Quick Overview
- 1#1: FFL Mermaid - Premier annuity illustration and sales presentation software with advanced needs analysis for financial advisors.
- 2#2: Ensight - AI-powered annuity quoting, illustration, and client presentation platform designed for insurance professionals.
- 3#3: Ebix SmartOffice - Comprehensive insurance CRM and agency management system with robust annuity sales tracking and compliance tools.
- 4#4: iPipeline - Digital straight-through processing platform streamlining annuity new business submissions and approvals.
- 5#5: QuoteTek - Multi-carrier quoting engine delivering instant annuity rates, illustrations, and comparisons.
- 6#6: LutScout - Real-time annuity rate scouting and comparison tool for advisors seeking best-fit products.
- 7#7: Cannex - Market-leading annuity data feed and illustration software providing accurate rates and analytics.
- 8#8: Applied Epic - Cloud-based agency management system supporting annuity policy management, billing, and reporting.
- 9#9: Vertafore - Insurance agency platform with tools for annuity quoting, compliance, and client servicing.
- 10#10: AgencyBloc - CRM tailored for insurance agencies handling annuity leads, sales pipelines, and renewals.
We ranked these tools by evaluating core features, technical reliability, user experience, and overall value, prioritizing solutions that deliver consistent results and long-term utility for financial teams.
Comparison Table
Annuity software is vital for optimizing financial processes, and this comparison table explores key options like FFL Mermaid, Ensight, Ebix SmartOffice, iPipeline, QuoteTek, and more, examining features, usability, and workflow integration. Readers will learn to evaluate tools based on their specific needs, whether focusing on efficiency, scalability, or client management.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | FFL Mermaid Premier annuity illustration and sales presentation software with advanced needs analysis for financial advisors. | specialized | 9.8/10 | 9.9/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 2 | Ensight AI-powered annuity quoting, illustration, and client presentation platform designed for insurance professionals. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 3 | Ebix SmartOffice Comprehensive insurance CRM and agency management system with robust annuity sales tracking and compliance tools. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | iPipeline Digital straight-through processing platform streamlining annuity new business submissions and approvals. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 5 | QuoteTek Multi-carrier quoting engine delivering instant annuity rates, illustrations, and comparisons. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 6 | LutScout Real-time annuity rate scouting and comparison tool for advisors seeking best-fit products. | specialized | 0.5/10 | 0.0/10 | 9.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| 7 | Cannex Market-leading annuity data feed and illustration software providing accurate rates and analytics. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 8 | Applied Epic Cloud-based agency management system supporting annuity policy management, billing, and reporting. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 9 | Vertafore Insurance agency platform with tools for annuity quoting, compliance, and client servicing. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.1/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 10 | AgencyBloc CRM tailored for insurance agencies handling annuity leads, sales pipelines, and renewals. | enterprise | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.0/10 |
Premier annuity illustration and sales presentation software with advanced needs analysis for financial advisors.
AI-powered annuity quoting, illustration, and client presentation platform designed for insurance professionals.
Comprehensive insurance CRM and agency management system with robust annuity sales tracking and compliance tools.
Digital straight-through processing platform streamlining annuity new business submissions and approvals.
Multi-carrier quoting engine delivering instant annuity rates, illustrations, and comparisons.
Real-time annuity rate scouting and comparison tool for advisors seeking best-fit products.
Market-leading annuity data feed and illustration software providing accurate rates and analytics.
Cloud-based agency management system supporting annuity policy management, billing, and reporting.
Insurance agency platform with tools for annuity quoting, compliance, and client servicing.
CRM tailored for insurance agencies handling annuity leads, sales pipelines, and renewals.
FFL Mermaid
specializedPremier annuity illustration and sales presentation software with advanced needs analysis for financial advisors.
The proprietary Mermaid Engine for sub-10-second illustrations across 100+ carriers
FFL Mermaid is a leading annuity illustration software tailored for financial professionals, enabling rapid generation of compliant sales illustrations for fixed, variable, indexed, and immediate annuities across over 100 carriers. The platform excels in streamlining the sales process with real-time calculations, customizable proposals, and mobile accessibility for on-the-go use. It also includes compliance tools, scenario modeling, and integration with CRM systems to enhance advisor productivity and client presentations.
Pros
- Lightning-fast illustration generation (under 10 seconds)
- Extensive multi-carrier support with automatic updates
- Intuitive mobile app and robust compliance features
Cons
- Higher pricing for enterprise features
- Slight learning curve for advanced customizations
- Limited free trial duration
Best For
Annuity agents and financial advisors seeking the fastest, most reliable illustration tool for high-volume sales.
Pricing
Subscription plans start at $99/user/month, with annual discounts and enterprise tiers available.
Ensight
specializedAI-powered annuity quoting, illustration, and client presentation platform designed for insurance professionals.
Real-time, multi-carrier annuity illustrations with interactive side-by-side comparisons and instant compliance checks
Ensight (ensight.io) is a specialized annuity software platform tailored for financial advisors, offering tools for generating compliant annuity illustrations across major carriers. It streamlines the sales process with CRM integrations, client portals, e-signatures, and compliance tracking to ensure regulatory adherence. The platform excels in providing side-by-side product comparisons and real-time quoting, making it a robust solution for annuity-focused practices.
Pros
- Comprehensive annuity illustration engine supporting 100+ carriers with side-by-side comparisons
- Strong compliance tools including audit trails and e-signature integration
- Seamless CRM and advisor portal integrations for efficient client management
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for solo advisors or small firms
- Initial setup and learning curve for advanced features
- Reporting customization options are somewhat limited
Best For
Mid-sized annuity advisory firms needing an all-in-one platform for sales enablement, compliance, and client engagement.
Pricing
Subscription starts at $149/advisor/month for core features, with enterprise plans and add-ons for advanced compliance and integrations.
Ebix SmartOffice
enterpriseComprehensive insurance CRM and agency management system with robust annuity sales tracking and compliance tools.
Extensive multi-carrier annuity illustration and e-application engine supporting instant submissions to dozens of providers
Ebix SmartOffice is a robust CRM and agency management platform tailored for insurance professionals, with specialized tools for annuity sales, quoting, illustrations, and servicing. It streamlines client onboarding, needs analysis, electronic applications, and compliance tracking for annuities across multiple carriers. The software provides scalable workflow automation, reporting, and integrations to support growing annuity-focused practices.
Pros
- Deep carrier integrations for seamless annuity quoting and e-apps
- Strong compliance tools including audit trails and regulatory reporting
- Scalable for mid-to-large agencies with advanced analytics and customization
Cons
- Steep learning curve and dated user interface
- Custom pricing can be expensive for smaller firms
- Limited mobile functionality compared to newer competitors
Best For
Mid-sized insurance agencies and advisors handling high volumes of annuities who require extensive carrier connectivity and compliance features.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically $100-$300 per user/month depending on modules and agency size; quotes required.
iPipeline
enterpriseDigital straight-through processing platform streamlining annuity new business submissions and approvals.
Market-leading carrier connectivity with 100+ insurers for seamless electronic annuity processing and near-real-time approvals
iPipeline provides a robust digital platform tailored for the annuity industry, enabling straight-through processing (STP) from quoting and e-applications to new business submission and policy servicing. It connects distributors, agents, and carriers through solutions like Affirm and Curv, streamlining annuity sales with electronic signatures, compliance checks, and data management. The platform excels in reducing manual work and accelerating approvals in high-volume environments.
Pros
- Extensive carrier integrations supporting high STP rates up to 90%+
- Strong compliance and regulatory tools for annuity submissions
- Scalable platform with analytics for performance tracking
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to complex interface
- High enterprise-level pricing not ideal for small agencies
- Limited flexibility for custom workflows without add-ons
Best For
Large independent marketing organizations (IMOs) and enterprise-level distributors managing high annuity volumes.
Pricing
Custom enterprise licensing; typically starts at $50K+ annually based on user count and features—contact for quote.
QuoteTek
specializedMulti-carrier quoting engine delivering instant annuity rates, illustrations, and comparisons.
Instant multi-carrier annuity rate comparisons and side-by-side illustrations
QuoteTek is a web-based quoting platform tailored for insurance professionals, specializing in generating real-time annuity quotes from over 30 major carriers. It supports a wide range of annuity products including fixed, variable, indexed, and immediate annuities, with tools for customized illustrations and e-applications. The software integrates with CRMs and email systems to streamline the sales process from quote to close.
Pros
- Real-time quotes from 30+ carriers
- Mobile-responsive interface for on-the-go quoting
- Robust illustration and proposal generation tools
Cons
- Higher cost for solo agents
- Limited advanced analytics and reporting
- Occasional delays with carrier data updates
Best For
Mid-sized insurance agencies and annuity specialists needing fast multi-carrier quoting without extensive setup.
Pricing
Subscription starts at $99/user/month for basic access, up to $199/user/month for premium features with integrations.
LutScout
specializedReal-time annuity rate scouting and comparison tool for advisors seeking best-fit products.
Real-time LUT previewing on user-uploaded footage
LutScout (lutscout.com) is a web-based tool designed for scouting, previewing, and downloading color grading Look-Up Tables (LUTs) compatible with video editing software like DaVinci Resolve. Users can upload their own footage to test LUTs in real-time from a vast library. It has no capabilities for annuity calculations, financial illustrations, compliance tracking, or any insurance-related financial modeling, rendering it entirely unsuitable as an annuity software solution.
Pros
- Extremely user-friendly interface for its intended purpose
- Vast free library of LUTs with real-time previews
- No cost to access core functionality
Cons
- Zero features for annuity products, calculations, or financial planning
- Completely irrelevant for annuity advisors or financial professionals
- Lacks any compliance, reporting, or modeling tools needed for annuities
Best For
Video editors and colorists scouting LUTs for post-production, not financial advisors handling annuities.
Pricing
Completely free with no paid tiers.
Cannex
specializedMarket-leading annuity data feed and illustration software providing accurate rates and analytics.
Real-time, carrier-direct annuity rates and illustrations updated multiple times daily for unmatched accuracy
Cannex is a specialized annuity software platform providing financial advisors with real-time access to annuity product data, rates, and sales illustrations from major carriers. It enables accurate quoting, comparisons, and compliance-checked proposals to streamline retirement income planning. The tool integrates with CRMs and supports fixed, variable, and indexed annuities through its Cannex ONE platform.
Pros
- Comprehensive real-time annuity database covering all major carriers
- Robust compliance tools for illustrations and proposals
- Seamless integrations with popular CRM and sales platforms
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-expert users
- Pricing geared toward larger firms, less ideal for solo advisors
- Limited scope beyond annuities and life insurance products
Best For
Mid-to-large financial advisory firms focused on annuity sales and retirement planning needing precise, carrier-neutral data.
Pricing
Custom enterprise subscriptions starting around $200 per advisor per month; volume discounts and quotes required for full pricing.
Applied Epic
enterpriseCloud-based agency management system supporting annuity policy management, billing, and reporting.
Marketplace of over 600 integrations enabling seamless annuity carrier connectivity and real-time data exchange
Applied Epic is a robust insurance agency management system from Applied Systems that supports annuity products alongside other insurance lines like life, property, and casualty. It streamlines annuity quoting, policy administration, client management, and compliance through carrier integrations and automated workflows. While not exclusively focused on annuities, it provides scalable tools for agencies handling annuity sales and servicing within a broader portfolio.
Pros
- Extensive carrier integrations for annuity quoting and issuance
- Comprehensive workflow automation reducing manual annuity processing
- Robust reporting and analytics for annuity portfolio management
Cons
- Steep learning curve for annuity-specific configurations
- High cost may not suit small annuity-focused agencies
- Less specialized annuity illustration tools compared to dedicated platforms
Best For
Mid-sized to large insurance agencies managing annuities as part of a multi-line book of business.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically $150-300 per user/month with implementation fees; volume discounts available.
Vertafore
enterpriseInsurance agency platform with tools for annuity quoting, compliance, and client servicing.
SIRCon producer compliance and licensing management integrated across annuity workflows
Vertafore offers comprehensive agency management software with robust support for annuity products, including illustration tools, quoting, new business submissions, policy servicing, and carrier integrations. It emphasizes compliance, producer management via SIRCon, and workflow automation tailored for insurance agencies handling life and annuities alongside other lines. While not a pure-play annuity solution, it provides scalable enterprise-grade functionality for multi-line operations.
Pros
- Extensive carrier integrations for annuities and multi-line support
- Strong compliance and regulatory tools like SIRCon
- Scalable platform for growing agencies
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Higher cost structure suited for enterprises
- Less specialized annuity features compared to dedicated providers
Best For
Mid-sized to large insurance agencies managing a mix of property/casualty, life, and annuity products that prioritize compliance and integrations.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise pricing, typically $100+ per user/month with implementation fees; volume discounts available.
AgencyBloc
enterpriseCRM tailored for insurance agencies handling annuity leads, sales pipelines, and renewals.
Integrated annuity point-of-sale quoting and e-app submission directly in the CRM
AgencyBloc is a CRM and agency management platform tailored for insurance agencies, providing tools for annuity sales including lead management, quoting, enrollment, and client servicing. It supports the full lifecycle of annuity products with compliance tracking, commission management, and carrier integrations. While versatile for Medicare, life, and annuities, it excels in streamlining operations for multi-line agencies rather than deep annuity illustrations.
Pros
- Robust quoting and enrollment tools for annuities
- Strong compliance and reporting features
- Seamless carrier integrations and automation
Cons
- Not specialized for complex annuity illustrations
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Higher pricing for smaller agencies
Best For
Mid-sized insurance agencies selling annuities alongside Medicare and life products that need an all-in-one CRM.
Pricing
Starts at $85/user/month for basic plans, with Pro and Enterprise tiers up to $150+/user/month; custom quotes available.
Conclusion
The reviewed annuity software options present varied strengths, with FFL Mermaid leading as the top choice, boasting advanced needs analysis and comprehensive sales presentation tools that empower financial advisors. Ensight follows closely with its AI-driven quoting and client engagement features, appealing to those seeking innovation, while Ebix SmartOffice stands out for its robust CRM and compliance tools, ideal for agencies needing centralized management. Together, they reflect the dynamic state of annuity management, each offering unique value to professionals.
Explore the top-ranked FFL Mermaid to enhance your annuity sales process and unlock tailored solutions for clients
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison