Last week, Brian Batson, Nick Rush, and Kevin Anderson represented AIP at the Lion Street Annual Institute Conference in Austin, TX—an event that brought together the insurance industry’s best independent firms for invaluable insights into the markets, products, and solutions shaping life insurance and wealth planning in 2025.
This year’s conference featured thought-provoking discussions, including an impactful keynote session from legendary quarterback Peyton Manning and discussions with longevity expert Dr. Gabrielle Lyon and serial entrepreneur Jeff Hoffman.
The event provided expert perspectives on emerging industry trends, new opportunities, and leadership strategies, sharing knowledge and tools needed to drive success in the year ahead.
Key Takeaways from the Event
Understanding Clients’ True Needs
Jeff Hoffman, founder of Priceline.com, emphasized the importance of stepping into clients’ lives to understand their priorities. This aligns perfectly with AIP’s approach: instead of focusing on selling a product, we provide solutions to address clients’ deeper concerns—such as safeguarding their family and ensuring long-term financial security for future generations.
Longevity & Muscle Health
Fitness is key to a healthy life, but how much so? Dr. Gabrielle Lyon, author of “Forever Strong” focuses on the importance of lean muscle mass and presented some surprising statistics that might have you running to the gym:
– Lean muscle mass in midlife is a key longevity factor – increasing survival rates by 2.5x
– Grip strength may predict life expectancy—those in the top third are 2.5x more likely to reach 100
– Protein intake & resistance training (20–30 min/week) are essential for maintaining strength and resilience as hormone levels decline with age
Life Settlements – An Expanding Opportunity
Life insurance settlements are now more accessible for insureds 65+ (previously 70+), offering another planning tool for advisors.
Market Updates
Lion Street Founder and CEO, Bob Carter, discussed the history of the life insurance marketplace and the importance of portfolio diversification. As carriers have consolidated, it is still critical for advisors to vet the financial health of the companies they work with.
Michael Fontanini, VP of Advanced Sales & Design, highlighted the difference between carrier offerings of convertible term life policies. Many convertible programs do not include access to the full suite of product offerings, so it is paramount for advisors to research future product availability when selling convertible policies.
Underwriting Ozempic and Other “Taboo Medicines”
Tiffany Hyde, head of Underwriting for Lion Street, discussed the climate regarding “taboo medicines” in the life insurance industry.
- GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic have become popular treatments for weight loss and current users may still be eligible for preferred rates. There are dozens of providers online who are prescribing this drug without enough oversight. Insurance companies want to know who is administering the drugs, the course of treatment, and how often they are having checkups with their physician to track progress.
- Psilocybin is now legal in 4 states and Johns Hopkins University has been conducting a study since 2000. Several carriers are now considering coverage for users in states where it has been legalized for treatment.
At AIP, we are always looking ahead, ensuring that our clients and strategic partners stay prepared for the evolving financial and insurance landscape. If you’d like to discuss how these insights apply to your planning strategies, we’d love to connect.
Get in touch: contact us.