I sell insurance and investment products for a living and am concerned about the suitability standard and principal review requirements pertaining to the sale of variable annuities contained in NASD proposed Rule 2821. I think it is important to help protect consumers from the bad practices of some professionals in our industry. It seems that these changes create a detriment to those who need the products and services we offer. The additional requirements imposed by the rule hurts my clients by discouraging the activity I am trying to instill in them, to save more and be better prepared for the future. It seems odd that this rule would be put in place in regards to the sale of a product for which the SEC already provides guidance and oversight, adding an extra layer of unneeded supervision discouraging their sale. If the purpose of this is to discourage the sale of these variable product sales to my clients who need them, you are doing a great disservice to my clients. I urge the SEC to disapprove NASD proposed Rule 2821. Thank you for your consideration of my views on this matter.

NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL FINANCIAL NETWORK
Adam R. Stevens
Financial Representative
1201 Troy Schenectady Road Suite #120
Latham, NY 12110
Telephone (518)785-4141
Fax(518)785-1353
adam.stevens@nmfn.com
Northwestern Mutual Financial Network is the marketing name for the sales and distribution arm of The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Milwaukee, WI (NM) and its subsidiaries and affiliates. Financial Representative is an agent of NM (life insurance, annuities, and disability income insurance) and Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company, Milwaukee, WI (long term care insurance), a subsidiary of NM. Securities are offered through Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC, 1201 Troy Schenectady Road Latham, NY 12110 (518)785-4141, which is wholly owned by NM and a member of the NASD and SIPC. There may be instances where agents of NM represent companies other than NM or its affiliates.

Your transmission of electronic mail to this address represents your consent to two-way communication by Internet e-mail. If you received this in error, please contact the sender and delete the material from any computer on which it exists.

Northwestern Mutual, its subsidiaries and affiliates may review and retain incoming and outgoing electronic mail for this e-mail address for quality assurance and regulatory compliance purposes. Communications that are received via the Secure Message Center are secure. Communications that are not received via the Secure Message Center website may not be secure or encrypted, and could be observed by a third party. If you prefer not to receive any e-mail communication from Northwestern Mutual or our Financial Representatives, please click the following link: E-Mail Opt-out from Northwestern Mutual In the event that you cannot click on the above link, the Northwestern Mutual E-Mail Opt-out form can be found at the following URL: https://service.nmfn.com/cbpeopt/EmailOptOut.do Northwestern Mutual 720 East Wisconsin Avenue Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202-4797