Business

Jackson Financial Secretly Talks with Gefen International

Published

3 years ago

February 24, 2022

According to industry sources familiar with the matter, Jackson Financial Inc., a publicly traded (NYSE: JXN) Life Insurance Company based in the US, is secretly involved in high level discussions with Australia’s Insurtech company, Gefen International A.I. (ASX:GFN), an Australian publicly traded insurance tech corporation.

Although details of the talks have not been disclosed, sources close to the matter reveal that Jackson has been looking over the past year to adopting advanced insurance technology aka ‘insurtech’ as a crucial component of their long term growth strategy.

What Does Gefen’s Technology Offer Jackson?

Gefen’s online platform ‘Moments’, was designed to disrupt this traditional financial and insurance ecosystem. This includes improving customers, the agents/advisors, and the carriers (such as Jackson Financial) access to critical data. The platform does not aim to replace agents in the sales process, as it sees them as being essential component to improve the service process.

Gefen Technologies ‘Moments’ is a highly compliant platform that can be leveraged by Jackson’s agents and advisors, and includes tools like sales and marketing, and messaging that would otherwise not been available to them via traditional means.

The Moments platform basically connects consumers, carriers, and advisors within a network, and automates their interaction. The technology analyses customers’ digital journey as well as their data, and provides automated insights, based on previous purchases which are converted into potential buying preferences.

The technology analyses data such as how much time customers spend on specific website pages, and how they have reacted to various offers that have been made to them in the past. This data is invaluable and provides advisors with a lot of information about customers prior to seeing them in person.

As a result, should a deal be signed, industry insiders concur the platforms ability to allow Jackson’s advisors the option to offer more relevant products to their customer database and increase revenue while reducing overall operating costs.

Jackson Financial Business – $362 Billion in Assets

As of December 31, 2020, Jackson Financial reported $362 billion in assets under management and was managing more than three million policies. Jackson has headquarters in Lansing, Michigan, with additional regional offices in both Chicago, Illinois and Franklin, Tennessee. The subsidiaries of the insurance company are licensed to distribute insurance products in the District of Columbia and all 50 U.S. states.

Jackson Financial Inc. demerged from Prudential plc in 2021 to form two separately-listed companies. Since the demerger from Prudential, Jackson’s growth has been stymied and this is reflected in their stock price dropping steadily.

In Mar 2021, Fitch Ratings affirmed Jackson Life Insurance’s Insurer Financial Strength (IFS) Ratings at ‘A’. Fitch however also affirmed a ‘BBB+’ Issuer Default Rating (IDR) assigned to Jackson Financial, Inc. The Outlook was revised from Negative to Stable for all ratings.

The revised Outlook from Negative to Stable mirrors Fitch’s stance that the pandemic’s economic impact on Jackson would be limited, especially as equity markets seem to have returned to normalized volatility. Although there is still the potential for modest credit impairments, Fitch forecasts that both capital and earnings will exceed, or stay in line with rating expectations. Longer-term worries still include the possibility for historically low interest rates that have persisted for several years.

Jackson’s financial performance, measured on both a statutory and GAAP accounting basis, is still strong although the earnings profile of the company is susceptible to pressures associated with a continued low interest rate environment and equity market performance.

According to various industry insiders and financial analysts, a potential Jackson Financial (NYSE: JXN) and Gefen International (ASX:GFN) collaboration is expected to be announced during Jackson’s fourth quarter results webcast conference scheduled on March 3, 2022.

Business

Top 5 Virtual Assistant Companies to Watch in 2025

Published

2 weeks ago

January 23, 2025

Matthew Wiles

Running a successful business in today’s fast-paced world requires a sharp focus on growth, strategy, and efficiency. However, managing the day-to-day operations can often become overwhelming. That’s where virtual assistant (VA) companies come into play. These companies specialize in providing skilled professionals who can handle everything from administrative tasks to customer service, marketing, and beyond, allowing entrepreneurs and small business owners to focus on what they do best.

With so many VA companies on the market, choosing the right one can be a challenge. To help you navigate the options, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 virtual assistant companies to watch in 2025. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a startup founder, or a busy professional, these companies offer top-tier solutions to meet your needs.

1. Assist World – The Gold Standard in Virtual Assistance

At the top of our list is Assist World, a U.S.-based company renowned for its personalized approach to matching clients with virtual assistants. Assist World goes beyond the typical “one-size-fits-all” model by taking the time to understand your unique needs and connecting you with highly skilled VAs who align perfectly with your business goals.

What Makes Assist World Stand Out?

Personalized Matching: Assist World matches clients with virtual assistants based on their specific requirements, ensuring the right fit every time.
Comprehensive Onboarding Process: The company’s seamless onboarding process streamlines communication and ensures VAs hit the ground running.
Client Success Management: Dedicated client success managers oversee the relationship, providing ongoing support and ensuring smooth operations.
Flexibility and Scalability: Assist World caters to businesses of all sizes, offering flexible plans that can scale as your business grows.

Who Is It Best For?

Assist World is ideal for entrepreneurs and small-to-medium businesses seeking a reliable, high-quality VA service that delivers consistent results.

Pricing:

Pricing is customized based on your needs, making it accessible for a wide range of budgets. Schedule a free consultation to learn more.

2. Time Etc – Affordable and Efficient

If affordability is your priority, Time Etc is a strong contender. This VA company specializes in administrative tasks and offers services at competitive rates. With a team of experienced professionals, Time Etc focuses on helping clients boost productivity without breaking the bank.

Key Features:

Dedicated VAs with extensive experience.
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
Focused primarily on administrative and organizational tasks.

Who Is It Best For?

Time Etc is a great choice for solopreneurs and small businesses looking for cost-effective virtual assistance for basic tasks.

Pricing:

Plans start at $29 per hour, with discounts available for bulk hours.

3. Belay – A Leader in Remote Executive Assistance

For those in need of executive-level support, Belay is a premier option. This company specializes in matching clients with highly skilled remote assistants who can handle complex tasks such as calendar management, bookkeeping, and project coordination.

Key Features:

Focus on executive and specialized assistance.
Rigorous vetting process for VAs.
Excellent client support.

Who Is It Best For?

Belay is ideal for CEOs, executives, and high-level professionals who require top-tier assistance.

Pricing:

Premium services come at a higher price point, starting around $2,000 per month for part-time support (45 hours a month). For 85 hours a month, pricing sits around $3,800.

4. MyOutDesk – Virtual Assistants for Real Estate

Real estate professionals, take note: MyOutDesk is the go-to VA service for your industry. Specializing in real estate operations, MyOutDesk provides skilled VAs who can handle lead generation, transaction coordination, and CRM management.

Key Features:

Expertise in real estate processes.
Comprehensive training programs for VAs.
Proven track record with top real estate agents.

Who Is It Best For?

Realtors, brokers, and real estate teams looking to streamline their operations and focus on closing deals.

Pricing:

Pricing starts at $1,750 per month for full-time assistants.

5. Boldly – Premium Virtual Assistant Services

If you’re looking for high-quality, premium VA services, Boldly is worth considering. This company offers subscription-based plans that provide access to experienced VAs skilled in a variety of disciplines, including marketing, customer service, and project management.

Key Features:

Highly experienced professionals.
Flexible subscription plans.
Focus on long-term client relationships.

Who Is It Best For?

Businesses and individuals willing to invest in premium services for comprehensive support.

Pricing:

Plans start at $39 per hour, with monthly subscriptions available.

How to Choose the Right Virtual Assistant Company

When selecting a VA company, consider the following factors:

Your Business Needs: Identify the tasks you want to delegate and choose a company that specializes in those areas.
Budget: Assess how much you’re willing to invest in virtual assistance and find a provider that aligns with your budget.
Flexibility: Look for companies that offer scalable plans to grow with your business.
Support: Choose a company with excellent client support to ensure smooth communication and problem resolution.

Why Assist World Is the #1 Choice

While all the companies on this list offer excellent services, Assist World stands out for its personalized approach, exceptional client success management, and flexible solutions, and most importantly, their fair pricing. At Assist World, prices generally fall between $1,500 – $2,000 a month for a full-time dedicated executive assistant. With a proven track record of helping businesses thrive, Assist World is the ultimate partner for entrepreneurs and small businesses ready to scale efficiently and effectively.

Ready to take your business to the next level? Schedule a free consultation with Assist World today and discover the difference a high-quality virtual assistant can make.