Advocacy in action blog

NAIFA conducted a survey of more than 1,000 members between November 27 and December 1, 2023, to gauge the potential effects of the U.S. Department of Labor’s proposed “Retirement Security Rule: Definition of an Investment Advice Fiduciary” on the consumers who rely on financial professionals for retirement products, services, and advice.

The Department of Labor thinks it knows what's best for Americans preparing for retirement. NAIFA President Bryon Holz, CLU, ChFC, LUTCF, CASL, LACP, and his long-time client Chuck Ross think the DOL is wrong and bring their real-life experience to the argument.

American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) President and CEO Susan Neely and National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors’ (NAIFA)—Utah Government Relations Chair Dori Phillips, issued the following joint statement on the best interest annuity rule adopted recently by the Utah Insurance Department:

NAIFA-WI members Kris Alfheim and Sherri Mitchell and lobbyist George Ermert attended a bill-signing ceremony with Governor Tony Evers for legislation requiring high school students to complete a personal finance course prior to graduation.

The Department of Labor has proposed a fiduciary-only rule that would limit the choices consumers have when seeking investment and retirement-planning advice and could make it difficult for low- and middle-income investors to receive services and advice. 

NAIFA CEO Kevin Mayeux, CAE, issued the following statement on the proposed Department of Labor fiduciary rule expected to be made public later today:

NAIFA has submitted a comment letter to SEC Secretary Vanessa Countryman sharing concerns about the SEC’s proposed rule on the use of predictive data analytics by financial professionals. The proposal, which would place new burdensome requirements on broker-dealers and investment advisers using a broad array of investments-related technology, would have a “devastating effect on our members and their primary clients: low- and middle-income savers and investors,” the letter states.

The insurance and financial services industry uses technology to best serve clients and offer a broad range of products and services at affordable prices. However, a proposed rule by the Securities and Exchange Commission is “outright hostile to the use of technology,” according to a letter sent to SEC Secretary Vanessa Countryman by NAIFA and a group of coalition partners.

Short-term limited duration insurance (STLDI) is very important to many American families and individuals looking to fill gaps in their health insurance coverage and unable to access the individual health insurance marketplace. A current proposal by the administration would reduce the maximum allowable STLDI coverage period from 12 months to three months with a possible one-month renewal. People would be able to purchase a new STLDI policy from a different carrier, but would not be allowed to "stack" a new policy from the same carrier on an expiring policy.