a third-party industry newsletter) involving providers with whom Valmark has an active relationship. ii 25% Higher Offers (Net of Fees): Based on a comparative analysis of Valmark Securities' average net offers (after fees) vs. average market offers reported by The Deal from 2016 to 2023. The actual number calculated: 23.5%.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Valmark Financial Group Leads Consumer-First Innovation in Life Settlements With Streamlined Policy Pricing and Expanded Market Access to Maximize Client Value
AKRON, Ohio, May 23, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Valmark Financial Group family of companies, with 60-plus years of life insurance experience and 20-plus years of life settlement experience, is setting a new standard for consumer empowerment and marketplace innovation in the life settlements industry. Through proprietary pricing strategies, institutional partnerships, and client education, Valmark is delivering transformative value to policyowners and professional advisors alike. Unlocking Hidden Value Through Expedited Search and Verification Capabilities Valmark's latest advancement in Life Settlements leverages over 20 years of historical transaction data and thorough methodology to generate accurate, estimated fair market values (FMV) for life insurance policies even before they are listed for sale. This proactive pricing approach empowers clients with data-driven insights into the true value of their life insurance policies, in contrast to the typically lower cash surrender value offered by insurance carriers. "We believe transparency is key to changing the way people think about their life insurance," said James Dawson, Director of Life Settlements at Valmark. The 2024 LISA Study revealed that the fair market value of a life insurance policy is, on average, 6.5 times greater than its surrender value. By making that reality clear to policyowners, we're empowering them to make informed decisions that better align with their current needs. With the scale to provide these FMV estimates across the thousands of policies managed under Valmark's Policy Management Company and $70B of death benefit placed over the years, Valmark is making informed, consumer-first pricing the new industry standard. Expanding the Market Through Strategic Provider Programs Valmark's reach across the life settlement market is facilitated by its relationships with those institutional life settlement providers that make up approximately 95% of the life settlement market.i These relationships have enabled the creation of new, consumer-friendly programs that expand access and expedite timelines. One such innovation is a streamlined process for healthy insureds, allowing certain policies to be sold within 30 days with little to no post-sale service requirements. Another pioneering solution is the company's "Term Convert & Sell" program, which allows policyowners nearing term expiration to monetize their policy, even if they had no plans to convert, by selling it to a buyer who will handle the conversion. This unlocks value that would otherwise be lost. "These are powerful examples of 'unlocking hidden money' that most policyowners don't realize they're leaving on the table," said Michael Michlitsch, VP of Inforce Insurance Solutions at Valmark. "Our mission is to unlock that value and deliver outcomes our clients didn't think were possible." Setting the Industry Standard in Process, Credibility, and Education Valmark's credibility as a trusted, independent broker is built on a proven, competitive auction process that aligns with regulatory guidelines and consistently delivers superior results. In fact, the firm's client-centric competitive auction process has resulted in offers that are, on average, nearly 25% higher than market norms (net of fees).ii In addition to the company's technical leadership, Valmark is a national trailblazer in creating awareness for consumers and educating financial professionals. Over the past 18 months, Valmark has delivered over 50 continuing education (CE) presentations to professionals best positioned to guide clients on in-force insurance decisions. "Whether a client decides to keep their policy or sell it, our goal is to ensure they've explored all options through a clear, transparent process," said Dawson. "We've built a reputation not just on outcomes, but on the integrity of how we got there." A Legacy of Leadership and Client Advocacy Valmark's leadership in the life settlement industry is built on decades of innovation, fiduciary principles, and a commitment to client-first solutions. The company's efforts have helped set standards not only for transparent processes but also for fair compensation practices across the industry. "I'm proud to have led the charge on this important client solution 20 years ago," said Caleb Callahan, President at Valmark. "From creating a uniform, transparent process that ensures reasonable and fair compensation for policyholders, to testifying before Congress on the importance of fiduciary principles, we've always placed our clients' best interests at the heart of everything we do." About Valmark Financial Group Valmark Financial Group is a holding company of several subsidiaries, including Executive Insurance Agency, Inc., a national producer group; Valmark Securities, Inc., a broker-dealer and member of both FINRA and SIPC; Valmark Advisers, Inc., a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission registered investment adviser; and the Valmark Policy Management Company, LLC, which provides ongoing policy management and monitoring services for life insurance policyholders. With a proud history of working with independently owned financial services firms committed to high ethical standards in over 30 states throughout the United States, Valmark offers a wide range of insurance and investment solutions for high net-worth clients. Headquartered in Akron, Ohio with operations in St. Paul, Minnesota, Valmark, through its affiliated entities, has helped its member firms place over $70 billion of life insurance death benefits and manage insurance policies with a cumulative cash value of over $8 billion dollars. Valmark's affiliated RIA, Valmark Advisers, has an estimated $10 billion in assets under management and advisement, including approximately $1.2 billion in variable sub-account assets within its TOPS® funds. To learn more about Valmark Financial Group and its Life Settlements offering, visit or Securities offered through Valmark Securities, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisory services offered through Valmark Advisers, Inc., a SEC Registered Investment Advisor. i 95% Market Exposure: Calculated by comparing the percentage of life settlement transactions (between 2016 and 2023) reported by The Deal (a third-party industry newsletter) involving providers with whom Valmark has an active relationship. ii 25% Higher Offers (Net of Fees): Based on a comparative analysis of Valmark Securities' average net offers (after fees) vs. average market offers reported by The Deal from 2016 to 2023. The actual number calculated: 23.5%. View source version on Contacts Jamie Summerville –VP, CommunicationsValmark Financial Group130 Springside DriveAkron, OH 44333P: 330.576.1234 x3609E: jsummerville@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
BBC News
09-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
UK's oldest WW2 veteran endorsed for freedom of Erewash honour
The UK's oldest surviving World War Two Veteran could be awarded the freedom of a borough in Borough Council has announced it will meet to vote on whether to grant the Freedom of the Borough to 110-year-old veteran Donald Rose, in the wake of the 80th anniversary of VE motion, called by leader of the authority, councillor James Dawson, will be discussed at a full council meeting on Thursday."As the oldest resident of the borough and the nation's oldest veteran of the Second World War, the contributions of him and his generation have ensured the continuation of our values and democratic freedoms that we enjoy," Dawson said. Mr Rose was born in Westcott in Surrey on 24 December 1914 and served in World War Two with the Queen's Royal joining the Army, he trained as a sniper and served in North Africa and EuropeMr Rose, who turned 110 on Christmas Eve, enjoyed a wartime-themed party at the care home where he lives in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, for VE day anniversary celebrations on Wednesday."We are at this moment in history where the war is just within living memory with veterans now," Dawson added."We felt with the few veterans that are left, we have a treasure in Donald. "Giving him the freedom on the 80th anniversary of VE day, we felt it was a significant milestone that needed to be marked."
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Yahoo
‘Selfless': Sergeant honored for helping injured girl
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A Clare County sheriff's deputy is being honored for braving a potentially dangerous home to help a 12-year-old girl who had been shot. Sgt. James Dawson was presented with the Sheriff's Office Bravery Award Thursday, the Clare County Sheriff's Office announced in a release, for his 'brave and selfless acts' Tuesday near the Isabella-Midland county line. Around midnight Tuesday, troopers responded to a home on NE County Line Road near Shearer Road, northwest of Midland, for a report of shots fired, according to the Michigan State Police. MSP: Man taken into custody northwest of Midland; girl hurt When troopers approached, they say a man came out of the home and shot at them. Troopers returned fire and the man went back into the home, according to MSP. Dawson responded to the scene to assist state police. When he showed up, he learned that the man was believed to be back inside the home or in a vehicle in the driveway, the release says. Also inside the home, a trooper told Dawson, was a 12-year-old girl who had suffered a gunshot wound, according to the sheriff's office. When Dawson heard this, he 'recognized the need for immediate action' to get the girl out so that she could get medical attention, the office said. Traveling through the woods, Dawson made his way to the home. Alone, he made entry and found the 12-year-old girl, according to the Clare County Sheriff's Office. The sheriff's office reported that the girl was scared to leave, because the man had not been taken into custody, but Dawson reassured her that he would keep her safe. He helped the girl out of the home and into a waiting ambulance. She was taken to the hospital; state police said her injuries were not considered life-threatening. The man was eventually taken into custody around 4 p.m. Tuesday, according to MSP. The sheriff's office praised Dawson for his actions, saying he 'acted selflessly' and put himself in danger to help the injured girl. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
