Skip to main content
Compliance & LicensingFirm Update

ESI Expands Digital Communication: WhatsApp Now Approved

By January 27, 2026January 29th, 2026No Comments

Now Available: WhatsApp for Compliant Business Messaging

At ESI, we’re continually evolving to meet advisors and clients where they are—while maintaining the highest standards of compliance and security.

We’re excited to share that WhatsApp is now an approved channel for business messaging through Global Relay, alongside text.

This enhancement gives you greater flexibility in how you communicate with clients and strengthens your ability to deliver timely, responsive service—while ensuring all business communications are properly archived and supervised.

Why This Matters

  • WhatsApp is now approved for business use within the Global Relay application

  • End-to-end encryption makes WhatsApp suitable for secure client communication

  • Text messaging and WhatsApp are fully archived and compliant

  • A single Global Relay business number can support voice, text, and WhatsApp

  • Texting PII continues to be prohibited, however, WhatsApp can be used to transmit PII because it offers end-to-end encryption, unlike texting

In an industry where many firms still limit digital communication channels, ESI is expanding access responsibly—reinforcing our commitment to transparency, modern tools, and stronger advisor-client relationships.

Getting Started

To use WhatsApp for business messaging, you must:

  • Send an email to ESITech@nationallife.com to have WhatsApp added to your account

  • Your Global Relay business number will be your approved WhatsApp number

  • Conduct all WhatsApp business communication within the Global Relay app

  • Personal messaging apps and phone numbers (including standalone WhatsApp accounts and iMessage) remain prohibited for business use

Learn More

For detailed guidance, policies, and FAQs, please review the full Field Notice:

  1. Log in to the Agent Portal. 
  2. Select Compliance from the ESI dropdown menu in the top navigation
  3. Under ESI Policies and Procedures, select ESI Field Notices
  4. Select FN 2026-02 

Or,

  1. Log in to the Agent Portal
  2. In the same browser you are logged in to the agent portal in, copy/paste the following url: https://www.nationallife.com/agent/-/media/Legacy/National-Life-Group/National-Life/Secure/Business-Development/ESI-Field-Communications/2026/FN2026-02.pdf

If you have questions, ESI Tech and Compliance teams are available to support you.

TC8740402(0126)1