Newsroom archive

West Des Moines, Iowa, July 21, 2020

Midland National® Life Insurance Company (Midland National) and DPL Financial Partners have launched a new, commission-free fixed index annuity (FIA). The Midland National Capital IncomeSM offers a unique health-activated income multiplier feature1 which can double income payments for up to five years to help prepare for increased personal care costs. Capital Income offers this feature through an income rider creating guaranteed lifetime income to help safeguard retirement lifestyles.

“We had been looking to enter the fee-only advisor space when we began talking to DPL about combining our strengths to create a product that would serve an unmet need in the market,” said Rob TeKolste of Midland National.  “When DPL brought us the idea for a commission-free FIA with an income rider offering a health-activated income benefit feature, we knew we could bring a powerful solution to RIAs. This fixed index annuity is competitive in its own right, but the health-related income multiplier feature provides an income stream just when many people need it most. This is a solution we believe many advisors seek for their clients.”

Capital Income offers the income rider with a health-activated multiplier for a cost. Although not intended to replace long-term care, it can be turned on in the event the policyowner can’t perform at least two out of six basic activities of daily living, like bathing, continence, dressing, eating, toileting, and transferring in and out of beds and chairs. Other conditions and limitations apply, including a waiting period and an elimination period.

 “Health problems can dramatically impact a retiree’s expenses,” said David Lau, founder and CEO of DPL, the leading insurance network for registered investment advisors (RIAs). “We wanted to create a first-of-its-kind product that provides additional income should a client experience an unexpected health event that impacts their ability to care for themselves. We were delighted when Midland National stepped up to build it.”

DPL Financial Partners is the first and leading RIA turnkey insurance management platform that brings commission-free insurance solutions from a variety of the nation's top carriers to RIA practices. DPL has created a marketplace of commission-free insurance products that enables RIAs to incorporate insurance and annuities into their practice to more holistically serve their clients. Clients benefit from products that offer competitive pricing and fiduciary implementation.

Capital Income became exclusively available to DPL’s RIA member firms on July 21, 2020.

About Midland National Life Insurance Company

For more than 110 years, Midland National® Life Insurance Company (Midland National) has been an industry leader, crediting the company’s strength to its commitment to stability, innovation and dedicated customer service. Midland National is accredited by the Better Business Bureau, and has earned an A+ (Superior) rating from A.M. Best, a large third-party independent reporting and rating company that rates an insurance company on the basis of the company's financial strength, operating performance and ability to meet its ongoing obligations to policyowners. This rating is the second highest out of 15 categories and was affirmed by A.M. Best for Midland National as part Sammons® Financial Group, Inc. on Aug. 7, 2019. 

Founded as Dakota Mutual Life Insurance Company in 1906, Midland National has protected families and preserved legacies for generations. Midland National is one of the leading insurance companies in the United States. Midland National is a member of Sammons Financial Group, a subsidiary of Sammons Enterprises, Inc. With its annuity division in West Des Moines, Iowa, and its life insurance operations in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Midland National operates in 49 states and the District of Columbia through its 12,000 licensed sales professionals. For more information, click here.

1 Known as ADL Benefit Rider in the contract. See contract for full ADL definitions and additional conditions required to elect it. THE ADL BENEFIT RIDER (ALSO KNOWN AS THE HEALTH-ACTIVATED INCOME MULTIPLIER) IS NOT LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE NOR IS IT INTENDED TO REPLACE LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE.

Insurance products issued by Midland National® Life Insurance Company, West Des Moines, Iowa. Product and features/options may not be available in all states or appropriate for all clients. See product materials for further details, specific features/options, and limitations by product and state.  

The Midland National Capital IncomeSM is issued on base contract form AS202A/ICC19-AS201A or appropriate state variations including all applicable endorsements and riders.

PR-74-7-20

West Des Moines, IA – July 20, 2021

Midland National® Life Insurance Company (Midland National) has been named to the 2021 Ward’s 50® list of top performing life-health insurance companies.

“We recognize Midland National Life Insurance Company for outstanding financial results in the areas of safety, consistency, and performance over a five-year period,” said Jeff Rieder, partner and head of Ward Group. “In selecting the Ward’s 50, we analyze the financial performance of nearly 700 life-health insurance companies, identifying the 50 companies that pass financial stability requirements and demonstrate the ability to grow while maintaining strong capital positions and underwriting results.”

Ward Group is the leader of benchmarking and best practices services for the insurance industry. Since 1991, the firm has analyzed the financial performance of nearly 3,000 property-casualty insurance companies and more than 700 life-health insurance companies based in the U.S. Top performers in each segment are identified based on objective data and subjective quality measures.

“We’re honored to once again be among Ward’s top life-health insurance companies in the U.S.,” said Steve Palmitier, president and chief operating officer of the life division for Midland National. “Being named to this list is a testimony to the dedication of our employees who display incredible commitment to our customers.”

Midland National is a life insurance industry leader due to its financial strength, commitment to stability, innovation, and dedicated customer service. Midland National is accredited by the Better Business Bureau, and has earned an A+ (Superior) rating from A.M. Best, a large third-party independent reporting and rating company that rates an insurance company on the basis of the company's financial strength, operating performance, and ability to meet its ongoing obligations to policyowners. This rating is the second highest out of 15 categories and was affirmed by A.M. Best for Midland National as part Sammons® Financial Group, Inc. on August 19, 2020.

About Midland National Life Insurance 

Founded as Dakota Mutual Life Insurance Company in 1906, Midland National has protected families and preserved legacies for generations. Midland National is one of the leading insurance companies in the United States. Midland National is a member of Sammons Financial Group, a subsidiary of Sammons Enterprises, Inc. With its annuity division in West Des Moines, Iowa, and its life insurance operations in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Midland National operates in 49 states and the District of Columbia through its 12,000 licensed sales professionals. For more information, click here.

About Sammons® Financial Group, Inc.

The companies of Sammons® Financial Group, Inc. help families and businesses protect their future to enjoy life’s moments today. A subsidiary of Sammons Enterprises, Inc., Sammons Financial Group is privately owned with member companies that are among the most enduring and stable in the financial services industry. Our companies include Midland National® Life Insurance Company (including Sammons® Corporate Markets); North American Company for Life and Health Insurance®; and Sammons Institutional Group® (including Midland Retirement Distributors® and Sammons Retirement Solutions®). Together, we offer today’s most sought-after life insurance, annuity, and retirement planning products. Sammons Financial Group: With You for Every Moment®.

PR-93-7-21

West Des Moines, Iowa, May 26, 2020

Investors are well aware that in planning for retirement, few guarantees exist. The challenge has always been finding an ideal balance between growing money earmarked for retirement and simultaneously protecting it from volatility inherent in the market over a span of years.

To address this growing concern, Midland Retirement Distributors—a distribution business of Sammons Institutional GroupSM—is introducing a new fixed index annuity, or FIA, called SummitSM Navigate. This annuity is designed as an option for those nearing retirement and layers two interest-crediting strategies to help calm an otherwise uncertain market climate.  

“It’s a very real struggle—protecting the initial premium yet still taking advantage of long-term market upswings,” said Bill Lowe, president of Sammons Institutional Group. “This innovative fixed index annuity directly addresses market uncertainty that so many customers fear.”

The Summit Navigate FIA layers two types of interest credits over the term of the investment—an annual performance credit (APC) and a term participation credit (TPC) in the final year of term. These crediting tools work together to take advantage of the long-term point-to-point crediting method to offer greater potential for growth.

“The challenge that often exists with long-term point-to-point crediting methods is the client will not see any credits until the end of the FIA’s term. That is precisely why we built in an annual performance credit that provides the opportunity to add account value each year the index is positive,” said Lowe. “With the dual focus of the APC in the short-term, and the incentive of accumulated point-to-point interest credit at the term end, the Summit Navigate gives the customer potential for interim credits and the opportunity for long-term growth potential of the index.”

Lowe added, the annual performance credit rates and term participation credit rates are set at issue and do not change through the surrender charge period, taking away the concerns of renewal rates during the term. An example of how this layered strategy works is in this brief, two-minute video. The purpose of any fixed index annuity is to protect against market loss and provide stable growth potential through a fixed rate of return, which can be achieved with the crediting strategies offered. As noted in the video example, the term participation credit can optimize potential growth by capturing the previous years’ of market performance.

“Our goal is to help clients fund their retirement plans and that means forecasting potential challenges and being able to adapt to a fluctuating marketplace,” said Lowe. “The innovative Summit Navigate can protect clients from downside market fluctuation, create opportunities for annual growth over the contract term, and reward clients with long-term index performance at the end of the period.”

Sammons Institutional GroupSM includes Midland Retirement Distributors® and  Sammons Retirement Solutions®.

About Sammons® Financial Group, Inc.

The companies of Sammons® Financial Group, Inc. help families and businesses protect their future so they can enjoy life’s moments today. A subsidiary of Sammons Enterprises, Inc., Sammons Financial Group is a group of privately-owned financial companies that are among the most enduring and stable companies in the financial services industry. Our companies include Midland National® Life Insurance Company (including Sammons® Corporate Markets); North American Company for Life and Health Insurance®; and  Sammons Institutional GroupSM (including Midland Retirement Distributors® and  Sammons Retirement Solutions®). Together, we offer some of today’s most sought-after life insurance, annuity, and retirement planning products.

The term financial professional is not intended to imply engagement in an advisory business in which compensation is not related to sales. Financial professionals that are insurance licensed will be paid a commission on the sale of an insurance product.

Fixed index annuities are not a direct investment in the stock market. They are long-term insurance products with guarantees backed by the issuing company. They provide the potential for interest to be credited based in part on the performance of specific indices, without the risk of loss of premium due to market downturns or fluctuation. Although fixed index annuities guarantee no loss of premium due to market downturns, deductions from your accumulation value for additional optional benefit riders could under certain scenarios exceed interest credited to the accumulation value, which would result in loss of premium. They may not be appropriate for all clients. Interest credits to a fixed index annuity will not mirror the actual performance of the relevant index.

The SummitSM Navigate is issued by Midland National® Life Insurance Company, West Des Moines, IA on base contract form MC402A/ICC19-MC402A or appropriate state variation including all applicable endorsements and riders.

A surrender during the surrender charge period could result in a loss of premium. Surrender charge structure may vary by state.

Product and features/options may not be available in all states or appropriate for all clients. See product materials for further details, specific features/options, and limitations by product and state.

All guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of Midland National® Life Insurance Company.

Insurance products are issued by Midland National® Life Insurance Company (West Des Moines, IA). Sammons Institutional GroupSM, Inc. provides administrative services. Sammons Financial Network®, LLC., Midland National® Life Insurance Company, and Sammons Institutional GroupSM, Inc. are wholly owned subsidiaries of Sammons® Financial Group, Inc. Sammons Retirement Solutions® and Midland Retirement Distributors® are marketing divisions of Sammons Institutional GroupSM, Inc.

NOT FDIC/NCUA INSURED, MAY LOSE VALUE INCLUDING LOSS OF PREMIUM, NO BANK/CU GUARANTEE, NOT A DEPOSIT, NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY.

PR-72-5-20

West Des Moines, Iowa, Feb. 26, 2020

Midland National® Life Insurance Company, a member company of Sammons FinancialSM, is introducing a new financial index designed by Fidelity Investments to address the top consumer concerns of market volatility and stable retirement savings.

The Fidelity Multifactor Yield Index 5% ERSM leverages Fidelity’s established legacy of asset management capabilities. The index will be added into Midland National’s portfolio of new fixed indexed annuity, or FIA, products.  

A factor is a characteristic of security that helps explain its risk and return behaviors. This index performs by combining key factors in such a way to help lower overall risk while providing the potential to consistently outperform the broader market.

The Fidelity Multifactor Yield Index 5% ERSM includes a blend of six equity factor indices. Each factor and weighting was chosen based on its potential ability to enhance returns, manage risk, and target specific outcomes. The factors within the new index include:

• Dividend Yield—securities paying higher dividends
• Value—securities that are less expensive relative to others
• Momentum—positive-trending securities
• Quality—financially healthy companies
• Low Volatility—lower-risk securities
• Size—smaller, potentially more agile companies

“These factor indices were weighted with a tilt toward dividend yield,” said Bryce Biklen, chief distribution officer for Midland National’s annuity division. “This strategic design aims to optimize growth potential, which is a key goal for many of our clients.”

In addition to the combination of investment factors, a 5% volatility control target aims to maintain consistency through various market conditions. To manage volatility control, a fixed-income overlay is applied and allocates between 10-year Treasuries and cash to account for potential changes in interest rates. The overlay then adjusts allocation of the equity index on a daily basis to meet the 5% volatility target.

“We’re committed to helping our clients solve challenges and continuously look for opportunities to leverage our asset management capabilities to provide them with solutions,” said Matt Aurelia, senior vice president, Fidelity Institutional Asset Management.  

The new Fidelity Multifactor Yield Index 5% ERSM is currently available through Midland National® Life Insurance Company and Sammons Institutional GroupSM, Inc.

“Our agents—and more importantly their clients—expect innovation backed by expertise in meeting today’s financial planning challenges,” said Biklen.  “This new index is a sound tool to meet changing client needs.”

About Midland National Life Insurance Company

For more than 110 years, Midland National® Life Insurance Company (Midland National) has been an industry leader, crediting the company’s strength to its commitment to stability, innovation and dedicated customer service. Midland National is accredited by the Better Business Bureau, and has earned an A+ (Superior) rating from A.M. Best, a large third-party independent reporting and rating company that rates an insurance company on the basis of the company's financial strength, operating performance and ability to meet its ongoing obligations to policyowners. This rating is the second highest out of 15 categories and was affirmed by A.M. Best for Midland National as part of Sammons FinancialSM on Aug. 7, 2019. 

Founded as Dakota Mutual Life Insurance Company in 1906, Midland National has protected families and preserved legacies for generations. Midland National is one of the leading insurance companies in the United States. Midland National is a member of Sammons® Financial, a subsidiary of Sammons Enterprises, Inc. With its Annuity Division in West Des Moines, Iowa, and its Life Operations in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Midland National operates in 49 states and the District of Columbia through its 12,000 licensed sales professionals. For more information, click here.

About Sammons Financial

The companies of Sammons FinancialSM are here to help families and businesses protect their future, so they can enjoy life’s moments today. A subsidiary of Sammons Enterprises, Inc., Sammons Financial is a group of privately-owned financial companies, including several of the most enduring and stable companies in our industry, and is comprised of three member companies:  Midland National® Life Insurance Company, which includes  Sammons® Corporate Markets;  North American Company for Life and Health Insurance®; and  Sammons Institutional GroupSM, which consists of Midland Retirement DistributorsSM and  Sammons Retirement Solutions®. Together, the companies offer some of today’s most sought-after life insurance, annuity, and retirement planning products. Sammons Financial: With You for Every Moment®.

The Fidelity Multifactor Yield Index 5% ER (Index) is the property of Fidelity Product Service LLC (FPS) a Fidelity Investments company. Neither the Index nor any information related to the Index presented in this document is investment advice nor a recommendation to buy or sell any security, strategy or investment product. FPS is not an investment adviser, broker-dealer, or issuer of securities and it does not have any fiduciary responsibility in respect of the Index, licensee(s) of the Index, or any product that may utilize the Index.

The Index has been licensed for use by Sammons Financial Group on behalf of its insurance subsidiaries, Midland National or North American. Fidelity, nor any of its affiliates, or any of their respective third party licensors (including the Index calculation agent, as applicable) endorses, sells, or promotes any product sold by Midland National and North American. Fidelity has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration or marketing of any Midland National and North American product. Fidelity makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of any Midland National and North American product or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in any Midland National or North American product or the ability of the Index to track general market performance.

FPS disclaims all warranties, express or implied, including all warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose or use. FPS does not guarantee the adequacy, accuracy, completeness, timeliness, and/or performance of any Index or any data related thereto and shall have no liability in connection with any Index or Index calculation, errors, omissions or interruptions of any Fidelity Index or any data included therein. The Indices are unmanaged and are not available for direct investment. FPS uses an independent calculation agent to calculate each Index.

The Fidelity Multifactor Yield Index 5% ER is a service mark of FMR LLC.

Sammons Financial is the marketing name of Sammons® Financial Group, Inc. and its member companies.  Annuities are issued by, and product guarantees are solely the responsibility of, the issuing life insurance company.

918577.1.0

West Des Moines, Iowa, Feb. 20, 2020

Midland National® Life Insurance Company, one of America’s preeminent life insurance and annuities companies and a member of Sammons FinancialSM, is introducing a new indexed universal life (IUL) insurance product. Strategic Accelerator IUL is innovative in that it tackles a challenging consumer concern: how to quickly build cash value for liquidity while making sure money is in place for beneficiaries.

By design, Strategic Accelerator IUL quickly builds the policy’s cash value. Since it does not have either a premium load charge or a surrender charge (if the Waiver of Surrender Charge Option Rider is elected1)—both common in traditional insurance policies—it can grow quicker than other policies. Without these charges, the premium a client pays goes immediately to building the policy’s cash value. This can be important to a policyowner’s overall strategic financial plan if in addition to death benefit protection they seek liquidity coupled with an ability to grow cash value in the long-term. The surrender charge can only be waived if elected at time of application.

“The new Strategic Accelerator IUL is designed to fill a void that could potentially exist in many clients’ financial strategy,” said Jerry Blair, chief distribution officer of Midland National Life Insurance Company. “It can combine the death protection that everyone who purchases life insurance needs with the flexibility they want.”

One of the key benefits of any IUL policy is tax-deferred cash accumulation—the cash value—that can be an extra source of emergency funds during retirement.

“Today’s high cost of medical care requires you to be prepared. Strategic Accelerator includes accelerated death benefit endorsements2 for critical, chronic and terminal illness for no additional premium,” said Blair. “This can provide access to cash from the policy’s death benefit while the insured is living and if diagnosed with a qualifying illness.”

The ability to make funds available for an immediate need is a key distinction in the Strategic Accelerator IUL.

"If you look at your overall financial plan as a puzzle —with each piece fitting securely into other parts of your plan—then Strategic Accelerator may be an option,” said Blair. “Building cash value quickly meets a very real consumer need—liquidity for those ‘just-in-case’ scenarios in retirement.”

About Midland National Life Insurance 

For more than 110 years, Midland National® Life Insurance Company (Midland National) has been an industry leader, crediting the company’s strength to its commitment to stability, innovation and dedicated customer service. Midland National is accredited by the Better Business Bureau, and has earned an A+ (Superior) rating from A.M. Best, a large third-party independent reporting and rating company that rates an insurance company on the basis of the company's financial strength, operating performance and ability to meet its ongoing obligations to policyowners. This rating is the second-highest out of 15 categories and was affirmed by A.M. Best for Midland National as part of Sammons FinancialSM on Aug. 7, 2019. 

Founded as Dakota Mutual Life Insurance Company in 1906, Midland National has protected families and preserved legacies for generations. Midland National is one of the leading insurance companies in the United States. Midland National is a member of Sammons® Financial, a subsidiary of Sammons Enterprises, Inc. With its Annuity Division in West Des Moines, Iowa, and its Life Operations in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Midland National operates in 49 states and the District of Columbia through its 12,000 licensed sales professionals. For more information, click here.

About Sammons Financial

The companies of Sammons FinancialSM are here to help families and businesses protect their future, so they can enjoy life’s moments today. A subsidiary of Sammons Enterprises, Inc., Sammons Financial is a group of privately-owned financial companies, including several of the most enduring and stable companies in our industry, and is comprised of three member companies:  Midland National® Life Insurance Company, which includes  Sammons® Corporate Markets;  North American Company for Life and Health Insurance®; and  Sammons Institutional GroupSM, which consists of Midland Retirement DistributorsSM and  Sammons Retirement Solutions®. Together, the companies offer some of today’s most sought-after life insurance, annuity, and retirement-planning products. Sammons Financial: With You for Every Moment®.

THE ACCELERATED DEATH BENEFIT ENDORSEMENT FOR CRITICAL ILLNESS IS NOT HEALTH INSURANCE NOR IS IT INTENDED TO REPLACE HEALTH INSURANCE.

THE ACCELERATED DEATH BENEFIT FOR CHRONIC ILLNESS IS NOT LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE NOR IS IT INTENDED TO REPLACE LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE.

Agents offering, marketing, or selling accelerated death benefits for chronic illness in California must be able to describe the differences between benefits provided under an accelerated death benefit for chronic illness and benefits provided under long-term care insurance to clients. You must provide clients with the ADBE Consumer Brochure for California that includes this comparison. Comparison is for solicitation purposes only, not for conversions.

1. Not available in California. Available for an additional charge of $1,000 per month, depending on issue age and underwriting class. Surrender charges will be waived upon a full surrender or partial surrender. Surrender charges will not be waived if the policy is surrendered under a 1035 Exchange (except in Florida). A decrease charge will be assessed if a reduction in the policy face amount is requested during the Waiver of Surrender Charge Period. However, if a partial withdrawal results in a reduction of the face amount, the withdrawal charge is waived.

2. Subject to eligibility requirements. An administration fee is required at time of election of an accelerated death benefit. The death benefit amount will be reduced by the accelerated death benefit amount. Since benefits are paid prior to death, a discount will be applied to the death benefit amount accelerated. As a result, the actual amount received will be less than the amount of death benefit amount accelerated.

Indexed Universal Life insurance products are not an investment in the “market” or in the applicable index and are subject to all policy fees and charges normally associated with most universal life insurance.

Strategic Accelerator is issued on policy form series L149 and the Waiver of Surrender Charge Option Rider is issued on form series TR202 or state variation, including all applicable endorsements and riders, by Midland National Life Insurance Company, Administrative Office, One Sammons Plaza, Sioux Falls, SD 57193. Product, features, endorsements, riders or issue ages may not be available in all jurisdictions. Limitations or restrictions may apply.

Sammons FinancialSM is the marketing name for Sammons® Financial Group, Inc. and its member companies, including Midland National® Life Insurance Company. Annuities and life insurance are issued by, and product guarantees are solely the responsibility of, Midland National Life Insurance Company.

PR-69-2-20

Chicago | Sept. 25, 2018

Midland National® Life Insurance Company announced the release of a new Premium Deposit Agreement (Agreement) feature for most single life Indexed Universal Life products. The new feature allows the policyowner to submit a lump sum and creates a Premium Deposit Account (PDA) for the purpose of automatically funding future annual premium payments to a policy. This provides many potential benefits including worry-free premium payments, opportunity for growth, and helping avoid creating a Modified Endowment Contract (MEC)1.

The PDA will automatically pay the policyowner’s annual premium payments, so they don’t have to worry about making future payments (as long as there are sufficient funds in the PDA).

A competitive interest rate of 3.25% (subject to change in the future) is applied to the funds taken from the PDA before it’s used to pay the premium. Therefore, more money is put into the life insurance policy, so the policyowner may have a larger death benefit, and larger cash value potential. There are zero costs to establish and maintain the Agreement.

“The new Premium Deposit Agreement is an excellent option for a holding account for funds intended to finance future premiums,” said Jerry Blair, Midland National’s vice president and chief distribution officer. “It’s an added benefit that we can now offer our new policyowners, and use to increase our marketability of Midland National’s Indexed Universal Life products.”

Premium Deposit Agreement is now offered on all single life Indexed Universal Life products with the exception of XL Heritage. It is currently applicable in all states and territories except Alaska, British Virgin Islands, Illinois, Kansas, Marianna Islands, New Hampshire, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Virgin Islands.

About Midland National

For more than 110 years, Midland National has been an industry leader, crediting the company’s strength to its commitment to stability, innovation and dedicated customer service. Midland National is accredited by the Better Business Bureau, and has earned an A+ (Superior) rating from A.M. Best, a large third-party independent reporting and rating company that rates an insurance company on the basis of the company's financial strength, operating performance and ability to meet its ongoing obligations to policyholders. This rating is the second highest out of 15 categories, was affirmed by A.M. Best for Midland National as part of Sammons Financial Group on August 2, 2018 

 Founded as Dakota Mutual Life Insurance Company in 1906, Midland National Life Insurance Company has protected families and preserved legacies for generations. Midland National is one of the leading insurance companies in America. Midland National is a member of Sammons® Financial Group, Inc. With its Annuity Division located in West Des Moines, Iowa, and its Life Operations location in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Midland National operates in 49 states and the District of Columbia through its 12,000 licensed sales professionals. For more information, visit midlandnational.com. 

1. For most policies, withdrawals are free from federal income tax to the extent of the investment in the contract, and policy loans are also tax-free so long as the policy does not terminate before the death of the insured.  However, if the policy is a Modified Endowment Contract (MEC), a withdrawal or policy loan may be taxable upon receipt.  Further, unpaid loan interest on a MEC may be taxable.  A MEC is a contract received in exchange for a MEC or for which premiums paid during a seven-year testing period exceed prescribed premium limits (7-pay premiums).

Indexed Universal Life Insurance products are not an investment in the “market” or in the applicable index and are subject to all policy fees and charges normally associated with most universal life insurance.

XL-Heritage (policy form series L145), Premium Deposit Agreement (form series TR195) are issued by Midland National Life Insurance Company, Administrative Office, One Sammons Plaza, Sioux Falls, SD 57193. Products, features, riders, endorsements, or issue ages may not be available in all jurisdictions. Limitations or restrictions may apply.  Midland National is not licensed to write in New York.

CHICAGO, September 25, 2018

Midland National® Life Insurance Company announced the addition of Accelerated Death Benefit Endorsements (ADBE) for critical, chronic, and terminal illness on Premier Term products. This is a welcome addition to the already included terminal illness benefit. The new endorsements will be added to eligible Premier Term life insurance policies at the time of issue for no additional premium.1,

These new living benefits allow the policyowner to access the death benefit at a time when they may need it most — when diagnosed with a qualifying serious illness. Critical and chronic illnesses like heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes are among the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. As many as 7 out of 10 deaths result from chronic illness, which makes living benefits all-the-more important.2

The endorsements strengthen Midland National’s already strong Premier Term, which is fully equipped with competitive rates, guaranteed convertibility3 and an easy application process through ExactApp®, plus the opportunity for WriteAwaySM Accelerated Underwriting.

“Providing the Accelerated Death Benefit Endorsement with critical and chronic illness benefits for no extra premium is a considerable bonus to our Premier Term policyowners,” stated Jerry Blair, Midland National’s vice president and chief distribution officer. “Offering these benefits on competitively priced term insurance significantly enhances Midland National’s marketability for Premium Term series products.”

Features of the ADBE include a maximum accelerated amount of $2 million (lifetime maximum for critical, chronic, and terminal illness combined per policy), an increase in terminal illness limits to 90% or $1 million, and qualifying chronic illnesses not needing to be permanent.

Premier Term is available for 10, 15, 20, and 30-year level premium guarantee periods, depending on the issue age.4 The new Premier Term additions are offered in all states and territories except California, Florida, the British Virgin Islands, Mariana Islands, and Virgin Islands.

About Midland National

For more than 110 years, Midland National has been an industry leader, crediting the company’s strength to its commitment to stability, innovation and dedicated customer service. Midland National is accredited by the Better Business Bureau, and has earned an A+ (Superior) rating from A.M. Best, a large third-party independent reporting and rating company that rates an insurance company on the basis of the company's financial strength, operating performance and ability to meet its ongoing obligations to policyowners. This rating is the second highest out of 15 categories, was affirmed by A.M. Best for Midland National as part of Sammons Financial Group on August 2, 2018 

 
Founded as Dakota Mutual Life Insurance Company in 1906, Midland National Life Insurance Company has protected families and preserved legacies for generations. Midland National is one of the leading insurance companies in America. Midland National is a member of Sammons® Financial Group, Inc. With its Annuity Division located in West Des Moines, Iowa, and its Life Operations location in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Midland National operates in 49 states and the District of Columbia through its 12,000 licensed sales professionals. For more information, visit midlandnational.com.

1 The accelerated death benefits are subject to eligibility requirements. The face amount will be reduced by the face amount of the death benefit accelerated. Since benefits are paid prior to death, a discount will be applied to the death benefit accelerated. As a result, the actual amount received will be less than the face amount accelerated. An administrative fee applies for any accelerated death benefit election.

2 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved June 28, 2017, from http://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/overview/index.htm

3 Guaranteed convertibility to an individual permanent life insurance policy then available from Midland National’s for conversion, subject to the terms of the policy.

4 Premiums are guaranteed to remain level for the initial 10, 15, 20, or 30-year period. After the premium guaranteed period, premiums will increase annually but will never exceed the Guaranteed Annual Renewal Premium.

Premier Term (policy form series T142) and Accelerated Death Benefit Endorsement for Critical, Chronic, and Terminal Illness for Term Life (form series TR210), are issued by Midland National Life Insurance Company, Administrative Office, One Sammons Plaza, Sioux Falls, SD 57193. Products, features, riders, endorsements, or issue ages may not be available in all jurisdictions. Limitations or restrictions may apply. Midland National is not licensed to write in New York.

CHICAGO, August 2, 2018

A.M. Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating A+ (Superior) rating for Sammons® Financial Group, Inc’s (SFG) member companies, Midland National® Life Insurance Company (Midland National) and North American Company for Life and Health Insurance® (North American). In addition, A.M. Best has affirmed the Long-Term ICR of A- and the Long-Term Issue Credit Rating (Long-Term IR) of A- on the $200 million 7.0% senior unsecured notes, due 2043 and the $500 million 4.45% senior unsecured notes, due 2027, of Sammons Financial Group, Inc. (Delaware).

A.M. Best also offered a stable outlook on the credit ratings for SFG. According to A.M. Best, “The ratings reflect SFG’s balance sheet strength, which A.M. Best categorizes as very strong, as well as its strong operating performance, favorable business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.”

In its statement, A.M. Best cited SFG’s “prominent market positions in individual life and fixed indexed annuity marketplaces, with plans to grow its business in Sammons Retirement Solutions marketing products.” A.M. Best also noted that, “SFG’s financial and operating leverage is considered well-within an acceptable range at the current ratings level.”

“We are extremely pleased to have received an A+ (Superior) rating from A.M. Best," said Esfand Dinshaw, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of SFG. “The assessment is a reflection of our ongoing commitment to meet the needs of our customers through our competitive portfolio of life insurance, annuity, and retirement planning products in the market.”

A.M. Best is a large third-party independent reporting and rating company that rates insurance companies on the basis of the company's financial strength, operating performance, and ability to meet its obligations to contract holders. A+ (Superior) is the second highest rating, and was affirmed for Sammons® Financial Group, Inc.) and its member companies, Midland National Life Insurance Company and North American Company for Life and Health Insurance® on August 2, 2018.

About Sammons® Financial Group, Inc. 

The member companies of Sammons® Financial Group, Inc. (SFG), are here to help families and businesses protect their future, so they can enjoy life’s moments today. A subsidiary of Sammons Enterprises, SFG is a group of privately-owned financial companies, including several of the most enduring and stable companies in our industry. SFG’s member companies, Midland National Life Insurance Company®, North American Company for Health and Life Insurance®, and Sammons Institutional GroupSM offer some of today’s most sought-after life insurance, annuity, and retirement planning products. Sammons Financial Group: With You for Every MomentSM.

PR-44-8-18

CHICAGO, July 27, 2018

Midland National has been named to the 2018 Ward’s 50® list of top performing life-health insurance companies. The top 50 list is generated annually after careful analysis of more than 700 life-health companies. Each top 50 company has achieved superior performance and passed all safety and consistency screens over the five-year (2013-2017) period analyzed by the Ward Group.

“It’s a great honor to once again be named to Ward’s 50 top performers list,” said Steve Palmitier, president and chief operating officer ofMidland National Life Insurance Company. “As one of the leading insurance companies in the U.S., Midland National has built upon its success by continuing to emphasize providing quality products and excellent service. Our naming to this year’s list serves as further validation that our company has maintained its ability to meet stakeholder obligations.”

Ward Group is the leader of benchmarking and best practices services for the insurance industry. For the past 28 years, the firm has analyzed the financial performance of nearly 3,000 property-casualty insurance companies and more than 700 life-health insurance companies based in the U.S. and identifies the top performers in each segment based on objective data and subjective quality measures. To learn more, visit ward.aon.com.

The naming of Midland National to the 2018 Ward’s 50 list of top performing life-health insurance companies is the latest industry recognition the company has received in 2018. On April 24, Fitch Ratings, a global leader in financial information services and credit ratings, assigned an Insurer Financial Strength (IFS) rating of A+ (Stable), which is the fifth-highest rating of 19, to the company.

About Midland National

 Founded as Dakota Mutual Life Insurance Company in 1906, Midland National Life Insurance Company has protected families and preserved legacies for generations. Midland National is one of the leading insurance companies in America. Midland National is a member of Sammons® Financial Group, Inc. With its Annuity Division located in West Des Moines, Iowa, and its Life Operations location in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Midland National operates in 49 states and the District of Columbia through its 12,000 licensed sales professionals. For more information, visit midlandnational.com.

PR-44-7-18

CHICAGO, IL | June 11, 2018

Sammons^® Financial Group Member Companies employees recently participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony for Galileo Scholastic Academy of Math & Science’s (Galileo) new science laboratories. The event marked the completion of construction for the labs, a project that was initiated by a parent-led fundraising group, Friends of Galileo, and supported by Sammons Financial Group, Chicago Public Schools, a private family and the school’s 2017 Reach for the Stars fundraiser.

Galileo, a public elementary school located in Chicago, was in desperate need of science classrooms for 4-8^th graders. Students were conducting science experiments in traditional classrooms using outdated equipment. The school’s administration recognized the need for labs for these students, and Friends of Galileo decided to take the lead in transforming a classroom into two adjoining science laboratories equipped with modern science learning tools.

When construction for the new labs began in 2017, Sammons Financial Group donated $60,000 towards the project. Furthermore, Sammons Financial Group contributed $14,863 more for lab furniture this year. “At Sammons Financial Group, our decision to support the building of new Galileo science labs was clear,” said Steve Palmitier, president of Sammons Financial Group’s Life Division. “It was a transformational opportunity that would help shape the learning experience for Galileo’s students for years to come.”

 “The new labs would not have been possible without the cooperation of Galileo and Chicago Public Schools along with the generosity of our donors,” stated Mike Hrzic, a Galileo parent and member of Friends of Galileo. “Everyone worked together to complete our three-year initiative in just one year,” added Hrzic.

Following the ribbon cutting, students of Galileo immediately began learning in the new rooms. According to Galileo’s principal, Meredith Bawden, “Our students were thrilled to start conducting science experiments in the labs. Students now have the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning experiences in the new labs, which will prepare them for high school and future careers.”

About Sammons^® Financial Group, Inc.
 

The member companies of Sammons® Financial Group, Inc. (SFG), are here to help families and businesses protect their future, so they can enjoy life’s moments today. A subsidiary of Sammons Enterprises, SFG is a group of privately-owned financial companies, including several of the most enduring and stable companies in our industry. SFG’s member companies, Midland National Life Insurance Company^®, North American Company for Life and Health Insurance^®, and Sammons Institutional Group^SM offer some of today’s most sought-after life insurance, annuity, and retirement planning products. Sammons Financial Group: With You for Every Moment^SM.

PR-43-5-18

West Des Moines, IA | June 4, 2018  

Sammons® Financial Group Member Companies (SFG) employee, Mary Buscher, was awarded the Knights of Columbus Award at the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics Iowa Summer Games held on May 17, 2018. The Knights of Columbus Award is the highest honor given to volunteers of Special Olympics Iowa. Recipients have demonstrated the spirit of Special Olympics through dedication and unselfish efforts. John Kliegl, president and CEO of Special Olympics Iowa, stated, “We are lucky to have a friend like Mary Buscher in our Special Olympics family. I couldn’t think of anyone more deserving of the Knights of Columbus Award this year than her.”

Buscher, who works in the human resources department at SFG, became involved with Special Olympics after witnessing the amazing opportunities that her younger brother experienced as a participant of Special Olympics. She regularly recruits colleagues to volunteer with her for Special Olympics events. According to Buscher, “I take great pride in how the athletes, coaches, fans and Special Olympics Iowa staff repeatedly comment on the amazing volunteers from Sammons Financial Group.”

Special Olympics Iowa considers SFG a Champion Statewide Partner due to the volunteer efforts of employees and the funds that SFG has donated to Special Olympics each year since 2012. Buscher accredits her receiving the Knights of Columbus Award to the strong partnership between Special Olympics Iowa and SFG. “I am just the lucky one that happened to get the award, but it truly was because of Sammons Financial Group,” said Buscher.

At SFG, we care about our communities. That’s why we work hard to give back to many causes and organizations that matter to our employees. Special Olympics is just one example of the numerous groups that SFG supports.

About Sammons^® Financial Group, Inc.

The member companies of Sammons^® Financial Group, Inc. (SFG), are here to help families and businesses protect their future, so they can enjoy life’s moments today. A subsidiary of Sammons Enterprises, SFG is a group of privately-owned financial companies, including several of the most enduring and stable companies in our industry. SFG’s member companies, Midland National Life Insurance Company^®, North American Company for Life and Health Insurance^®, and Sammons Institutional Group^SM offer some of today’s most sought-after life insurance, annuity, and retirement planning products. Sammons Financial Group: With You for Every MomentSM.

Chicago, IL | May 2, 2018  

Midland National® Life Insurance Company announced the expansion of WriteAway Accelerated Underwriting availability on permanent life insurance products. Previously available on term products only, the new technology offers a faster and less invasive process for issuing a life insurance policy. WriteAway’s highly desirable benefits include a simple online application process that allows an underwriting decision on the application to be made in as little as 48 to 72 hours, and the process can eliminate the need for invasive lab tests and paramedical examinations. “We’re thrilled to meet the needs of today’s life insurance customer,” said Jerry Blair, vice president and chief distribution officer of Midland National. “Customers today seek affordable protection, plus a quick, easy process without extensive lab tests and exams.”

The new underwriting process is designed to gather information from a short phone interview and publicly available data. Adults who are 50 or younger, without major medical conditions, meet certain height and weight requirements, and are classified as low-risk have the potential to qualify. Individuals can submit an application through their agent using Midland National’s e-app system, ExactApp®, which includes a few prequalification questions to determine the person’s eligibility. If they meet all of the requirements, the process will continue with a short phone interview, and applicants will typically get a decision in 48 to 72 hours. “This process benefits both our independently contracted agents and their customers,” said Blair. “They can now offer qualifying clients a smoother application process, and a less invasive way for getting life insurance protection—resulting in faster turnaround times and commission for the agent.”

In addition to Midland National’s Premier Term life insurance, WriteAway is now offered on the Essential Guaranteed® Universal Life 4, XL-CV5, XL-CV Max, XL-EC5, and XL-DB4 permanent life insurance products.

ABOUT MIDLAND NATIONAL

For more than 110 years, Midland National has been an industry leader, crediting the company’s strength to its commitment to stability, innovation and dedicated customer service. Midland National is accredited by the Better Business Bureau, and has earned an A+ (Superior) rating from A.M. Best, a large third-party independent reporting and rating company that rates an insurance company on the basis of the company's financial strength, operating performance and ability to meet its ongoing obligations to policyholders. This rating is the second highest out of 15 categories, was affirmed by A.M. Best for Midland National as part of Sammons Financial Group on July 6, 2017. Founded as Dakota Mutual Life Insurance Company in 1906, Midland National® Life Insurance Company has protected families and preserved legacies for generations. Midland National is one of the leading insurance companies in America.

Midland National is a member of Sammons® Financial Group, Inc. With its Annuity Division located in West Des Moines, Iowa and its Life Operations location in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Midland National operates in 49 states and the District of Columbia through its 12,000 independently contracted licensed sales professionals. For more information on Midland National, please visit https://www.sammonsfinancialgroup.com/our-company/midland-national. Sammons® Financial Group is comprised of Midland National® Life Insurance Company, North American Company for Life and Health Insurance®, Sammons Retirement Solutions® Inc. and Sammons Financial Network® LLC, member FINRA.

Premier Term CS7 (policy form series T142), Essential Guaranteed Universal Life 4 (policy form series L138), XL-CV5 (policy form series L140), XL-CV Max (policy form series L147), XL-DB4 (policy form series L143), XL-EC5 (policy form series L144 and L144W with the Waiver of Surrender Charge), are issued by Midland National Life Insurance Company, Administrative Office, One Sammons Plaza, Sioux Falls, SD 57193. Products, features, endorsements, riders or issue ages may not be available in all jurisdictions. Limitations or restrictions may apply.

Chicago, IL | April 17, 2018  

Midland National^® Life Insurance Company announced the release of a new Indexed Universal Life (IUL) insurance product. The new XL-CV Max is a permanent life insurance policy offering death benefit protection with the potential to accumulate cash value through interest crediting based on the performance of a selected stock index performance without participation directly in the stock market. Additional product features have been added to boost cash value growth.

Significant new features include an Account Interest Multiplier, which boosts the interest credit by 10 percent beginning in policy year six, as well as a guaranteed 1 percent Interest Bonus on the index account that kicks in at policy year 11¹. A Return of Premium Death Benefit option is another welcome new addition².

XL-CV Max also includes an updated version of Midland National’s popular Accelerated Death Benefit Endorsement³. Qualifying chronic illnesses no longer need to be permanent and the maximum amount that can be accelerated has increased to $2 million (lifetime maximum for all three benefits combined per policy).

“We’ve really enhanced our popular XL-CV product to include some new features that considerably increase cash value potential,” said Jerry Blair, Midland National’s vice president and chief distribution officer. “The new XL-CV Max provides death benefit protection with maximized performance and marketability.”

XL-CV Max retains the highly sought-after features found in Midland National’s IUL portfolio, including a zero percent floor on any index credits (subject to a cap), the minimum account value, which guarantees a 2.5 percent average annual return to the account value, and index credits included on the first annual statement.

“We’ve designed a product that the agent can illustrate at higher cash value and income potential for their clients, with clear, simple benefits and features,” said Blair. “The way features like the account interest multiplier and interest bonus add to cash value is both effective and transparent. XL-CV Max, like all of our IUL products, was created with growth and maximum value for the policyowner in mind.”

WriteAway^SM, an accelerated underwriting process that allows applicants to avoid the lab tests and paramedical exams typically associated with life insurance, will be available to qualified applicants for XL-CV Max. “The process of obtaining life insurance today is easier, faster and much less invasive with our WriteAway accelerated underwriting,” said Blair.

XL-CV Max is now available on Midland National’s web-based illustration software and applications can be submitted through paper applications or online through the ExactApp^® e-application, available on Midland National’s website.

ABOUT MIDLAND NATIONAL

For more than 110 years, Midland National has been an industry leader, crediting the company’s strength to its commitment to stability, innovation and dedicated customer service. Midland National is accredited by the Better Business Bureau

, and has earned an A+ (Superior) rating from A.M. Best, a large third-party independent reporting and rating company that rates an insurance company on the basis of the company's financial strength, operating performance and ability to meet its ongoing obligations to policyholders. This rating is the second highest out of 15 categories, was affirmed by A.M. Best for Midland National as part of Sammons Financial Group on July 6, 2017.

Founded as Dakota Mutual Life Insurance Company in 1906, Midland National^® Life Insurance Company has protected families and preserved legacies for generations. Midland National is one of the leading insurance companies in America. Midland National is a member of Sammons® Financial Group, Inc. With its Annuity Division located in West Des Moines, Iowa and its Life Operations location in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Midland National operates in 49 states and the District of Columbia through its 12,000 licensed sales professionals.

For more information on Midland National, please visit https://www.sammonsfinancialgroup.com/our-company/midland-national.

Sammons^® Financial Group is comprised of Midland National^® Life Insurance Company, North American Company for Life and Health Insurance^®, Sammons Retirement Solutions^® Inc. and Sammons Financial Network^® LLC, member FINRA.

1 – Account Interest Multiplier is applied after the interest credit or index credit is determined and before any Interest Bonus.  It is not applied to the Interest Bonus or any portion of the Account Value that is Policy Debt or the Minimum Account Value.   This multiplier is conditionally guaranteed on the fixed account. Midland National will pay the multiplier only when the declared interest rate is greater than the Fixed Account Guaranteed Interest Rate shown in the policy.  The interest bonus is conditionally guaranteed on the fixed account.  Midland National will pay the bonus if we are crediting interest in excess of the guaranteed interest rate and the policy is in effect after the 10^th policy anniversary.

2 – Subject to eligibility requirements.

3 – Subject to eligibility requirements. This product is not currently available California.

Indexed Universal Life products are not an investment in the “market” or in the applicable index and are subject to all policy fees and charges normally associated with most universal life insurance.

Life insurance policies have terms under which the policy may be continued in force or discontinued. Current cost of insurance rates and interest rates are not guaranteed. Therefore, the planned periodic premium may not be sufficient to carry the contract to maturity. Failure to meet premium requirements may result in a lapse in the policy and participation in the Index Accounts. The Index Accounts are subject to caps and participation rates. In no case will the interest credited be less than 0 percent. Please refer to the customized illustration provided by your agent for additional detail. The policy’s death benefit is paid upon the death of the insured. The policy does not continue to accumulate cash value and excess interest after the insured’s death. For costs and complete details, call or write Midland National Life Insurance Company, Administrative Office, One Sammons Plaza, Sioux Falls, SD 57193. Telephone 800-843-3316.

XL-CV Max (policy form series L147) and Accelerated Death Benefit Endorsement for Critical, Chronic and Terminal Illness (form series TR207) are issued by Midland National Life Insurance Company, Administrative Office, One Sammons Plaza, Sioux Falls, SD 57193. Products, features, riders, endorsement or issue ages may not be available in all jurisdictions. Restrictions or limitations may apply.

Chicago, IL | February 13, 2018

Sammons® Financial Group, Inc. announced today the launch of its newly revamped website, sammonsfinancialgroup.com. The newly redesigned website offers quick and easy access to essential information about the company and its financial services organizations, Midland National® Life Insurance Company, North American Company for Life and Health Insurance®, and Sammons Institutional GroupSM. The website features regularly updated company news, leadership and financial information, employment opportunities, community involvement highlights, and investor information.

“Sammons Financial Group and its companies have grown at a remarkable pace over the past decade, and we wanted a website that was reflective of the company that we are today, a company with more than $73 billion in total assets,” said John Myers, associate vice president, corporate communications. “What we have now is a website that speaks to what Sammons Financial Group and its member companies do for people and businesses across America: we help them be financially prepared for the future, so they can enjoy life’s moments today.”

The launch of the new website features a new video promoting the company’s tagline, With You for Every MomentSM, portraying a montage of the kind of “moments” Sammons Financial Group wants consumers to enjoy, knowing that their futures are financially protected with life insurance, annuities or other retirement planning products offered by its companies.

“We wanted a website that’s inviting, that’s simple to use, where people can explore and learn about our companies, our financial strength and private ownership, our leadership, and our extensive involvement in our communities,” said Myers. “We want to get the message out there: this is who we are, and this is what makes Sammons Financial Group so different among the landscape of big financial companies.”

The new mobile-responsive website works with any mobile or tablet device, and will be updated regularly with news of product launches, business activity, corporate milestones, organizational announcements, community involvement highlights, and investor and financial information. Visitors are encouraged to explore the website at sammonsfinancialgroup.com. 

ABOUT SAMMONS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

The member companies of Sammons Financial Group, Inc. (SFG), are here to help families and businesses protect their future, so they can enjoy life’s moments today. A subsidiary of Sammons Enterprises, SFG is a group of privately-owned financial companies, including several of the most enduring and stable companies in our industry. SFG’s member companies, Midland National Life Insurance Company®, North American Company for Life and Health Insurance®, and Sammons Institutional GroupSM offer some of today’s most sought-after life insurance, annuity, and retirement planning products. Sammons Financial Group: With You for Every MomentSM.

Chicago, IL | February 12, 2018

Former Sammons Financial Group (SFG) Chairman and CEO John C. "Jack" Watson passed away on January 24, 2018.

Watson joined Midland National Life Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Sammons Enterprises, Inc., in 1992 as President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman. Four years later, Sammons Financial Holdings (later renamed Sammons Financial Group) was established to hold Sammons Enterprises’ investments in insurance companies, naming Watson the first Chairman and CEO. He retired in 2000 after serving eight years at the company.

“Jack had a huge impact on the company,” said Mike Masterson, former SFG Chairman and CEO, and currently on the board of directors for Midland National and North American Company for Life and Health. “He was responsible for changing the culture and helped set the stage for the significant growth the company has experienced over the last 20 years. Noting the influence Watson had on future leadership, Masterson stated, “Jack also created opportunities for me and a number of senior executives like John Craig (former Midland National president and CEO) and Steve Horvat (former SFG senior vice president and General Counsel). I will always be grateful for everything Jack did for me and for Sammons Financial Group.”

During his tenure, Midland National commemorated $50 billion of life insurance in force, as well as its 90th anniversary in 1996. Under his leadership from 1992 through 2000, Midland National increased life insurance in force from $42.3 billion to $69.3 billion; assets increased from $1.4 billion to $4.1 billion. Upon his retirement in 2000, Sammons Financial Group Member Companies had life insurance in force of $154.6 billion and assets of $5.6 billion.*

ABOUT MIDLAND NATIONAL
Founded as Dakota Mutual Life Insurance Company in 1906, Midland National^® Life Insurance Company has protected families and preserved legacies for generations. Midland also offers a wide variety of traditional fixed and fixed index annuities and consistently ranks among the top fixed index annuity carriers in the U.S.

Source:
Wink’s Sales & Market Report. For more information, please visitwww.midlandnational.com.

Sammons^® Financial Group is comprised of Midland National^® Life Insurance Company, Sammons Independent Annuity GroupSM (a division of Midland National), Sammons^® Corporate Markets Group (a division of Midland National), North American Company for Life and Health Insurance^®, Sammons Retirement Solutions® Inc. and Sammons Financial Network® LLC, member FINRA.

*Midland National internal information

Chicago, IL | January 30, 2018

Midland National^® Life Insurance Company announced the introduction of WriteAway Accelerated Underwriting, a faster and less invasive process for issuing a life insurance policy. WriteAway’s highly desirable benefits include a simple online application process that allows an underwriting decision on the application to be made in as little as 48 to 72 hours, and the process can eliminate the need for invasive lab tests and paramedical examinations.

“We know that today’s life insurance customer not only wants affordable protection, they want it approved quickly and they don’t want to submit lab tests and exams,” said Rick Gordon, vice president, corporate underwriting for Sammons ^® Financial Group, an affiliate of Midland National. “That’s why we created WriteAway. It offers the opportunity for customers to get their life insurance coverage faster by potentially eliminating invasive paramedical exams and labs.” The application for WriteAway is different than the traditional underwriting process for issuing life insurance policies, Gordon explained. The new underwriting process is designed to gather information from a short phone interview and publicly available data.

Adults who are 50 or younger, without major medical conditions, meet certain height and weight requirements, and are classified as low risk have the potential to qualify. Individuals can submit an application through their agent using Midland National’s e-app system, ExactApp^®, which will include a few simple prequalification questions to determine the person’s eligibility. If they meet all of the requirements, the process will continue with a short phone interview, and applicants will typically get a decision in 48 to 72 hours.

“This process is a win-win to both our independently contracted agents and their customers,” said Jerry Blair, Midland National vice president and chief distribution and sales officer. “They can offer their qualifying clients a quick application process, and a less invasive way for getting life insurance protection, which means they get their compensation more quickly.”

WriteAway is currently available on Midland National’s Premier Term life insurance product, but the company has plans to offer it with additional products in its lineup later this year.

ABOUT MIDLAND NATIONAL

For more than 110 years, Midland National has been an industry leader, crediting the company’s strength to its commitment to stability, innovation and dedicated customer service. Midland National is accredited by the Better Business Bureau, and has earned an A+ (Superior) rating from A.M. Best, a large third party independent reporting and rating company that rates an insurance company on the basis of the company's financial strength, operating performance and ability to meet its ongoing obligations to policyholders. This rating is the second highest out of 15 categories, was affirmed by A.M. Best for Midland National as part of Sammons Financial Group on July 6, 2017.

Founded as Dakota Mutual Life Insurance Company in 1906, Midland National® Life Insurance Company has protected families and preserved legacies for generations. Midland National is one of the leading insurance companies in America. Midland National is a member of Sammons® Financial Group, Inc. With its Annuity Division located in West Des Moines, Iowa and its Life Operations location in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Midland National operates in 49 states and the District of Columbia through its 12,000 independently contracted licensed sales professionals.

For more information on Midland National, please visit https://www.sammonsfinancialgroup.com/our-company/midland-national.

Sammons® Financial Group is comprised of Midland National® Life Insurance Company, North American Company for Life and Health Insurance®, Sammons Retirement Solutions® Inc. and Sammons Financial Network® LLC, member FINRA.

Premier Term life insurance is issued on policy form series T142 or state version by Midland National Life Insurance Company, Administrative Office, One Sammons Plaza, Sioux Falls, SD  57193.  Products, features, riders, endorsements, or issues ages may not be available in all jurisdictions.  Limitations or restrictions may apply.  

Chicago, IL | August 9, 2017

Midland National^® Life Insurance Company announced on August 1, 2017 the release of the new XL Heritage Indexed Universal Life insurance (IUL) product. Designed to provide a guaranteed death benefit with a single premium¹, XL Heritage touts desirable features like liquidity and living benefits.

Over the next several decades, the Baby Boom generation could transfer as much as $30 trillion in assets to the next generation.² "We created XL Heritage to help fill a need we recognized in this market," said Jerry Blair, Vice President and Chief Distribution and Sales Officer. "Clients are looking for a flexible and simple solution for passing on a portion of their estate to their beneficiaries while still maintaining control of their money in case of an emergency."

XL Heritage is designed for clients ages 50-80 who have between $25,000 and $200,000 ($150,000 for ages 50-59) of liquid assets not needed for retirement or daily needs.

According to Blair, the ability to leverage a client's money into a larger guaranteed death benefit is just the beginning. What sets XL Heritage apart is the smooth, simple application and underwriting process. "We've really streamline the process with XL Heritage," said Blair. "Now the agent can provide a quote, complete the e-app, and get a decision over the phone generally in a total of about 30 minutes. It's never been simpler to write IUL business."

XL Heritage is available through Midland National's e-app platform, ExactApp. Medical information is collected generally in a 15 to 20-minute phone call without the typical requirements of a medical exam or blood work of the insured³.

While clients desire to maximize the legacy they leave to their beneficiaries, XL Heritage also includes an Accelerated Death Benefit feature that allows the policyowner to use a portion of the death benefit while they are living. The policyowner can accelerate a portion of the death benefit should the insured become chronically or terminally ill as defined in the policy contract, subject to eligibility requirements.

This latest release is the fifth product added to the company's current IUL portfolio.

ABOUT MIDLAND NATIONAL

For more than 110 years, Midland National has been an industry leader, crediting the company’s strength to its commitment to stability, innovation and dedicated customer service. Midland National is accredited by the Better Business Bureau, and has earned an A+ (Superior) rating from A.M. Best, a large third party independent reporting and rating company that rates an insurance company on the basis of the company's financial strength, operating performance and ability to meet its ongoing obligations to policyholders. This rating is the second highest out of 15 categories, was affirmed by A.M. Best for Midland National as part of Sammons Financial Group on July 6, 2017.

Founded as Dakota Mutual Life Insurance Company in 1906, Midland National^® Life Insurance Company has protected families and preserved legacies for generations. Midland National is one of the leading insurance companies in America. Midland National is a member of Sammons^® Financial Group, Inc. With its Annuity Division located in West Des Moines, Iowa and its Life Operations location in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Midland National operates in 49 states and the District of Columbia through its 12,000 licensed sales professionals.

For more information on Midland National, please visit https://www.sammonsfinancialgroup.com/our-company/midland-national.

Sammons® Financial Group is comprised of Midland National® Life Insurance Company, North American Company for Life and Health Insurance®, Sammons Retirement Solutions® Inc. and Sammons Financial Network® LLC, member FINRA.

A+ (Superior), the second highest rating out of 15 categories, was affirmed by A.M. Best for Midland National as part of Sammons Financial Group on July 6, 2017.  A.M. Best is a large third party independent reporting and rating company that rates an insurance company on the basis of the company's financial strength, operating to performance and ability meet its ongoing to policyholders obligations.

¹ Although XL Heritage is filed as a Flexible Premium Universal Life and allows additional premiums, the product is designed for a single premium payment. There are limited benefits to adding premiums after policy issue - for example, the Account Value will increase with additional premium payments, but the guaranteed death benefit and the Return of Premium Value will NOT. Therefore, clients should carefully consider whether additional premiums should be paid. Product availability subject to state approval.

² Source: CNBC 11-30-16, Morgan Stanley 2015, Accenture. The “Greater” Wealth Transfer – Capitalizing on the Intergenerational Shift in Wealth, 2012; Accenture 2016.

³ Coverage is subject to some health and lifestyle questions.

Indexed Universal Life Insurance products are not an investment in the “market” or in the applicable index and are subject to all policy fees and charges normally associated with most universal life insurance.

XL Heritage indexed universal life insurance is issued on form series L145 by Midland National Life Insurance Company, One Sammons Plaza, Sioux Falls, SD 57193. Product, features, riders, endorsements or issue ages may not be available in all jurisdictions. Limitations or restrictions may apply.

Chicago, IL | July 26, 2017

Midland National was named to the 2017 Ward’s Top 50 list of top performing insurance companies that have achieved outstanding financial results in the areas of safety, consistency and performance over a five year period from 2012 to 2016.

"We are proud to once again to be recognized by Ward’s as one of their Top 50 Life and Health Insurance Companies," said Steve Palmitier, president and chief operating officer of Midland National Life Insurance Company, "For more than 110 years, Midland National has stood for strength and stability. Being included as a member of this list further validates our company’s ability to meet our obligations to our policyholders."

Ward Group is the leader of benchmarking and best practices services for the insurance industry. Each year, the group analyzes the financial performance of over 700 life-health insurance companies based in the United States and identifies the top performers in each segment based on objective data and subjective quality measures. Visit Ward’s to learn more about the Ward’s Top 50 list of top performing life-health insurance companies.

The Ward’s Top 50 listing is one of the latest accomplishments achieved by Midland National. On May 2, 2017, Fitch Ratings, a global leader in financial information services and credit ratings, assigned an Insurer Financial Strength rating of A+ (Stable), the fifth highest of 19 possible rating categories. On July 6, 2017, A.M. Best reaffirmed Midland National’s A+ (Superior) rating, second highest out of 15 categories. and A.M. Best is a large third party independent reporting and rating company that rates an insurance company on the basis of the company's financial strength, operating performance and the ability to meet its obligations to policyholders.

ABOUT MIDLAND NATIONAL

Founded as Dakota Mutual Life Insurance Company in 1906, Midland National^® Life Insurance Company has protected families and preserved legacies for generations. Midland also offers a wide variety of traditional fixed and fixed index annuities and consistently ranks among the top fixed index annuity carriers in the U.S.

A+ (Stable) Rated by Fitch Ratings

Fitch Ratings, a global leader in financial information services and credit ratings, on [May 2, 2017], assigned an Insurer Financial Strength rating of A+ Stable for [Midland National] [North American]. This rating is the fifth highest of 19 possible rating categories. The rating reflects the organization's strong business profile, low financial leverage, very strong statutory capitalization and strong operating profitability supported by strong investment performance. For more information, read the Fitch Ratings report.

A+ (Superior), the second highest rating out of 15 categories, was affirmed by A.M. Best for Midland National Life Insurance Company as part of Sammons Financial Group on July 6, 2017. A.M. Best is a large third party independent reporting and rating company that rates an insurance company on the basis of the company's financial strength, operating performance and ability to meet its ongoing obligations to policyholders.

Sammons^® Financial Group is comprised of Midland National Life Insurance Company, North American Company for Life and Health Insurance^®, Sammons Retirement Solutions^® Inc. and Sammons Financial Network^® LLC, member FINRA.

Sioux Falls, SD | May 15, 2017

Former Midland National^® Life Insurance Company President and Chief Executive Officer William A. Rigsbee passed away on May 1, 2017. Rigsbee joined Midland National in 1961, retiring in 1992 after serving 31 years at the company.

“Bill left an indelible mark on our organization by leading us on a course of unparalleled growth, stability and financial strength,” said Esfand Dinshaw, Chairman and CEO of Sammons Financial Group, parent company of Midland National. “Under his leadership, the Regional Sales Director (RSD) program was established, a system that helped us build our field force, and enabled us to obtain national prominence in the insurance marketplace,” added Dinshaw.

Under his leadership, the company increased life insurance policies in force from $275 million to $50 billion; increased assets from $29 million to $4.1 billion; and achieved a compound annual growth rate of 15% while maintaining superior industry ratings and a high quality investment portfolio*.

ABOUT MIDLAND NATIONAL

Founded as Dakota Mutual Life Insurance Company in 1906, Midland National^® Life Insurance Company has protected families and preserved legacies for generations. Midland also offers a wide variety of traditional fixed and fixed index annuities and consistently ranks among the top fixed index annuity carriers in the U.S.

Source:

Wink’s Sales & Market Report. For more information, please visit www.midlandnational.com.

Sammons® Financial Group is comprised of Midland National® Life Insurance Company, Sammons Annuity Group^SM (a division of Midland National), Sammons® Corporate Markets Group (a division of Midland National), North American Company for Life and Health Insurance®, Sammons Retirement Solutions® Inc. and Sammons Financial Network® LLC, member FINRA.

*Midland National internal information, 1961.

Chicago, IL | April 12, 2017

Rick Gordon, vice president of corporate underwriting for Sammons Financial Group Member Companies, was inducted into the Association of Home Office Underwriters (AHOU) Hall of Fame in a ceremony in San Diego on April 3.

The AHOU Hall of Fame currently holds 18 members, with Rick Gordon and two other inductees being named this year. Hall of Fame inductees are nominated by colleagues and judged by qualifications that include over 10 years of experience, demonstration of industry leadership, volunteer work, and other achievements in the field.

"During his career, Rick has held a particular passion for developing mentoring relationships," said Cheryl Johns, past AHOU president and current executive council member, at the induction ceremony. "These relationships have been...particularly helpful in building much greater understanding of patterns and behaviors of anti-selection and fraud within the industry," Johns remarked.

Gordon, who was on the forefront of developing fraud mitigation tactics used widely in the life insurance industry today, has been credited with saving the industry hundreds of millions in potential fraud schemes.

"I'm so appreciative of this incredible honor," said Gordon. "What began as a humble job as a life insurance agent and then an underwriter has grown into an incredibly fulfilling career. It's very rewarding to have that career recognized by my peers in this way."

"We couldn't be prouder of Rick," said Steve Palmitier, president and chief operating officer of Sammons Financial Group's life insurance division, including Midland National^® Life Insurance Company and North American Company for Life and Health Insurance®. "He has contributed so much not only to our organization, but to the industry as a whole. We're honored to have an underwriting professional of his caliber on board."

ABOUT SAMMONS FINANCIAL GROUP

Sammons^® Financial Group, Inc. (SFG), a Sammons Enterprises, Inc. wholly-owned subsidiary, is the parent of a group of member companies under the Insurance Holding Company Act made up of several successful financial services companies offering a variety of financial and retirement products through multiple distribution channels. These consist of retirement products, annuities, and life insurance (including bank, corporate, and credit union-owned life insurance). The member companies of SFG include North American Company for Life and Health Insurance^®, Midland National^® Life Insurance Company, and Sammons Retirement Solutions^® Inc., and Sammons Financial Network^® LLC. For more information, please visit www.sammonsfinancialgroup.com.

ABOUT AHOU

The Association of Home Office Underwriters (AHOU) is a group of professionals associated with risk selection in the life, health and living benefits insurance industries. The AHOU exists to promote knowledge of mortality, morbidity and risk management through networking and educational opportunities. For more information about AHOU visit www.ahou.org.

Chicago, IL | April 5, 2017

Life insurance sales were ranked number 10 for Sammons^® Financial Group life companies, which include North American Company for Life and Health Insurance^® and Midland National Life Insurance Company, and its Corporate Market division, in combined sales, according to LIMRA International (LIMRA), a research association for life and health companies.¹ The survey includes 83 major companies and the ranking was measured by annual premiums.

North American Company and Midland National President and Chief Operating Officer Steve Palmitier said, “This is quite the achievement when you consider some of the companies on each side of us are household names. The consistent execution of our strategy and relationships with our distribution partners has put us in a great place. Our growth rates have averaged 11% the past five years compared with an industry average of 2%."²

LIMRA, a worldwide research, consulting and professional development organization, is a trusted source for industry knowledge; helping more than 850 insurance and financial services companies in 73 countries increase their marketing and distribution effectiveness. Visit LIMRA at www.limra.com.

ABOUT SAMMONS FINANCIAL GROUP

Sammons^® Financial Group, Inc. (SFG), an SEI wholly-owned subsidiary, is the parent of a group of member companies under the insurance Holding Company Act made up of several successful financial services companies offering a variety of financial and retirement products through multiple distribution channels. These consist of retirement products, annuities, variable annuities³, variable life insurance³, and life insurance (including bank, corporate, and credit union-owned life insurance). The member companies of SFG include North American Company for Life and Health Insurance^®, Midland National^® Life Insurance Company, including its divisions, Sammons Annuity Group^SM and Sammons^® Corporate Markets Group, Sammons Retirement Solutions^® Inc., and Sammons Financial Network^® LLC. For more information, please visit www.sammonsfinancialgroup.com.

¹ Source: LIMRA International, U.S. Retail Individual Life Insurance Sales, fourth quarter 2016 results.
Sales based on annualized premium plus excess.
² Source: Internal Distribution Reports, 2011 and 2016
³ Variable products distributed by Sammons Financial Network^® LLC, member FINRA

Variable products distributed by Sammons Financial Network^® LLC, member FINRA. Sammons Financial Network^® LLC is a member of Sammons^® Financial Group, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Sammons Enterprises, Inc. of Dallas, Texas.

Chicago, IL | March 6, 2017

Midland National^®Life Insurance has been affirmed as a Better Business Bureau accredited business.

"We are very proud to be accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB)," said Steve Palmitier, president and chief operating officer of Midland National Life Insurance Company. "For more than 110 years, Midland National has been an industry leader because of our commitment to stability, innovation and dedicated customer service."

To mark the occasion, Midland National has launched the "Trust Midland National" website which contains details on the accreditation.

Learn more company history at the Midland National History website.

To be an accredited business means that the BBB has determined that Midland National Life Insurance Company meets BBB accreditation standards, including a commitment to make good faith efforts to resolve any consumer complaints. BBB Accredited Businesses pay a fee for accreditation review/monitoring and for support of BBB services to the public.

To learn more, visit Midland National's BBB profile page on the internet.

Follow Midland National on Facebook.

Follow MidlandNational on LinkedIn.

ABOUT MIDLAND NATIONAL

Founded as Dakota Mutual Life Insurance Company in 1906, Midland National^® Life Insurance Company has protected families and preserved legacies for generations. Midland National is one of the leading insurance companies in America. Midland National is a member of Sammons^® Financial Group, Inc. With its Annuity Division located in West Des Moines, Iowa and its Life Operations location in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Midland National operates in 49 states and the District of Columbia through its 12,000 licensed sales professionals. For more information on Midland National, please visit https://www.sammonsfinancialgroup.com/our-company/midland-national.

Chicago, IL | January 10, 2017

The brand new MNL FoundationCore^SM annuity from Midland National^® Life Insurance Company has a three-year initial interest rate guarantee with annual rate declarations thereafter. The MNL FoundationCore^SM Plus annuity features an annual fixed interest rate declaration and offers two Guaranteed Lifetime Withdrawal Benefit options.

These are the highlights of what's being called the Foundation Series, the new series of traditional fixed annuities from Midland National.

"The Foundation Series will be attractive to people close to, or in, retirement. It could appeal to consumers who are somewhat risk-averse and who are looking for safety and predictability from an annuity product," said Rob TeKolste, president of Sammons Annuity Group. "And the increasing lifetime income feature is an attractive element that can help address rising costs when it comes to their retirement."

Fixed annuities are a popular retirement saving option, offering a guaranteed minimum interest rate while also providing tax-deferred growth. While the new Foundation Series includes some unique benefits, it still offers the traditional fixed annuity benefits of safety, stability and tax deferral.

"Outliving your savings is one of the biggest retirement risks," TeKolste said. "That makes the Foundation Series a viable choice if you want a stable source of lifetime income that can last throughout retirement but would like to keep some flexibility to withdraw from the contract without penalties."

ABOUT MIDLAND NATIONAL

Founded as Dakota Mutual Life Insurance Company in 1906, Midland National^® Life Insurance Company has protected families and preserved legacies for generations. Midland National is one of the leading insurance companies in America. Midland National is a member of Sammons^® Financial Group, Inc. With its Annuity Division located in West Des Moines, Iowa and its Life Operations location in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Midland National operates in 49 states and the District of Columbia through its 12,000 licensed sales professionals. For more information, please visit www.midlandnational.com.

Products issued by Midland National^® Life Insurance Company, West Des Moines, Iowa. Product features, riders and index options may not be available in all states or appropriate for all clients. See brochures, product disclosures and state availability chart for further details, limitations and information on appropriate state variations.

The MNL FoundationCore^SM Plus is issued on forms AS148A/ICC16-AS148A.MVA (contract), ICC15-AR309B/AR309B, ICC15-AR307A/AR307A, ICC16-AR332A.OPT/AR332A.OPT, ICC16-AR333A/AR333A and ICC15-AR317A/AR317A (riders/endorsements).

The MNL FoundationCore^SM is issued on forms AS148A/ICC16-AS148A.MVA (contract), ICC15-AR309B/AR309B, ICC15-AR307A/AR307A, and ICC15-AR317A/AR317A (riders/endorsements).

"Income” or "lifetime income” refers to guaranteed payment of Lifetime Payment Amounts (“LPAs”) through the Guaranteed Lifetime Withdrawal Benefit (GLWB) rider. It does not refer to interest credited to the contract. Clients should consult with their own tax advisor regarding tax treatment of LPAs, which will vary according to individual circumstances.

Under current law, annuities grow tax deferred. An annuity is not required for tax deferral in qualified plans. Annuities may be subject to taxation during the income or withdrawal phase. Please note that neither Midland National, nor any agents acting on its behalf, should be viewed as providing legal, tax or investment advice. Your client should be advised to rely on their own qualified adviser.

Chicago, IL | August 30, 2016

Midland National^® Life Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Sammons^® Financial Group, celebrated its 110 year anniversary today.

“This milestone is a credit to the foundation and values that Midland National was built upon,” said Steve Palmitier, president and chief operating officer of Midland National Life Insurance Company. “For more than a century, Midland National has been an industry leader because of our commitment to stability, innovation and dedicated customer service.”

Since its founding in 1906, Midland National has protected families and preserved legacies with life insurance and annuity products. By focusing on long-term success and by adopting a responsible investment strategy, Midland National, a privately-held company, has routinely earned high ratings from independent reporting agencies like A.M. Best¹ and Standard & Poor’s², and was named as one of Ward's 2016 top 50 life and health insurance companies. These recognitions reflect the organization’s long-term investment and growth strategy.

“As we mark this landmark moment, we continue to focus on protecting our policy owners and supporting our partners,” said Palmitier. “At our core, we deeply believe that today’s success is a result of a deliberate and enduring strategic approach—an approach that we will continue to follow and apply as we make our second hundred years just as successful as the first.“

For more information about Midland National's heritage and history, please visit www.midlandnational.com.

ABOUT MIDLAND NATIONAL

Founded as Dakota Mutual Life Insurance Company in 1906, Midland National^® Life Insurance Company has protected families and preserved legacies for generations. Midland National is one of the leading insurance companies in America. Midland National is a member of Sammons^® Financial Group, Inc. With its Annuity Division located in West Des Moines, Iowa and its Life Operations location in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Midland National operates in 49 states and the District of Columbia through its 12,000 licensed sales professionals. For more information, please visit www.midlandnational.com.

¹A.M. Best is a large third party independent reporting and rating company that rates an insurance company on the basis of the company's financial strength, operating performance and the ability to meet its ongoing obligations to policyholders.

²Standard & Poor's Corporation is an independent, third-party rating firm that rates on the basis of financial strength. The insurer Financial Strength Rating uses a scale 22 rating categories ranging from AAA (Extremely Strong) to R (Experienced Regulatory Action).

Chicago, IL | August 9, 2016

A.M. Best affirmed the A+ (Superior) rating Midland National^®Life Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Sammons^® Financial Group. Additionally, the outlook for this rating was called stable.

"We are pleased that A.M. Best affirmed our A+ rating," said Esfandyar Dinshaw, Sammons Financial Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Maintaining the ability to keep our commitments to your customers is our top priority."

A.M. Best cited Sammons Financial Group's "prominent market positions in the individual life and fixed indexed annuity marketplaces," as well as an investment portfolio that is "considered well-managed and of good credit quality."

It was noted by A.M. Best that "the group has good financial flexibility and financial leverage and interest coverage ratios well within A.M. Best tolerances for the ratings."

A.M. Best is a large third-party independent reporting and rating company that rates an insurance company on the basis of the company's financial strength, operating performance, and ability to meet its obligations to contract holders. A+ (Superior) is the second highest rating out of 15 categories, and was affirmed for North American Company for Life and Health Insurance as part of Sammons Financial Group on July 14, 2016.

ABOUT MIDLAND NATIONAL

Founded as Dakota Mutual Life Insurance Company in 1906, Midland National^® Life Insurance Company has protected families and preserved legacies for generations. Midland National is one of the leading insurance companies in America. Midland National is a member of Sammons^® Financial Group, Inc. With its Annuity Division located in West Des Moines, Iowa and its Life Operations location in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Midland National operates in 49 states and the District of Columbia through its 12,000 licensed sales professionals. For more information, please visit www.midlandnational.com.

West Des Moines, IA | July 22, 2016

Midland National was named to the 2016 Ward's Top 50 list of top performing insurance companies that have achieved outstanding financial results in the areas of safety, consistency and performance over a five year period from 2011 to 2015.

"We are honored that the Ward Group recognized Midland National," said Steve Palmitier, president and chief operating officer of Midland National Life Insurance Company. "This industry recognition is a validation of our company's financial stability and superior performance, which should provide confidence to our policyholders and distribution partners of our ability to fulfill our commitments."

Ward Group is the leader of benchmarking and best practices services for the insurance industry. Each year, the group analyzes the financial performance of over 700 life-health insurance companies based in the United States and identifies the top performers in each segment based on objective data and subjective quality measures.

To learn more about the Ward's Top 50 list of top performing life-health insurance companies, visit
ward.aon.com/ward-benchmarking/wards50/life-health/.

ABOUT MIDLAND NATIONAL

Founded as Dakota Mutual Life Insurance Company in 1906, Midland National^® Life Insurance Company has protected families and preserved legacies for generations. Midland National is one of the leading insurance companies in America. Midland National is a member of Sammons^® Financial Group, Inc. With its Annuity Division located in West Des Moines, Iowa and its Life Operations location in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Midland National operates in 49 states and the District of Columbia through its 12,000 licensed sales professionals. For more information, please visit www.midlandnational.com.

West Des Moines, IA | April 4, 2016

Midland National announced today the release of a new electronic application (e-App) system for fixed annuity products. This new e-App system allows financial professionals to submit annuity applications online, resulting in faster processing of new business.

"Our financial professionals are really going to like how the e-App improves the process of submitting business by ensuring the correct and complete information is included. Our research shows that clean applications are processed, on average, seven days faster than paper applications," said Bryce Biklen, vice president, Annuity Sales. "Plus, the e-App works seamlessly with our illustration software, making it a very powerful and efficient way to conduct business with Midland National."

E-App technology is attractive to financial professionals because it reduces the amount of back and forth with clients through its ability to catch errors or missing information-common mistakes that can hold up the processing of paper applications.

"It's definitely a game changer for our distribution partners," said Biklen. "It allows them to work more efficiently with clients because the business is processed faster than the old paper applications."

The e-App option is offered on all annuity products currently available on the Midland National illustration software.

ABOUT MIDLAND NATIONAL

Founded as Dakota Mutual Life Insurance Company in 1906, Midland National^® Life Insurance Company has protected families and preserved legacies for generations. Midland also offers a wide variety of traditional fixed and fixed index annuities and consistently ranks among the top fixed index annuity carriers in the U.S. (Source: AnnuitySpecs, Quarterly Indexed Sales & Market Report). For more information, please visit www.midlandnational.com.

Sioux Falls, SD | February 9, 2015

Midland National Life Insurance Company announced today the immediate availability of the ExactApp^SM electronic application submission tool for its indexed universal life products.

Use of ExactApp^SM will allow Midland National's agents to schedule paramed exams online and submit complete application packages without re-keying the data. In addition to the increased efficiency of application submission, ExactApp^SM will allow faster turnaround times and quicker commission payments.

"We've heard a lot of good things about Exact App^SM from our agents, and they've asked us to extend it to our indexed universal life portfolio. Doing so now will mean increased ease of doing business for our agents and for us," said Jerry Blair, Vice President and Chief Distribution & Sales Officer. "It's a win-win situation."

Indexed universal life insurance (IUL) is a form of permanent insurance that provides an opportunity to grow cash value, based on the performance of stock market indices, without the risk of investing directly in the market. Popular features of IUL insurance include living benefits, like access to cash value in the form of policy loans, or access to a portion of the death benefit through the accelerated death benefit feature.

ABOUT MIDLAND NATIONAL

Founded as Dakota Mutual Life Insurance Company in 1906, Midland National^® Life Insurance Company has protected families and preserved legacies for generations. Midland National is one of the leading insurance companies in America. Midland National is a member of Sammons^® Financial Group, Inc. With its Annuity Division located in West Des Moines, Iowa and its Life Operations location in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Midland National operates in 49 states and the District of Columbia through its 12,000 licensed sales professionals. For more information, please visit www.midlandnational.com.

Indexed Universal Life products are not an investment in the "market" or in the applicable index and are subject to all policy fees and charges normally associated with most universal life insurance.

Policy loans from life insurance policies generally are not subject to income tax, provided the contract is not a Modified Endowment Contract (MEC), as defined by Section 7702A of the Internal Revenue Code. A policy loan or withdrawal from a life insurance policy that is a MEC is taxable upon receipt to the extent cash value of the contract exceeds premium paid. Distributions from MECs are subject to federal income tax to the extent of the gain in the policy and taxable distributions are subject to a 10% additional tax prior to age 59½, with certain exceptions. Policy loans and withdrawals will reduce cash value and death benefit. Policy loans are subject to interest charges. Consult with and rely on your tax advisor or attorney on your specific situation.

Sioux Falls, SD | February 4, 2015

Steve Bishop, a manager with the Sammons^® Financial Group Member Companies (SFG), has been honored with the Patriot Award by the South Dakota Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense (DOD) office, in recognition of extraordinary support of Courtney Larson, an SFG employee who serves in the South Dakota Guard and Reserve.

The Patriot Award was created to publicly recognize individuals who provide outstanding patriotic support and cooperation to their employees, who, like the citizen warriors before them, have answered their nation's call to serve. Bishop was nominated for being highly supportive of the National Guard by his employee, SPC Courtney Larson, who is with the Army National Guard / 196^th MEB unit. Supportive supervisors are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation's Guard and Reserve units.

"I greatly appreciate Steve's flexibility with my work schedule due to my Guard duty," said Larson. "He never waivers in his support of the role I play with the Army National Guard." This is Larson's first deployment with Bishop as her manager and she has received the utmost support to date.

"Steve is worthy of this great recognition, and through his flexibility and actions has allowed Courtney to serve in the Army National Guard," said Rob TeKolste, president of the Shared Services Division of Sammons Financial Group where both Bishop and Larson work. "This is a real reflection of our culture at Sammons. Employees like Steve and Courtney make us all proud to work for an organization that supports our military and their families."

For more information about ESGR outreach programs, or ESGR volunteer opportunities, please call 1-800-336-4590

ABOUT SAMMONS FINANCIAL GROUP

Sammons^® Financial Group, Inc. (SFG), an SEI wholly-owned subsidiary, is the parent of a group of member companies under the insurance Holding Company Act made up of several successful financial services companies offering a variety of financial and retirement products through multiple distribution channels. These consist of retirement products, annuities, variable annuities¹, variable life insurance¹, and life insurance (including bank, corporate, and credit union-owned life insurance). The member companies of SFG include North American Company for Life and Health Insurance^®, Midland National^® Life Insurance Company, including its divisions, Sammons Annuity Group^SM and Sammons Corporate Markets Group^®, Sammons Retirement Solutions® Inc., and Sammons Financial Network^® LLC. For more information, please visit www.sammonsfinancialgroup.com.

West Des Moines, IA | October 15, 2015

Midland National^® Life Insurance Company has introduced MNL IndexBuilder, a flexible premium, fixed index annuity that features an upfront premium bonus, and a choice of fixed and indexed crediting options.

"There's a widespread uncertainty about retirement readiness in America," said Cindy Reed, President of Midland National's Annuity Division. "The MNL IndexBuilder annuity helps policyowners take action on some of those concerns, by getting a head start on their retirement savings with a strong upfront premium bonus."

Fixed index annuities are a popular retirement saving strategy, offering potential for their retirement assets while also offering protection from losses due to downside market fluctuations. MNL IndexBuilder offers six index crediting options, each performing differently in various market scenarios, as well as a fixed interest account, which provides flexibility in design for retirement dollars based on policyowners' changing needs.

"The IndexBuilder fixed index annuity is a strong solution for those looking to supplement their retirement income," said Reed. "It allows policyholders to earn interest on dollars that would otherwise be paid in taxes, resulting in faster growth through tax-deferral."

ABOUT MIDLAND NATIONAL

Founded as Dakota Mutual Life Insurance Company in 1906, Midland National^® Life Insurance Company has protected families and preserved legacies for generations. Midland National is one of the leading insurance companies in America. Midland National is a member of Sammons^® Financial Group, Inc. With its Annuity Division located in West Des Moines, Iowa and its Life Operations location in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Midland National operates in 49 states and the District of Columbia through its 12,000 licensed sales professionals. For more information, please visit www.midlandnational.com.

Fixed Index Annuities are not a direct investment in the stock market. They are long-term insurance products with guarantees backed by the issuing company. They provide the potential for interest to be credited based in part on the performance of specific indices, without the risk of loss of premium due to market downturns or fluctuation. They may not be appropriate for all clients.

Premium bonus may vary by annuity product and surrender charge period. Products that have premium bonuses may offer lower credited interest rates, lower Index Cap Rates, lower Participation Rates and or greater Index Margins than products that don't offer a premium bonus. Over time and under certain scenarios the amount of the premium bonus may be offset by the lower credited interest rates, lower Index Cap Rates, lower Participation Rates and or greater Index Margins.

Under current law, annuities grow tax-deferred. An annuity is not required for tax-deferral in qualified plans. Annuities may be subject to taxation during the income or withdrawal phase.

The MNL IndexBuilder^SM is issued on form AC/AS145A (certificate/contract), AR307A, AR306A, AR308A, AR310A.PB, AR311A, AR312A, AR313A, AR314A, AR315A, AR316A and AR317A (riders/endorsements) or appropriate state by Midland National Life Insurance Company, West Des Moines, IA. This product, its features and riders may not be available in all states.

Before purchasing this product, buyers should be presented with complete product materials, which include describe issue ages, surrender charges, riders, and more.

Fargo, ND | September 11, 2015

Sammons Financial Group has provided a $110,000 gift to expand programming at the YWCA Cass Clay Emergency Shelter.

The program expansion includes a new storage garage for large donation items, updates to the facility to better serve victims of human trafficking and other building renovations, including three additional housing units. Additionally, the donation willbe used to support the Furthering Her Journey Fund, a new program to help women transitioning from the shelter into independent living pay security deposits on their own apartments, as well as the Road to Independence Fund, which provides transportation in the form of monthly bus passes, gas cards and funds for car insurance.

The YWCA Emergency Shelter is the largest shelter for women and children in the state of North Dakota and Northwest Minnesota and provides 45-day emergency shelter for women and children experiencing homelessness and/or domestic violence. Sammons' investment will make it possible for the YWCA to more effectively help victims of human trafficking, an emerging problem in our region.

"We are proud to contribute to this organization's mission to serve women and children as they escape domestic violence, homelessness and crisis situations," said Ron Ottenbacher, President, Sammons Corporate Markets Group, a division of Sammons Financial Group. "The work of the YWCA to transform crisis into independence is vital to the fabric of our community."

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About Sammons Financial Group

Sammons^® Financial Group, Inc. (SFG), an SEI wholly-owned subsidiary, is the parent of a group of member companies under the insurance Holding Company Act made up of several successful financial services companies offering a variety of financial and retirement products through multiple distribution channels. These consist of retirement products, annuities, variable annuities¹, variable life insurance¹, and life insurance (including bank, corporate, and credit union-owned life insurance). The member companies of SFG include North American Company for Life and Health Insurance^®, Midland National^® Life Insurance Company, including its divisions, Sammons Annuity Group^SM and Sammons Corporate Markets Group^®, Sammons Retirement Solutions® Inc., and Sammons Financial Network^® LLC. For more information, please visit www.sammonsfinancialgroup.com.

1. The distributor for Midland National's variable products is Sammons Financial Network^® LLC, member FINRA. Sammons Financial Network LLC is a registered broker/dealer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Sammons Financial Network LLC is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Sammons Enterprises, Inc., of Dallas, Texas, the ultimate parent company of Midland National^® Life Insurance Company and Sammons Retirement Solutions^® Inc.

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West Des Moines, IA | August 27, 2015

Sammons Financial Group, a group of financial services companies located in West Des Moines, has provided vital support to Youth Emergency Services & Shelter's (YESS) Shelter Expansion Project. The $50,000 gift from Sammons will support a 19,000 square foot space to help support the growing needs of the YESS organization.

The expansion includes 32 new bedrooms, new classrooms, a library, and other dedicated spaces for art, music, and play therapy. "YESS' shelter expansion is critical to the safety of Iowa's children, and the generous support of Sammons Financial Group has brought us within sight of fully funding this important project," said Stephen Quirk, CEO of YESS. "We are very grateful to have SFG's help in achieving this important milestone for the agency and for children and families in crisis."

Through a unique combination of crisis stabilization services, emergency shelter, and community-based services, YESS currently cares for 1,900 children per year, and continues to expand to meet the growing needs of the community. YESS is the largest youth shelter and the only crisis nursery of its kind in the state of Iowa.

"We are honored to contribute to such a worthy organization," said Cindy Reed, President, Sammons Annuity Group, a division of Sammons Financial Group. "YESS provides services that help to keep children and families safe, provides healing and hope in times of crisis, and truly changes the lives of those it serves."

About Sammons Financial Group

Sammons^® Financial Group, Inc. (SFG), an SEI wholly-owned subsidiary, is the parent of a group of member companies under the insurance Holding Company Act made up of several successful financial services companies offering a variety of financial and retirement products through multiple distribution channels. These consist of retirement products, annuities, variable annuities ¹, variable life insurance ¹, and life insurance (including bank, corporate, and credit union-owned life insurance). The member companies of SFG include North American Company for Life and Health Insurance ^®, Midland National^® Life Insurance Company, including its divisions, Sammons Annuity Group^SM and Sammons Corporate Markets Group ^®, Sammons Retirement Solutions® Inc., and Sammons Financial Network ^® LLC. For more information, please visit www.sammonsfinancialgroup.com.

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1. The distributor for Midland National's variable products is Sammons Financial Network^® LLC, member FINRA. Sammons Financial Network LLC is a registered broker/dealer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Sammons Financial Network LLC is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Sammons Enterprises, Inc., of Dallas, Texas, the ultimate parent company of Midland National^® Life Insurance Company and Sammons Retirement Solutions^® Inc.

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West Des Moines, IA | August 14, 2015

Sammons Financial Group has donated $50,000 to the Children and Family Urban Movement (CFUM), a non-profit organization that supports children and families through academic programs in the Des Moines community. The donated funds will allow CFUM to upgrade its technology infrastructure for both staff and participating youth to better meet the needs of computer technology in the classroom.

"The impact of the grant funds from Sammons Financial Group has been transformational in myriad ways that can be seen and measured, including better access to educational resources and learning opportunities for 120 children and youth, which will undoubtedly impact their academic success," said Carmen Lampe Zeitler, Executive Director at CFUM. "That is one of the things that Sammons does best. With its commitment and investment in the community, Sammons makes us all feel that our life together and our mutual success is of great value and worthy of investment."

CFUM provides out-of-school programs for children and youth kindergarten through high school, with their core mission focusing on the long-term growth of community youth and families in the Des Moines area.

"We consider it a privilege to participate in the worthy mission of the Children and Family Urban Movement," said Cindy Reed, President, Sammons Annuity Group, a division of Sammons Financial Group. "Their services to children, youth and families strengthen the fabric of the Des Moines community in which our employees work and live."

About Sammons Financial Group

Sammons^® Financial Group, Inc. (SFG), an SEI wholly-owned subsidiary, is the parent of a group of member companies under the insurance Holding Company Act made up of several successful financial services companies offering a variety of financial and retirement products through multiple distribution channels. These consist of retirement products, annuities, variable annuities ¹, variable life insurance ¹, and life insurance (including bank, corporate, and credit union-owned life insurance). The member companies of SFG include North American Company for Life and Health Insurance ^®, Midland National ^® Life Insurance Company, including its divisions, Sammons Annuity Group^SM and Sammons Corporate Markets Group ^® , Sammons Retirement Solutions® Inc., and Sammons Financial Network ^® LLC. For more information, please visit www.sammonsfinancialgroup.com.

1. The distributor for Midland National's variable products is Sammons Financial Network^® LLC, member FINRA. Sammons Financial Network LLC is a registered broker/dealer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Sammons Financial Network LLC is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Sammons Enterprises, Inc., of Dallas, Texas, the ultimate parent company of Midland National^® Life Insurance Company and Sammons Retirement Solutions^® Inc.

Sioux Falls | August 4, 2015

Midland National recently enhanced their XL-EC4 product, part of the company's popular indexed universal life insurance (IUL) portfolio. Updates include reduced policy expenses, as well as new living benefits in the form of accelerated death benefits for qualifying illnesses.

Accelerated death benefits are becoming an increasingly sought-after feature of life insurance because of the access to funds they provide in the event of a qualifying illness, subject to eligibility.

"By enhancing the living benefits available on this product and reducing the policy expenses, this already competitive product becomes an even more attractive solution for financial protection," said Jerry Blair, Vice President and Chief Distribution & Sales Officer.

Indexed universal life insurance is a form of permanent insurance that provides an opportunity to grow cash value, based on the performance of stock market indices, without the risk of investing directly in the market. Popular features of IUL insurance include living benefits, like access to cash value in the form of policy loans, or access to the death benefit through the accelerated death benefit feature.

ABOUT MIDLAND NATIONAL

Founded as Dakota Mutual Life Insurance Company in 1906, Midland National^® Life Insurance Company has protected families and preserved legacies for generations. Midland National is one of the leading insurance companies in America. Midland National is a member of Sammons^® Financial Group, Inc. With its Annuity Division located in West Des Moines, Iowa and its Life Operations location in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Midland National operates in 49 states and the District of Columbia through its 12,000 licensed sales professionals. For more information, please visit www.midlandnational.com.

Indexed Universal Life products are not an investment in the "market" or in the applicable index and are subject to all policy fees and charges normally associated with most universal life insurance.

XL-EC4 (policy form series L144 and L144W with the Waiver of Surrender Charge) is issued by Midland National Life Insurance Company, Administrative Office, One Sammons Plaza, Sioux Falls, SD 57193. Products, features, endorsements, riders or issue ages may not be available in all jurisdictions. Limitations or restrictions may apply.

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Chicago, IL | July 31, 2015

Standard & Poor's ¹ has affirmed the A+ (strong) financial strength ratings of two Sammons^® Financial Group, Inc. subsidiaries, Midland National^® Life Insurance Company and North American Company for Life and Health Insurance^®, and maintained its stable outlook for the companies.

"The S&P rating is a strong indicator of our financial ability to fulfill our obligations," said Esfand Dinshaw, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for Sammons Financial Group. "Having our rating reaffirmed gives our policyholders confidence in our commitment to maintaining stability and creating long-term value for them."

In a report issued by S&P, the rating agency noted the strong competitive position of the Sammons Financial Group subsidiaries, "We view Sammons' competitive position as strong, reflecting the company's well-balanced portfolio of life insurance, annuity and BOLI/COLI products, as well as its proven ability to generate profitable growth in all of its key business segments."

S&P also noted the following factors in affirming the ratings for the Sammons Financial Group companies:

• Strong competitive position, supported by well-established distribution relationships and strong market share
• Very strong capital and earnings score, driven by continued robust net income and strong capital base
• High-quality and well-diversified investment portfolio, with weighted average credit quality of 'A'
• Favorable operating performance relative to peers

1. Standard & Poor's ratings effective July 2, 2015. Standard & Poor's Insurer Financial Strength Rating uses a scale 22 rating categories ranging from AAA (Extremely Strong) to R (Experienced Regulatory Action).

Chicago, IL | July 23, 2015

Midland National^® Life Insurance Company has announced a significant rate reduction on its full Premier Term product line, including the 10, 15, 20 and 30-year term products.¹

"A driving component of our value proposition is to maintain a competitive product portfolio," said Jerry Blair, Vice President & Chief Distribution & Sales Officer. "These lower term rates – along with sought-after features like convertibility to permanent products, low minimum face amounts, and terminal illness coverage – make the Premier Term series an attractive and affordable option for financial protection."

Term life insurance is a popular form of life insurance due to its affordability and simplicity. It typically provides basic death benefit protection to help cover expenses like mortgages, loss of a primary household income earner, and can also be used for business protection, like funding buy-sell agreements.

Midland National's Premier Term products are available for 10, 15, 20, and 30-year terms with face amounts starting as low as $100,000 and ranging as high as needed, subject to underwriting limits. In addition to the convertibility² feature, Premier Term automatically includes a living benefit for terminal illness, which allows access to up to 75% of the policy amount, up to $750,000, in the event of a terminal illness.³ Applications can be submitted electronically through Midland National's e-App, ExactApp^®, making the entire process faster and simpler for both clients and agents.

"Part of what makes this product so attractive is the flexibility it provides for changing needs," said Blair. "As life changes, so do financial needs, which is why Premier Term was designed with the ability to convert to any of our individual permanent products available at the time of conversion."²

ABOUT MIDLAND NATIONAL

Founded as Dakota Mutual Life Insurance Company in 1906, Midland National^® Life Insurance Company has protected families and preserved legacies for generations. Midland National is one of the leading insurance companies in America. Midland National is a member of Sammons^® Financial Group, Inc. With its Annuity Division located in West Des Moines, Iowa and its Life Operations location in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Midland National operates in 49 states and the District of Columbia through its 12,000 licensed sales professionals. For more information, please visit www.midlandnational.com.

1. Premiums are guaranteed to remain level for the initial 10, 15, 20, or 30 year period. After the premium guarantee period, premiums will increase annually but will never exceed the Guaranteed Annual Renewal Premium.

2. Allowed during the level premium period of the policy, or policy age 75 (whichever is earlier) (Age 70 for 30 year) but never less than five years.

3. The actual payment received in connection with any acceleration will be discounted and is lower than the Death Benefit amount accelerated. In addition, there is an administrative fee required at time of election. Payment is made in a lump sum.

Premier Term (policy form series T142), Accelerated Death Benefit – Terminal Illness (form series TR164), are issued by Midland National Life Insurance Company, Administrative Office, One Sammons Plaza, Sioux Falls, SD 57193. Products, features, endorsements, riders or issue ages may not be available in all jurisdictions. Limitations or restrictions may apply.

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Chicago, IL | July 22, 2015

Sammons Annuity Group, a division of Sammons Financial Group is proud to announce the appointment of Ann Hughes as Vice President and Chief Distribution Officer. She will be responsible for setting strategic direction for distribution activities of the organization, which includes developing the sales, recruiting, and training strategy for distribution channels.

"We are pleased to have a leader with Ann's experience in annuity distribution join our team," stated Cindy Reed, President of Sammons Annuity Group. "She is an engaging leader who understands the needs of our distribution system and offers a strategic vision that will strengthen our standing in the marketplace."

Hughes has 15 years experience in the financial services industry, and most recently was the founder and CEO of a firm providing public speaking, consulting and coaching services to financial service professionals, broker dealers and financial service organizations. Prior to that, she helped launch Sammons Retirement Solutions as Head of Business and Sales Development. She also held various leadership roles at ING during her ten years at the organization, including Head of Sales and Business Development for Annuities.

Sammons Annuity Group is responsible for production, product development, management and operations of a wide-variety of traditional and fixed index annuities through Midland National^® Life Insurance Company and North American Company for Life and Health Insurance®, both member companies of Sammons Financial Group. The combined sales of the Annuity Division consistently rank within the top 10 Indexed Annuity carriers in the U.S. (Source: AnnuitySpecs.com, Quarterly Indexed Sales & Market Report).

About Sammons Financial Group

Sammons^® Financial Group, Inc. (SFG), is the parent of a group of member companies under the insurance Holding Company Act made up of several successful financial services companies offering a variety of financial and retirement products through multiple distribution channels. These consist of retirement products, annuities, variable annuities¹, variable life insurance¹, and life insurance (including bank, corporate, and credit union-owned life insurance). The member companies of SFG include North American Company for Life and Health Insurance^®, Midland National^® Life Insurance Company, including its divisions, Sammons Annuity Group and Sammons Corporate Markets Group, Sammons Retirement Solutions^® Inc., and Sammons Financial Network^® LLC. For more information, please visit www.sammonsfinancialgroup.com.

1. Securities distributed by Sammons Financial Network^® LLC, member FINRA. Insurance products are issued by Midland National^® Life Insurance Company (West Des Moines, IA). Sammons Retirement Solutions^® Inc. provides administrative services. Sammons Financial Network^® LLC, Midland National^® Life Insurance Company, and Sammons Retirement Solutions are affiliated companies and indirect wholly owned subsidiaries of Sammons Enterprises, Inc. of Dallas, Texas.

https://www.sammonsfinancialgroup.com/

Chicago, IL | July 22, 2015

Sammons Annuity Group, a division of Sammons Financial Group is proud to announce the appointment of Greg Smith as Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Broker Dealer and Bank Distribution. He will be responsible for refining and implementing the bank and broker dealer strategy.

"We're very excited to have Greg as a member of our team." stated Cindy Reed, President of Sammons Annuity Group. "His expertise and experience in building highly profitable marketing and distribution systems of financial products will prove valuable as we seek to grow our organization to the next level."

Smith joins Sammons Annuity Group with nearly 20 years of executive sales and marketing experience that includes recruiting and building high-performing sales organizations in the insurance industry. Throughout his career, he has successfully demonstrated his leadership as a member of some of the leading insurance distribution teams in the U.S.

Sammons Annuity Group is responsible for production, product development, management and operations of a wide-variety of traditional and fixed index annuities through Midland National^® Life Insurance Company and North American Company for Life and Health Insurance^®. The combined sales of the Annuity Division consistently rank within the top 10 Indexed Annuity carriers in the U.S. (Source: AnnuitySpecs.com, Quarterly Indexed Sales & Market Report).

Sammons^® Financial Group, Inc. (SFG) is the parent of a group of member companies under the insurance Holding Company Act made up of several successful financial services companies offering a variety of financial and retirement products through multiple distribution channels. These consist of retirement products, annuities, variable annuities¹, variable life insurance¹, and life insurance (including bank, corporate, and credit union-owned life insurance). The member companies of SFG include North American Company for Life and Health Insurance^®, Midland National^® Life Insurance Company, including its divisions, Sammons Annuity Group^SM and Sammons Corporate Markets Group^®, Sammons Retirement Solutions^® Inc., and Sammons Financial Network^® LLC. For more information, please visit www.sammonsfinancialgroup.com.

1. Securities distributed by Sammons Financial Network^® LLC, member FINRA. Insurance products are issued by Midland National^® Life Insurance Company (West Des Moines, IA). Sammons Retirement Solutions^® Inc. provides administrative services. Sammons Financial Network^® LLC, Midland National^® Life Insurance Company, and Sammons Retirement Solutions are affiliated companies and indirect wholly owned subsidiaries of Sammons Enterprises, Inc. of Dallas, Texas.

West Des Moines, IA | August 14, 2015

Sammons Enterprises Inc., parent company of Des Moines-based Sammons Financial Group, has donated $1.0 million to Drake University for the Sammons Endowed Professorship in Actuarial Science, a program that supports a new or existing professor of actuarial science and will be used to retain or attract outstanding faculty members.

"Actuaries are critical to our success as an insurance company," said Esfand Dinshaw, President, Sammons Enterprises Inc. and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for Sammons Financial Group. "Drake University offers one of the best actuarial programs in the United States and we are proud to provide support that will help ensure that their program continues offering the highest quality of education for the next generation of actuaries."

"Actuarial Science is one of our flagship programs, attracting talented students from around the world. This wonderful gift from Sammons will support our ability to continue a tradition of excellence." said Therese M. Vaughan, Ph.D., Dean, College of Business and Public Administration at Drake University

Drake is one of 16 universities in the United States to be recognized as a Center for Actuarial Excellence by the Society of Actuaries and is one of the few private university actuarial science programs in the Midwest with a full set of actuarial science courses taught by actuaries.

Sammons Enterprises, Inc., (SEI) is a diverse holding company composed of financial services, industrial equipment, and real estate investment businesses operating in five countries. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Sammons was established in 1938. With more than four billion in annual revenues and $70 billion in assets, Sammons is one of the largest privately held companies in the U.S. For more information, visit www.sammonsenterprises.com.

Sammons^® Financial Group, Inc. (SFG), an SEI wholly-owned subsidiary, is the parent of a group of member companies under the insurance Holding Company Act made up of several successful financial services companies offering a variety of financial and retirement products through multiple distribution channels. These consist of retirement products, annuities, variable annuities ¹, variable life insurance ¹, and life insurance (including bank, corporate, and credit union-owned life insurance). The member companies of SFG include North American Company for Life and Health Insurance ^®, Midland National ^® Life Insurance Company, including its divisions, Sammons Annuity Group^SM and Sammons Corporate Markets Group ^®, Sammons Retirement Solutions® Inc., and Sammons Financial Network ^® LLC. For more information, please visit www.sammonsfinancialgroup.com.

1. The distributor for Midland National's variable products is Sammons Financial Network^® LLC, member FINRA. Sammons Financial Network LLC is a registered broker/dealer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Sammons Financial Network LLC is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Sammons Enterprises, Inc., of Dallas, Texas, the ultimate parent company of Midland National® Life Insurance Company and Sammons Retirement Solutions^® Inc.