IRI VISION: COLLABORATION IS THE NEW INNOVATION

Reliable data sharing is what makes integrations work, and consistency across the industry is what allows them to be reused and scaled.

But when firms build their own custom integrations, like application programming interfaces (APIs), it can lead to fragmentation, which comes at a cost. Complexity multiplies, and firms end up managing one-off connections for each partner, leading to hidden expenses, higher maintenance, and greater risk.

Instead of accelerating innovation, custom integrations often slow it down, restricting the flow of data.

The IRI Digital First for Annuities initiative is tackling this challenge head on by uniting the industry around shared API standards; simple, reusable building blocks that reduce complexity and make it easier for systems to work together.

With standards, firms can “build once” and connect with everyone who has adopted that same framework. The industry is already moving this way. Standards are becoming the new baseline for how integration gets done.

Scaling with Standards
Early adopters benefit first: they simplify support, avoid redundant custom builds, and join a growing connected ecosystem. The value isn’t in creating another custom integration, it’s in joining a larger network.

Each time someone adopts a standard, it gets stronger for everyone else. That’s the network effect: each new adopter strengthens the system, turning today’s connections into tomorrow’s edge; helping you move faster and create better client experiences.

Industry Experience
The IRI Digital First for Annuities Initiative is already delivering solutions for the industry’s most time-consuming workflows. These shared APIs are gaining traction, saving time, improving accuracy, and helping providers scale without rework.

Don’t take our word for it. Listen to the voices of those who are participating in our initiative and implementing the standards.

“By exposing life insurance and annuity policy data through future facing technologies like well-designed APIs, we’re not just sharing information—we’re empowering financial advisors to deliver holistic planning that transforms client outcomes. The firms that make this transition from data gatekeepers to platform enablers will define the next generation of financial services, creating stickier advisor relationships and unlocking new revenue streams through the ecosystem we’re building together.” — Scott Bair, Vice President, Product Insurance, Luma Financial Technologies.

“Digitizing our industry is about innovation but also collaboration. To truly unlock efficiencies and deliver better experiences, it is important to align as an industry and invest in real-time integrations. By committing to leverage common standards and agreeing to utilizing modern technologies, we can create an ecosystem that works for our carriers, partners, advisors, and customers.”  — Melissa Gardner, Head of Fidelity Insurance Agency Experience.

“This is an historic move that directly benefits clients. In the grand picture, it also helps our distribution partners, advisers, and agents that seek to reduce paperwork and move annuity sales and renewals to a digital platform. It is critical for the financial services industry to keep current on digital technology trends in an effort to hasten the pace of financial transactions.” — Casey Decker, Chief Operating Officer at Sammons Financial Group.

An Invitation to Shape the Future
Key processes like training confirmation, inforce management, and annuity income planning are overdue for simplification. That’s exactly where IRI is focused.

Collaboration is the real innovation. The future of integration is shared, streamlined, and standardized. The next wave of value will come from those who make it easiest to connect and deliver the best experience. This is your opportunity to help shape a more connected, client-centered future.

Contact: Dan Zielinski