July 21, 2008
I strongly disagree with the SEC changing the licensing for indexed annuity sales. This would lower the number of lincensed agents dramatically which would not allow proper service to the clients. Indexed annuities have been successful because the nature of the product meets the needs of the saving public. They offer consumers important protections such as, the guarantee of premiums paid and guarantee of interest credited. The sales practices and suitability safeguards needed for index annuities are the same safeguards needed for all life and annuity products. The proper supervision needed for traditional fixed annuities, indexed annuities, and life insurance can be, and is being, performed according to state insurance department rules.