Digital Insurance recently featured Greg Chandler, The Standard's executive vice president of Information Technology, in their AI and Insurtech Predictions for 2026 piece. Greg shared that "AI can now enhance the way businesses interact with customers and create solutions to improve the customer experience.”
The Standard's Theodore Schmelzle, JD, CIPP, vice president of Retirement Plans Service, was interviewed in a recent USA TODAY story with retirement tips for readers. Ted emphasized that successful retirement saving is less about hitting a specific dollar target and more about building early, consistent habits, noting that “time is the most precious” factor in long‑term financial growth.
Starting in 2026, catch-up contributions for high earners must be Roth. PLANSPONSOR Magazine asked Ted Schmelzle, vice president of Retirement Plan Services at The Standard, to lend his perspective.
The IRS has given employers until the end of 2025 to address any unused forfeiture funds — don’t miss this one-time opportunity to “clean the slate.” The Standard's Angela Trefethen, senior director of Retirement Plans Service, shared with PLANSPONSOR how to use forfeiture funds to pay for any remaining employer match contributions, profit sharing contributions or participant allocations.
Industry research spotlights a positive effect radiating from the popularity of PEPs. Ted Schmelzle, vice president of Retirement Plans Service at The Standard, provides the details.
How can you confidently guide clients and prospects toward the legacy outcome they envision? Paul Garofoli, FLMI, RICP®, regional vice president of sales in Individual Annuities at The Standard, provides some answers.
Alan Assner, vice president of Individual Annuities at The Standard, was recently quoted in an InsuranceNewsNet article about the challenges and opportunities for indexed products.
Alan Assner, vice president of Individual Annuities at The Standard, was recently quoted in an InsuranceNewsNet article about the effects of interest rate changes in the financial services industry.
Leaving a meaningful legacy is important to many retirees. John Williams, CLU®, regional vice president for Individual Annuities at The Standard, discusses the legacy planning benefits of a fixed index annuity.
Finding the perfect annuity for a client is a lot like matchmaking. Age, preferences and long-term goals all play a role in landing the ideal fit. The Standard's Paul Garofoli, FLMI, RICP® writes about using annuity expertise like a dating app algorithm to spark lasting financial connections.