We are a wholly owned subsidiary of MassMutual, one of the largest life insurance companies in the U.S., founded in 1851. While many insurance companies have seen their ratings fluctuate, we're committed to maintaining strong financial strength that you and clients can count on.

AM Best: A++ (Superior)
Standard & Poor's: AA (Very Strong)

We are proud to have received an "A" or higher rating by AM Best for more than 40 consecutive years, so you can have financial confidence knowing we'll be here when you need us.

AM Best rating of “A++” (Superior) affirmed on October 23, 2025. AM Best rating of “A++” is the highest of 16 ratings. S&P rating of “AA” (Very Strong) upgraded on February 20, 2025. S&P rating of “AA” is the third highest of 21 ratings.

Our Team of Experts

Belle Bielawska

Key Account Manager

During her 15 years in the financial services industry, Belle has served a variety of roles, including Business Development and Advisory Integration where she focused on the sales growth of fee-based annuities by helping advisors integrate these solutions into their advisory programs and financial planning tools. At MassMutual Ascend, Belle is tasked with growing and maintaining the company’s relationship with RIA partners, setting up and maintaining data feeds, and expanding the company’s footprint with software and technology companies. Belle is a Certified Fund Specialist (CFS), holds FINRA Series 7, 6 and 63 licenses and a Tennessee State Life Insurance license.

Nick Reilly

Regional Vice President - Central

With eleven years of experience in the financial services industry, Nick has shown great success in fee-based annuity sales. His knowledge of the products makes him an excellent resource for advisors looking for new ways to diversify their clients’ portfolios. Prior to joining MassMutual Ascend, Nick worked at both Jackson National and Lincoln as an external wholesaler in the Pacific Northwest. He holds Series 6, 7, 26, 63 and life and health licenses. Nick is a Colorado native and is proud alumni of Colorado State University. He lives in Highlands Ranch with his chocolate lab Tucker. In his off time, he enjoys sports, hiking, camping and spending time with family.

Dan Kozlowski

Regional Vice President - West

Dan has worked in the financial services industry since 2012. Prior to joining MassMutual Ascend, Dan served as a Regional Vice President with Alpha Solutions Management, a boutique IMO out of Okemos, Michigan. Before Alpha, Dan served as both an internal and external wholesaler at Jackson National, covering FA/FIA/VA products. Over the course of his wholesaling career, Dan has covered both RRs and IARs across the state of California focusing on Northern California, Los Angeles and Orange County. With a thorough understanding of the annuity landscape, Dan can help advisors identify ways to successfully integrate these products into their clients’ portfolios. Dan earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Colorado State University located in Fort Collins, Colorado. He is an avid sports enthusiast and relocated back to Denver, where he was born and raised, from Newport Beach in December of 2019. Dan holds his Series 6, 63 and life and health licenses.

Amy Duffy

Key Account Manager

Amy has been managing MassMutual Ascend’s broker/dealer and registered representative relationships since 2005. As the company expanded into the RIA market, she was instrumental in creating MassMutual Ascend’s fee-based annuity solution. She manages the contracting and appointment process, collaborates with the field on product education and positioning and works to simplify reporting, billing and other technology needs. Amy holds a ChFC designation and Series 6, 63 and life and health licenses.

Ready to offer fee-based annuities?

Please complete the contracting paperwork.

Are you an RIA looking to add these products to your platform? Contact us today to get set up!