For the initial issue of our newest eNewsletter, Market Conduct & Suitability, Senior Market Advisor editor Daniel D. Williams spoke with Craig Randall of Randall Marketing Group and 2007 Senior Market Advisor's Advisor of the Year to get his thoughts on compliance issues and the tighter regulations being implemented in the industry. Following are the highlights.
Senior Market Advisor: What changes are you seeing in the industry?
Craig Randall: There are definitely big shifts in the industry. State regulators are getting so tough … (they) are auditing agent's books and if they see money moving from a variable to a fixed annuity, and the advisor is insurance-licensed only, then it's a felony. That is a big change.
SMA: Do you think that's a good thing?
Randall: First, it's important to note that compliance is not bad; compliance is our friend, but if you're insurance only, you will be 'dinosaured.' It doesn't matter if the advisor is giving good advice or bad, if they're moving money from a variable to fixed, they're breaking the law.
