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Distribution Research

Explore the insights and benchmarks you need to make strategic business and distribution decisions. Our research covers topics such as distribution economics, wholesaling, recruitment and retention strategies as well as emerging trends across multiple distribution channels:

  • Affiliated Distribution
  • Asset Managers
  • Banks
  • Broker Dealers
  • Carriers
  • IMOs, BGAs, Platforms
  • Independent Advisors and RIAs
  • Workplace Distribution
Featured Distribution Research    Latest Distribution Research    Distribution Benchmark Studies   

Featured Distribution Research

Inside the Intermediary Series

LIMRA and NAILBA have collaborated for five consecutive years to learn more about BGAs and IMOs in the United States. Explore the Series.​

U.S. Wholesaler Series

Wholesaling has become more important to the success of financial professionals today than it was just a few years ago. Discover how both internal and external wholesalers are making a difference.

Revitalizing Industry Growth Series

The life insurance industry is at a critical inflection point. Despite strong consumer interest, growth is stagnant as accessibility, perceived affordability, and lack of trust have created a widening protection gap, now affecting 42% of U.S. adults.

Financial Professional Perspectives: The Vital Role of Wholesalers in Their Success

Wholesalers are a critical link in the distribution channel. In this study, financial professionals shared their perspective on the vital role wholesalers play in their success.

Life Insurance for Living: Global Insights Into Next-Gen Expectations

From Interest to Impact: Empowering Annuity Producers to Drive Industry Growth

Get key insights into the advisor-driven forces behind today’s record-breaking annuity sales.

Investing in the Future of Distribution: Sustainable Growth Through Innovation — Executive Summary

Unlock insights into how workplace benefits carriers and brokers maximize success in today's workplace benefits market.

Latest Distribution Research

Elevating Life Insurance Growth

Nov 13, 2025

Strategic alignment between marketing and distribution unlocks growth. By timing outreach, simplifying messaging, and building trust, carriers can innovate faster and reach underserve market segments.

Empowering Decisions and Strengthening Connections

Sep 30, 2025

A 42 percent protection gap in life insurance reveals a $51 billion growth opportunity. Discover how carriers can unlock this opportunity.

Financial Professional Perspectives: The Vital Role of Wholesalers in Their Success

Jun 10, 2024

Wholesalers are a critical link in the distribution channel. In this study, financial professionals shared their perspective on the vital role wholesalers play in their success.

The Art and Science of Wholesaling

Apr 15, 2024

To explore the current landscape and future of wholesaling, LIMRA surveyed wholesalers to learn about their activities, opinions, interactions with financial professionals, and perspectives on the future.

Distribution Benchmark Studies

Career FP (Agent) Recruiting

These studies track the number of financial professionals (agents) recruited and hired by U.S. and Canadian companies in the agency-building/affiliated distribution channel. LIMRA's latest data shows a slight recruiting dip in 2025 after two years of post-pandemic growth across U.S. and Canadian affiliated distribution channels.

Multiple-Line Exclusive Agency (MLEA) Recruiting Trends

This study tracks MLEA recruiting trends on a semi-annual basis including inexperienced versus experienced and male versus female metrics. 2025 report now available.

Registered Investment Advisor Quarterly Sentiment Study

This study looks at the key themes relevant to registered investment advisors in the prior quarter.

MLEA Compensation, Production, and Retention

Up or down? View the annual trends on retention, production performance, and earnings of multiple-line exclusive (MLEA) agents.

Bank Life Insurance Sales

LIMRA's bank life insurance sales quarterly benchmark.

GDC-Based Compensation Practices

Take a look at how companies are incorporating GDC-based compensation into their financial professionals' compensation plans — for both insurance and investment products.

U.S. Wholesaler Company Practices and Compensation

LIMRA’s annual Wholesaler Company Practices and Compensation Study provides an opportunity for companies to understand how wholesaling organizations that support both insurance and investment products are compensated.

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Related On-Demand Webinars

Financial Wellness in Focus: What the 2026 LIMRA Financial Wellness Index Tells Us Now

What’s really happening with financial wellness—and what’s changed since the last Index release? Join LIMRA researchers Deb Dupont and Megan Nadzan for a 30 minute, data driven conversation unpacking key findings from the 2026 LIMRA Financial Wellness Index®, its third biannual release.

Engaging the Next Generation — Global Strategies for Attracting Under 40 Consumers

Life insurers are evolving to meet younger consumers’ demand for flexibility and long term value, see how leading companies are reshaping products and distribution to stay relevant.

Benefits That Win in Canada: Smarter Design for a Changing Workforce

On-Demand Webinar — Today’s Canadian employees expect more—and employers need benefit plans that deliver. From cost management to personalization, discover what truly moves the needle in creating a benefits program that stands out.

Empowering a Protected Tomorrow with Life Insurance: Insights from the 2025 Insurance Barometer Study

Join us for an engaging and informative session as we explore the shifting landscape of life insurance in 2025.

Litigation in Retirement Plans — What the Cornell Decision Means for You

Join us for a discussion with Alison Salka, principal consultant, LIMRA and LOMA, and Alison Douglass, partner at Goodwin Law, on the growing legal risks facing retirement plans and how your organization can prepare.

Workplace Benefits Distribution: The Future is Now

Join us for an exclusive webinar on the latest opportunities and expectations in workplace benefits distribution.

Unlocking the Young Consumer Market: How to Engage and Convert the Next Generation of Life Insurance Buyers

This webinar explores insights from LIMRA’s latest research on young consumers' attitudes, motivations, and barriers to purchasing life insurance.

Building Financial Wellness: Tailored Approaches for Diverse Populations

This exclusive webinar is designed for financial service professionals dedicated to providing financial wellness resources to diverse populations. We'll highlight unique financial challenges faced by various groups, such as higher stress levels due to caregiving responsibilities and inadequate insurance coverage.

Embedding Customer-Obsession to Drive Long-Term Growth

Discover how Prudential Financial has transformed the way it manages and invests in both B2B and B2C customer experiences.

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Compensation Resource Center

Explore LIMRA’s United States and Canadian sales compensation research, events, and news.

RightChoice System

An all-new assessment system that is tailored-made to fit your individual recruiting needs.

Fraud Prevention and Compliance Solutions

Access knowledge, advice, training, and solutions for regulatory compliance.

Sales Effectiveness

Fuel your sales with LIMRA's deep industry knowledge.

Leadership Development

Increase sales management effectiveness

Essential Knowledge

Just getting started in a new role? We can help you accelerate your success!

Executive Impact

Developed in partnership with Wharton Executive Education and our member companies, the Strategic Leadership Experience focuses on top-of-mind issues facing our industry

Related MarketFacts Articles

6 Forces Reshaping Financial Services Distribution

Consolidation, intermediary evolution and technology are accelerating transformation across financial services distribution. Dive deeper into what’s driving change.

Intermediary Distribution: Steering Through Currents

From shifting demographics to AI-driven efficiency, distribution is evolving quickly. Discover the forces impacting growth and position your team for what’s ahead.

Today’s Company-Owned Broker-Dealer Market Shifts

Company-owned broker-dealers are shifting from sales-driven products to asset-based revenue models. Explore what is driving the change and what it means for firms.

Volatile P&C Market Sparks Interest In Life Products

Volatile P&C markets are pushing insurers toward life products. Explore why stability, loyalty and crossline sales are back in focus and what it means for carriers.

Strategic Consolidation Reshaping Distribution

As distribution models evolve, consolidation is emerging as a decisive factor for success. Learn what’s driving this change and why it matters across the industry.

Longevity as a Distribution Issue: Lessons From Japan

Japan offers a glimpse into the future of longevity and its impact on retirement planning. Find out how advisors can help clients make smarter, long-term decisions.

MLEA Distribution Recruiting Dips, but Is the Sky Falling?

What’s really behind the drop in agent recruiting? Dig into the data shaping the future of the field force — and what it could mean for your company’s strategy.

Be in Pole Position: Align Marketing and Distribution

Aligning marketing and distribution can drive growth, protect more families, and close the coverage gap. See how perfect alignment leads to success.


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