WASHINGTON – American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) President and CEO Susan Neely and National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) South Dakota President Jennifer Soma issued the following joint statement on the best interest annuity law recently signed by South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem:

“The new law approved by the South Dakota legislature and signed by Governor Kristi Noem strengthens protections for consumers in the Mount Rushmore State seeking lifetime income in retirement through annuities.  

“Their actions add to the nationwide momentum behind enhanced standards for financial professionals recommending annuities. South Dakota joins 20 other states that have adopted new laws and regulations that align with the  ‘best interest of consumer enhancements’ in the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Suitability in Annuity Transactions Model Regulation. They also harmonize with the SEC’s Regulation Best Interest.

“Unlike a fiduciary-only approach, these measures ensure that all savers, particularly financially vulnerable middle-income Americans, can access information about different choices for long-term security throughout retirement. According to a recent study, a fiduciary-only approach would limit choices for consumers, reduce savings of nearly 3 million people by $140 billion and widen the racial wealth gap by 20%.

“The U.S. Congress reaffirmed the importance of lifetime income to retirees when it passed legislation in 2019 that made it easier for employers to include annuities in workplace retirement plans. The protections adopted in South Dakota and 20 other states safeguard consumers while also ensuring that middle- and working-class families retain access to annuities.

“We hope additional states will follow South Dakota’s lead and adopt this important consumer protection so that more consumers can benefit from a best interest standard of care no matter where they live.”

About ACLI: The American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) is the leading trade association driving public policy and advocacy on behalf of the life insurance industry. 90 million American families rely on the life insurance industry for financial protection and retirement security. ACLI’s member companies are dedicated to protecting consumers’ financial wellbeing through life insurance, annuities, retirement plans, long-term care insurance, disability income insurance, reinsurance, and dental, vision and other supplemental benefits. ACLI’s 280 member companies represent 94 percent of industry assets in the United States.

About NAIFA: Founded in 1890, NAIFA is the oldest, largest and most prestigious association representing the interests of financial services professionals from every Congressional district in the United States. Our mission – to advocate for a positive legislative and regulatory environment, enhance business and professional skills, and promote the ethical conduct of its members – is the reason NAIFA has consistently and resoundingly stood up for financial services professionals and called upon members to grow their knowledge while following the highest ethical standards in the industry.