Program Overview
In adopting its proposed Rule 151A, the SEC has brought fixed index annuities under its regulatory control. Should this rule survive the lawsuit seeking to block its enforcement and if proposed Federal legislation declaring it void is not passed, Rule 151A will be law. The implications for agents and the industry are profound, including new licensing requirements for agents, greater liability for insurers, a higher level of scrutiny by the SEC, additional costs of doing business, and, probably, less consumer choice.

On the other hand, many observers declare that "something had to be done" about widespread abusive sales of these contracts and that, if this is what it takes to stop the abuses, we're all better off.

In this program, Ben Baldwin, Jr., CLU, ChFC, CFP®, AEP and John L. Olsen, CLU, ChFC, AEP will discuss the pros and cons of Rule 151A, the current challenges to it, and what its survival, as law, could mean for agents, companies, and the financial services industry.

Attendees will Learn About:

• What is Rule 151A and where did it come from?
• How will it impact financial advisors?  Our Clients?
• Is this a "done deal"? If not, what's being done to prevent its enactment? And what can we do?
• If Rule 151A—and other proposed regulatory changes—become law, what's our industry going to look like?

Featured Speaker:
John Olsen, CLU, ChFC, AEP, is an estate and financial planner with over 30 years' experience. He serves personal clients as well as consults with investment, legal, and accounting professionals on insurance, annuity, and estate and financial planning cases. He is co-author of The Annuity Advisor (National Underwriter Co., 2nd ed., 2009) and has written numerous articles and presentations on annuities, insurance, and planning software. Mr. Olsen is a sought-after speaker, having presented to several professional organizations and national meetings.

Ben Baldwin, Jr., MSFS, MSM, CLU, ChFC, CFP, AEP, is president and owner of Baldwin Financial Systems, LLC, a registered investment advisory firm specializing in financial education and consulting for corporate and individual clients. He is the author of numerous articles on financial planning, and has conducted scores of educational sessions for broker/dealer groups and industry associations. In 2004 he was one of ten individuals recognized as a Distinguished Accredited Estate Planner from the National Association of Estate Planners.

Educational Level: Intermediate