Massachusetts Proposes Amendments to Its Annuity Suitability Regulation

Massachusetts has proposed amendments to its Consumer Protection in Annuity Transactions Regulation with the intent of improving consumers’ understanding of annuity products for which recommendations have been made. The newly revised Massachusetts regulation conforms it to the 2010 revisions made by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) to the Suitability in Annuity Transactions Model Regulation. The 2010 revision of this model regulation addressed several issues, including producer training and insurer responsibility for ensuring the suitability of annuity purchases, regardless of whether the insurer …

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Midland Life Insurance Company Pays $1.3 Million to California Department of Insurance for Improper Annuity Sales

The recent $1.3 million dollar settlement between Midland National Life Insurance Company (“Midland”) and the California Insurance Department – based upon Midland’s inappropriate sales practices in marketing annuities to seniors – is a strong indication that life insurance companies may need to re-examine the various regulations that were issued over the last several years related to annuity suitability. The Midland settlement came after a market conduct examination revealed that the company’s agents had engaged in improper sales and replacement transactions, particularly with senior citizens. In …

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