Environmental, Social & Governance Report
Our commitment to clients
As a mutual company, everything we do is designed to help our policyowners and clients become more financially secure. Every dollar of profit we generate is for the benefit of our five million policyowners and clients.
Download full reportLiving up to our promise to do what's right
We take a long-term view to drive the results policyowners and clients expect—while operating responsibly to help communities thrive. This commitment builds on four pillars: mutuality, unsurpassed financial strength, superior product value, and exclusive distribution.
Mutuality
"Mutuality" starts as a corporate structure in which our policyowners are members of the company—but for us, it's so much more. It's about doing the right thing for our policyowners, today and into the future. It shapes the way we do business every day, from designing products to making investments. One of the key ways we demonstrate mutuality is through dividends-sharing our success with policyowners. In 2022, policyowners received an estimated $6.8 billion in dividends, a record payout for Northwestern Mutual and nearly triple that of the closest competitor.
Learn moreUnsurpassed financial strength
Northwestern Mutual continues to earn the highest financial strength ratings awarded to any U.S. life insurer by all four major rating agencies. And we're one of only six companies in the country to be recognized with Moody's top rating. That strength and our mutual structure mean we never have to sell low to shore up a quarterly balance sheet. We can make decisions that are always in the best long-term interests of our policyowners and clients.
Learn moreExclusive distribution
Only Northwestern Mutual financial professionals can sell Northwestern Mutual products. AM Best, a rating agency specializing in the insurance industry, describes this exclusive distribution system as "a competitive advantage" and notes that our recruitment program supports a steady flow of new talent. Our 6,700+ advisors and representatives are true partners who understand the client's big picture, design a financial plan tailored to each client's life and needs, and provide guidance at every step with a commitment that spans generations.
Superior product value
To maximize long-term product value, we emphasize careful underwriting, smart investing, and expense control. The result is client loyalty: in 2021, 97% of our clients stayed with us year over year—our best persistency rate on record.
Get the full sustainability reportOur version of financial planning
We believe all clients deserve financial planning that helps them live their best lives. Our advisors will create a plan based on client priorities, tailoring it from a wide range of financial options designed to give our clients the flexibility and confidence to achieve their goals now, and years from now.
Trusted advisors, trusted advice
Our 6,500+ financial advisors and representatives are true partners who are with their clients in the key moments of clients' lives. Our advisors are dedicated to helping people make the right financial choices, adjusting their plan as their lives change, and keeping them on track by being the approachable partner all clients deserve.
Working with an advisorThe Northwestern Mutual difference
No. 1 direct provider of individual life insurance in the U.S.
Largest direct provider of individual life insurance in the U.S.1
No. 1 ranked insurance company for consumer experience
Best life insurance company for consumer experience, 20222
A++ financial strength rating
AAA, Aaa, and AA+—we've earned the highest financial strength ratings awarded to life insurers from all four major rating agencies.3
Top 5 ranked investment service
We're one of the top U.S. Independent Investment Broker-Dealers.4