A total of 19 states and Washington, D.C., reached an agreement with The Prudential Group, one of the largest life insurance companies in the U.S., in a case involving its unclaimed property practices.

Prudential’s market experts showed “optimism” for gains in the financial markets this year, but said some risks could weigh on investors’ earnings.

Sterner Insurance, based in Coopersburg, Pa., hired three new employees to serve as insurance consultants. The company hired Patrick McElwee, Justin Weber and Jessica Montgomery.

New Jersey issued a certificate of authority, effective July 1, to its first captive insurance company, according to state insurance regulators.

An Albany, N.Y.-based organization dedicated to advancing the careers of women announced its 2011 industry partners, whose sponsorship shows their dedication to supporting women in insurance and financial services careers, according to the group.

Prudent Financial Inc. announced the installation of more than 2,500 solar panels on three of its office buildings, including two in New Jersey.

A war veterans group filed suit against Prudential Insurance Co. and its parent company over its handling of life insurance proceeds for military service members and veterans.

New Jersey insurance regulators say an insurance company based in the state properly handle life insurance benefits in a case involving a soldier that has sparked several reviews of how insurers pay out benefits to members of the military.

The friction between investors looking for opportunities and insurance companies whose products inadvertently provide those opportunities is forcing a hard look at stranger-originated annuity transactions (STATs), according to an industry expert.

It appears life and health insurance companies in the U.S., Canada and Europe have been caught dining on fast-food profits – nearly $2 billion worth – when they encourage their members to eschew these treats in the name of wellness. At least that’s the case an article from Harvard researchers, published in the April 15 edition of American Journal of Public Health, tries to make.