Deferred variable annuities are hybrid investments containing securities and insurance features. Their sales are regulated both by FINRA and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These annuities offer investors choices among a number of complex contract features and options.
Due to the complexity and confusion surrounding them, which can lead to questionable sales practices, variable
Are you considering exchanging a variable annuity that you currently own with a new one? Replacing one variable annuity with another should involve an analysis and comparison of the complex features of each security. You should exchange your annuity only when it is the smartest move for you.
When it comes to retirement savings, even the most adventurous seniors may consider something routinely described as "plain vanilla": a fixed immediate annuity. With an immediate annuity, the investor pays an insurance company a lump sum in exchange for regular income payments. Both fixed and variable immediate annuities deliver income quickly, but there are differences.
Annuities are a popular choice for those seeking certainty and predictable income streams in retirement; however, they can also be complex and confusing. It’s important to understand the contract features, costs and restrictions involved before making an annuity purchase.
The Variable Annuities topic of the 2024 FINRA Annual Regulatory Oversight Report (the Report) informs member firms’ compliance programs by providing annual insights from FINRA’s ongoing regulatory operations, including (1) regulatory obligations and related considerations, (2) findings and effective practices, and (3) additional resources.
The Variable Annuities section of the 2023 Report on FINRA’s Examination and Risk Monitoring Program (the Report) informs member firms’ compliance programs by providing annual insights from FINRA’s ongoing regulatory operations, including (1) regulatory obligations and related considerations, (2) findings and effective practices, and (3) additional resources.
The Variable Annuities section of the 2022 Report on FINRA’s Risk Monitoring and Examination Activities (the Report) informs member firms’ compliance programs by providing annual insights from FINRA’s ongoing regulatory operations, including (1) relevant regulatory obligations and related considerations, (2) exam findings and effective practices, and (3) additional resources.
FINRA Rule 2330 (Members’ Responsibilities Regarding Deferred Variable Annuities) establishes sales practice standards regarding recommended purchases and exchanges of deferred variable annuities, including requiring a reasonable belief that the customer has been informed of the various features of annuities (such as surrender charges, potential tax penalties, various fees and costs, and market risk); and, prior to recommending the purchase or exchange of a deferred variable annuity, requiring reasonable efforts to determine the customer’s age, annual income, investment experience, investment objectives, investment time horizon, existing assets and risk tolerance.
Indexed annuities have surged in popularity because of the way they incorporate features beyond those found in conventional fixed annuities. Similar to conventional fixed annuities, the taxes on gains in indexed annuities are deferred until you begin receiving distributions.
NASD members and associated persons who are required to use hypothetical illustrations under New York State's Regulation 60 with respect to internal and external replacements of life insurance and annuity contracts, would not be prevented under NASD Rule 2210 from using such illustrations. However, any use beyond what is required by Regulation 60 may require the illustrations to be filed with NASD Regulation as sales literature.
