M Financial Group Market Research Report

Background

Overview

M Financial Group is a leading financial services design and distribution company headquartered in Portland, Oregon. Established in 1978, the company specializes in providing life insurance and other financial services tailored for high-net-worth individuals, corporate executives, successful entrepreneurs, and Fortune 1000 companies. Through a network of independent Member Firms, M Financial Group offers exclusive products and services that address the complex needs of its clientele.

Mission and Vision

M Financial Group's mission is to help its Member Firms succeed, thrive, and realize their full potential. The vision is to be the premier organization serving elite providers of financial solutions for high-net-worth individuals and successful businesses.

Primary Area of Focus

The company's primary focus is on delivering customized insurance, benefits, and investment solutions designed for the complex needs of ultra-affluent individuals and corporate clients. This includes wealth transfer, executive benefits, and wealth management services.

Industry Significance

M Financial Group is recognized as a leader in the financial services industry, particularly in the areas of life insurance and executive benefits. Its innovative approach and exclusive product offerings have set industry standards, making it a significant player in serving the affluent and corporate markets.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• Client Advocacy: Prioritizing the interests of clients by offering tailored solutions that meet their unique financial needs.

• Innovation: Developing and providing exclusive products and services that set industry standards.

• Collaboration: Fostering a collaborative culture among Member Firms to leverage collective expertise and resources.

Specific Areas of Specialization

• Wealth Transfer: Strategies to efficiently transfer wealth across generations.

• Executive Benefits: Customized benefit plans for corporate executives.

• Wealth Management: Comprehensive investment management services rooted in academic research.

Key Technologies Utilized

• Digital Platforms: Transforming the life insurance experience through user-friendly digital tools.

• Data Analytics: Utilizing data-driven approaches to inform product development and client solutions.

Primary Markets Targeted

• High-Net-Worth Individuals: Providing personalized financial solutions.

• Corporate Executives: Offering executive benefit plans.

• Fortune 1000 Companies: Delivering comprehensive financial services tailored to large enterprises.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

M Financial Group is a privately held company and has not publicly disclosed detailed funding information. The company operates through a network of independent Member Firms, each contributing to the collective strength and resources of the organization.

Recent Financial Performance

In 2024, M Financial Group reported:

• Life Insurance In Force: $202 billion

• Cash Value of In-Force Policies: $46 billion

• Reinsurance Face Amount Assumed: $80 billion

• Sales Measured by First-Year Premiums: $2.3 billion

• Total Death Benefits Paid: Over $200 million

• Wealth Solutions Total Assets Under Administration (AUA): $5.4 billion

• M Retirement Services Assets Under Management (AUM): $11.5 billion

• Member Firm Compensation Plan Payouts Since Inception: $1.0 billion

• Dividends Paid to M Stockholders Since Inception: $367 million

• Distributions Paid to Stockholders & MFCP Participants Since Inception: $1.4 billion

Pipeline Development

M Financial Group focuses on developing exclusive products and services through strategic partnerships with leading insurance carriers. Notable developments include:

• MAGNASTAR®: A proprietary multi-carrier Private Placement Life Insurance (PPLI) solution that has been a key performance driver, contributing to a 20% increase in total revenue over 2023.

• M Funds: A cornerstone of M Financial’s exclusive products, available through more than 50 select variable life insurance products, annuity products, and qualified plans.

• M Vision: A brand that includes the M Vision Pacific Life SVUL product and an end-to-end digital platform, offering clients exclusive products and services designed and administered by M.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

• M Funds: Exclusive investment options providing access to institutional managers not typically available in other life insurance products.

• M Vision: A digital platform offering end-to-end solutions for clients, enhancing the user experience in selecting and executing life insurance plans.

Significant Scientific Methods

• Data Analytics: Utilizing data-driven approaches to inform product development and client solutions.

• Digital Platforms: Transforming the life insurance experience through user-friendly digital tools.

Leadership Team

M Financial Group is led by a team of experienced professionals committed to the company's mission and vision. Key executives include:

• Russell Bundschuh: President & CEO

• Jason Christian: SVP & Chief Legal Officer

• Jenn Congdon: SVP & Chief People Officer

• Jeff Currie: SVP, Corporate Solutions

• Andy Graves: SVP & Chief Revenue Officer

• Andrew Kanelos: SVP, Reinsurance

• TV Kumaresh: SVP & Chief Strategy Officer

• Steve Sanders: EVP & Chief Operating Officer

• Michael Schoonmaker: SVP, Wealth Solutions

• Brooke Zrno Grisham: SVP, Member Firm Services

These leaders bring diverse expertise and experience to M Financial Group, driving the company's strategic initiatives and growth.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The financial services industry, particularly in the areas of life insurance and executive benefits, is characterized by a competitive landscape with numerous players offering a range of products and services. M Financial Group distinguishes itself through its exclusive product offerings, strategic partnerships, and a strong network of independent Member Firms.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors in the market include:

• Bank of America Private Bank: Offers comprehensive wealth management services to high-net-worth individuals.

• Securities Service Network: Provides a range of financial services, including investment management and insurance solutions.

• Ministry Partners Investment Company: Focuses on providing financial services tailored to the needs of religious organizations.

These competitors offer similar services but differ in their approach, target markets, and product offerings.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

M Financial Group has established strategic partnerships with leading insurance carriers, including:

• Pacific Life: Offers five M exclusive products through the MVP series and MAGNASTAR®.

• Unum: Provides an M exclusive disability product through MonograM.

• Prudential: Offers one M proprietary product, MAGNASTAR®.

• John Hancock: Provides four M proprietary products through the Majestic series.

• Nationwide: Offers four M proprietary life products through the Marathon series.

• TIAA-CREF Life Insurance Company: Partnered with M Financial Group to offer exclusive products.

These collaborations enhance M Financial Group's ability to deliver innovative and exclusive solutions to its clients.

Operational Insights

M Financial Group's operational strategy focuses on leveraging the collective expertise and resources of its Member Firms to deliver superior solutions to clients. The company's collaborative culture and client-centric approach provide a competitive advantage in the financial services industry.